Pawnbroker

The Pawnbroker, sometimes called the "Pawner" or just "Broker", is a variation of a money loaner that is similar to a bank but requires an item as collateral in exchange for a temporary loan.

Career

Qualifications

There are no mandatory qualifications to become pawnbroker.  However, it seems that the successful brokers have a high intelligence and wisdom that allows them to be quick with math, exchange rates, easily convert weight and mass, memorize historical facts, and have a large knowledge base about all manner of worldly items.

Career Progression

Most brokers start out as assistants and apprentices, where they do menial jobs around the shop and gain knowledge as the years progress.  They eventually advance to working behind the counter, selling items to customers before being entrusted enough to loan money and make deals on behalf of the shop.

Perception

Purpose

The purpose of the pawnbroker is to loan money to those individuals who are in need of it, in exchange for an equal amount of money with some added interest.  The broker will hold some item of value to the individual who needs the money as an incentive for them to repay the loan.

Social Status

The citizen's view of this profession is most often affected by the interactions, decisions, and reputation of the pawnbrokers themselves. Some see them as a way for those who are down on their luck to get some fast money to feed their family. Others will view them as a conman willing to make bad deals and take advantage of their customer's desperation or even encourage criminal behavior by purchasing stolen goods. Most however, see them as a place to trade or sell unused items for a little bit of extra money.

Demographics

The number of pawnbroker shops in a particular place is usually based on the size of the settlement and the economic competition between those shops. While a group of small villages may not even have one among them, a large city will undoubtedly have several.

Operations

Tools

The broker uses all manner of measuring devices, weights, scales, balances, loupes, and magnifying glasses, among other items.  These are essential in determining the quality and value of any items brought to the shop.

Provided Services

The pawnbroker offers several services.  The original service is its ability to loan money for a negotiable interest fee and a collateral item.  The time to pay back the loan is predetermined and if it is not paid back, then the broker may sell that item in order to recuperate the owed money, and usually more. 
The broker also offers to outright buy items from customers who no longer want or need them, for a price much less than its resale value.  The shop then in turn offers the items for sale, also at a reduced price.  In this way all parties win and either make some money or get an item for a deal.

Dangers & Hazards

While this profession is generally very safe, there are occasions that may call for caution.  Angry expatrons who didn't pay their loan back on time and lost their valued item and common robbers are always a concern.  Regulations, strategies, and plans for those troublesome encounters are well thought out in advance.

Type

Financial / Trade

Demand

There will always be a demand for this business as long as there are people who are short on money or need quick coin.

Legality

As long as the shop owners are careful, respect the local laws, and pay their taxes, they can remain open, legal, and profitable.