Union County Exchange — Local services in Elizabeth

I never thought I would find a shop that is a cross between an oddities/curiosity shop and a second hand market retailer. The store itself is a living breathing thing, changing ever so slightly all the time just as frequently as the rotation of most excellent vinyl LPs, and carries part the burden of making this place TRULY SPECIAL. The private collection of items displayed by the proprietors is worth the trip from anywhere within a reasonable distance AND you are sure to find something to bring home with you for that temporal fix of pleasure whether it be a lush new Brunei Babie for $10 or a $350 guitar. Now when it comes to business and trade, the two brothers who run the shop while taking different approaches are the exact opposite of the stereotypical ‘pawn-broker’ (and pawn brokers they are NOT - as in they do not engage in ANY pawning services). Instead, they are not only honest and fair but take the time to explain to each and every client who may present themselves as a seller of a used item - be it gold jewelry, a rare music album, or an entire comic book collection - exactly HOW they do business and value items that they might purchase for resale. They do not ever push or pressure any individual who is perhaps in a vulnerable state and in need of cash, and more often suggest to a seller that they either sell or list an item on their own thereby acting not only in the seller’s interest but AGAINST their own. This was shocking to see but could not have been more welcome to have have witness. Like many a former pawn shop clients, I have walked away from a store having either just purchased or sold an item and find myself wondering just what the hell happened and how I got ‘taken’ but at the Exchange, I NEVER feel like I have been taken advantage of. Quite the opposite, if EITHER of the brothers who run the shop are in a position to help you or even GIVE you something that might lighten your burden if even for a moment, they will do so. They have a little bite by the CD section asking customers to not steal CDs as they would rather given them away than suspect someone of theft. I honestly believe this to be the truth! Stop at this shop and you may emerge a better or...

I just dropped off my chain, I purposely didn't tell the guy the exact karts of my chain to see if his expertise was legit. I just listened while he talked. He started off with checking if the chain was real. Then, came the acids 10kt, 18kt and he didn't have anymore of the 22kt acid. He had to use 10kt a few times to check it's realness. The chain was between 21 and 22 karts and turn out to be real. He weighed it to determine it's worth and gave me a good penny for it. Basically, he was very knowledgeable about the realness of my chain without me telling him anything. Good job! I'm looking forward to doing more business with the brothers. I almost forgot I received a...

I recently went to the Union County Exchange with a vintage Rolex watch. After showing the man behind the counter the watch he told me that he could not determine if the watch was authentic. He then said that he was just a worker and that the owner would have to be the one to make the purchase. I was then told that he was on vacation and would not be back until the following week. I found out later that the man behind the counter was in fact the owner. Needless to say my experience at this establishment was very negative and found to be unprofessional. My thoughts are if you don"t know your business that maybe you should start cleaning toilets...