Family business since 1932
Pawnshop. What image did you just have in mind?
Gold? Money troubles? Last resort? Rip-off? Extortionate prices? Backstreet business? We could tell you who we are. Instead, we would rather show you what happens here every day. Day after day. And why you can trust us.
A day at Grüne’s Leihhäuser
No two days are the same. And no two pledges, for that matter.
From gold rings to games consoles, from first visits to familiar faces: in our branches we encounter different people, valuables and stories every day. A few examples from a perfectly ordinary day.
-
10:07
A ring with a story.
The piece of jewellery is a keepsake and is meant to stay that way. Our pawnbroker examines the gold, stones and condition, explains her assessment and makes an offer. The ring stays with us temporarily – its value becomes cash.
-
11:32
It doesn’t always have to be jewellery.
This time, a smartphone lands on the table. Model, age, condition, functionality and current demand all help determine the value we can set. Because what can be pawned is more varied than many people think.
-
13:16
Nice to see you again.
Now nothing new comes in: something goes back home. A customer redeems his pledge and gets his valuable item back. That is how we like to see our pawned items best – back in the hands of their owners.
-
14:48
Sometimes we take a second look.
A special piece of jewellery needs a little more attention. Details are examined, compared against experience and, if necessary, a further expert opinion is obtained. The customer receives a loan offer and needs time to think it over. Two days later he comes back and accepts the offer. The piece of jewellery is stored securely and goes into the safe for the duration of the pawn loan.
-
16:21
A different customer. A different pledge.
The valuation is complete, the offer is ready. The customer decides on the pawn loan. The formalities are dealt with quickly and the agreed amount is paid out immediately. A conventional credit check or proof of income is not required. What matters is the value of the pledge.
-
17:43
Professional tools come in many forms.
Today a tradesman brings in his tools. Cordless screwdrivers, saws, grinders, routers or professional measuring devices: depending on the trade, very different equipment ends up on the table. We take an expert look at the manufacturer, model and condition and determine which pawn loan is possible.
What pawnbroking is really about
Facts, not prejudices.
Pawnbroking is a business regulated by law. Terms, deadlines and auctions are set out in the Pfandleiherverordnung (German Pawnbrokers Ordinance). What this means for you:
-
You should get to keep your valuable item.
If you pawn an item with us, you are not selling it. It serves as security for a loan with a limited term. Our aim is for you to take your valuable item back home after repayment.
-
You decide how much you want to borrow.
You don’t always need the highest possible loan amount. That is why you can also choose a lower amount with us. That way, you only take as much money as you actually need.
-
Pawnbroking is not buying and selling.
Your valuable item remains your property. We value it, agree a pawn loan with you and store it during the term. When you repay the loan, you get your item back.
-
An auction is not our goal.
If a pawn loan is not repaid or extended, the valuable item may be sold at a public auction once the specified deadlines have passed. The auction is not carried out by us, but by an independent auctioneer.
Did you know?
Four figures that describe everyday life
-
82%
of our pawned items find their way back.
Because they mean something to their owners.
-
Ø 10 min
between “hello” and payout.
Short distances. Direct decisions.
-
1,000+
different products valued by us every month.
From jewellery to games consoles.
-
18
Branches in 9 cities.
Here for you in person.
The expertise behind the valuation
Recognising value. Understanding people.
Good pawnbroking needs both: sound expertise and a feel for the people who come to us. Our pawnbrokers know markets, materials and products. At the same time, they know that there is a personal reason behind every visit.
That is why we take our time, listen and explain clearly how we arrive at our assessment.
What seems a matter of course today is based on experience that grows over the years and is passed on within the team. Because no piece of jewellery, no watch and no technical device is exactly like another. And neither are the people who bring them to us.
-
Jewellery & precious metals
“A hallmark alone doesn’t tell you what a piece of jewellery is worth.”
Ines, Pawnbroker
With jewellery, many details count: material, weight, stones, craftsmanship and condition. Experience, modern measuring devices, tests and a trained eye turn these into a well-founded assessment.
-
Tools
“With tools, it’s all about looking closely.”
Christian, Pawnbroker
Manufacturer, model, condition and specifications play an important role in the valuation. From cordless screwdrivers to professional measuring devices, all kinds of tools end up on the table. That takes product knowledge, an understanding of the market and experience with equipment from different trades.
-
Technology & electronics
“What was new yesterday may already be valued quite differently today.”
Sam, Pawnbroker
With technology, models, demand and market prices change particularly quickly. This is why the loan value can be well below the original purchase price. In our valuation, we also take into account how the value of a device may develop over the coming months.
Loans of up to 80% of the value are possible per item.
Grüne’s Leihhäuser then and now
Perhaps we are different from what you thought.
Grüne’s Leihhäuser has been around for almost 100 years. Since then, the things people bring to us have changed, and we have changed with them. What has remained is the idea behind pawnbroking: recognising existing value and turning it into financial breathing space without fuss.
What has changed? The things. Not our standards.
What might once have been pocket watches, silver or fur now also includes smartphones, games consoles, tools and high-end technology. New products need new knowledge, markets change and pawnbroking is evolving too. Perhaps in ten years our customers will bring us items that nobody would lend on today.
What remains: people come to us with something of value. We take a close look, value fairly and treat their concerns discreetly.
Before we valued valuables, we built safes for them. The story of Grüne’s Leihhäuser began with strongboxes.
-
A pawnshop is a place full of stories.
There is one behind almost every item.
-
A pawnshop is a place full of knowledge.
Because you have to be able to recognise value.
-
A pawnshop is a place of possibilities.
Because existing assets can create short-term financial breathing space.
- Since 1932
- Family business
- 18
- branches in Germany
- 150+
- employees at Grüne’s Leihhäuser