[on2wheels52]

"my old man was the pawn shop connoisseur.......He's bought some really nice items from pawn shops for dirt cheap."
That's what it's all about on the 'retail' end of the business. If it's not a good deal you might as well buy it new.
The other problem is getting buyers (people with money in their pocket; there's no shortage of the other kind) inside the store. I'll often make a newbie a killer deal on something in hopes they'll tell their buddies about it. Or at least come back on their own.
I hope your dad wouldn't be dissappointed to find no coding on my items, the only things with even a price tag are my long guns. The guy I bought out used 'bankruptcy' as his code word but I didn't see much value in such a system. If you're interested in something you're forced to engage me in conversation to find out a price. There are some dis-advantages to this method also but it has been working for me.
Sorry I can't contribute directly to the topic, we don't have network tv at home. Perhaps someone could send me a recording?
Jim