Coast River Business Journal
BUSINESS NEWS
June 2020 • 7
Taking care of your business...
Just Got Easier!
Mike Wallis, CPA
• Income Tax Preparation
& Planning
• Accounting Services
& Financial Statements
• Elder Accounting
• Consulting Services for
New & Existing Businesses
• Payroll Services
WWC Business
Solutions, Inc.
Suzanne Corliss
A customer browses the gaming section at The Pawnshop and More in Astoria. Demand for gaming
systems had risen during the pandemic, particularly for the Nintendo Switch, which sold 55 million
units in March, nearly double the amount in March 2019 and by far the most since it’s 2017 release. As
larger retailers have struggled to keep the popular console in stock many have sought second-hand
games and systems at pawnshops as an alternative.
Buy, sell and pawn
Among the steady items that the shop readily
buys includes laptops, jewelry, gold and coins.
“Gold, silver and guns are probably the
biggest,” Dodge said.
The premise of pawning is simple.
“They come in and pawn stuff and I give
them a price and they can accept or reject.”
“We can loan them on items they bring in,”
Dodge said.
Each day brings something different through
the door.
Pre-owned dental office equipment was
among the unique items Dodge rejected in the
past few days.
“I don’t know where the hell he got it,
but I turned him down. I just couldn’t imagine
someone wanting to buy it. I look for stuff that
I think will re-sell. I’ve only got so much floor
space,” he said.
Dodge, a former truck driver, is relishing the
opportunity to interact with the public despite the
circumstances.
“It’s a pawn store so a lot of people are down
on their luck. If you’re in that financial position,
the last thing you want to do is come in and ask
for money,” he said. “I want to treat everybody
with the respect they deserve. We’re here to help.”
The shop occasionally encounters items that
are fake — usually coins and jewelry. The fake
items often come from outside street sales where
customers are swindled and think they purchased
something more valuable.
“I’ve seen it many times where we get
people coming in selling fraudulent coins and
jewelry. They come in here thinking they got a
great deal but I unfortunately have to tell them,
‘No, you got screwed,’” Dodge said.
Before any gold or silver is accepted several
tests are conducted to determine the authenticity
and quality.
“It’s a three-step process. First thing is the
“The rack of rifles has
dwindled over the past
several weeks as demand
continues to surge for
firearms.”
magnet. Then I’ll look at it through a loupe for
any stamps. But even if it’s stamped, doesn’t
mean it’s real. It may be gold plated. Then I’ll do
an acid test,” Dodge said.
“The acid test will tell us if it’s 10, 14, 18
karats or greater. It will also tell us if it’s real
silver. The magnet is the one that will save you
a lot of heartache right off the bat because if it’s
fake jewelry, it’s going to grab it. Then we have
to reject it,” he said.
1024 MARINE DRIVE • ASTORIA • 503.325.2200
YEARS
Astoria Sunday
Market Returns!
Starting June 21
10 am - 3 pm
12th Street
We are looking a lot different this year! Our goal is to bring you all the
goodness you’ve come to love with a lot more distance to shop safely.
But we need your help! Please follow social-distancing protocol of 6’ apart,
masks recommended, and be patient with your fellow shoppers and our
vendors. Most of all, enjoy the day and enjoy the slower pace!
www.AstoriaSundayMarket.com