Think a guitar keeps its price forever? Not always. Some music gear holds value much better than others. What matters most for resale Age is only one factor. How well the instrument was kept matters more. Hard cases, low humidity and few repairs help. Brand names matter, but so do model and condition. Small scratches cut value less than broken electronics. Top categories that hold up Here are the kinds of instruments that tend to keep value. Think of them as safer bets if you

You step up to the counter with a small tin. Inside is a thin bracelet and a folded receipt from a coin shop. The seller fidgets while you glance at the metal under the lamp. A chart in the back room shows gold moving against the euro and your mind jumps to price guesses. Check weight and karat first, then purity marks. Look for wear that hides hallmarks or solder joints. Test one small spot with a magnet-free kit or acid test if you can. Count coins and note mint marks befor

You price too high and it sits. You price too low and you leave cash on the table. Myth vs fact: ‘Brand is everything’ Myth: The brand alone makes a guitar worth a lot. Fact: Brand helps, but condition and playability matter more for quick sales. A well-played, cared-for mid-range guitar will sell faster than a neglected high-end one. Myth vs fact: ‘You must list full retail’ Myth: List it at the new price and wait for offers. Fact: For a quick sale, price closer to local use

Do you know which gadgets actually keep value? Many buyers assume phones and laptops are king. The truth is more mixed. Low risk: items that age well High-end studio gear, pro cameras, and musical instruments kept in good shape tend to hold value. These items serve steady users who need reliability. If you keep boxes and manuals, you add value. Medium risk: mainstream phones, tablets, and laptops Top-brand phones and mid-range laptops sell fast but lose value each year. New m

Do not assume the first offer is fair. That one move costs many sellers hundreds. How do pawnshops value gold today? Pawnshops check weight, purity, and the scrap price of gold. Weight is the metal's mass. Purity means how much real gold is in the item. Scrap price is the market rate for raw gold. Shops may also factor in demand for the item and any repair costs. What documents or info should you bring? Bring any receipts, certificates, or service records. Clean the piece gen

What if the interface looks fine but doesn’t record? That small test you skip is the one that costs you. What's going on Used audio interfaces are common. Musicians, podcasters, and home studios trade gear often. Many units are solid. A few have hidden faults that show up only under use. Why it matters You can fix some issues. Others mean a lot of time or money to repair. You want something that works now and stays reliable. Testing before you pay saves headaches and cash. Wh

You stand at the counter. A customer sets an old gold chain on the table. The metal glints under the shop light. They ask if now is the time to sell or hold. Check the item for weight and hallmarks. Test with a gentle acid or electronic tester if unsure. Compare the item’s weight to current scrap prices before offering a price. Be clear with the seller about fees and the net they will get. Offer a small window to rethink if the price feels too low. Why this scene matters now

You might lose a lot of money for a small mistake: buying a used amp that looks fine but hides trouble. Myth: If it powers on, it's fine Fact: Powering up is just the start. An amp that boots can still crackle, hum, or drop channels when you play. Check every input and output. Turn knobs and listen for static. Let the amp warm up for a few minutes and watch for odd noises. Myth: Cosmetic wear is only cosmetic Fact: Dents and paint loss can hide real trouble. A ding near vents

Did you buy a camera with a stuck shutter or cloudy sensor before? That shock is avoidable. Know the easy checks that catch most problems. Low risk: cheap older bodies (what to expect) Low-risk bodies are older entry-level cameras sold for parts or beginners. Expect wear on the grip, faded buttons, and a tired battery life. These often work but may need basic cleaning or a new battery. If price is very low, treat it as a parts buy. Medium risk: popular mid-range bodies (what

You can buy a neat gadget that locks you into trash in a few clicks—know how to avoid that trap. What did the "Worst in Show" at CES call out and why should you care? The award shows gadgets that are hard or impossible to fix. The winners are often sealed, glued, or full of one-use parts. That makes them fail sooner and harder to sell on the second-hand market. You lose time, money, and space when a device can’t be repaired. How does unfixable tech matter to a pawnshop buyer