15 businesses in and around Calgary that buy used goods from the
public, or sell them on your behalf. For each one: what they buy, what they refuse, and
exactly how the transaction works — because a pawn loan, a consignment split and an outright
sale are three different things.
Verified 2026-09-24 from each business's own website. Prices, terms and what
they take change without notice. We are not affiliated with any business listed here, none of
them pay to be included, and we receive nothing if you sell to them.
If you are thinking about pawning something
A pawn loan is borrowing, not selling: you get your item back only by repaying the
money plus all interest and fees by the date printed on the ticket, and if you miss that
date the shop keeps the item and sells it.
Before you hand anything over, get three things written on the ticket: the interest
rate, the total redemption figure in dollars, and the deadline. Across all
fourteen cities we checked, almost no pawn shop publishes its rate anywhere on its website —
so the only place you will see it is on the paperwork in front of you.
If you want money and do not want the item back, ask separately for an outright purchase
price and compare the two. They are different numbers for different transactions, and a shop
that offers both will not necessarily volunteer which one it is quoting.
What will they actually pay?
We do not publish an average payout, because nobody publishes one. Any site quoting
you "typically 60% of retail" invented it. Across 189 businesses in fourteen cities, a
handful publish a consignment split, one publishes a per-gram gold table, and not one pawn
shop, scrap yard or electronics buyer publishes what it pays relative to resale value.
What we can tell you is the shape of it. Consignment pays the most and pays last, often on a
declining scale as the item sits. An outright sale pays least and pays today. Metals and gold
are weight times purity minus a spread nobody states, so the only real number is the one at
the scale. And for a great deal of what comes out of a cleared house — flat-pack furniture,
book-club paperbacks, old encyclopedias, out-of-season sports gear, adult clothing more than
a few years old — the honest answer is that nobody in these fourteen cities will pay anything
for it at all. The refusal lists below are the evidence.
Pawn shops in Calgary
Two completely different transactions under one roof. Read the box above before you go into any of these.
The dealThe branch page lists "Pawn Loans" and "Retail Sales" as separate services and separately advertises "We Pay More To Buy Gold & Diamonds", so both a loan and an outright purchase are available. The only loan detail published is that "pay-by-the-day extensions on pawn loans" are offered. No term length, interest rate, fee or redemption period appears on the page.
Where3233 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0R1
Nothing on the branch page states the loan term, the rate, or what ID you need. "Pay-by-the-day extensions" means the cost of borrowing accrues daily; ask for the redemption amount in dollars on the date you expect to come back. Hours listed Mon–Fri 9am–8pm, weekends and holidays 10am–5pm.
BuysGold and diamond jewellery, Luxury watches, Professional-grade power tools, Smartphones and laptops, Gaming consoles, Musical instruments, Sporting goods, Collectibles
The dealThey state they "provide quick and secure collateral loans" and separately that they carry "a constantly changing inventory of pre-owned and unclaimed items", so they both lend and buy. On the loan: the standard term stated is 30 days, and "You can choose to pay the interest and fees at the end of the term to extend your loan for an additional 30 days." No interest rate is disclosed. A collateral loan is credit — if it is not repaid the item stays with the shop. Selling outright is the other, final, transaction.
Where1413 17th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0C6
The clearest site in the city on identification: it states "All customers must be at least 18 years of age" and requires "Valid Canadian Government issued photo identification and one other valid form of identification", naming an Alberta driver's licence, provincial ID card or Canadian passport. It still publishes no interest rate, so ask for the dollar cost to redeem at 30 and 60 days. Hours listed Mon–Fri 10–6, Sat 10–5, closed Sunday.
BuysGold and jewellery, Designer watches, Designer handbags, Electronics including smartphones and video game consoles, Musical instruments, Power tools and compressors, Bicycles
The dealTwo different transactions, and you should know which one you are being offered. A PAWN LOAN is secured credit against your item: the site states you have "30 days to repay your loan and reclaim your item", that you "automatically get an additional 7-day grace period", that extensions are available on request, and that there are "no credit checks required". The site describes pawning as a way to "access quick cash using valuable items you already own—without selling them outright". If the loan is not repaid within the term, the item is not returned to you. An OUTRIGHT SALE is separate — they also run a "Cash for Gold" service, and in that transaction the item is gone permanently. No interest rate or fee schedule is published anywhere on the site.
WhereThree shops listed on their own site: #1, 3520 17 Avenue SE (403-248-4547); #125, 6404 Bowness Road NW (587-391-4364); and Quik Cash, 726 16 Avenue NW (403-233-7845 ext 1).
Their pawn-loan page states you need one government-issued photo ID (driver's licence, passport) plus one supporting ID such as a health card, birth certificate, or a credit or debit card in your name. Because no rate or fee is published, the cost of the loan is only knowable at the counter — ask for the dollar figure required to redeem the item and the date it is due, in writing.
BuysGold and jewellery, Luxury watches (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Cartier, Hublot named), Cell phones and tablets, Computers and electronics, Power tools, Musical instruments, Collectibles and art
Won't takeItems not in good condition or not well maintained — the site states it buys goods "in good condition and well maintained"
The dealThe site states they "deal with various goods for purchase, sale, and collateral" — so both a pawn loan and an outright purchase are on offer. On the loan side the site says "Don't sell it, just pawn it" and "Our layaway plan gives you a virtually unlimited amount of time to repay your loans." It also states: "If you choose not to repay the money or pick up your item, it will not affect your credit score." That is another way of saying the item itself is the security — no credit consequence, but you lose the item. Interest is described only as a "competitive interest rate"; no rate, fee or term length is published.
Where410 16 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3L8
A second number, 403-255-3335, is also listed on their site. No interest rate, fee schedule, term length or ID requirement is published. "Virtually unlimited time to repay" describes the deadline, not the cost — ask what the redemption figure will be in dollars at 30, 60 and 90 days and get it in writing. Hours listed Mon–Fri 9:30am–6:30pm, Sat 10:30am–6:30pm, Sunday by appointment; the hours block also carries a dated closure notice from March 2025, so phone before travelling.
BuysiPhones and smartphones, MacBooks and laptops, Tablets, Cameras, Gaming consoles
The dealWalk-in outright purchase. The site states you "receive an on-the-spot cash offer—no waiting" and advertises same-day payouts. The item does not come back. The site states "We'll make sure all your devices are fully data wiped."
Where6100 Macleod Trail SW, Unit 208, Calgary, AB T2H 0K5
No ID requirement and no pricing is published. Their stated data wipe is their internal process, not a substitute for your own — sign out of your accounts and remove activation locks (Find My iPhone, Google account, console account) before you hand the device over, because after the sale you have no access to it. Hours listed Mon–Fri 10–6, Sat–Sun 10–4.
BuysHockey gear including skates, sticks and protective equipment, Fitness equipment, Used sporting goods generally
Won't takeGear that is not "viable" or is more than gently used
The dealThree options are stated at the counter: cash (paid by cheque), store credit, or trade-in value toward gear you need now. The site states "we buy gear all day, every day, with no appointment necessary" but also that "we purchase gear on a seasonal basis" and that "Each location is individually owned and operated" — so what one store takes in a given month is not a chain-wide policy.
WhereTwo Calgary store pages exist on the chain's site, Westhills and Shawnessy. Neither page published a street address, phone number or store hours when fetched — the hours fields were present but empty. Use the chain's own store locator to get the address and call before driving out.
No public premises listed. We could not find a street address or phone on their site — contact them through it before making any plans.
Buying is seasonal, so out-of-season gear may simply be declined. The "cash" option is stated to be paid by cheque, not banknotes. No payout rates or percentages are published.
BuysDesigner and luxury handbags, wallets and small leather goods, Scarves, belts and jewellery, Dresses, blouses, shirts, jeans, coats, jackets, pants, skirts, Footwear, Named brands including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada and Fendi, among 50+ listed
Won't takeWorkout wear, Business suits, Fast fashion brands including Gap, H&M and Zara, Items from smoking households, Apparel outside sizes 4–14 and footwear outside sizes 6–10, Anything not in perfect condition or not current within the last 3 years
The dealYou are not paid at drop-off — you are paid after the item sells. The splits published on their consign page are "40% on Accessories and Apparel and 50% on handbags and small leather goods when priced below $1000", and "between 60-70%" on items priced over $1,000. The consignment period is stated as "90 days for items priced below $500 and 180 days for items priced above $500". Items are "typically priced 20-70% below retail" depending on age, condition and popularity, and go on sale if unsold after 45 days. Payout is by e-transfer or cheque pickup.
Where7702 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2V 1K2
Complimentary home pickup is offered for 15 or more items. The site states a 15% fee may apply if you pull an item back before the 90-day period ends. Note the arithmetic: the percentage you receive is a share of a price already set below retail and marked down further after 45 days, and the money arrives only when and if the item sells.
BuysMid-century modern, Danish and Scandinavian furniture, Teak, rosewood and walnut pieces, Sofas, chairs and credenzas, Vintage lighting, Art from the 1950s to 1970s
Won't takeHeavy water damage, Mould or mildew, Strong odours
The dealA straight purchase. The site states "Payment is typically e-transfer or cash (as arranged)" on collection, and that pickup is free across Alberta with no charge for loading. You submit photos, condition notes, designer information and your location by phone, text, email or their web form, and they state they respond "Usually same day, and typically within 24 hours."
Where1124 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0B6
The damage list is a qualifier, not an absolute bar — the site says these conditions affect the decision but that "some high-end pieces may still be worth purchasing and refinishing". No price guidance is published; the offer is made after they see photos. They want a narrow slice of furniture (mid-century), so a general household clear-out will mostly fall outside what they buy.
The dealThe site states: "WE'RE BUYING! 1960's and 1970's teak and walnut furniture we pay cash and offer competitive consignment rates!" So two options exist — an outright cash purchase, or consignment where you are paid only after the piece sells. No consignment percentage is published, only the phrase "competitive consignment rates".
Where5510 3 St SE #8, Calgary, AB T2H 1J9
No phone number is published on the site — contact is through their web form. No consignment split is published, so ask for the percentage and the term in writing before leaving anything. Because they offer both cash and consignment, confirm which of the two you are being offered. The buying statement names only 1960s–70s teak and walnut furniture; other vintage goods appear on the site as stock they sell, not as things they have said they buy. Hours listed Wed–Fri 11–6, Sat–Sun 11–5, Tuesday by appointment.
BuysGold jewellery, bullion, coins and dental gold, Silver bullion, coins and silverware, Platinum, Diamonds and gemstones, Luxury watches, Historic coins and paper money
The dealA fixed-premises buyer on the main floor of a professional office building, not a pop-up. They evaluate on site and make an offer. The site states "A numismatic expert is typically available Monday through Friday, while a diamond grader is generally available Tuesday through Saturday to evaluate natural (non-coloured) diamonds up to three carats", and recommends calling ahead because schedules change. A "Best Price Guarantee" is referenced but its terms are not set out on the page. No payout percentage is published.
Where1717 10th St. NW #102, Calgary, AB T2M 0P4
The page notes a pending relocation, so call first. If you are selling diamonds or coins, go on a day the relevant specialist is in or you risk being quoted on metal weight alone. No payout percentage is published by this or any other Calgary gold buyer reviewed — ask for the offer broken down into weight, purity and price per gram, and you are free to leave and get a second quote. A toll-free number, 1-888-219-7001, is also listed. Hours listed Mon–Fri 9:30–6, Sat 10–5, Sun 10–5.
BuysScrap metal — the site carries a "Metal We Buy" section listing accepted materials
The dealPaid by weight. The site states payment options are "Cash or eTransfer" and that they have been purchasing scrap metal for over 20 years. A "Request Pickup" option is offered through their site, which makes them one of the few scrap buyers here that will come to you. They also run a customer app. No rates are published.
Where1352 Hastings Crescent SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4C9
No phone number appears on the page — contact is through the site or their app. Pickup is offered but no minimum quantity or fee is stated, so confirm both before booking. Unusually wide hours for a scrap yard are listed (Mon 9–7, Tue–Thu 9–5, Fri 9–7, Sat–Sun 11–4, holidays 12–4), which suits an evening or weekend clear-out.
BuysFerrous metal (steel, iron), Non-ferrous metal
The dealA drop-off yard paid by weight. The site states they "accept all residential or commercial customers" at both locations. They run a separate non-ferrous yard and ferrous yard, so which gate you drive to matters. No rates or payment method are published on the site; a "Material Acceptance" section exists and is worth reading before loading up.
WhereNon-ferrous yard: 2828 Bonnybrook Road SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2J2. Ferrous yard: 3415 Ogden Road SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4N4. Public hours listed Mon–Fri 8am–5pm.
No rates are published, and scrap prices track commodity markets, so phone for the current rate on your material before loading a trailer. Take copper, brass and aluminium to the non-ferrous yard, and appliances or structural steel to the ferrous yard. Ask what their requirements are for appliances containing refrigerant (fridges, freezers, air conditioners) before you bring one — yards handle these under specific conditions.
BuysCars, trucks and SUVs, all makes and models, Non-running vehicles, Junk and scrap vehicles, Accident-damaged and hail-damaged vehicles, Flood-damaged and fire-damaged vehicles, Vehicles with engine or transmission failure, or high mileage
The dealQuote first, then collection. They state quotes are given "Usually within 15 minutes", that towing is "Free Towing - Anywhere in Alberta" with "nothing deducted from your payout", and that payment is "Paid Before We Tow" — "payment is made on the spot by cash or Interac e-Transfer before our driver loads your vehicle". They state they handle the Alberta Registry paperwork.
WhereServes Calgary and states it covers 50+ Alberta communities including Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, High River, Strathmore, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Canmore and Banff.
They state you need a valid government-issued photo ID and your vehicle registration, current or expired. Payment before the vehicle is loaded is their own published process — hold them to it. They describe themselves as "AMVIC Licensed Since 2018" but publish no licence number; AMVIC runs a free public search where you can check any Alberta vehicle buyer's licence yourself before they arrive. After the sale, remove your plates and cancel the registration and insurance.
BuysVinyl records and LPs, CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays, Video games (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo)
The dealCash or trade-in credit, your choice. The site states "We BUY your gently used CDs, DVDs & LPs" and "We BUY your gently used Xbox, Playstation & Nintendo video games." No rates, percentages or grading policy are published, so the offer is made at the counter on the day.
Where306-3630 Brentwood Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2L 1K8 (Brentwood Village Mall)
The stated condition standard is "gently used", but no grading policy, pricing or list of what they decline is published. Bring a sample box first rather than a whole collection so you can see what they offer and what they pass on. Hours listed Mon–Sat 11–6, Sun 1–4.
Won't takeAt the Chinook store, anything other than books previously purchased from Fair's Fair
The dealYou choose store credit or cash, and the site is explicit that credit is worth more. Their published terms: trade credit covers 80% of a book's price with the remaining 20% paid by cash or card, and a book carrying a Fair's Fair sticker earns 50% of its value in store credit. Trade credit never expires and can be used at either location. Cash is available at the Inglewood store only, Friday to Sunday 10am–4pm. Store-credit trading runs Mon–Sat 10am–4pm at Inglewood and Tue–Sat 10am–4pm at Chinook. No appointment needed at Inglewood.
WhereInglewood: 907 9 Ave SE, (403) 237-8156 — the only location that pays cash. Chinook: 104 61 Ave SW, (403) 255-4011 — store credit only, and the site states "Chinook only accepts books previously purchased at Fair's Fair at this time".
If you want money rather than credit, it is Inglewood only and Friday to Sunday only. Taking boxes of general used books to Chinook will be a wasted trip under their stated policy. No quantity limit is published — call ahead if you are bringing a houseful.
Take government photo ID. Several of these businesses say plainly
that they cannot buy from you without it, and that a health card will not do.
Phone ahead with the specifics. Make, model, age, condition. Most
refusals happen at the counter over something that could have been settled in a
two-minute call.
Get more than one number if the item is worth more than a hundred
dollars or so. Offers on the same item vary widely.
Ask which transaction you are being offered — a purchase, a
consignment or a loan — and get it in writing.
We could not verify this city’s municipal rules for second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers from an official source, so we state none. Check with the City or the province before relying on anything you read about them elsewhere.
Worth nothing? That is a real answer too.
Most of what comes out of a cleared house will not sell at any price, and the businesses above
will tell you so at the counter. Photograph it first and we will tell you before you drive
anywhere — and if the answer is that it is worth nothing, we will point you at
the Calgary charities that will still take it.
Will a pawn shop in Calgary give me a loan or buy it outright?
Many do both, and they are entirely different transactions. A loan means you get the item back only if you repay the money plus interest and fees by the date on the ticket; miss it and the shop keeps and sells your item. An outright sale is final. Ask for both numbers separately and compare them.
How much will I actually get?
Less than you think, and nobody publishes a reliable average — we checked 189 businesses across fourteen cities. Consignment pays most and pays last. An outright sale pays least and pays today. Scrap and gold are weight and purity against the day’s market, minus a margin almost nobody states.
Will any of them collect from my house in Calgary?
Auto salvage almost always tows a non-running car free. Some furniture dealers and consignment shops will collect, usually for a fee or above a minimum value. Scrap yards that advertise collection generally mean a commercial roll-off bin, not a van for a box of copper. Every listing here says what we could confirm and nothing more.
Do I need identification?
Almost certainly, and it is the most common cause of a wasted trip. Several businesses state plainly that government-issued photo ID is required and that a health card will not be accepted. Take a driving licence or passport.
What is genuinely worth nothing?
Flat-pack furniture, most paperbacks, encyclopedias, classical and easy-listening records, out-of-season sports equipment and adult clothing more than a few years old. The refusal lists on this page are the evidence. Those things can still be donated, and often should be.