CAPITOL CITY BUY • SELL • PAWN — Attraction in Susquehanna Township

Maybe you're a little short on rent? Maybe your car broke down a week before payday? Or maybe it's something else entirely. Not relevant. Whatever the issue the bottom line is that you need cash, and you need it now.

What to do?

In the new FinTech world of 2025 you have options, right? Sure. There are apps being released every day that will hand you cash fast...so what's the problem?

No problem at all unless you don't mind having every piece of personal and financial information sold to the highest bidder, being charged sneaky interest by means of an initial finance charge, plus a monthly subscription charge, plus a fee to receive that cash instantly, plus linking your bank account to this "company" who quite often doesn't even have a physical address and uses some "real" bank that you've never heard of as a proxy for their business, and doing it by using a third party vendor like Plaid to make the connection. Yes, Plaid sells your stuff as well.

Did I miss anything? Yes. Here's a twist. I recently had one of these apps approve me for $240 instant cash...but the only way I could receive it was in 3 separate transactions. One for $100, another for $100, and one for $40. Why? They could charge the transaction fee 3 times rather than once and of course the finance fee penalties could increase because now you have 3 repayments instead of one.

How very clever of these little fintech hustlers lounging in some Portland brewery or coffee shop making many millions with their automated loan sharking app.

And if you have an issue with any of the above? Good luck even finding a phone number let alone speaking with anyone. You will be sent to chatbot hell immediately my friend. And the chatbot doesn't sleep or eat. It will wear you down. And you will give up. And they win again because that whole scenario is planned as well. It's brilliant in its deviancy.

The alternative? Capital City Buy Sell Pawn. These are real dudes. Good dudes. They are making an honest living helping people in need. They care about you. They take the time to talk to you. They look you in the eyes. They aren't hustlers. This isn't your grandfathers shady pawn shop. This is an honest business with local people that charge an extremely fair rate. Extremely fair folks.

Your choice. Feed the hustlers sitting on a beach or cafe somewhere by using their automated loan sharking app or look someone in the eyes and shake their hand.

Peace, love,...

I called to see if they had bullion. The guy I spoke to was polite, told me what they had. I'd asked about one item and he told me he can't discuss prices over the phone. I explained that I try to call around when I'm going through an area, in order to avoid the high premiums on the internet. He'd stated that their prices are better than the internet, as they should be for commodities, given cash-in-hand is better than shipping and credit card sales. So I drove there, and I inquired about the bullion in assay. The woman I spoke to was polite, and had stated the prices. They were higher than the internet. Those of us who buy bullion are not impulse buyers, we plan ahead, and bullion is bullion. I'd explained that I have cash, and what the individual I'd spoken to had stated. The next clerk came and quoted higher prices than the first, then said they were lower than the internet. I'd stated that they were not, he'd then said "show me." So I did. It then turned into a sales pitch about having it "in my hand." The only reason I went there was to save a few bucks, I don't need it in my hand this very instant. He'd stated "this is the same as money," but at this point in time, that's not accurate. At this point in time $670 does not equal $700, $225 does not equal $275, and $660 does not equal $700. But each item equaled it's counterparts on the internet. I don't begrudge these folks for trying to get what they can, but frankness and honesty goes a long way. What they would have lost in very high premium, they would have made up for in bulk, and a very simple cash sale. And as I was leaving, the clerk didn't like the fact that I didn't care to waste time debating. It's just business until someone takes it personal, and I don't like it when someone tries to manipulate me, or...

I’ve been a loyal customer at Capitol City Pawn for the past five years, primarily because of Chico. He was always there, ready to help with a friendly smile and a level-headed approach that made every visit a positive experience. Chico understood the needs of his customers and treated everyone with respect, regardless of their situation. However, my recent visits have left me feeling a bit disappointed. I’ve noticed that Chico seems to be absent more often, and the place has become a revolving door for new employees. I can’t help but wonder where he is because he truly made the place feel welcoming. The new staff, particularly a red bearded gentleman, and the guy with the slick haircut, doesn’t seem to grasp the same level of understanding that Chico had. I felt a bit judged during my last visit, which is not what I’ve come to expect from this shop. It felt disingenuous, desperation, and honestly, it’s frustrating the fact that they keep offering me to enter in a drawing for cash and even offered $5 extra in my transaction if I leave them (a good review.) Are they really trying to help us or themselves? People come to pawn shops out of necessity, not for fun or to be treated like a transaction. We need understanding and respect, and that’s what Chico provided. I hope to see Chico back soon because he truly made a difference in this business. Until then, I’m hesitant to return....