1. Old South Pawn
Sector: Financial Services / Pawn Shop
Services: Collateral loans, merchandise sales, gold and silver buying, jewelry, power tools, electronics, ATVs, golf carts, coins, gift card purchasing, free appraisals.
Founded: Over 30 years in operation
About: Old South Pawn operates multiple locations in Macon with over 30 years in the pawn business. The company is a 25-year member of the National Pawn Association. Old South Pawn provides collateral loans requiring no credit or background checks, safeguarding items for the duration of the loan. The shops offer free appraisals by experienced staff. Inventory includes jewelry, power tools, game systems, electronics, ATVs, golf carts, and gold and silver coins. The company also purchases gift cards at a fixed percentage. Old South Pawn maintains clean, organized locations and offers a unique promotion of free ice cream between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Staff is bilingual and trained to provide honest, efficient transactions.
Address: Multiple Macon locations
Contact: (478) 788-9291 | https://www.oldsouthpawn.com
Hours: Contact for location hours
2. Pawn Max
Sector: Financial Services / Pawn Shop
Services: Pawn loans, merchandise sales, firearms, electronics, video games, jewelry, music equipment, sports equipment, computer equipment, small appliances.
About: Pawn Max is a full-service Macon pawn shop offering merchandise at a fraction of retail prices while providing confidential cash loans. The company has served thousands of residents in Macon and surrounding counties. Pawn Max advertises the lowest interest rates guaranteed and claims to pay the most for valuables. The store maintains a clean, inviting environment distinguished from typical pawn shops. Inventory includes firearms, electronics, video games, jewelry, musical instruments, sports equipment, computers, and small appliances. Staff is noted for treating customers like family, providing friendly and professional service. The store has earned a 4.8-star rating from customer reviews and was recognized in the 2024 Best of Georgia awards.
Address: 2404 Pio Nono Avenue, Macon, GA 31206
Contact: (478) 781-4600 | https://pawnmaxinc.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday Closed
3. Ocmulgee Pawn and Trading Co.
Sector: Financial Services / Pawn Shop and Antiques
Services: Pawn loans, merchandise sales, firearms, metal detectors, gold and silver jewelry, coins, antiques, estate sale items.
Founded: Over 20 years in operation
About: Ocmulgee Pawn and Trading Co. is a family-owned business in Macon that started as a hobby and grew into a successful pawn and antique operation over more than 20 years. The shop specializes in unique antique items sourced from around the world, including internet finds and estate sales. Beyond typical pawn merchandise, Ocmulgee Pawn carries metal detectors, coins, gold and silver jewelry, and firearms. The family-owned approach emphasizes personal service and knowledge of antique values. The store serves collectors and bargain hunters seeking one-of-a-kind items alongside traditional pawn customers needing short-term loans.
Address: 117 Highway 49, Macon, GA 31211
Contact: https://www.ocmulgeepawnandtrading.com
Hours: Contact for hours
4. Howard’s Pawn and Jewelry
Sector: Financial Services / Pawn Shop and Firearms
Services: Firearms sales and purchases, pawn loans, jewelry sales, tools, musical instruments, collectibles, fingerprinting services for gun purchases, three-week trial on used firearms.
Founded: 2001
About: Howard’s Pawn Jewelry and Firearms has operated in Macon since 2001, specializing in firearms alongside jewelry, tools, and musical instruments. The shop provides a streamlined process for fingerprinting and paperwork required for gun purchases. Used firearms come with a three-week trial period, guaranteed to function properly. Howard’s offers competitive pawn loan rates with flexible payment plans and discounts on larger loans. The store serves as a destination for rare firearms, vintage jewelry, estate pieces, and collectibles. Staff helps customers find deals across various merchandise categories. Howard’s accepts valuables for pawn loans or outright purchase.
Address: 3171 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31204
Contact: (478) 743-5727 | https://howardsguns.com
Hours: Contact for hours
5. Shurlington Jewelry and Pawn
Sector: Financial Services / Pawn Shop
Services: Short-term loans, jewelry sales and purchases, tools, furniture, kitchen appliances, electronics, laptops, desktop computers, video games, gaming consoles, watches.
About: Shurlington Jewelry and Pawn operates on Shurling Drive in Macon, offering pawn loans and merchandise sales to local residents. The store carries a wide range of items including jewelry (rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, engagement rings), electronics (televisions, audio systems, gaming consoles, laptops, tablets), kitchen appliances, tools, and furniture. Inventory varies based on items pawned and purchased. Shurlington Jewelry and Pawn provides cash loans using merchandise as collateral and specializes in large diamonds and Rolex watches. The shop serves customers from Macon and surrounding communities including Byron, Centerville, Gray, and Warner Robins.
Address: 741 Shurling Drive, Macon, GA 31211
Contact: Contact for information
Hours: Contact for hours
About Macon, GA
Macon has a significant pawn shop industry serving residents throughout Bibb County and surrounding areas. Pawn shops in Georgia are regulated under state pawnbroker laws requiring licensing and recordkeeping. Many Macon pawn shops hold Federal Firearms Licenses (FFL) allowing them to sell firearms alongside other merchandise. The pawn industry in Macon ranges from traditional shops offering loans and general merchandise to specialty operations focusing on antiques, jewelry, or firearms. Pawn shops provide an alternative financial service for customers who may not qualify for traditional bank loans, offering short-term secured lending using personal property as collateral. The resale aspect of pawn shops also provides affordable shopping options for electronics, tools, jewelry, and other goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do pawn loans work?
A1: Pawn loans are short-term secured loans using your personal property as collateral. You bring an item to the pawn shop for appraisal, and the shop offers a loan amount based on the item’s value (typically 25-60% of resale value). You receive cash and a pawn ticket. To reclaim your item, you repay the loan plus interest and fees within the agreed period (usually 30-90 days). If you cannot repay, the pawn shop keeps and sells your item with no further obligation to you. No credit check is required.
Q2: What items can I pawn in Macon?
A2: Common items accepted at Macon pawn shops include jewelry (especially gold and diamonds), electronics (TVs, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles), tools (power and hand tools), firearms, musical instruments, watches, coins, and collectibles. Some shops accept vehicles for title pawns. Items must be in working condition and you must prove ownership. High-value items like Rolex watches, designer jewelry, and rare collectibles may receive better loan amounts at specialty shops.
Q3: What do I need to pawn or sell an item?
A3: You need valid government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) and the item you wish to pawn or sell. For firearms, additional documentation and background checks are required. Some shops may require proof of ownership for high-value items. You must be at least 18 years old to pawn or sell items. The pawn shop will record your information and item description as required by Georgia law.
Q4: How much will I get for my item?
A4: Loan amounts depend on the item’s condition, resale value, and market demand. Pawn shops typically offer 25-60% of what they can sell the item for. Gold and jewelry are assessed by weight and purity. Electronics depreciate quickly and may receive lower offers. Getting quotes from multiple shops can help you find the best offer. Shops provide free appraisals with no obligation to accept the loan.
Q5: What happens if I cannot repay my pawn loan?
A5: If you cannot repay within the loan period, you may have options depending on the shop’s policies. Many shops allow you to pay only the interest to extend (renew) the loan for another period. If you do not pay or extend, the shop keeps your item and sells it to recover the loan amount. Unlike other loans, defaulting on a pawn loan does not affect your credit score or result in collections since the item serves as full collateral.