Why did you join CAPA? Education, advocacy, be one of the cool kids.
What do you enjoy most or you like most about being a member of CAPA? Friendships and camaraderie.
What do you love most about being a pawnbroker? Helping people that need us.
Who inspires you? Yigal Adato, Stan Lukowicz
If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose? I already pay Yigal for this.
What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last month? Just pay someone… Can I do it? Yes. Will I do it? Maybe.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? I coached youth sports for over a decade. I still miss it. Dogs make me happy and I believe that many people don’t deserve their awesomeness.
Did you know that mental health is just as important as physical health? Unfortunately, many people don’t realize this until they’re faced with a mental health problem. This is especially true for pawnbrokers, who often face a number of mental health problems due to the nature of their business.
Let’s talk about the importance of having good mental health and how it contributes to the success of your pawn business. We’ll also try to dispel some myths about mental health.
Your Mind is As Important As Your Body!
You might not think so, but your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Just like your body, your mind can get sick too. In fact, mental illness is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
Poor mental health can cause a wide range of problems, including:
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Memory problems
Changes in mood or behavior
Feeling anxious or depressed
Sleeping problems
If you’re constantly experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a mental health professional as soon as possible.
Mental Health Problems Are Common Among Pawnbrokers
Pawnbrokers often face a number of mental health problems to the nature of their business. The most common mental health problems among pawnbrokers are anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Anxiety is a feeling of fear or worry that can be mild or severe. It’s the body’s natural response to danger. Pawnbrokers often experience anxiety because they’re constantly dealing with money and risk.
Depression is a mental illness that causes people to feel sad, hopeless, and worthless. It can interfere with daily activities such as eating, sleeping, and working. Depression is very common among pawnbrokers and can lead to suicide if left untreated.
Addiction is a condition that results when someone becomes addicted to drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, etc. Addictions can cause serious mental and physical health problems.
Why Mental Health
It’s not just your physical health that’s important, either – mental health is essential for good decision making and maintaining a positive attitude with customers. Conditions like anxiety and depression can make it difficult to focus on work, and may even lead to negative interactions with customers. In short, mental health is essential for a successful pawn operation.
If you are a pawnbroker and are struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to you, and getting treatment can make a big difference in your life. Remember – your mental health matters!
Maintaining good mental health is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for business owners. As a pawnbroker, your mental condition has a direct impact on the success of your business. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help – there are many resources available to you. Taking care of your mental health will contribute to the success and growth of your pawn business.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of having a good body condition and how it affects your pawn business. We’ll also take a look at some of the most common health problems faced by pawnbrokers and offer tips for staying healthy and keeping your business running smoothly!
A pawnbroker’s business is only as good as his or her health. If you’re not in good physical condition, it will be hard to keep up with the demands of the job. Not only that, but poor health can also lead to a number of debilitating health problems. Your good health supports the growth of your business in many ways, some of which we will explore below.
Problem
The pawnbroking business is a physically demanding one. From handling heavy objects to interacting with customers, there’s a lot of work that goes into running a successful pawnshop. It’s no wonder, then, that good physical health is essential for pawnbrokers!
There are a number of common health problems faced by pawnbrokers, including:
back and joint pain
carpal tunnel syndrome
alcoholism
obesity
hypertension/heart disease
High cholesterol
sleeping disorders
vision-related problems
All of these conditions can have a negative impact on your ability to run your business effectively. For example, back pain can make it difficult to stand or walk for long periods of time, while joint pain can limit your range of motion and prevent you from lifting heavy items. Obesity can make it difficult to move around the shop and may also lead to other health problems like diabetes.
Solution
That’s why it’s so important to take care of yourself! Eating right, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health. If you’re not taking care of yourself, it’ll eventually catch up to you – and your business will suffer as a result.
So if you want to be successful in the pawn business, make sure to take care of your health! It’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your business.
What are simple or easy things you can do to maintain good physical health? Here are a few tips on how to stay healthy while running a pawn business:
Eat a healthy diet: Eating nutritious foods is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. And be sure to avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.
Exercise regularly: Exercise is another important way to stay healthy. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. You can go for a brisk walk, jog, bike ride, or swim – whatever you enjoy doing most!
Get enough sleep: Most adults need around eight hours of sleep per night. If you’re not getting enough rest, it’ll take its toll on your health and your business performance.
Regular doctor’s check-up: Make sure to go for regular doctor’s check-ups. This is the best way to catch any health problems early on before they can become serious.
INVESTMENT
According to McKinsey Global Institute’s article in 2020, Good health is good business. Here’s why, they calculated that better health may raise global GDP by $12 trillion in 2040—an 8% increase, or 0.4 percent faster growth each year—as a result of all the ways good health boosts the economy. And investing in one’s health is a fantastic investment. Every $1 spent yields an additional economic benefit of $2 to $4 for every dollar invested. (Remes & Singhal, 2020)
You are investing in your business, in your team, and in yourself when you prioritize good health.
Let’s face it, if you’re not feeling well, you’re not going to be at the top of your game and able to serve your customers as well as you could be. Plus, if you have a chronic illness or condition, it can be difficult to come to work every day and give 110%. Not only that but if something happens and you have to go to the hospital or miss work, it can put a major strain on your business.
Caring for your health should not be seen as a luxury but as an essential part of running a successful business. When you are at your best, you can give your best to your business. Investing in good health is investing in the success of your pawn business.
Do you have any tips for maintaining good physical health? Share them in the comments below! And be sure to stay tuned for the next blog post, where we’ll be discussing the importance of mental health in the pawn business. See you then!
Why did you join CAPA? My father was on the board in the ’70s and was instrumental in changing the pawn laws from 6 months to 4 months with the late great Dennis Hooker.
What do you enjoy most or you like most about being a member of CAPA? Not as involved as I probably should be but running our family store takes up all my time. I’m at work daily with only the weekends off for my family. Being a member I’m able to get my pawn tickets from Burrell and getting insight about new laws our board is working on.
What do you love most about being a pawnbroker? The daily dealing with all different people.
Who inspires you? My 91 year old father Sam who started our business August 16th 1958
What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last month? That my children have learned an outstanding work ethic from their parents and both kids graduating with 4.0 GPA from two of the best colleges in the US and with all the homework make time to work or have time for on-campus programs when they can.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? I’m a hoot on the golf course
In this digital age, phone communication is more important than ever. Whether you’re making a sale or just establishing a relationship with a potential customer, it’s vital to make a good impression over the phone. We have put together some phone etiquette tips for pawnbrokers to help you make the most of your interactions with customers.
The phone is a great way to improve customer relations. It’s a simple and efficient way to reach out, answer questions, or take orders. But it’s important to remember that phone calls are more personal than emailing or texting someone. You’re actually talking directly with the person on the other line. This allows you to establish stronger relationships through more meaningful conversations but also means they’ll hold you accountable if your phone etiquette isn’t up-to-par!
Here are some phone etiquette guidelines for pawnbrokers:
Start by introducing yourself and giving your phone number. This will help build trust with the customer.
Be aware of your tone of voice. Avoid sounding angry, impatient, or condescending.
Avoid sounding condescending or like you’re bored with what the customer is saying.
Be clear and concise in your communication. Don’t mumble or speak too quickly.
If the customer can’t hear you, ask if they would like to move to a quieter place or put them on speakerphone.
Avoid using slang terms or acronyms that the customer may not understand. The person you’re talking to may not know what they mean, which will only lead to confusion.
Do not interrupt the customer when they are speaking.
Do not argue with customers or try to win an argument by using logic alone. Instead, remain calm and listen attentively while offering your own thoughts on the matter without being confrontational in any way whatsoever!
Stay focused when on the phone. Do not allow yourself to get distracted by other things going on in the background, as it may make it difficult for the customer to understand you.
Always be polite and respectful, even if the customer is angry or rude. Remember, you’re representing your business!
Why is it necessary to have good phone etiquette?
It’s important to have good phone etiquette because your tone of voice and how you communicate can make or break a deal. A pawnbroker who is polite, clear, and respectful will build trust with the customer and likely get more business in the long run. On the other hand, a pawnbroker who is rude, mumbling, or difficult to understand will likely lose customers and damage their reputation.
How does bad phone etiquette affect your pawn business?
Bad phone etiquette can ruin your business because customers will take their business elsewhere. When you’re difficult to understand or constantly yelling, it’s hard for people to trust you and do business with you. Furthermore, if you’re impolite or unprofessional on the phone, it reflects poorly on your entire company.
What can you do to ensure all your employees have good phone etiquette?
Training – Pawnshop owners and managers should ensure that all employees undergo phone etiquette training. This will help them learn how to effectively communicate with customers on the phone. It’s also important to set clear expectations for phone behavior and have a code of conduct that employees must follow.
Handbook – Your phone etiquette policy should be outlined in your employee handbook. This will ensure that all employees are aware of the standards they are expected to meet when answering the phone.
Ongoing Training – Phone etiquette is an ongoing process and it’s important to keep training your employees on how to communicate with customers. There may be new trends or technologies that impact phone behavior, so make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest best practices.
To summarize, good phone etiquette is a vital skill to have. When you’re on the phone with a client, it’s critical to make a favorable first impression. You want them to feel confident that they’re talking with a professional business person who knows what he or she is doing. Good phone conduct may help you learn how to make a positive first impression with your customers and develop trust in your shop!
Are there any more phone courtesy ideas and methods that have worked for your store?
Why did you join CAPA? To help provide Anti-money laundering resources to CAPA members. Having been an officer of the Oregon Pawnbrokers Assn from 1999-2015, I fully understand the importance of association membership; both for pawnbrokers AND vendors. We are ALL stakeholders
What do you enjoy most or you like most about being a member of CAPA? Hands down the networking opportunities that exist whether it is online seminars or in person conferences, the dialogue and camaraderie is amazing!
What do you love most about being a pawnbroker? Helping my customers was always the best part for me. I missed it so much after I sold my shop that I got back into business in a way that I could still provide help.
Who inspires you? Yigal Adato
If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose? Yigal Adato. He tells it like it is. No sugar coating. He is not afraid to be vulnerable in his coaching. You know he has your best interests at heart.
What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last month? Not learned yesterday, but reinforced several times lately. “Some will, Some won’t, So what?” I can’t care more about a pawnbrokers business than they do so I have to let them struggle on their own if that is their choice. I will patiently wait for them to come around. Perhaps they will, and perhaps they won’t. But I choose not to let that get in the way of helping folks that actively want help and have their hand up.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? I am one of a select group (less than 10 people) that were born inside Yellowstone National Park. They have the equivalent of a clinic that treats broken bones and flu etc. They are certainly not equipped to birth children especially if they are 6 weeks early just so they can also be born on Labor Day.
When most people think of the pawn industry, they think of quick transactions and getting cash in hand. While this is undoubtedly a part of what we do, outstanding customer service should also be one of your top priorities if you want to set yourself apart from the competition.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what outstanding customer service looks like in pawn, give some examples of customer service skills, and show how it can increase your profits.
What outstanding customer service looks like?
When providing outstanding customer service, there are a “basic” few key things to keep in mind.
Always be polite and respectful.
Never talk down to your customers or make them feel like they’re not important.
Make sure you are knowledgeable about the products you’re selling and take the time to answer any questions your customers may have.
If you don’t know the answer, be honest and tell them you’ll find out for them.
Finally, go above and beyond what’s expected of you. Go out of your way to help your customers, even if it means taking a little extra time or going out of your way.
What outstanding customer service skills should I have as a pawnbroker?
Eager to help
When customers come into a pawn shop, they are often in a difficult situation. They may need money quickly or be worried about their belongings. Pawnbrokers should always be eager to help and provide support however possible. This could mean taking the time to listen to their story, answering questions, or helping them find a solution.
Patience is key
Being patient with your customers is an outstanding quality that any pawnbroker must-have. Your customers may not always make the best decisions when it comes to their finances or know how much money they need at the moment, so you should be willing to explain things clearly without pressuring them into anything before knowing all of their options available.
Problem-Solving skills
Outstanding customer service means going above and beyond what is expected of you. This may mean solving a problem before it happens or coming up with creative ways to make your customers happy.
Persuasion skills
In some cases, pawnbrokers need to use persuasion skills to close a deal. If you can see that the customer is hesitant or needs more time to think about the loan, try using persuasive techniques such as explaining how easy the process will be or how there are no hidden fees.
Positive attitude
Your positive attitude is one of your most valuable assets for outstanding customer service. No one wants to do business with someone who looks like they’re having a bad day and is constantly grumpy. On the other hand, having a positive attitude sets the tone for the entire transaction and makes customers feel more at ease. This can often lead to them trusting you more and being more likely to return in the future.
Knowledgeable about products and services
Pawnbrokers must be knowledgeable about the products and services they offer. When customers come in, they should ask questions and get clear answers. If pawnbrokers don’t know the answer, they should find out and get back to the customer. There are times when someone enters our store and offers us something we know is valuable, and we should always be able to educate them if they are interested in learning more about it and give an estimate on what we would offer for it.
Attention to detail
As a pawnbroker, outstanding customer service also means ensuring that everything is correct on paper before you give it out or sign anything off as finished. This could be ensuring all paperwork has been completed correctly and have all required signatures at the time of purchase agreement. Or checking over your records one more time to double-check everything is accurate with no errors made when entering information into the system by hand. Moreover, customers will appreciate your attentiveness and feel confident that they are working with a professional.
How does providing outstanding customer service to your customers help you make more money?
There are so many ways but let’s focus on these three:
Outstanding customer service increases sales. If a customer has a great experience, they are more likely to come back and buy from you again. They will also refer their friends and family members to shop from your pawnshop or lend money out of it if needed.
Outstanding customer service improves your reputation as an honest business owner who wants to help your customers rather than make money from them. When you provide outstanding customer service, people will talk about it. Word-of-mouth marketing is the best type of advertising, and it can only happen if you provide a great experience for your customers.
Outstanding customer service makes it more likely that customers will likely renew their pawn loans. If their experience were amazing, they’d be more likely to want to do business with you again, and they’re far less likely to default on the loan than if their pawnshop experience wasn’t outstanding.
In conclusion, outstanding customer service is a must if you want your pawn business to be successful. While it may not be easy, outstanding customer service will increase your profits and create loyalty for your brand in the long run.
Do you and your team provide outstanding customer service? How do you do it?
Why did you join CAPA? Early on, I joined CAPA for procedural guidance with the operation manual and the rate poster. I began attending conventions and learned better practices, product techniques and how to avoid many costly mistakes. I made some changes. I became aware of laws and regulations that threaten my business. I learned about legislation, advocacy, friends, Senate bill this and Assembly bill that. I put my head down and focused on growing my business while CAPA lobbied for my interests in Sacramento and kept me updated of the changes. The CAPA Google group was another benefit. It allowed me to ask questions that were answered by fellow pawnbrokers in real-time and I found answers to questions I did not think to ask. I attended more conventions and learned how to authenticate watches, diamonds, coins and handbags. I learned techniques to increase sales and I learned about security, loss and insurance. I made more changes. Pawn 101 helped me avoid many legal pitfalls and diminish other liabilities. Today I continue to depend on CAPA to guide me through the legal minefields, expand and safeguard my business, and I occasionally speak with the CAPA attorney for free.
What do you enjoy most or you like most about being a member of CAPA? Peace of mind. Knowing that I have the latest information to run my stores correctly and I have the CAPA board, staff and members to lean on when I have questions or run into difficulties.
What do you love most about being a pawnbroker? Having a successful business that is always interesting that provides a valuable service to so many clients.
Who inspires you? Fellow pawnbrokers. I am always learning from them.
If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose? The beauty of being a member of CAPA is that I now have several mentors, but Steve Jacobson was my first. I had known Steve for several years through waterskiing and he was the first pawnbroker I had met.
What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last month? Customer relationship management platform integration. Integrating calls, text messages and website into one database to facilitate efficient communication with and marketing to current clients and future clients.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? I started my working career as an electrical engineer and thought I would continue in that line of work until retirement. I had never been in a pawnshop until I considered starting my own business.