Like a lot of people I found myself in a situation where I need emergency cash a couple of years ago and like a lot of people we have valuables that can be used to obtain funds in case of an emergency or in a time of need. We find comfort knowing that we can always count on our local pawn shop. Although the loans are expensive to say the least at the end of the day we pay the price because we need the funds.
So after a Google search I found a local pond shop in my neck of the woods (Pasadena Pawn Shop located at 2696 E Colorado Blvd Pasadena CA 91107) and decided to give them the business. This shop is run by two Middle Eastern or Eastern Europe individuals the owner and his assistant/family member. At first glance the owner and his assistant seemed to be rough around the edges, but never the less willing to help me with a loan. The transaction went smoothly and off I went with my loan.
Ever since that day I've religiously made my scheduled payment on the loan without a problem. Yesterday was the maturity date on the latest installment and as always I made my way to the shop to make the scheduled payment where I found the owner outside having a smoke. I acknowledged him and proceeded inside to handle my business. I was greeted (if you want to call it that) by his assistant and like always he looked like his mother had died or that he hated me being there wasting his precious time! I did not pay much attention since this has always been his demeanor from the first time I laid eyes on this guy.
Since it's been such a long time, I wanted a history of the account and I proceeded to inquire about said history and you would think that a pawn shop (aka legal loan shark that is charging you 126% per year) would not have a problem answering your simple question(s) with a smile on their face. Not this guy!!! By his demeanor I could tell that my question had either offended him or made him uncomfortable. Anyways after some lackluster research on his computer and some lame ass calculation, he gave me an estimate of the loan origination date and a payment history that did not make any sense to me what so ever, but I left it at that since I could tell this guy had been irritated by my inquiry or was in a bad mood like always. I was also curious about the total loan amount due and I continued to ask him how much was the amount I needed to bring the account up to par and get my belongings out. Well this guy just totally out of nowhere just went off on me. His answer was "Why Don't You Figure it Out, F' that and F' this!!!"
As you can imagine I was very taken back with his unprofessional and offensive answer and I was shocked, disgusted and appalled by his remarks as well. I made sure I let him know that he was not in the pawn shop or the loan business. I told him that he was in the people's business, that he was very rude and unprofessional, that I had been a customer for over two years, and that was no way to treat a loyal customer!
I reluctantly proceeded to make the payment that was due. Minutes later the owner walked in the store and I complained to the owner about his assistant's unprofessional and rude behavior towards me, a loyal customer and that next time I wanted to deal with him instead of his assistant.
Well my friends apparently "the fruit does not fall far from the tree." To my surprise the owners' remarks, even though not as harsh, were to my opinion worse than his assistant. He proceeded to tell me in his own words "that's the way I've trained him, to be rude to customers so that customers don't take advantage of him." You would think that he would be embarrassed and apologetic. Not this guy!!! This guy being the owner was worst than his employee. Of course I gave him my two cents and let him know how I felt and how I was never ever going to give him my business ever again or recommend anyone I know to their shop.
In conclusion, this shop and these individuals create a very hostile and very unfriendly business environment. Their attitude and demeanor towards their customer is an unfriendly one to say the least and I sincerely "DO NOT" recommend this shop to anyone!!! As soon as I have funds available to get my valuables out I will do just that... Stay away from this shop and don't give them the business, they don't deserve it!!!
P.S. I was not a member of "Yelp" till this incident happened to me. I only became a member to bring to light the terrible service and customer support this shop and its owner had to offer to a loyal customer!!! read more
