West Okoboji Pawn — Local services in West Okoboji

I have been going in and out of Becky's pawn shop for nearly 30 years. West Okoboji Pawn had always been a staple on old Hwy 71 to stop off while cruising the lakes, buy some CDs, check out some gadgets, say hello, and then goodbye. I see these reviews, and it floors me. We are lucky to me have them here, when people are in a pickle, Becky is there to help. Loans, and Sales. If you have something of value, she will give you her best payout price or loan. This is not a HUGE big city pawn shop, so she's not going to give you $45 for your $50 watch, don't even insult her! $50 watch? Maybe $5 or $10. Nothing more. That's how Pawn works. That's how they make their money.. She can't sell a USED $50 watch for $50. Maybe $30. She makes a whopping $20 bill. And if you don't come back in the allotted time, to retrieve your item, and pay back the loan...? Tough cookie bub. Go cry into your pillow. You also must understand that Becky and her assistant have seen some REAL a**holes in their time there.. they've put up with every SOB story, every situation, been threatened, etc. Dealing with the general public in a pawn setting, can make you pretty hard. So if either one of those women come across to you as "rude", they earned the right to second guess your intentions.... Just treat them kindly. Smile and be friendly. You'll see a smile and friendliness back. Don't insult them. They know their stuff. Smart gals there. They'll do the best they can to help you out. They carry tools, tvs, guitars, amps, jewelry, game systems, guns, CDs, movies, etc. They do have a big black lab inside, do not bring your animal in. Might get torn up. That'd be on YOU. No pop or food either. And don't lean on...

In one word, Rude. It has changed owners from what I could tell. I didn't recognize either of the women working there, but they were quite blunt and rude. I brought in a game system (game cube) to sell and they told me to hook it up to a particular television. There were about 15 or so to choose from and nothing indicating which one to use so I plugged into the most accessible one that was turned on. I turned on the system and waited for one of the ladies to come over. To be fair I didn't have any controllers to prove that a game worked, but I figured if they have a game they could tell without a controller. One of the ladies came over and abruptly ordered me to hook it up to this other television, but I pointed out that it was all ready hooked up. She said she didn't care and walked away. I hooked it up to the other television and had the game cube up and running. When she returned she asked if I had a controller and I told her no and proceeded to explain when she cut me off and said we are done here then walked off. They weren't busy by any means, and I can understand about the controllers bit, but to be blatantly rude? I find that inexcusable and won't ever step foot through their backwoods wooden porch door again. To be quite honest I don't think they will be in business for much longer.

Update Still very rude and... petty. So petty. Sounds like they haven't changed or grown, but chose to remain stagnant, wallowing within their own...

The ladies that run the place are a little disrespectful at times and I haven't seen much effort from them offering to help their customers or even take initiative to ask if there is anything they can help them find. In terms of being a pawn shop, their business practices of loaning money and what you pay each month doesn't apply to paying for your loan is unethical, but they seem to have a monopoly on this type of business. Their prices are too high and offers on pawned items are ridiculously low to the point of being insulting. I was offered $20 for a tablet I can easily get $150 for in great condition. I would have taken $60 as bad as I needed the money but $20? I'll pass. They are in a bit of a poor location to get traffic into the store. I feel they need to polish up on their customer service skills and business ethics.

On the positive side: They have a decent...