Capital Pawn Albany — Local services in Albany

A recent transaction forces me to modify my review. In need of quick funds, I brought in a $900 retail WA-47 recording studio microphone in wooden box. I had no intention of leaving it with them permanently, and the power supply is buried behind the board, so I left the power supply and cradle at home. Because I didn't bring a power supply with to prove that it worked, they only gave me only $125., even though we had a history, and they had no reason to doubt my word . Bad joss continued and I fell ill, nearly comatose for weeks. As I started to recover, I made contact with them to purchase it back, and was informed that they wanted $450 for the items they gave me $125 for. I don't begrudge them making a profit, but you don't charge the person who brought it to you three times. Plus what you gave them! Adding insult to injury I'm not stuck with power supply and cradle, and they have a mic. They have no power supply or cradle for. I've always expected and believe that they would provide a win-win situation, which is definitely screwed me over and left a very foul taste in my mouth about the organization. The indifference towards the Fernardier-level of profiting on my illness is despicable... and shows just how much they really do appreciate my referrals for them and sending people to them for the high-end guitars that are my specialty. I'll leave the rest as it was, but will not forget that they tried to screw me over that badly on my primary studio microphone or will I ever trust them again. (if I'm given reasons to amend this again, I'm not about doing so, but this is the kind of action that gives pawnshops a typical bad reputation.

PREVIOUS: It may not be good for customer retention, but most pawn shops are quite eager to buy low and sell high, and to keep your collateral goods if you are a day late. Not so with Capital Pawn. We had some rough moments in the beginning (mostly because I expected them to be that way,) but time has proven that the staff and administration are positive, considerate, compassionate and friendly. That doesn't mean they're not going to get paid for the services, (and we wouldn't really want them to because if they did that they wouldn't be there very long.) Monthly rent runs into the thousands per location, staff and management, and even more than that, plus utilities, taxes, losses from damaged or stolen goods, etc. I'm sure some of it depends on how you act with them, but in my experience, they have been considerate of needs, and circumstances. I see them as Good people providing a service, and trying hard to be fair. Unlike some others, capital earned my appreciation and respect. (which I have since had to rescind.) I left the original review for reference, but at this tine the actions and indifference pushed me to the first paragraph. that's not the way you treat a neighbor or an ongoing customer, or...

I have been going to Capital Pawn for years. I've purchased several firearms through them and had several firearms on loan. They've always been an absolutely pleasure to work with. Then a few months ago I was picking up a firearm I had on loan. Ashley was helping me. She asked me if the address on my ID was current and I hesitated/had to think for a second. She asked me why I hesitated and I explained that we were in the process of moving. I explained that the address on my ID was currently where I lay my head each night but that we were working to move into a new place in Albany. She said she couldn't complete the transaction anymore, that I needed documentation of my new address. I explained to her that I hadn't even fully moved in yet and that the address on my ID was current but she said it didn't matter. She told me to go to Fred Meyer and get a fishing license with my new address on it for $40 and they could use that. So I do the legwork, I go to Fred Meyer, pay to get the fishing license (which they just verbally confirm my address for...they didn't even ask for proof) then I go back to Capital Pawn to get my firearm. But of course the background check isn't instant since there is a "change of address". So I go pick up my firearm a few days later after I have to call and confirm it is ready. Fast forward a few months...the move didn't work out so we are still in the same home as what shows on my ID, I go to pick up another firearm. Ashley asks if my address on my ID is current. I say it is. And she says " well you told us last time your address was xxx". First of all...no, you forced me to give you that address even though it was wrong and i told you it was wrong just so i could get my firearm back. Secondly...People move, have 2 homes, move back or move again. I understand the importance of law and safety but you are not the address police. Nor do you know my life story. After almost refusing to push the transaction through for the background check, and me having to confirm multiple times that my address is current, she begrudgingly submits it. She then jots down something on a sticky note and runs to the back. She comes back and tells me it's pending, that im # 6k something in line, and they'll call me when it is ready. Which I do not believe. She also didn't give me a receipt. Like I said I've completed multiple (30+) background checks through many of your stores and they are always instant except for when I work with Ashley. I've only had stellar service except when dealing with Ashley. Serenity, Preston, Phinn and everyone else I've dealt with in Albany are amazing. I will not do any further business with this store after this firearm...

Capital Pawn Albany - 🌟 🌟 - Two Stars.

The store is clean. All items are showcased and immaculate.

Through my experience I don't know if "Pawn" is accurate here. Upscale buy, sell & consignment is the theme here. Not a bad thing!

If you're looking to buy a musical instrument and/or accessories, they got it! Jewelry and high-end handbags, you bet.

Selling scrap gold or silver.... DO NOT BOTHER! THIS IS NOT YOUR "PAWN" SHOP.

Tuesday, I brought in random "silver" & "gold" pieces to sell (prop for secret shopping) - The young gal at the counter, 20 years old, if that, sorted through the random pieces of gold & silver in a matter of minutes. I was so confused...not once did she do a stone test. She did use a loop twice.. I believe. I asked if she was going to do a stone scratch test to verify her valuation. She then replied, "If it's worth my time, I do! I touch gold all day long so, I know if it's real or not by touch!" "Plus, we do not buy any unmarked silver.. hence the stone test... I thought 🤔

Results according to the "Gold Expert" - NO real gold. However, I did have 2 pieces of jewelry that were silver but, yet again, was told it wasn't worth her time to write a sales ticket for the little amount of silver she choose. As I stood there in disbelief, the young lady says " Well, good luck with that." and walked away to help another customer.

Two days later, I'm off to Salem with the same box of random gold & silver pieces. Not only did 'All that Glitters' stone test all the pieces of broken jewelry, they bought $200 worth of gold and silver. As a customer, I was worth thier time.

Expertise vrs customer service... in this case, customer service takes the cake!

Unfortunately, as a professional "secret" not so secret shopper, I do not recommend Capital Pawn located in Albany, Oregon, for the resale of scrap...