NPA Best Practices for the Pawn Industry

Pawnbrokers should strive for the following:

    1. Enhance Pawn Image
      Members should protect the professional image of the pawn industry by maintaining reputable stores that enhance and promote a positive representation of all pawnbrokers. Members should employ professional staff and keep their stores updated, clean, and brightly lit to sustain the evolution of the pawn industry.
    2. Business Practices
      Members should conduct business with the highest level of integrity. They should attentively interact with the general public by offering superb customer service and quality merchandise.
    3. Promote Responsible Borrowing
      Members should encourage customers to use pawn services responsibly, by working with them to encourage repayment of their pawn loans and reclaim their pledged property.
    4. Stolen Property
      Members should avoid the acceptance of stolen property by refusing any items that are suspicious in nature or thought to be misappropriated.
    5. Law Enforcement
      Members should work closely with law enforcement officials to help ensure the safety of their respective communities while encouraging respect for the financial privacy rights of their customers.
    6. Satisfaction Guarantee
      Members should back their quality merchandise by offering retail customers a fair satisfaction guarantee program.
    7. Display NPA Membership Seal
      Members should notably display the NPA seal in their stores to signify their affiliation with the organization and commitment to these Best Practices.
    8. Support Balanced Legislation
      Members should take an active role in public policy, and be amenable to working with lawmakers and regulators to support legislation that will enhance the products and services offered by pawnbrokers.
    9. Accountability
      Members should monitor other member businesses and hold them accountable for following these Best Practices.
    10. Laws & Regulations
      Members should comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations related to the pawn industry.

     

  1. Information provided by the National Pawnbrokers Association