The 4 Best Pawnshops in Ottawa
Pawnshops are some of the oldest businesses in the world, with records dating back to Ancient China around 3,000 years ago. Due to their invaluable services, such as short-term credit, it’s no wonder they still live on even today.
In this article, we compiled the best pawnshops in Ottawa, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and read on.
The Cost of Pawnshops in Ottawa
A lot of factors are taken into consideration when pawnshops make their offer for the items you want to pawn or sell off. And because pawnshops accept so many different things, there’s no telling how much they’ll offer for one type of item.
However, pawnshops also sell a variety of other items and usually for a smaller price compared to the retail value. You may refer to the table below for a look at some of the prices you can expect:
Top Pawnshops in Ottawa
When making this list, we used the following criteria to determine which shops deserved a spot the most:
1. Arley’s Pawn Shop
Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Available services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Professionalism | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Customer satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Starting off this list is Arley’s Pawn Shop, a family-owned and operated pawnshop that specializes in collateral loans and buying gold.
It’s been in business since 2001 and has since then helped customers secure cash loans for many years.
The first thing that caught our eye is Arley’s ‘Pawn on Wheels,’ which is basically its mobile pawn services that it introduced in response to the pandemic.
This is great because you no longer need to go out and put yourself at risk when it can come to you.
To avail of its mobile pawn services, you simply need to fill out the Pawn on Wheels form and meet at the designated date and time just outside your home.
It’s as easy as that, and what’s more, all staff wear masks and only accept E-transfer payments.
So there’s barely any contact at all, and everyone involved is protected as much as possible during the whole transaction.
Additionally, it also offers pick-ups and deliveries for items that have been pawned or purchased at its store.
Even if you’re not interested in pawning anything, it also sells a variety of items at reduced costs as compared to their retail value. Some of the items you can find are classic consoles, games, and even trading cards for lower prices.
With all that said, there have been some old complaints over its buying rates for precious metals and refusal to buy certain items from customers.
Pros
- Mobile pawning services
- Strict safety protocols
- Good selection of retail items
Cons
- Can be picky
Customer Reviews
Prices are honestly reasonable
“Lovely store, and very friendly staff! Great selection, and prices are honestly reasonable! Come here every so often with my partners!” – Jayden Hickson
Your best option
“Been using they’re pawn on wheels service for the last few months, the owner is very approachable and they’ve always treated me well. If you have gold to sell this is your best option.” – Ashley Calladine
2. Swap N Shop
Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Available services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Customer satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Swap N Shop’s biggest advantage is that it’s the biggest pawnshop in all of Ottawa, with two levels and 6,000 ft. store space.
You can already tell that you’ll be as giddy as a kid in a candy store when you step through its doors and see its offerings.
It’s been in business here in Ottawa for 20 years now, and it’s not surprising that it’s still going strong when its services are the kind you keep going back to.
Before buying any appliance, its staff makes sure to test it so that it’s guaranteed to work when you buy it.
Additionally, it offers a 30-day warranty on the off-chance you’re not happy with the product you got.
With how much floorspace it has to store all its products, Swap N Shop is more than happy to buy a variety of barely used or well-loved but still working items.
That’s why there’s a good chance you’ll find the thing you’re looking for at a lower cost here.
Its products include items like power tools, home stereos, gaming systems, sporting goods, musical instruments, jewelry, collectibles, and so much more.
So there’s probably something here for you when you drop by and take a look for yourself.
The only concern we have with Swap N Shop is complaints about the professionalism of some of its staff when faced with customers who’re just asking for some help.
Pros
- Biggest pawnshop in Ottawa
- Electronics tested prior to sale
- 30-day warranty on items
Cons
- Staff has an attitude problem
Customer Reviews
Great experience all around
“The staff (Dean) was very helpful with my purchase of an antique phonograph. He went out of his way to find the answers to my questions about the phonograph (since it is very old and does not come with instructions). He also was very careful in packaging and shipping this extremely delicate phonograph. A great experience all around, the phonograph is in great shape, and priced reasonably (“priced to sell” as Dean put it himself – which was very true!). I am super glad I purchased this through Swap N Shop and can’t wait to enjoy this for many years to come!” – Anthony Liebusch
Very nice to deal with
“Professional shop, I live in Toronto and bought by calling, they do shipping and have tracking with canada post, the package is great and the item is perfect, very happy and they are very nice to deal with, happy of my purchase” – Yi Xiang
3. Howard’s Pawn Shop
Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Available services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Customer satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Howard’s Pawn Shop has been serving the Ottawan community for over 20 years. It’s a locally-owned family-run business and currently has 5 professional and experienced staff members on hand.
This pawnshop is more straightforward than all the ones we’ve seen so far because it only offers pawning services and buying and selling retail items.
However, it makes up for this with its wide array of merchandise, from precious jewelry to luxury watches.
Furthermore, choosing Howard’s to pawn your items to is a great choice because not only do you have options to renew your loan, it’s all safe and confidential.
This means that any transactions of this sort will not reflect upon your credit score.
We were lucky enough and went to interview some of its past customers about their experiences with this pawnshop, and we’ll gladly tell you what we’ve learned.
One customer revealed that the products they received were in mint condition after paying a more than reasonable price for them. Another client was also very happy with how helpful the staff was.
But Howard’s Pawn Shop’s record isn’t completely spotless because concerns over the quality of certain items, such as its power tools, popped up. Some staff members also showed less than professional behavior.
Pros
- Great selection
- Customer confidentiality
- Reasonable prices
Cons
- Questionable item quality
- Unprofessional behavior from the staff
Customer Reviews
Definitely recommend
“Went in to browse and ended up buying 5 or 6 things.
Jeff and Christian were super cool and friendly and gave me really good deals on my purchase. Definitely going back and definitely recommend.“ – Danny Alexander
Genuine and caring people
“When i was going through a rough patch i thought i’d have to sell a ring i inherited from my grandma, they offered me a very fair price for the ring but actually offered me more than i’d expected to pawn it instead as they were very concerned about me losing an heirloom. they called me before my 30days to remind me and i was able to keep this special piece of jewellery in my family! thank you Howard’s on Carling for being the genuine and caring people you are.” – Savanna Miller
4. Canadian Hock Exchange
Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Available services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Professionalism | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Customer satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The last entry on our list of the best pawnshops in Ottawa is Canadian Hock Exchange, a leader in the buying, selling, and trade industry since 1996.
Its Ottawa branch, which was opened in 2019, is actually its 3rd location and is still open to expanding its reach.
Some items it deals with include jewelry, musical instruments, electronics, video games, tools, DVDs, collectibles, sporting goods, etc.
Unlike dusty secondhand shops of the past, it aims to be well-organized and offer the best value.
By purchasing the goods available at the Canadian Hock Exchange, you’re not just buying great items at a fraction of the original cost but also helping the earth.
And that’s because you’re essentially recycling a thing that could be in a landfill instead.
And doesn’t it feel good knowing that you bought something cool for cheap but somehow also doing your part in saving the environment? Maybe it doesn’t look or feel much, but every small gesture counts.
Our biggest takeaway from its past customers is that the store isn’t just clean and organized; items are all clearly marked with their respective prices. Now that gets a gold star from us.
However, it does need to work on its pricing for jewelry after one customer expressed that they felt they were lowballed.
Pros
- 20+ years in the industry
- More than 1 location
- Offers a variety of quality products
Cons
- May give lowball offers
Customer Reviews
Phenomenal business
“This is an absolutely phenomenal business. They are so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I am for sure returning with all my gold and silver I want to sell as well as my violin. Recommend them to everyone. You won’t regret it.” – Olga Pekalska
Good quality products
“My husband and I had a great experience in this store buying a portable air conditioner. Grant and his wife are friendly people. They are selling good & quality products. You can feel their care for their customers. Highly recommended place.” – Aileen Babida
FAQs about Pawnshops in Ottawa
Looking for more sustainable businesses that give you a bang for your buck while also helping out the environment? Check out our article on the best secondhand clothing stores in Ottawa to learn more!