I have watched this series from its inception so this review is written by someone who has knowledge of the show and hasn't seen just a couple of episodes.
First of all, let me start with Les Gold. Les is, fundamentally, a kindhearted man. He's got a good business head on his shoulders and has been in this business for many, many years. He knows the pawn business, no doubt. What I don't like is now narcissistic he is and the way he treated his longtime employee, Rich, over a minor issue was inexcusable. Rich has been there 25+ years and Les throws him under the bus over some minor mistakes? That's crazy. Good employees are hard to find which brings me to my next issue; Les's children, Seth and Ashley.
I think both Seth and Ashley are extremely immature and both have a ton of growing up to do. Instead of spending all of their time arguing with each other and trying to outdo each other, they should expend that same amount of energy into running the business. Behaving the way they do in front of customers (screaming and swearing at each other) is ludicrous and makes them look like the spoiled rotten brats they are. Seth thinks he can do no wrong and Ashley spends 99% of her 'work' day glaring at people or trying to find a way to start drama with Seth. Grow up already; this is a woman raising two children? Geesh..Family or not, they would not last two seconds in my business. Both of them drive away customers with their nastiness. Ashley clearly has some anger issues and is probably the biggest drama queen on television. She shouldn't have a reality show; she should have her own soap opera! Seth doesn't have enough respect for his dad and the fact that his dad has been in this business for a long time and knows his stuff. All three (Les, Ashley and Seth) need to rise above the drama and not engage people trying to cause trouble. It may make for entertaining television but it does nothing to instill confidence in potential customers. That's only my opinion though. This is a business, not a Broadway stage. They would do well to remember that.
My third issue with this show is the fact that they do not make fair deals. I know; it's a pawn shop but come on....Some of their offers are downright insulting. Personally, I have never had need of a pawn shop but if I ever did, I would probably not choose this one. 9 out of ten times, they do not offer anywhere NEAR what an item is worth. All they do is look on Ebay and see what the item is and how much it's going for..there's a LOT more to researching an item and Ebay is not a reputable source as it is the seller setting the price. Each item should be appraised by a professional prior to bringing it in so you have some idea what you are dealing with and how to haggle..and not to get screwed ;)
My favorite on the show is Rich (although I'm not sure he's still on there). He is one of the only reasons I continued to tune in. He's sharp, funny, cute and knows his stuff..he's easygoing, laid back and brings some real 'reality' to this show that really does nothing more than showcases the decay of Western society.
First of all, let me start with Les Gold. Les is, fundamentally, a kindhearted man. He's got a good business head on his shoulders and has been in this business for many, many years. He knows the pawn business, no doubt. What I don't like is now narcissistic he is and the way he treated his longtime employee, Rich, over a minor issue was inexcusable. Rich has been there 25+ years and Les throws him under the bus over some minor mistakes? That's crazy. Good employees are hard to find which brings me to my next issue; Les's children, Seth and Ashley.
I think both Seth and Ashley are extremely immature and both have a ton of growing up to do. Instead of spending all of their time arguing with each other and trying to outdo each other, they should expend that same amount of energy into running the business. Behaving the way they do in front of customers (screaming and swearing at each other) is ludicrous and makes them look like the spoiled rotten brats they are. Seth thinks he can do no wrong and Ashley spends 99% of her 'work' day glaring at people or trying to find a way to start drama with Seth. Grow up already; this is a woman raising two children? Geesh..Family or not, they would not last two seconds in my business. Both of them drive away customers with their nastiness. Ashley clearly has some anger issues and is probably the biggest drama queen on television. She shouldn't have a reality show; she should have her own soap opera! Seth doesn't have enough respect for his dad and the fact that his dad has been in this business for a long time and knows his stuff. All three (Les, Ashley and Seth) need to rise above the drama and not engage people trying to cause trouble. It may make for entertaining television but it does nothing to instill confidence in potential customers. That's only my opinion though. This is a business, not a Broadway stage. They would do well to remember that.
My third issue with this show is the fact that they do not make fair deals. I know; it's a pawn shop but come on....Some of their offers are downright insulting. Personally, I have never had need of a pawn shop but if I ever did, I would probably not choose this one. 9 out of ten times, they do not offer anywhere NEAR what an item is worth. All they do is look on Ebay and see what the item is and how much it's going for..there's a LOT more to researching an item and Ebay is not a reputable source as it is the seller setting the price. Each item should be appraised by a professional prior to bringing it in so you have some idea what you are dealing with and how to haggle..and not to get screwed ;)
My favorite on the show is Rich (although I'm not sure he's still on there). He is one of the only reasons I continued to tune in. He's sharp, funny, cute and knows his stuff..he's easygoing, laid back and brings some real 'reality' to this show that really does nothing more than showcases the decay of Western society.