1. Consumers’ average pawn loan increased from $80 in 2008 to $150 in 2011.

2. Since the recession started in 2008, cash-for-gold transactions shot up 35 percent.

3. Pawnbrokers have also reported more visits by small business owners trying to make their payroll.

4. More than half of pawnbrokers say the recession has increased pawn loans, but significantly hurt sales. Some pawnbrokers report up to a 15 percent decline on their retail side.

5. Almost 80 percent of customers are taking out a pawn shop loan more than two times a year.

6. And almost half of pawnbrokers reported an 8 percent increase in loan defaults in 2009.

7. But 85 percent of those who take out the loans still pay them back.

8. 82 percent of pawn shop visitors have a high school diploma.

9. The average customer has an income of $29,000 and is 36.

10. Only 33 percent of customers own their own home—77 percent rent.

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