PawnSmarts works anywhere there's a browser. Configure it for your state's record-keeping and pawn-ticket rules and run loans, retail and inventory from one screen.
Australian pawn shop software is a point-of-sale and management system configured for the "Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers" rules that apply in each Australian state and territory, recording every transaction, capturing the required customer and item details, and generating compliant pawn tickets. Because licensing and record-keeping requirements differ between jurisdictions, the software has to be configurable rather than tied to one fixed legal template. PawnSmarts is web-based, so it runs in any browser on any device, and its ticket templates and record fields can be set up to capture the records and print the pawn tickets your state or territory requires.
Pawn shops in Australia operate under regulatory frameworks that vary between states and territories, primarily the various "Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers" Acts. The landscape includes mandatory licensing, detailed record-keeping, identification verification, and specific rules for pawn loans — all of which the right software helps you manage.
Licensing and registration require pawnbrokers to hold licenses issued by relevant authorities such as Service NSW, Consumer Affairs Victoria or the Office of Fair Trading Queensland. Applicants typically must pass a "fit and proper person" test, which can include criminal-history checks and confirmation the applicant is not an undischarged bankrupt, and must operate from authorised premises with license details displayed. PawnSmarts helps you maintain and track the records that support these obligations.
The most demanding part of running an Australian pawn shop is the record-keeping. Pawnbrokers must keep detailed records of every transaction — whether goods are pawned, bought or sold — including comprehensive descriptions of goods (make, model, serial numbers, distinguishing features), transaction dates, customer information (full name, residential address, date of birth), identity verification, loan amounts and interest rates. PawnSmarts captures this automatically so your records are complete, accurate and ready for inspection or electronic transmission to police within the required timeframe (often within a few days) — a key measure for tracking stolen goods.
The pawn loan process itself is heavily regulated. Pawnbrokers must issue pawn tickets detailing the goods description, loan amount, interest rate (as both a percentage and a dollar amount), additional charges, loan period, redemption period, and the pawner's rights and responsibilities. Fee rules differ by jurisdiction. PawnSmarts generates compliant pawn tickets and helps you manage redemption periods, loan extensions and the handling of unredeemed goods.
When goods remain unredeemed after the loan period, pawnbrokers must follow specific procedures. Items are generally sold for the "best price reasonably obtainable," and it's typically illegal for pawnbrokers to buy their own unredeemed goods. Where items sell for more than the loan amount plus charges and reasonable selling costs, any surplus above a set threshold is usually returned to the pawner, who generally has a defined period to claim it. PawnSmarts tracks these requirements and helps you manage the full process from initial pawn to final sale or redemption.
Australian pawnbrokers also have obligations regarding potentially stolen goods. They must notify police if they suspect items are stolen, and many states require holding second-hand goods for a minimum period before selling, giving police time to identify and recover stolen property. PawnSmarts includes features to flag suspicious items, track holding periods, and document communications with authorities.
Consumer protection matters too. While the National Credit Code typically doesn't apply to standard pawnbroking loans, the general provisions of the Australian Consumer Law — covering misleading or deceptive conduct, unconscionable conduct and consumer guarantees — generally apply, and consumers can seek help from state consumer-affairs bodies or tribunals. PawnSmarts helps you keep transparent practices and thorough documentation to protect both your business and your customers.
PawnSmarts is A$/US$89 per month for the Essential plan or $129/month for Professional — month to month, no contract, no setup fee. Prefer to own it outright? Professional is also available as a one-time purchase for $2,995. If you run your card processing through us, the software is free. Data migration is a one-time $295 and you're live in under 24 hours.
Essential includes pawn tickets, retail POS, OFAC compliance checks, inventory with cost basis and margin, customer records with ID scan and photo, reports and daily close, barcode scanning, built-in AI help on every screen, Training Mode, and offline operation that auto-syncs. Professional adds automatic SMS & email reminders with secure online payment links, advanced analytics, multi-location, staff roles with PIN lock, layaway and custom ticket templates.
Captures the customer and item detail your jurisdiction requires, ready for police reporting.
Configurable ticket templates with the loan, interest and redemption details laid out correctly.
Scan or record ID details and keep verification on file with each transaction.
Manage redemption periods, extensions and unredeemed-goods workflows automatically.
Flag suspicious items, enforce holding periods and document police communications.
Any browser, any device — works offline and auto-syncs. Nothing to install.
Read more about what pawn shop software does or compare PawnSmarts to other pawn software. Questions about Australian configuration? Email [email protected] or call 800-710-6184.
Yes. Australian pawnbrokers must hold licenses issued by relevant state or territory authorities — such as Service NSW, Consumer Affairs Victoria, or the Office of Fair Trading Queensland. Applicants must pass a "fit and proper person" test that can include criminal-history checks and must operate from authorised premises with license details conspicuously displayed.
Australian pawnbrokers must keep detailed records of every transaction, including a comprehensive description of the goods (make, model, serial numbers, distinguishing features), the transaction date, customer full name, residential address and date of birth, identity verification, the loan amount and interest rate. Records must typically be available for electronic transmission to police within a few days of the transaction.
When goods remain unredeemed after the loan period, Australian pawnbrokers must sell them for the "best price reasonably obtainable" — and it is generally illegal for pawnbrokers to purchase their own unredeemed goods. Where the sale price exceeds the loan amount plus charges and reasonable selling costs, any surplus above a set threshold must typically be returned to the pawner, who has a defined period to claim it.
Yes. While PawnSmarts ships pre-configured for 48 US states, its ticket templates and record fields can be set up for any Australian state or territory's requirements. Contact [email protected] with your jurisdiction's rules and the team will help configure the software for your specific compliance obligations.
PawnSmarts is $89 per month for the Essential plan or $129 per month for Professional, month to month with no contract or setup fee. It is also available as a one-time $2,995 purchase, or free when you run card processing through PawnSmarts, with one-time data migration at $295 and go-live in under 24 hours.
Open the live demo and click around. If it looks right, sign up and we'll move your data.
Questions? [email protected] · 800-710-6184