Pawnshops: Do they buy Diecast models?

Sometimes, we are just in short of cash and would wonder where we can sell our diecast collection. It’s quite common for us to have some emergencies where we need to have some instant cash. That’s why most would wonder if they can sell our models in their local pawnshop.

Pawnshops buy diecast models but take note that they are good at buying your collection for a low price. It’s their business to do so. Furthermore, they aren’t collectors so you can’t expect them to appreciate your models the way you appreciate their worth. However, they are a good source of quick cash.

In this article, we would talk about how to sell your models to pawnshops. Furthermore, I am going to share some tips in order for you to fetch a good price. Plus, if you decide not to sell on a pawnshop, I have some alternatives where you can your models for a higher price.

Do pawn shops buy diecast cars?

Pawnshops buy diecast cars however it is important to know that they aren’t collectors. That’s why you can’t expect them to buy your models for a high price. However, since they aren’t collectors, you can do some things to make them value your model higher.

Pawn Shops have experienced a renaissance in the last decade or so, thanks to reality television shows such as Pawn Stars.

While the mainstream media’s interest is new, the industry is not.

In fact, pawnshops have been around for over 3,000 years.

Pawn Shops today serve as mini-banks for millions of unbanked Americans, as well as places for people from all spheres of life to buy and sell items.

If you used to collect diecast race cars, but now they’re mostly just collecting dust in your house, you might be interested in turning them into cash.

Instead of going to the trouble of selling your diecast cars online or holding them until you have a garage sale, consider taking them to a local pawn shop.

Many pawn shops are eager to buy collectibles like diecast cars and will pay you fair market value for what you have to sell.

Diecast cars are valuable collectibles and a good investment.

Pawn Shops often buy these collectibles, and you can fetch cash a lot quicker if sold in good conditions.

You can sell your precious collection to a local pawn shop, or you can sell it to pawn shops operated online.

But before that, conduct some online research to see what others have said about working with pawnshops in your area.

Then, select a reputable shop and broker with whom you are comfortable.

I am going to share later tips on how you can sell your diecast model for a higher price.

First, decide if you want to pawn or sell your diecast cars.

Before you go into a pawn shop, know the options first and understand the benefits and drawbacks of each.

A number of factors should be considered, including your ability to repay a loan and the value you place on the model you are pawning or selling.

Understand that pawnshop owners are not collectors but rather resellers.

Just because a collector values your 1974 Magenta Rodger Dodger with White Interior at $3000 does not mean you will receive that amount from a pawn shop.

Set a minimum price beforehand so you don’t make a hasty decision you’ll later come to regret.

You have to show your model cars in their best light. 

A layer of dust makes sense sometimes, but not a whole distorted model. And, always be prepared to prove your claim.

For example, if you want to sell a signed NASCAR model, you must prove it to be genuine by showing a certificate of authenticity.

If you want to find some NASCAR models that have a high price, I’ve listed them for you in this article: The Most Valuable NASCAR Diecast Cars

If you pawn an item in exchange for a loan, make sure to repay the loan with interest and fees, on time and as agreed.

Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of your collectibles or the extension of the loan, both of which will incur additional fees.

Tips when selling diecast cars to pawn shops

It can be hard to sell on a pawnshop simply because they aren’t collectors.

Furthermore, they are good at buying items for a low price.

That’s why I suggest going to a pawnshop only if you really need the money.

If you can wait, then sell it to other collectors. I am going to share some marketplaces later.

But for now, I will give tips so you can sell at a pawnshop for a higher price.

1. Sell them with their boxes

You should definitely sell your diecast race cars in their original boxes and packaging if you still have them.

When you have these materials, your local pawn shop will almost certainly offer you more money.

The box and packaging should be in good condition, but it can help you make more money with this sale even in fair condition.

Diecast cars are typically packaged in an outer cardboard sleeve, a box, a Styrofoam frame that surrounds the car, and a soft bag in which the car sits.

If at all possible, include each of these elements when selling.

Remember that models that are in the box are generally 20-25% more expensive compared to others without the packaging.

Here is my article explaining the topic: Value of Model cars with vs without packaging

2. Choose limited edition cars

Some diecast race cars are widely available, while others are only available in limited quantities.

If a vehicle is part of a limited edition, this information is usually printed on the box.

In most cases, a sticker on the box will indicate the car’s serial number and the number of units produced.

For example, the sticker might say “400/1000,” which means that only 1000 models of this car were made, and yours is number 400 in this series.

Limited edition diecast race cars are more valuable because they are in short supply, which can fetch you a higher price.

3. Include proper COAs while selling autographed cars

Diecast race cars are often signed by professional drivers on the hood or windshield by collectors.

When you sell a signed car to a pawn shop, it can fetch more money, but only if you can prove that the autograph is genuine.

As long as you have a certificate of authenticity, such as from the race shop where you bought the car, you should include it with the car when selling it.

4. Clean and Shine your Models

Remember that pawnshops are not collectors.

They won’t see the value of your model except if it is pleasing to the eyes.

A clean diecast model would always be more valuable to their eyes compared to the ones which accumulated dust.

For a guide on how to do this, I got you. Here is the link to my article teaching how to shine your models like brand new: How to Shine Diecast models?

Other Marketplaces for Diecast models

There might be times where you don’t like the pawnshop’s offer.

It’s quite common because they are good with buying low and selling high.

In fact, you might even earn more when selling on other marketplaces.

I have made an article discussing the different marketplaces where you can sell your models. Both offline and online.

Here is the link: Selling your diecast collection (Where and How)

How do pawn shops work?

The term “pawning” refers to the act of giving an item to a pawn shop in exchange for a cash loan.

For example, you can use your Matchbox collection as collateral for a $75 loan.

You can retrieve your collection if you repay the loan by a specific date, usually 90 to 120 days after you pawn the collection.

The loan repayment amount will include state-mandated interest and fees.

If you are unable to repay the money on time, the pawnshop will take ownership of the item and may resell it. Pawn Shops will also buy items outright to resell.

Conclusion

Diecast cars can be sold to a local pawnshop for cash if you need them quickly.

However, pawn shops are sometimes notorious for undervaluing everything, so you can’t get much money for your cars unless you go strategically.

It’s a surefire way to get cash fast when you understand the market and follow the tips properly.

Only the things I love”

thediecastmodel.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on the site, I earn an affiliate commission.

So, here are the things I love when taking care of my Diecast Models.

Cleaning the Models

The first we are going to talk about is cleaning the models.

Removing Dust

  1. Air Brush – For me, this is the best since it not just removes dust but you can use it in painting/clear coating.
  2. Air Duster – This is a good alternative to Airbrush
  3. Normal Brush – If you are short on budget, you can use a normal brush. However, make sure that the brush has soft bristles because there are some hard brushes than can cause scratches. That’s why I recommended a good brush that can do the job properly.

Cleaning and Shining Hacks

Well, here are some of my cleaning hacks for removing scratches, oxidation, and so much more.

  1. Removing Decal Adhesive – Use Goo Gone on those hard-to-remove decal adhesives. It works fast and works like charm!
  2. Waxing and Polishing – Here is something a lot of people don’t know. Waxing protects the clear coat and paint while polishing shines the model. Instead of buying it separately, use a 2 in 1 to save money. Get this instead.
  3. Beginner Wax – The wax I recommended earlier is good and provides the best results based on my experience. But a beginner might have a problem especially if they’re not good at applying wax. Solid wax reaching hard to reach surface can be hard to remove. You have two choices here. One is to use a qtips to reach those surfaces, another is to use a liquid wax I recommended.
  4. Cleaning Wheels, Rubber, Plastic – Do not forget that rubber and plastic surface are quite different, especially in the cleaning process. Just wiping it down won’t do the job. That’s why I use Meguiar’s Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner and Conditioner. Works like charm!
  5. Make the Wheels Shine! – Making our models look good won’t be complete without tiny details such as shiny wheels! Do not forget this because however small this is, the difference can be as big as night and day.
  6. Remove Scratches Easily – Tiny scratches are not the end for your model. Here is a simple trick I’ve been using to make my models look scratch-free even without repainting. Use T-Cut.

Painting the Models

Painting Tools

Make sure when you paint models, have these ready.

  1. Tape – A tape is important if you are painting a straight line. Furthermore, it will prevent your paint to scatter on other parts. I recommend Tamiya Tape since it is really made for models. Furthermore, they stick really well preventing paint splatters.
  2. Brush (Beginner) – Find a good set of brushes to paint your models. Of course, you can opt for an airbrush but it’s quite expensive.
  3. Airbrush (Intermediate/Expert) – This will yield a significantly better result than an ordinary brush because you can easily spray the paint evenly. I recommend this if you know what you’re doing.
  4. Stand(Optional) – Stands are good because it can be hard to manually hold the models while painting. It is optional but in my opinion, the price is well worth it for the comfort it gives.
  5. Drop Cloths – Drop Cloths will protect your surroundings from the paint.
  6. Primer – The most common beginner mistake I see is painting models without any Primer. A primer will prevent imperfections such as bubbles or paint not sticking to your models. It is a small price to pay for quality results.
  7. Clear Coat – A clear coat will protect the paint of your models. This will make the paint last longer. Also, it is the one responsible for making your models shine.

Paints

Of course, you can’t do painting properly without paint. So here are the ones I recommend.

  1. Acrylic PaintGood for beginners because it dries quickly. However, it doesn’t produce results as good as enamel paint.
  2. Enamel PaintProvides a good quality finish and longer-lasting paint. However, it takes longer to dry and requires expertise to use.

Model Maintenance

Model Storage

  1. Simple Wood Cabinet – While it doesn’t let you display your models, wooden cabinets are good storage for these models. For one, they are not heat conductors which means that the temperature inside will remain constant and remain cool. Furthermore, they prevent light from reaching the models which can cause oxidation.
  2. Clear Cabinet with Lock – If you want to display your models, then I recommend this. It closes so dust won’t easily get to your models. I also recommend you don’t put more than 1 model in each compartment since metals are good conductors of heat.

Model Photography

So you want to show off your models to others? Well, I got you covered.

Here is my beginner-friendly model photography tutorial that teaches everything from taking pictures to the editing process.

You will also see me doing hands-on photography in that tutorial.

Here is the link: How to Take Pictures of a Diecast Model or Model Kit | Helpful Illustrated and Video Guide

Similar Posts