Trade-N-Post named chamber's top business

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has named Trade-N-Post Pawn & Coin as its June business of the month.

Sandpoint’s own “Pawn Stars”, owners Scott and Lisa Sawyer have been in the pawn business for 35 years. Pawn shops have been around for more than 3,000 years but businesses like Trade-N-Post Pawn & Coin have kept the industry relevant to the times.

The main business pawn shops are in is loaning money. If you need cash to cover expenses like utility bills, car repairs or unexpected medical bills a pawn loan can be a financial life saver. There are no applications, no financial requirements or credit checks. Trade-N-Post Pawn & Coin is licensed by the State of Idaho to loan money, just like a bank, but unlike other financial institutions you do not need to demonstrate good credit, have a bank account or provide references.

“We’ll make you an offer based on the market value, current condition and our likelihood of selling the items you want to pawn,” explained Scott. “The collateral is held until the interest or the loan has been repaid or the loan period expires. If you elect not to redeem your collateral, there is no credit consequence and the items are sold at a value price to retail consumers. If you pay back the loan plus the interest before the loan term expires, we return your collateral to you.”

Scott grew up in his father’s store learning the trade. Since taking his path along the same career, Scott became a member of the National Pawnbrokers Association which was founded to support the growing network of responsible pawnbrokers in the USA and has a code of ethics they must adhere.

Chamber officials said are active in the community and contribute to and participate in many different events and organizations, including Kinderhaven’s Festival of Trees and Golf Tournament, Bonner Community Food Bank, Scenic Half Marathon, Bonner County Fair, Sandpoint High School, PCDC’s Ponderay Days, PBCA, Ponderay Rotary’s CCS and Duck Hunt, and also the Kootenai Thunder. Their support of the many organizations leaves a positive on everyone they touch

Information: Trade-N-Post Pawn & Coin, 800 Kootenai Cutoff Road; or phone, 265-0202