Q: Are the main cast members of expert pawn shop as knowledgeable as they are portrayed? I’ve noticed that they often go into lengthy monologues about the historical significance of obscure items. Are they doing this on their own, or do the producers have researchers feeding them this information?

A: Pawn shops lend money on items based on the item’s resale value. You have a short amount of time to pay back the loan (typically about 30-60 days), or lose your property to the shop. Interest rates vary from state to state, but average 10% a month. There are also storage and insurance fees.

The Harrisons and Chumlee are the main staff, but they bring in professional specialists as needed to help evaluate an item’s authenticity or value. These outside experts are usually compensated by the Harrisons or the show’s producers for their appearances. They also have to sign non disclosure agreements and work with the Harrisons to set up scenes.