Where do you sell your gears?

[tecboy]

I thinking about selling my gears to KEH. Any thought?

 

[sscarmack]

BH, ebay, craigslist, word of mouth...Ummmmm. Adorama? Ummmmm.

 

[robbins.photo]

Well, I've never sold anything to KEH but certainly wouldn't hurt to get an estimate and compare it to what you think you might be able to sell it for yourself. I don't sell much anymore but for myself I didn't really like selling on craigslist, it was a lot of hassle for the most part and a lot of the folks you deal with want to prove they are master hagglers, etc. I try to set a fair price based on market value right off the bat, and while sometimes I am willing to come down a little I would never be willing to sell it at 1/2 market value, and that's where a lot of these guys want to start. As a result I kind of got turned off trying to sell stuff on craigslist, it was usually just more hassle than it was worth.

 

[TWright33]

I didn't know KEH bought gears?

 

[Overread18 6]

Any shop that buys your kit will never pay you its full second hand market value. You'll get less because the shop is just buying stock; so they've got to turn around and sell it themselves and for profit. Now what a shop does offer is a fast, simple, easy and safe way to trade.

In contrast if you use forums, ebay, local camera club sales and craigslist you've got to hunt for the sale yourself. You CAN get more money from the sale because you're doing it direct, but you've got to put in the effort to find it in the first place. This can take time so it can take longer to sell.


There are also some risks, although you you play it safe you can generally avoid problems or at least be protected. Good methods include:

1) Trade with known individuals on the medium you're trading on - forum members who've been around for a while and who are active; people with a good trading history on ebay.

2) Avoid possible problems; people with little to no site history; people who want to do odd things like ship to a different place than is registered on their account/card; people who want to pay you WAY more than what you're clearly advertising for the item; etc....

3) If on Craigslist or meeting up from a forum to trade always meet during daylight hours in a public place. A cafe or restaurant is a good option; parks are not so good and anywhere private or down backroads or way out in the countryside is risky.

4) When posting use protected postal methods. Sure it will cost more, but if you get recorded postage and delivery you've got a clear papertrail to show that you kept your end of the deal.

5) When paying use protected methods - ensure that you or the other party pays the 3% extra on paypal with a business trade; don't use Western Union or direct bank transfers.

6) Keep up good communication - esp if its taking a little while to get things sorted. Most people are patient, but they grow quickly less so if they are left in the dark.

7) Good clear descriptions and ideally photos - point out any damage, wear and tear or problems. You want the buyer fully informed on what they are purchasing with no surprises. Its easier for you in the long run rather than dealing with hte fallout.

8) Remember you don't have to trade with anyone; if you get bad vibes or feeling during the trade just make your excuses and walk away from the deal.

 

[hamlet]

I just give my stuff away to family and friends actually.

 

[runnah]

I go to Bob's Gear, Sprocket & Cog Emporium.

 

[TheFantasticG]

I've recently sold some of my gears through Facebook and forums. I link back to my eBay account for reference though to show I have a good record for buying/selling.

 

[minicoop1985]

I just give my stuff away to family and friends actually.

I did this with my Olympus. Stuff I restore, though, hits the Bay of E.

KEH is great and all, but again, they're going to try to resell at a profit, so you won't get much. Same with B&H, Adorama, etc.

 

[Dao]

I sold my unwant gears mainly on craigslist. Sold some on ebay in the past, but I usually try craigslist first. I sold a Nikon flash here one time and contact with the buyer once via ebay so that he can confirm my ebay ratings.

 

[konijntjesbroek]

I just give my stuff away to family and friends actually.

I do the same with photo stuff and guitars. I have 8 nephews and nieces. Corrupt them as much as I can artistically.

 

[vintagesnaps]

KEH seems to have a solid procedure, you can get an online estimate, then send it in for them to actually see it and give you a price. I think you still can accept or decline and they'll return it if you don't accept their price. I've bought used from them and from Adorama, they're both reputable.

With something like Craigslist if it doesn't work out, you're probably on your own; on ebay you might not have any problems but if a buyer doesn't pay then you have to deal with that then relist etc. If you're selling it where you're handling it more or less on your own, there could be some risks so check into it thoroughly and be careful in your dealings.

I think it's a matter of if you want to deal with any potential problems, or if you'd rather be possibly getting somewhat less but deal with a business.

 

[480sparky42 41]

Who in their right mind would get rid of stuff? I thought you're supposed to keep everything 'coz the one with the most wins.