Small business owners are turning to pawnshops when they want easier access to financing than they can get at a bank.
These new borrowers, who seek larger loans than a traditional pawn shop customer and often borrow against luxury goods, are also changing the nature of the pawn business.
“This isn’t your grandfather’s pawn shop, lending against power tools,” said Joey Chait, whose family has owned San Francisco Provident Loan Association for four generations.