More and more Belgians are using pawnbrokers to make ends meet.
Since the start of the crisis, many households have struggled to meet everyday living expenses. On the Mont-de-Piété side, there is an unusual influx of citizens and an ever-increasing demand for the amounts lent. “Last month alone, we had about 90 new customers. We clearly feel that there is a great need”confides the communication manager of the Mont-de-Piété. “We imagine that, in some cases, it is linked to the increase in the price of energy, the increase in bills or gasoline.”
Indeed, when you go there, you can have your goods appraised for free, then pledge them, and immediately collect between 50 to 70% of the value at public sale of the object.
“Some people come to pawn their object in order to deal with a difficult situation, a complicated end of the month for example, to pay a rental guarantee or simply want to have fun”pour suit Cathy Vaessen. “They come to pick them up as soon as their situation allows.”
Fortunately, there are also many who come to collect their belongings. “In 2021, 97% of people came to collect the items they had pawned.”