Murphy's Pawn and Loan

This was a News Paper Ad that ran in 2006.
The business of a local pawnshop
By Michael L. Whiteley/Business Editor
Article Launched:10/26/2006 12:00:00 AM

Murphy's Pawn and Loan has long served the Southside of Oroville under the ownership of Charles and Linda Murphy, who have recently sold the business to their daughter Cindy Jo.

Most people have likely seen a pawnshop at one time or another, but many may not know just how a pawn and loan works. According to Linda Murphy, who will be staying on with the local shop

The way the system works is relatively simple.
Basically, people bring times in as a form of collateral that they loan to the shop in exchange for money. Most loans are for around $50 or less and are able to be paid back within a time frame for four months and ten days. The loan interest rates are set by state authorities and are based upon a sliding scale of how much money is loaned to the person placing the item with the pawnbroker.
Some may be concerned about purchasing items left in excess of the time frame for fear that they may have originally been stolen goods. However, according to the Murphy's each item that is brought in to the shop is registered so if the police determine that an item is stolen the good/s can be returned to the original owner, who may accompany the police to the shop to verify the ownership.

The Murphy's said that the best way that citizens can protect their interests in property is by keeping records of serial numbers, which are the best way to guarantee the items will register on the database that pawn shops since with law enforcement authorities. Other ways people can protect their goods and ensure that the items will find their way back to the rightful owners is to keep detailed digital photos of the items together with descriptions of their unique characteristics. This is especially important with regards to goods having no serial numbers, such as jewelry.
"It's important for people to keep track of their serial numbers to be able to make the computer match up the owner with the items. That's how things are matched most of the time. Good descriptions and pictures are also very helpful," said Linda. (the another place to store your pic, descriptions and serial numbers is on a flash drive that is stored off premises)

Most goods (approximately 87 percent) are, the Murphy's said, picked back up in the time frame. All other items left become the property of the shop and are placed on the showroom floor to be sold at reasonable rates.

Talking about how the business first got started, Linda said, "We have been in the business for 25 years, starting as a pawn broker in the Oakland area. First we bought and sold at flea markets, but my sister who was in the business said it was a good one and suggested we get into it."
When they brought the business to Oroville it was originally a feed store/pawn shop for a time. The feed store was eventually supplanted by the pawn. "We had all kinds of animals here. It was a blast, but it was a lot of work," Linda said.
Describing the business as "neighbors helping neighbors," Linda went on to say, "We're here for the people who need a little cash from paycheck to paycheck. That's one of the most important things. And, our daughter Cindy who is taking it over has been working in the business with her aunt Marge since she was 13. We like to call her our pawn shop baby."
The Murphy's have a large family including nine children: Earl Miller, Destry Gegg, Rhonda Gegg, John Gegg, Cindy Jo Banse, Charles Gegg, Toby Gegg, Charles Murphy Jr., and William Miller. They also have grandchildren and great grandchildren. "It's wonderful to have such a big family. I always wanted enough kids to have a baseball team and I think I made it. The weekends are super and so are the holidays, because everyone shows up," Linda said.
Reflecting on all of the years in the pawn business, Linda said, "It's been fantastic. The people have been good to us and we hope we have been able to help them too. It's been fun."
Murphy's Pawn and Loan is located at 3616 Myers St, near Elgin Street. Hours of operation are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; the business is closed on Sundays. For more information, call: (530) 533-4123.