Great staff. Rose, Jake, and Artie are the best. I had an issue with the Corporate office being unresponsive. I had a 270.00 credit I couldn't use. I lost the receipt, and then found out I couldn't use my credit unless I got a voucher from corporate. It was in the computer, it's not in dispute. Just couldn't have it. Voucher was requested at least twice including a phone call between staff and someone who said they would send the voucher. After a couple months I wrote the two star version of this review. This is the five star version because then they read this review they jumped on it and got me my credit voucher right away. I took it down and spent it towards a MacBook Pro. Life is good, everybody makes mistakes, but they made it right. Jake, Rose, and Artie deserve a big fat raise cuz they are the best. They are very friendly as long as you are not a crazy person from Planet Crack. read more

Everything in there is extremely expensive. I even saw a broken snake. They're trying to sell for 500 bucks.

I Love to come here! I always leave with a new payment plan on a silly treat for myself! Customer service is lovely, and I appreciate the helpful and welcoming environment the employees provide. I highly recommend stopping in! read more

low balled me on an item I've pawned many times with them before. Last time I went in they only offered half of what they usually loan me for the same item, for some reason the manager that day decided to low ball me and referenced a faulty eBay sale to gauge value (it was a lower then normal sale that actually got cancelled and removed by eBay) the item was consistently selling for $700+. Gave me 15% of the items value. Never been lowballed this bad by them before I don't know what his deal was that day but will be going to their S.F. location next time. read more

Collateral has no parking and no security. After a 1/2 hour wait I attempted to get a loan on a 3oz 14K sold gold piece of estate jewelry that has been appraised and insured. I had to be finger printed numerous times before we even got to my item. Although they tested it, they were still specious it was not 14 Karat gold. She then put the item in her pocket and crossed the room to show another women. Then returned to tell me she could only give me $10 on the gram, but needed to further test it by making a small scratch! I was stunned, as was the other clerk who had come to assist me. I feel I want to make review as it the only Loan/Pawn shop in the county..Go to SF or Santa Rosa.. read more

The Best Collateral, San Rafael team is great to work with! They are quick, efficient, and fair. I needed to pawn some camera gear and was a little worried to leave my expensive lenses and camera due to some of the reviews I read. I read a couple of reviews where they claimed that their pawned items were used after dropping them off. I left my camera gear with Best Collateral for approx 3 months and I picked them up in the exact condition as when I left them! I am very happy with how this transaction went. I needed money to borrow, Best Collateral was there to help me in my need. I certainly had to pay a premium, but it was what I expected and was clearly explained up front. They are quick, efficient, and fair. Thank you Best Collateral, San Rafael team. Keep up the great work! read more

YES! There's Parking in BACK! And NO! lol... they're NOT criminals! Thought I'd clear that up after reading some reviews! I've been coming to SR BEST COLLATERAL since they 1st opened and have NEVER had less than AWESOME service! I highly recommend them! read more

While I'm accustomed to purchasing jewelry from pawn shops, I've never been in a situation where I actually had to get a loan against a piece of jewelry and was feeling super nervous about doing so. My chief concern was a) making sure the place was reputable and stable so I could actually get my diamond ring back and b) feel confident that my high quality diamond would not be swapped out for a CZ. Yeah, that happens. I have to be honest and say that the overall look/feel of Best Collateral made a huge difference in my confidence level. The building is brand spanking new; the space is clean, inviting and has really nice lighting, and the overall layout made it easy to see everything and everyone. I've been in pawn shops, like Pawn Advantage on 4th St., that seemed, dark, cramped and well, scary, but not the case here. I was immediately greeted with a friendly smile by Marta, who asked how she could assist me. When I gave a long winded explanation of my needs (I was so nervous), she ushered me over to the pawn area (away from retail shelves and display cases) which is discreetly sectioned for privacy. Marta is very knowledgeable and took care in explaining the process to me and let me watch as she handled my jewelry. Aimee, the store manager, was also present while I was there and I liked the way she kept a watchful on everything happening in the store as well as with my transaction. So, was it successful? You bet. I walked out with cash in less than 30 minutes. I feel extremely confident that my ring will be there when I go back to pick it up in the next 1-2 months. And, I can hardly wait to browse the jewelry cases again--there were some amazing pieces, not to mention all the musical instruments. Their motto is "Never pay retail again" and I now tend to agree. Will follow up when I go back for my diamond ring. read more

Alex was super helpful! This was our first time in a pawn shop. They had nice bicycles in the window which is what we went in for. While we were in there my 8 year old son spotted the huge selection of guitars! Alex helped him test many guitars and gave him tons of other helpful info! Alex was super knowledgeable about the everything we had questions about. We will definitely be back soon. read more

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I was treated so rudely by the manager when trying to sell this 410 GK bass cabinet back to them because I wasn't happy with it. I came the day before and was refused because they had no tester cord. The next day I bring mine and this guy is telling me that he don't want to see it cause I was refused yesterday. That was because they couldn't hear it due to them not having a cord. I bought it from them 7 months ago without listening to it and with the raggedy-wheels. So he wants to tell me how long he's been doing pawns and basically is accusing me of switching a speaker in the cabinet. He knew so much ,but he didn't know that I couldn't plug directly into the cabinet until O told him. I chose a big amp but he chose a smaller just amp type. Not all the speakers were working. So no go. For his information the amplifier that he gave me powered 4 ohms speakers not 8 ohms like mine! Mind you only wanted to give me $30! He's a rude jerk in my opinion and I'm sure that he'll read this and still be a jerk,but hopefully he'll at least understand the knowledge that I shared and not use it maliciously. Maybe he knew that the amp wouldn't power the whole cabinet. Anyways,two thumbs down to the 6'4" male Caucasian manager. I didn't catch his name but with all his years of experience,he sucks! read more

If you're having a bad day just go to BEST COLLATERAL in San Rafael on 3rd st and ask for LUCIANNA the store manager AKA the Comedian she will make you're day. Believe me !!! I mean everytime i can't stop laughing LUCIANNA should have her own show AKA BEST COMEDIAN. But if you're looking for a caring , honest friend to help you in your time of need and have some valuables to pawn LUCIANNA IS THE ONE YOU NEED she's real, so real that she is willing to help you as far as she can go. I know because she's done it for me so many times LUCIANNA HAS HELPED me when I needed it the most. Also the staff is amazing helpful, caring beautiful people. And there lucky to have a boss like LUCIANNA. I LOVE THESE GUYS THERE THE And I will always return here especially when I'm having a bad day. read more

Absolutely the best experience ever going in and meeting with the store manager Luciana she is definitely the pawn diva and has got to be the most valuable and exquisite gem that store has she has above and beyond belief knowledge and skill about everything her job entail let alone her public relations and communication skills are off the charts I have never had such an amazing experience walking into a pawn shop. Absolutely beyond satisfied with my visit and look forward to many more visits. So long as Luciana is store manager my business will continue with best collateral. You guys have a true real deal rarest of the rare read more

Luciana is awesome in all that she does. She is great to work with and knows her stuff. She also has an awesome inventory! You want to be treated right, go see her. read more

Another absolute amazing experience with lucianna it is always a pleasure to be greated by her gorgeous smile and amazing array of knowledge she has thru out any item that comes across her path as I say she is the most precious and valuable asset that store has ever seen walk thru it's doors. Im always just knocked to my knees after talking with her and learning so much that I never knew was possible. Five stars isn't enough for a rating she is absolutely chart topping amazing read more

Had another great experience at Best collateral in San Rafael. These people are knowledgeable professional, and provide courteous professional service every time I visit. Once a couple years ago, and then three times this month to resolve a an expensive jewelry issue. These people appraise my jewelry for free and gave me accurate numbers and advice. I would highly recommend the store and their personnel. I will also be doing more business with them in the future. Thanks Luciana and the other gentleman staff. read more

I want the owner to have my babies she is super hot and super helpful. I recommend to go by and say hi please ask for Lucianna.

SELLER BEWARE SELLER BEWARE SELLER BEWARE! This is easily the most carny sideshow precious metal buyer I have ever been to. Hands down. It would be funny if it wasn't so scary. These people are preying upon the average jewelry owner. Why would I say that? Because I saw it multiple times and then did an experiment myself just to see if what I thought was going to happen would really unfold. It did, but in the craziest back alley, shady, shifty, mind boggling way. There is and should be a level of decorum and respect with this type of transaction. They're ripping off people who are bringing in jewelry that means something to them, it's a special piece. It really means something to them. They aren't rich, they don't have massive collections of diamonds and gold and platinum. People are not coming in here because they are happy and excited to subject themselves to the special education level of training the owners teach the management to teach the staff. I have been to 30-40 pawn shops, Metal buyers, and estate jewelry stores and have never seen anything like this. When I was in here's what happened; Woman at jewelry counter, large assortment of stuff talking to employee. I am waiting to be helped, never been in before, I ask an employee at one of the pawn windows if they buy jewelry for its value as a "piece" or do they just do "scrap" prices, she says both. I am happy with that answer. I get to the other clerk at jewelry counter, impressively overweight blonde girl who asks what I have. Here it is folks.........The "test" they do for metal purity, they have the jewelry counter people hold your jewelry near a magnet and if the jewelry even quivers they don't accept it. Nobody bothered teaching them that the remainder of metal in jewelry has no standard. When you buy a sterling silver bracelet you get 92.5% of its weightin silver and the remaining 7.5% in a wide range of things, everything from copper to steel. Almost all precious metal is not magnetic in pure form, copper is not either(for most of it), but steel is. Steel is commonly used as a filler in jewelry. Do you know why? Because gold and silver are soft and won't stand up to the lifetime of jewelry wearing so they add a little steel to strengthen it and make it more durable. Jewelry made in different places has a different sort of panache, Italy is usually taken over China or Mexico. My necklace she just turned down, 1970s Italian. I gave her a Milor bracelet to test, Italy and sold on qvc, she turned it down. She got nothing on a pendant I had with rubies and emeralds and sapphires, she offered me $13.76 for the silver content. I asked about the stones, she said they don't pay money for those and usually throw them away. Haha yes. She told me I can pry out the stones if I want to keep them. Run from this place like it's on fire. Run and don't stop. They are preying on people, but You have to give them points for clever. If a jeweler doesn't know about something and is buying from people that don't know everything then you have plausible deniability and when a customer brings it up the manager can blame the ignorance of the employees and discipline them. read more

Well, I went there once just to see what they had. They didn't seem to be very honest. Felt like I was in a den of thieves. Their prices for items were overpriced. I would suggest going elsewhere. read more

This establishment is clean, the people are friendly, helpful-if you need something or have something to let go, forget about eBay-this is the place -ask for Lucciana-she was fantastic-thank you read more

Best Collateral - Pawn Shops Near Me - San Rafael, California

Great service! Amazing stories! Lu Helped me out and kept me laughing the whole time. She is awesome! Bought a pendant for my girlfriend and she gave me a great deal! Will definitely be back! read more

Went to this pawnshop to sell 2 ounces of scrap gold. The guy at the desk only offered me $160! He also asked for my fingerprint and ID which didn't make much sense based on what I wanted to do! On the other hand the lady at the back desk was very grouchy and seemed unaware of customer needs! The only thing good is the store set up! read more

I am beyond impressed with the knowledge and expertise the employees and management have. The first time I came in with a antique diamond to be appraised, I was so blown away. They are really experts at their craft. They are highly trained in gem knowledge and the customer service is incredible! And Lucianna was amazing! read more

Lucianna was very professional and kind to me as I worked at her business. The store was clean and her staff were all great!

Look no further, this is the BEST pawn shop around!!! The staff is friendly and helpful and they make the somewhat duanting task of pawning items easy and stress free! There is also great selection to buy from. Lots of quality (and affordable!) jewelery, electronics, tools etc. I have to give a shout out to Marta, she always goes above and beyond to assist me and my family when we come in. Thanks Marta! read more

This bc has to be the best pawn shop around!! Lu helped me and my friend today. though we are of the younger crowd that didnt bother her unlike most other places. The staff there is also great ! Best place to go for sure !!! read more

Unfortunately this is no longer a place where I feel confident doing business now that it is under new management. Today when I picked up my very delicate and expensive video camera it was unsealed, covered in grimy dust, the battery had been discharged (it was full when I dropped it off), and it had a large dent on the top! It is also missing its original dust protecting cloth pouch which is was in when I dropped the item off. All the professional settings had been altered and the screen is now completely beat up and scratched. The camera has been seriously abused while at this location. I am utterly appalled by this experience at a place that I used to trust and have visited for many years. When I tried to discuss this with the manager on my way out he was rude and actually said that my camera was probably used while it was in their possession to "test" it. What?! They are now "testing" items AFTER they loan money on them? This type of camera has limited "drum" use and after the horrible abuse that it has suffered at this location, has now lost all of its value. This location used to be run by a competent manager and was a safe and friendly place to go, now it is a complete nightmare. read more

I have been a regular customer at this pawn shop for years. I've always had a great experience, fair market value re loans, etc. Well this last experience is been a shocker and (understatement) extremely pissed off. Normally I check my item when I pick it up. Whether it's a laptop, sunglasses, watch, etc. Well the 1st time I didn't check it out (was in a mad rush) I was shocked to find that the following things: The tablet was almost fully charged, still on (at the time of dropping it off the tablet was under 10%) and under developer mode there was a USB debugger mode - device to computer transfer, etc., on. First, I do not use developer mode. Second, the tablet had over 60% battery charge and lastly I noticed a crack on the back of the tablet near the earphone jack. This tablet has a hard shell case and a independent case. I have never dropped it and maintain it excessively. The store manager, Hailey, said if were an ipad they sometimes deal with the cloud then suggested one of my family members might have done the above. Lol. It's my bad not checking it out as I normally do before leaving. Be sure to double check EVERYTHING if you use this establishment. Otherwise never had an issue with them before. read more

Samantha is AMAZING. I was in need of some quick cash and came in to pawn my computer. She was efficient (thank god), knowledgeable, and SUPER friendly. I'll go straight back to her when I need anything!!! read more

Great place to shop for jewelry! Samantha is so helpful and courteous! Would definitely recommend her and this shop!

Best Collateral is not only the best pawn shop in town, it is also the best jewelry and electronics shop in the county. Two years ago I stumbled into their shop in a daze - I needed money for an emergency and my only option was to pawn my brand new MacBook Pro. I had already taken it to another pawn shop (horrible place on 4th st. ) and they had offered me peanuts for it. Distressed, I took a chance on Best Collateral and that's where I met Marta. She eased my fears about pawning my computer, explained the process in detail to me, reassured me that I could come back to get it at anytime, and then offered me four times more than the pawn shop on 4th had! I have been a customer ever since. Not only do I use the pawn service whenever I'm in need of some quick cash, but I also purchase all my electronics and jewelry from Best Collateral. They have incredible gold and platinum diamond pieces - top shelf rings in particular. However, I only like to work with Marta when I shop there - she is very honest, knows what she's talking about, and works hard to give you the best price. My only complaint is that she isn't a manager - she usually seems to know more than her supervisor and is certainly more personable. Otherwise, you really can't complain about a store that sells 60 inch flat screen TVs for $500 and IPads for $200 - if you are a bargain shopper but you don't want to compromise on quality, look no further than Best Collateral - just make sure Marta is working! read more

Very unpleasant experience trying to work with these folks. They are not honest and do everything possible to cheat, lie and steal from you. Stay away and take your business elsewhere. read more