Name: Stephen St. Laurent
Stephen's family owns Cash For Gold, and Stephen mans the Manchester Street location.
How did you get into the gold business?
My family has been involved for more than 33 years, and everyone in the family has done things previously like work in a bank or a restaurant or with cars, so we've all dealt with customers and people. We all have experience and know how to connect with people. We all just slowly became part of the business over time.
What is the most common item brought into the store?
Jewelry is the most common thing. Of anything, a class ring is probably the most popular, because they have a lot of value and everyone seems to buy them and never wear them.
What are some of the most unique items people have brought in?
There's been a lot of neat and different things. I've seen things that I don't even know what they are, really. There are a lot of phenomenal different coins that are rare that I know about but have never seen. But every day there are bizarre things that you see and don't know what they are. It's mostly jewelry, and you feel like asking (the customer) what it is and really, where'd you find it?
What do you do with the items once you purchase them?
It depends on the item. Certain things are sold, some are scrapped. It all depends on the item itself and what exactly it is.
Why should people trade their gold for cash right now?
The value is high, especially compared to where it's been in the past. But everyone can go through that old jewelry box and can honestly say, “I don't wear that” or “That thing is broken.” And it could cost you more to fix it than the item is worth to begin with, so why not turn around and sell it? If you don't know what you have, bring it in, because it's always good to find out. We always tell people what items are worth regardless if they want to sell it or not.
Do you have any common items you turn down?
It doesn't matter if it's $1, if there's value there, we will always buy it. The only time we can't buy something is if it's plated or not real.
Have you ever had any stolen items brought in? Can you tell if an item is stolen?
In this business, if you buy something stolen, it's a loss to you. And we don't want to keep those items, anyway; we want them back to the original owner. So you try your hardest to comply with anything you can. And you learn new tips and tricks to mitigate that risk the longer you're in the business.
If I worked at a place collecting gold, I'd look like a pirate. Do you wear any jewelry?
I don't, actually. The only thing I really wear are wristbands to support different causes or charities, that sort of thing.
Ever get into any prospecting or alchemy?
No. I've watched some of it on TV, but it's a lot of work. I do have a metal detector, and like everyone else I've dreamed of going out and trying to strike it rich, but it never happened. Prospecting or something like that would have to be an entire business all on its own.
Hidden talent?
Ever since I was in high school, I've been a really big gearhead. I love cars, motors, stuff like that, so I always have a project car to work on and I always have friend's cars to work on.
Guilty pleasure?
Golf. I don't shoot the best number, but it's an escape, something to do and have fun with.
