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Gia LuPeaA
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 416,889
March 2009
Posts: 2,594
Layouts: 0
Loc: The right place, at the right time.
 |  Posted: 2/15/2013 12:01:49 PM
Jillsie Pea - How are you going to talk about someone else's behavior when you are no different? lol
I have to agree with Annabella here. |
| Princess of Procrasti Nation. | |
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Jillsie Pea
BucketHead
PeaNut 226,757
October 2005
Posts: 860
Layouts: 0
Loc: SouthPark
 | Posted: 2/15/2013 12:43:09 PM
Well then, include me in Lauren's statement. | |
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justalittletike
AncestralPea
PeaNut 434,313
August 2009
Posts: 4,497
Layouts: 26
 | Posted: 2/15/2013 12:50:23 PM
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justalittletike
AncestralPea
PeaNut 434,313
August 2009
Posts: 4,497
Layouts: 26
| Posted: 2/15/2013 12:52:07 PM
So basically you are telling pawn dealer to now "knowing" let stolen goods walk out of his store because he had to decide if the profit will get him or he will lose money?
Which is it?
He is scum because he wants his money too after purchasing possible stolen goods to keep them from getting away?
Or he is going to be scum because he just let a $10,000 ring (example) walk out of his store because he didnt want the risk in purchasing it and losing money? It will be gone most likely for good.
Either way I think he loses and the criminal wins! Lets be pissed at the criminal and glad *most* pawn dealers are reporting purchases to police to begin with.
OP is going to lose either way also in those cases. It would be the pawn dealers choice to just not purchase the item and it probably would be gone for good or you pay the pawn dealer for saving your item from escaping.
Sounds double edged to me.
So I guess we just expect them to purchase all the items for you(general) and not let them walk out and then expect nothing in return over and over. You wouldn't have pawn shops to "save" the items from the deep dark stolen hole to begin with. |
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styxgirl
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 183,117
January 2005
Posts: 2,528
Layouts: 24
Loc: Middle of the USA
 | Posted: 2/15/2013 12:56:51 PM
I-95 says
I see Chris' point of view. I just don't think he's victimized at all. Every pawnbroker knows they may be accepting stolen goods when they transact business with a stranger who walks in off the streets. That knowledge removes the victim title.
If you apply the same thinking to the OP's situation then she wouldn't be titled a victim either. Every person that chooses to own jewelry knows that someone could break into their house and take it.  |
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Simply_Lovely
PeaFixture
PeaNut 463,295
April 2010
Posts: 3,279
Layouts: 3
Loc: New York City
| Posted: 2/15/2013 1:24:42 PM
It doesn't matter if he knew he was getting into a risky business. If he is operating it legally unfortunately it does still make him a victim of loss also. OP is the bigger victim here but it can happen to anyone.
That is like trying to say she isn't a victim because she didn't have an alarm system. In reality it doesn't matter if you have an alarm or not. It doesn't matter if pawn broker got himself in a risky business or not. Loss can occurred to anyone in business.
I just think the whole situation sucks all the way around for everyone. It doesn't mean he should just eat the loss and it doesn't mean OP shouldn't be upset about it. That is just the way the law works.
Unless the burglar walked in and said "hey dude this is stolen and I want to sell it" how would the pawn broker know it was stolen? If that were the case every single item would be assumed stolen and it wouldn't be a business at all. He isn't guilty if he bought it before it was reported stolen or if he had no idea it was stolen when it was purchased. He followed the law.
I can't believe some of the comments on here. So every business now has to operate according to peas' code of morality. It's a business, and it is doing what is within its rights. It doesn't matter if you approve or not. This hatred towards the pawnbrokers is ridiculous. They are evil until you need one.
The OP got her stuff found, which would not have happened was it not for the pawnshop. If she doesn't want it she can leave it there and get her homeowner's insurance money. If she wants it back, she has to pay. People often post rewards for finding lost items, how is this any different? Yeah it sucks that she has to go through it, but that's life. The true evil is the burglar, has it not been for him, none of this would be happening. HE is the true POS. The pawnbroker is just the middleman, and yet you're taking your anger out on him because it's easier to do in this situation.
I am dumbfounded at these responses. |
 
Meow! | |
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pea brain
What what?
PeaNut 121,521
December 2003
Posts: 6,614
Layouts: 1
Loc: VA....still
| Posted: 2/15/2013 1:30:52 PM
Or he is going to be scum because he just let a $10,000 ring (example) walk out of his store because he didnt want the risk in purchasing it and losing money? It will be gone most likely for good.
Not necessarily gone for good. I assume a good pawn shop has a decent surveillance system that could provide the police with a picture of the dude/chick who came in and possibly even a license plate shot if they have an exterior camera.
Or just pick up the phone and say, "Hey license plate, XX-555" just tried to pawn a $10,000 ring and I've got some suspicions about it. |
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Mallie
BucketHead
PeaNut 574,604
December 2012
Posts: 682
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/15/2013 1:31:13 PM
People often post rewards for finding lost items, how is this any different?
The fact that you don't understand the difference means it's not worth the argument. | |
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MizIndependent
Is there another word for synonym?
PeaNut 256,623
April 2006
Posts: 13,672
Layouts: 2
Loc: Right where I'm s'posed to be.
| Posted: 2/15/2013 1:47:42 PM
The true evil is the burglar, has it not been for him, none of this would be happening. HE is the true POS. The pawnbroker is just the middleman, and yet you're taking your anger out on him because it's easier to do in this situation.
Indeed, no one is saying the thief isn't a POS. What the actual issue here is victimization or double-victimization.
It would be one thing if the OP had a standing reward to get her items back. I'm sure if she had she would be more than willing to pay it to the pawn shop owner...but she didn't.
OP was robbed and now the pawn shop owner is trying to recoup his losses, not from the criminal who victimized him, but from the criminal's first victim <---that is morally reprehensible.
I likewise am dumbfounded that what most here can see very clearly, a few of you appear to be blind to.
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Georgiapea
Mom to the Wild Things.
PeaNut 96,783
July 2003
Posts: 26,411
Layouts: 0
Loc: Poss-a-Dillo Hill, Ozark, AL
 | Posted: 2/15/2013 1:53:20 PM
Chris - Do not loan more than you can afford to lose. Even to help out the local constabulary. | |
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Szyszek
PeaNut
PeaNut 580,444
February 2013
Posts: 12
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/15/2013 2:16:49 PM
Interesting to see how this discussion is evolving.
One final question:
Your grandmother's ring, a family heirloom, is stolen. It is irreplaceable. I suspect something is up, but I buy it anyway and I notify the police department to alert them (they look through all pawn transactions anyway, but I give them heads up).
Do you want me to:
1. Close my business right away. A scumbag like me should not be operating a business like this in your city anyway. I should not be in business in the first place. The ring is melted or cut up and sold for scrap.
2. Give you the ring back for free. A businessman like me can afford to lose money and you don't owe me anything. Just the cost of doing business. The fact that I just opened my business a year ago, I live on borrowed money from family and I am yet to get paid makes no difference. Just like a police officer who gets shot in the line of duty I knew the risks when I got into it.
3. Give the ring back to you and you reimburse me for what I paid for it. I do not make any profit on the transaction. You get the ring for a fraction of a retail price. The thief is in jail and may or may not eventually reimburse you as a condition of his parole. I testify against the thief during his trail and provide the court with clear and indisputable proof that he is the one.
I know my choices above are kind of extreme, but this is what it boils down to. Some of you will probably disagree with them, but please think about it. This is really what we are talking about here. Emotions will tell you that the pawnbroker has your stuff and wants money for it, what a scumbag. It is yours after all and it was stolen from you. But try to look at the whole picture.
Thanks,
Chris
On a personal note (again):
I am not a typical pawnbroker. I used to sell stuff on Ebay and Amazon, used to work for big corporations like Microsoft, HP & Chrysler among others. I was mostly in customer service & customer relations. I was laid off twice and decided to open my own business. Since buying and selling came to me naturally and I had some experience helping a friend at his pawn shop, I decided to open one. I treat people the way I want to be treated. I am an honest person. I often work with people who's loans are defaulting to give them more time or payment plan so they do not lose their items. I am not a saint and I am not trying to portray myself as one. I am just a regular, hardworking guy with a wife and 2 small kids. | |
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Annabella
Leads a Charmed Life
PeaNut 43,843
July 2002
Posts: 42,241
Layouts: 46
Loc: East Coast
 | Posted: 2/15/2013 2:23:38 PM
Chris - you forgot one option. People asked why you don't get restitution from the criminal that sold it to you instead of the victim?
I always thought pawn shops were for criminals, since they are not using it, who is? Is it a good place to buy an engagement ring? See I would be worried I was wearing someone's stolen ring. |
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moodyblue
PeaAddict
PeaNut 346,032
November 2007
Posts: 1,621
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/15/2013 2:32:49 PM
Chris, my answer is 2. AND then you go after the thief to recoup your money.
I understand that you do not knowingly buy stolen merchandise and it truly sucks that you lose money be following the rules
BUT there is no way that it is morally right for the innocent victim of a theft to have to PAY someone to get back THEIR OWN PROPERTY.
What if the theft victim doesn't have the money to "buy" back their stolen items? Is it "too bad, so sad" for them?
I will never think that it's right to hold their property hostage! The owner does nothing wrong, but because the crook stole from them they should have to pay to get the stuff back? No way.
I would be filing whatever paperwork was necessary to have my property returned to me. It should not be legal for any one to charge them to get back things that are rightfully theirs. | |
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Gia LuPeaA
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 416,889
March 2009
Posts: 2,594
Layouts: 0
Loc: The right place, at the right time.
| Posted: 2/15/2013 2:37:06 PM
Chris, one thing you need to know about 2 Peas; a more self-righteous, indignant group of people are unlikely to be encountered anywhere else on earth.
Holy Hell! If you ever needed proof of that, you need to read the Valentine's Day thread. This is a great group of women here, no doubt, but sometimes... 
I mean, to be bothered about someone wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day. Almost as bad as the thread last year chastising the dad for "being so thoughtless" for bringing his daughter flowers to school. |
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Szyszek
PeaNut
PeaNut 580,444
February 2013
Posts: 12
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/15/2013 2:43:03 PM
Annabella: Yes, you are right. The same way as the victim I may be able to get restitution. In theory. In reality, in most cases, I won't, or if I do, it might be years down the line.
Are pawn shops a good place to buy a ring? Yes, definitely. People sell us their rings for many reasons. They may no longer be together. They may need money more than a ring. They upgrade to better rings. We resell them at a fraction of what a jewelry store would sell them for. My mark up is usually 10-20% above the price of raw materials - gold and diamonds. Jewelry store markup is 300-500%.
Another point to those that don't want to buy "used" rings. You can't tell them from new, I refurbish them and remove scratches. In addition, the gold in "new" rings was probably in many rings before, as well as the diamonds. I sell my scrap gold and loose diamonds to dealers who in turn sell it to jewelry manufacturers to make new jewelry.
Thanks,
Chris | |
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Szyszek
PeaNut
PeaNut 580,444
February 2013
Posts: 12
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/15/2013 2:52:21 PM
moodyblue: Even though I disagree with your opinion, I respect it. This also means that your chances of getting your grandmother's irreplaceable ring are diminishing. I cannot afford to buy a ring that I will have to give back for free. The thief will cut it up or sell it on the street.
Chris | |
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Annabella
Leads a Charmed Life
PeaNut 43,843
July 2002
Posts: 42,241
Layouts: 46
Loc: East Coast
| Posted: 2/15/2013 2:57:35 PM
Good to know about the rings! I remember reading a thread here about engagement rings and a pea said she had a rare pink diamond ring from a pawn shop that probably belonged to a mobsters wife. So that's why I was wondering.
I'm still curious though, where are criminals selling their stolen goods to? There's plenty of home bulgaries and they have to off load that stuff of somewhere. Chris - you might be honest, but others might not be in terms of filling out all the paperwork and reporting it to police. Or maybe the pawn shop is breaking down the ring as you say and selling the parts to jewelers. And maybe the ownership of the shop is in someone else's name that is clean. I get that there are checks and balances and you follow all, but everyone must not. |
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tduby
PeaNut
PeaNut 270,120
July 2006
Posts: 19
Layouts: 2
 | Posted: 2/15/2013 3:04:36 PM
Annabella: Yes, you are right. The same way as the victim I may be able to get restitution. In theory. In reality, in most cases, I won't, or if I do, it might be years down the line.
And the same applies to the victim, very little chance of getting restitution and if so, years down the line. The difference between you and the victim is that YOU entered into contract (business) with the thief, they did not. Why do you feel THEY should be the one to pursue restitution? You started the business with them, you should be the one to finish it. | |
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SnowWhite.
in Fairy Tale Land
PeaNut 341,421
October 2007
Posts: 6,333
Layouts: 0
Loc: Philly 'burbs
| Posted: 2/15/2013 3:09:25 PM
And the same applies to the victim, very little chance of getting restitution and if so, years down the line. The difference between you and the victim is that YOU entered into contract (business) with the thief, they did not. Why do you feel THEY should be the one to pursue restitution? You started the business with them, you should be the one to finish it.
I have a tendency to agree with you here. The only difference is it appears that, at least in Florida, it's perfectly legal for the pawn shop to charge the owner to get their own items back. It's clear from this thread (and of course, what I've seen on TV on Pawn Stars  ) that is not true in all states. It seems to me who the OP should be mad at are the folks in her state that make the laws that screw her twice. It's not the Pawn Shop's fault his state protects him in this case.
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~Lauren~
Original Pea #1803
PeaNut 246,606
January 2006
Posts: 29,617
Layouts: 16
Loc: right here...even if some don't like it. ;)
| Posted: 2/15/2013 3:09:49 PM
I think some people would really rather not get their property back. Because given their way of thinking, that would be the most likely result. So then people like the OP would only be her jewelry again, but hey....at least she's down one victimization and she wouldn't have to pay anything. Right? |
Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the government take care of him better take a closer look at the American Indian - Henry Ford | |
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I-95
It's all just nonsense anyway!
PeaNut 97,456
July 2003
Posts: 19,517
Layouts: 0
Loc: California, NY & Orlando
| Posted: 2/15/2013 4:56:14 PM
I-95 says
I see Chris' point of view. I just don't think he's victimized at all. Every pawnbroker knows they may be accepting stolen goods when they transact business with a stranger who walks in off the streets. That knowledge removes the victim title.
If you apply the same thinking to the OP's situation then she wouldn't be titled a victim either. Every person that chooses to own jewelry knows that someone could break into their house and take it.
The difference is, the homeowner who is robbed, didn't invite the perpetrator in to help themselves. Presumably they broke a window, picked a lock, or somehow breached the normal things that are in place to stop someone from doing this. That makes them a victim.
OTOH, the pawnbroker opened his doors and invited the perp to do business with him. That does not make him a victim. | |
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I-95
It's all just nonsense anyway!
PeaNut 97,456
July 2003
Posts: 19,517
Layouts: 0
Loc: California, NY & Orlando
| Posted: 2/15/2013 4:58:04 PM
Szyszek/Chris...I'm just curious how you landed here. You just joined, and the only place you have posted is on this thread. Do you know a pea who gave you a heads-up about the discussion? | |
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Susie Pea
PeaAddict
PeaNut 433,822
August 2009
Posts: 1,415
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/15/2013 5:08:29 PM
Szyszek/Chris...I'm just curious how you landed here. You just joined, and the only place you have posted is on this thread. Do you know a pea who gave you a heads-up about the discussion?
I'm curious about this as well. | |
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I-95
It's all just nonsense anyway!
PeaNut 97,456
July 2003
Posts: 19,517
Layouts: 0
Loc: California, NY & Orlando
| Posted: 2/15/2013 5:16:08 PM
Give you the ring back for free. A businessman like me can afford to lose money and you don't owe me anything. Just the cost of doing business.
I object to the choice of wording here.... one shouldn't have to pay for something they already own. The fact that someone stole it from the victim doesn't change the fact that it's still her property, whether you paid money for it, or not. You're only seeing your monetary loss, not that of the victim...who didn't knowingly enter into a transaction with the thief, as you did (and I don't think you're a scumbag, just because of the type of business you're in. I believe you're a legitimate businessman, just one who has a different view of how they conduct their business)
I don't think any businessman, or woman, can afford to lose money. It's not why one goes into business in the first place, but business people take losses every single day, especially in retail.
If I go to Walmart and buy a product on sale, in one of those annoying blister packs, take it home, cut the packing open, then decide the product is not what I wanted/was expecting/the quality I thought it would be etc. I take it back to Walmart and tell them I want to return it. They give me back my money, even though the product I have returned to them has been opened, the packaging essentially destroyed, and it is now unsalable.
Should Walmart tell me/you that we're stuck with the product because they'll be screwed and lose money on it? They had marked it down for the sale so presumably they wouldn't even break even on it. It happens every day, to everyone in business. Wholesalers/manufacturers get shipments back, retailers lose money on returns....and none of them are dealing in potentially stolen goods, but they will all tell you it's a cost of doing business...it's a risk they take. | |
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ScrapbookFran
Changing it to Phrann
PeaNut 134,608
March 2004
Posts: 7,777
Layouts: 165
Loc: At my wit's end
|  Posted: 2/15/2013 5:21:20 PM
I appreciate the peas who understand how I feel. 
I said earlier that I can't say anything regarding whether or not the owner knew the jewelry was stolen except to say he is lying when he said he didn't know.
This week I sent a certified letter to the pawn shop to let them know I was filing for the writ. That was one of the steps I'm required to take in my quest to get jewelry returned. I got copies of all police reports that have to be attached to my documents. I am permitted to ask for attorneys' fees & costs, which of course I'm doing.
In other news: I got a nice letter today from the State Attorney asking me if I would like to pursue the case. I sent a nice email back that I would love to.
"Chris" is a troll. I don't know how "he" became aware of this thread if he is really a pawn shop dealer in Largo, which is why I'm inclined to believe "he" is a mentally unstable pea with a separate account on the board.
{edited} |
the Pea f/k/a Frannie HaHa
ScrapbookFran's Blog
We judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intentions.
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JBeans
Tampons. Not just for Xmas ornaments anymore.
PeaNut 200,953
April 2005
Posts: 8,205
Layouts: 157
Loc: Between Diaperland and Snotsville
| Posted: 2/15/2013 6:09:34 PM
I'll just go and quote some of Sarah H's post because it pretty much sums up what I think of Chris the pawnbroker's posts.
So it seems to me that pawn shop owners like the one who has chosen to post here don't even have the law on their side, they just try to take advantage of people's ignorance of the law or reluctance to pursue relief in court.
I actually read the whole Pawnbroking Act, it's not very long, and it seems to me that the shop owner's remedy is against the person who sold him the stolen property. Florida Pawnbroking Act. The conveyor of the stolen property has to be convicted though and my guess is the pawn shop owner would be the last one in a long line of people seeking reimbursement so they just go after the individual more likely to pay, the original victim, and hope that victim either doesn't know his/her rights under the law or chooses just to pay to avoid the hassle.
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Well Peas, I believe this thread has gone Thrusday.
"The Pot has not just met the Kettle, they are getting jiggy on the top of the stove." -Lanus | |
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Annabella
Leads a Charmed Life
PeaNut 43,843
July 2002
Posts: 42,241
Layouts: 46
Loc: East Coast
| Posted: 2/15/2013 6:52:48 PM
"Chris" is a troll. I don't know how "he" became aware of this thread if he is really a pawn shop dealer in Largo, which is why I'm inclined to believe "he" is a mentally unstable pea with a separate account on the board.
Wow and the plot thickens. Why would you say that?
I just assumed he's a pea's husband/brother/friend and she asked him to weigh in his perspective. I could be wrong, but your visceral reaction to him is so strong makes me think you have some inside info. Are you in the same town? Is there only one pawn shop? |
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ScrapbookFran
Changing it to Phrann
PeaNut 134,608
March 2004
Posts: 7,777
Layouts: 165
Loc: At my wit's end
| Posted: 2/15/2013 6:58:27 PM
I just assumed he's a pea's husband/brother/friend and she asked him to weigh in his perspective.
I didn't think of that, and you may be right. But I still think it's weird that a pea's husband/brother/friend would create a new user id just to give perspective. |
the Pea f/k/a Frannie HaHa
ScrapbookFran's Blog
We judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intentions.
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MizIndependent
Is there another word for synonym?
PeaNut 256,623
April 2006
Posts: 13,672
Layouts: 2
Loc: Right where I'm s'posed to be.
| Posted: 2/15/2013 7:14:29 PM
I don't think it's all that odd. If he saw it over the shoulder of his wife/sister/mother/whatever and felt he could shed some light from the "other side", makes sense to me that he would defend his profession.
Doesn't make him a weirdo in my book.  And I'll give him this much, he's handled the subsequent onslaught pretty well.
I still don't think he "gets it", but then, it isn't to his advantage to "get it". It's not personal, it's business. I get that, but it's crappy no matter how you look at it. |
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justalittletike
AncestralPea
PeaNut 434,313
August 2009
Posts: 4,497
Layouts: 26
| Posted: 2/15/2013 7:39:06 PM
I said earlier that I can't say anything regarding whether or not the owner knew the jewelry was stolen except to say he is lying when he said he didn't know.
I think this is kind of crappy of you. So basically you have no idea if the pawn dealer knows the items he purchased were stolen before hand and you're assuming. I know you don't like the law in this case I doubt anyone would but, you're calling him a liar because you don't like the outcome.
That isn't fair in this case. Especially if the said burglar sold the items to him before you ever returned home there would be no way for the dealer to know they were stolen. |
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I-95
It's all just nonsense anyway!
PeaNut 97,456
July 2003
Posts: 19,517
Layouts: 0
Loc: California, NY & Orlando
| Posted: 2/15/2013 7:49:13 PM
I don't think it's odd either, and he seems far too versed with the subject to be a troll. Trolls are usually sarcastic, snotty, or just plain b*tchy, and he hasn't been. I think someone gave him a heads up and he's doing some PR for his industry. | |
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tduby
PeaNut
PeaNut 270,120
July 2006
Posts: 19
Layouts: 2
| Posted: 2/15/2013 8:11:12 PM
I said earlier that I can't say anything regarding whether or not the owner knew the jewelry was stolen except to say he is lying when he said he didn't know.
I think this is kind of crappy of you. So basically you have no idea if the pawn dealer knows the items he purchased were stolen before hand and you're assuming. I know you don't like the law in this case I doubt anyone would but, you're calling him a liar because you don't like the outcome.
That isn't fair in this case. Especially if the said burglar sold the items to him before you ever returned home there would be no way for the dealer to know they were stolen.
I took that to mean she knows he was lying but can't say how she knows right now. Perhaps for legal reasons she had been told not to discuss the specifics. I am guessing she knows a lot more than she can share at this time about the case. | |
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jalapenette
BucketHead
PeaNut 415,025
March 2009
Posts: 656
Layouts: 43
Loc: Southwest USA
| Posted: 2/15/2013 8:22:17 PM
I said earlier that I can't say anything regarding whether or not the owner knew the jewelry was stolen except to say he is lying when he said he didn't know.
I think this is kind of crappy of you. So basically you have no idea if the pawn dealer knows the items he purchased were stolen before hand and you're assuming. I know you don't like the law in this case I doubt anyone would but, you're calling him a liar because you don't like the outcome.
That isn't fair in this case. Especially if the said burglar sold the items to him before you ever returned home there would be no way for the dealer to know they were stolen.
Actually, she probably means that LEGALLY she can't say anything. Not that she doesn't know anything. |
-Rachelle
*Mommy to Adam, born October 2010, and Tommy, July 2012*
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Szyszek
PeaNut
PeaNut 580,444
February 2013
Posts: 12
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/15/2013 8:37:14 PM
How did I find your thread? I was actually researching writ of replevin, because someone is filling one against me and I stand to lose $1000 that I can hardly afford. The case is even more difficult, it is not a burglary, a mother got her jewelry stolen by her own son, who, as far as I know, was living with her. He was slowly stealing her jewelry over a period of months and when she finally noticed, she notified the police and she wants every pawn shop to give the jewelry back to her at no charge. This is probably going to start a new discussion
Do I really sound like a troll? A troll would entice angry response just by disagreeing with the poster. I think (I hope) that my postings were well thought out and logical. Not a typical troll behavior. No, I am not a troll, just wanted to add my 2 cents to a discussion about pawn shops as I know a lot about the business. I do not know OP or anyone else posting here and I created an account with 2 peas just to respond to this thread. I do not have any other accounts on this site.
Since I am in the industry my point of view cannot be neutral, but I, personally, believe that pawnbroker should be reimbursed for what they paid. I would be really pissed off if they wanted to make a profit, but asking for reimbursement is completely moral and ethical in my book. I have a very strong sense of what is right and what is wrong and this is what I believe. I actually refused to be on a jury once, because I did not think I qualify to decide someone's freedom and I would not follow any sentencing laws that, in my view, would be unfair. Then again, morality is not universal, so I understand that some people will disagree with me.
Thanks,
Chris | |
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Szyszek
PeaNut
PeaNut 580,444
February 2013
Posts: 12
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/15/2013 8:56:22 PM
Annabella: there are plenty of states that do not have pawn shops. Criminals manage to sell the goods just fine. I think most of the stuff is sold to people that keep it themselves and do not care or pretend not to care where the goods come from as long as the price is right.
Based on my experience very large majority of pawnbrokers are following the law and do not buy stolen items knowingly or "forget" to fill out the paperwork. The penalties are severe - a single charge of dealing with stolen property means the business is permanently closed and the pawnbroker may go to jail. It is not worth it regardless if the person is honest or a scumbag. Like I said before, this business is highly regulated. In Largo, there are volunteer police officers checking every pawn shop (including mine) once a month. They make sure tickets match the merchandise, they check if the license is valid, if the jewelry scale has been inspected and approved by the Department of Agriculture etc. If a pawnbroker would start buying stolen stuff, the word would spread quickly and either police would notice a problem or a criminal caught for stealing would point to the shop where the merchandise is liquidated.
Thanks,
Chris the Mentally Unstable Pea - (thanks Scrapbook Fan, I like it) | |
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I-95
It's all just nonsense anyway!
PeaNut 97,456
July 2003
Posts: 19,517
Layouts: 0
Loc: California, NY & Orlando
| Posted: 2/15/2013 8:56:23 PM
Thanks Chris. Nice response. I still don't think a pawnbroker should hit up the victim for the money you invested, but I do understand it's legal, in Florida, and indeed, I paid to get my stolen jewelry back...but it pissed me off no end.
I do think it should be you who seeks redress through the court, not the victim, but I understand you feel differently. And yes, you have conducted yourself well in this thread.
I don't think you qualify as a troll | |
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Simply_Lovely
PeaFixture
PeaNut 463,295
April 2010
Posts: 3,279
Layouts: 3
Loc: New York City
| Posted: 2/15/2013 9:01:24 PM
The fact that you don't understand the difference means it's not worth the argument.
Ahhhh, yes, the fact that I have a different opinion means I don't understand the subject matter. Nice try. |
Meow! | |
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Szyszek
PeaNut
PeaNut 580,444
February 2013
Posts: 12
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/15/2013 9:15:00 PM
I-95: Thank you for your kind words. I might be mentally unstable sometimes, but I don't trollololol
I just want to clarify the law in Florida. When you discover that a pawn shop has your property, you have 2 choices. You can either pay the pawnbroker what he paid for it (or less, some pawnbrokers will make a deal, for instance, lets split the cost 50/50) or file writ of replevin - basically sue the pawnbroker to get the goods back. It does not cost anything to file a suit (the fees are waived by the court) and, as far as I know, in most cases you will win.
From my experience most people just pay me, they are glad to do so and thank me for getting their stuff back. I said it before and I am not making this up - I had at least 2 people buy stuff from me at the same time. They did not know about pawn shops and liked my prices (both bought jewelry). I had 1 case when I had to return everything ($2000 worth of jewelry) and the guy was really nasty, would not even talk to me (funny thing is he used to be a pawnbroker). The case I was researching is the 2nd one. I am debating if I should just give in or try my chances in court.
Thanks,
Chris | |
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RonaDT
BucketHead
PeaNut 67,751
February 2003
Posts: 533
Layouts: 33
Loc: Milton, Ontario
| Posted: 2/15/2013 9:15:06 PM
Just curious.... Doesn't your insurance cover this? If goods are stolen, insurance pays to get them replaced. You then buy them back from the pawn shop. Or is that not how it works?
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scrapjulia
PeaNut
PeaNut 335,340
September 2007
Posts: 182
Layouts: 9
Loc: mount vernon wa
| Posted: 2/15/2013 9:17:55 PM
Since I am in the industry my point of view cannot be neutral, but I, personally, believe that pawnbroker should be reimbursed for what they paid.
I totally agree you should be reimbursed. I just believe that you should be reimbursed by the person who stole from you rather than a law abiding citizen.
I understand that some of the situations you deal with are complicated. Have you thought about it from a pr standpoint? You have a new business and are trying to attract a different clientele. Look at how many are hearing of this horror story about one of your competitors. If you handled it differently you might get some positive buzz in a market you'd have a hard time breaking into otherwise. |
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ScrapbookFran
Changing it to Phrann
PeaNut 134,608
March 2004
Posts: 7,777
Layouts: 165
Loc: At my wit's end
| Posted: 2/16/2013 8:51:29 AM
You can either pay the pawnbroker what he paid for it (or less, some pawnbrokers will make a deal, for instance, lets split the cost 50/50) or file writ of replevin - basically sue the pawnbroker to get the goods back. It does not cost anything to file a suit (the fees are waived by the court) and, as far as I know, in most cases you will win.
I offered the pawnbroker money. He refused it because it wasn't the entire amount. Had he taken my money, we would have both been out the same amount of money for a situation that neither one of us caused. He would have recouped some loss, and I would have recouped my jewelry. How is that unfair in any universe?
It's not crappy of me not to say anything else about how I know the owner knew the stuff was stolen. Did anyone consider that I might have been told to keep certain details quiet? DUH I'm doing what I was told.
As you said, in the end, I'll get my stuff, but it pisses me off that I have to be the one to jump through a bunch of hoops to get my own property back. You made the transaction with the robber, YOU seek restitution from him. How did you make any type of contract with ME that entitles you to seek money from me??
It tickles me that peas think you are not a troll just because you haven't shown your ass like most trolls have a propensity to do. Please, tell me how a pawn broker knows the definition of a "troll" on a scrapbooking message board. And then tell me again you're not a troll because you play nice. Puh-leeze.
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the Pea f/k/a Frannie HaHa
ScrapbookFran's Blog
We judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intentions.
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justalittletike
AncestralPea
PeaNut 434,313
August 2009
Posts: 4,497
Layouts: 26
| Posted: 2/16/2013 9:18:51 AM
That wasn't how you worded it. I think saying I've been advised not to release those details by PD would have been much more effective. Duh |
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IleneTell
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 434,842
August 2009
Posts: 2,427
Layouts: 635
| Posted: 2/16/2013 9:27:30 AM
It tickles me that peas think you are not a troll just because you haven't shown your ass like most trolls have a propensity to do. Please, tell me how a pawn broker knows the definition of a "troll" on a scrapbooking message board. And then tell me again you're not a troll because you play nice. Puh-leeze.
Not liking what someone is saying doesn't make them a troll. He has a different view of the situation -how does that make him a troll? |
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Jillsie Pea
BucketHead
PeaNut 226,757
October 2005
Posts: 860
Layouts: 0
Loc: SouthPark
| Posted: 2/16/2013 9:30:29 AM
There are other message boards on the internet and they have trolls too.
He could have also used Google to look up the definition of the word.
Just because you disagree with him doesn't mean he's a troll.
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VexedAngel
Cold Pea on a Cracked Plate
PeaNut 156,343
July 2004
Posts: 5,088
Layouts: 46
| Posted: 2/16/2013 9:39:20 AM
What in the world, he's not a troll. I once stumbled on a discussion about homeschooling on another forum because of an Internet search. It happens. So sure, he's clueless because he's not a member of the community already and we seem to have our own 'rules' about that, but he's so not a troll.  Anyway what does that matter?? If you think he is, IGNORE him. That's the only effective way of dealing with them. |
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VexedAngel
Cold Pea on a Cracked Plate
PeaNut 156,343
July 2004
Posts: 5,088
Layouts: 46
| Posted: 2/16/2013 9:42:46 AM
Oh, and Chris, I think you're legit, but the OP is on a SCRAPBOOKING board VENTING about a problematic situation in her life. She's well within her right and you really needn't bother educating us, people who were interested already went and got the info on their own. Others are entitled to their opinion, facts be damned. I personally think it sucks all the way around.  |
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Szyszek
PeaNut
PeaNut 580,444
February 2013
Posts: 12
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/17/2013 11:47:58 AM
It tickles me that peas think you are not a troll just because you haven't shown your ass like most trolls have a propensity to do. Please, tell me how a pawn broker knows the definition of a "troll" on a scrapbooking message board. And then tell me again you're not a troll because you play nice. Puh-leeze.
I think troll is more of what a person does, not what a person is. I might be a troll that is not showing his ass? That makes little sense. I am a geek, I know exactly what a troll is. I admit I don't know anything about scrapbooking, but then again this is a discussion about pawn shops on a scrapbooking message board. Not sure why I did not even know this is a scrapbooking board until now.
Thanks,
Chris | |
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Free~Bird
Honorary Bearcat!
PeaNut 104,551
September 2003
Posts: 9,909
Layouts: 3
Loc: Missouri
| Posted: 2/17/2013 12:12:25 PM
oh for god sake, the guy is not a troll. Just because you're pissed off at a pawnbroker Fran, doesn't mean that everyone that disagrees with you is a troll.
A troll is someone that comes onto a board and says stupid shit just to get the board riled up. This guy obviously knows what he's talking about. If he were to google "pawn" and "largo" boom, this is probably one of the top hits. If you mentioned the shop in here somewhere (I'm too bored to read the whole thing) then he would have just googled his competition.
Go through the courts and get your shit back.... or don't. If you don't like how the law is written in your state, work with your representatives to change it. Until then, the guy didn't do anything wrong. |
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Free~Bird
Honorary Bearcat!
PeaNut 104,551
September 2003
Posts: 9,909
Layouts: 3
Loc: Missouri
| Posted: 2/17/2013 12:12:34 PM
oh for god sake, the guy is not a troll. Just because you're pissed off at a pawnbroker Fran, doesn't mean that everyone that disagrees with you is a troll.
A troll is someone that comes onto a board and says stupid shit just to get the board riled up. This guy obviously knows what he's talking about. If he were to google "pawn" and "largo" boom, this is probably one of the top hits. If you mentioned the shop in here somewhere (I'm too bored to read the whole thing) then he would have just googled his competition.
Go through the courts and get your shit back.... or don't. If you don't like how the law is written in your state, work with your representatives to change it. Until then, the guy didn't do anything wrong. |
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luv2scrapaboutmykids
PeaFixture
PeaNut 329,346
July 2007
Posts: 3,296
Layouts: 13
Loc: Saskatchewan
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