Linda S.

I am interested in selling my heavy gear - a Canon 5DM4 and its lenses, camera bags, tripods, etc. I see the prices that BH and Adorama offer to buy and then the prices on the same gear to sell. Yes, I know that they have to cover overhead, profit etc. I thought that selling directly would help me gain a better price.

I have watched YouTube videos and learned the following:
1. if on Ebay, check the purchasers ratings (this one I knew!)

2. video, without any breaks in the video (use your camera phone), the entire process of going to the post office, taking a photo with the camera, and packaging/sealing the box at the post office and bringing the sealed box to the post office worker.

3. get a tracking number, signature required.

4. What else? I could put "all sales final" but that might scare off interested honorable buyers.

Thank you in advance. Linda

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I always say all sales are final. You have sad to say people who will buy it, and try it, and possibly damage it and then return it.Had it happen to me. I have over 1000 transactions on ebay. I avoid Ebay now because of their commissions plus PayPal commissions. My friendly advise, try selling here and if not sell to B&H or Adorama.

Beachhawk

I have bought a lot of stuff on eBay. I always check the seller's reputation (rating) and the location of the item. I don't want to deal with someone I can't trust and I don't want to wait for an item to come from Hong Kong. I also check the shipping charge. I expect the seller to ship the item within in a day to two of payment and to provide a tracking number. I have had very, very few issues and they have been resolved very quickly. It never occurred to me to demand video evidence that an item was shipped. I have never had FEDEX, UPS or the USPS lose an item either shipped to or by me.

bobforman Loc: Anacortes, Washington State

Linda, "All sales final" is a good thing to do. I've always done it and have had no problems. I also sell old Porsche parts on eBay and use that strategy because unscrupulous folks, and there are a lot out there, will try to return other, unworkable parts claiming it was the part the seller sent. I have purchased 3 cameras and as many lenses here on UHH and have never had a regret. Try here at a price between what B&H offers you and what they want for the same item on their web site. Every does better and you know who you're dealing with on this site. Good Luck. Bob

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

I agree with PixelStan, I do not like the commissions for selling on eBay. As for selling anywhere online, I always state the merchandise will be shipped after the payment clears and all sales are final, no returns. I recently did get burned by a seller (within my own state), but thanks to local police and police in his city, was able to recover my money.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I think assessing someones integrity would be difficult unless you know that person personally or at least know their history.
Have you considered selling it on UHH Members Buy/Sell/Trade == Classifieds? https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-6-1.html

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Confirmed payment is usually a strong indicator.

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

Have you tried selling on UHH? I'm a canon guy and might be interested in some of your items.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Linda, you might try getting a quote from MPB. They are very reputable. As has been suggested, sell on UHH. Personally, I would stay away from eBay. I have bought and sold on eBay for years, but it is a crapshoot and expensive these days.

User ID

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You point out the fees and commissions and OP Linda S. should focus on that.

Selling direct WILL get you a better price than what the big retailers will pay but then you lose about half of that dollar improvement to fees etc.

So you still have some remaining dollar difference in your favor but is the amount worth slogging thru the sewer ?

Not to me. YMMV.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

https://www.fredmiranda.com

Great place to buy and sell if you don’t have any luck here. Facebook marketplace can get you local buyers and do cash only in a safe location. Craigslist is a joke anymore and EBay is just too expensive and risky as they will side with the buyer for any reason at all.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Wow! That's quite a list. I have probably 400 transactions on eBay with not a single problem. As for packing the item in front of a postal worker and taking pictures, how would the people on line behind you react to that?

dave.m

I'm not a dealer just a gadget enthusiast and use ebay for buying and selling. In UK ebay+paypal fees total 13% so if p/x with a dealer is a lot less than ebay expection I will px - paraphasing YMVM there can be a lot of hassle using ebay, and there are a moderate number of unscrupulous buyers.

For high value items the huge advantage of a dealer is p/x and forget - no comebacks, complaints, follow up emails, you can trust the dealer a lot better than some anonymous ebay buyer etc etc. Also if same as UK p/x will always get a better price than straight sale. I guess you don't have a local dedicated camera store, but if you do try them for p/x and just tell them can they better this offer from xyz?

If I do decide to use ebay, I take and include good quality photos from every side - for a lens thats 4 front on to cover 360 deg, top and bottom held so I can see light through the lens, and definitely one of the serial number. I also include photo/s of any scuffs or other marks. I clearly state the photos form part of the description and no returns unless incorrectly described. as you can see a fair bit of work but if I expect and then clear enough extra ££$$ or more after fees then probably worth it. (How much extra $$££ depends on individuals of course but for me its a couple of hours work so at least £50.)

I had one buyer complain the lens was not as described as it had lots of marks on it and wanted to return for refund. I emailed back 'if you have more than one lens of this type make sure you check the serial number before returning' - didn't hear another word!!!

If I sell something without a serial number I use a UV pen to sign the item somewhere inconspicuous and photograph that.

probably 99% of the time I've never had a problem, but if I have its been a big issue to resolve and as mentioned previously ebay tend to side with buyers.

So bottom line, again paraphasing YMMV - unless you expect to make a lot more selling privately / via ebay p/x with a reputable dealer, preferably in your area so you can haggle a bit would be my suggestion

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I have sold on Ebay for a long time. Ebay gives the buyer 30 days, do not put all sales final on ebay, it is a turn off and folks will think there is something wrong with your gear.
Take LOTS of images, I believe Ebay gives you the first 10 for free. Describe any flaws with your gear in detail, include photo's of it.
Require Paypal for payment, safe and your protected.
Yes, tracking number and signature required.

Pumble

I've sold tons of things on ebay, Craig'slist and Facebook Marketplace. Cash in your hand is the only way to gauge a buyer. If you're the seller, it's your integrity that's being questioned. Only the tracking number helps assure you've sent something.

Regardless of who buys, you have to ship it. Take Youtube with a grain of salt, everyone's an expert there, you have to take a step back and ask if you'd be moved by some random video done at the Post Office. Who's going to watch it and how long are you going to waste making it? As Jerry mentions, I'd be awfully angry if you were wasting my time packing a box at the PO counter and other people, both customers and PO employees) will not appreciate being recorded in your personal video. In the end, the hassle of all that isn't worth it and you'd be better off selling to BH. You can also try KEH, they give decent prices.

If you're going to include some statement, I wouldn't be too concerned about saying "all sales final", you're not a merchant and it's a one time sale. It's more that there is "No Refund or Return". In addition I'd put- "Equipment is Sold As Is with No Warranties Express or Implied." These shouldn't scare anyone as they will appreciate it's a private sale. They may ask questions about it or ask you to send a jpg of the gear. Your responsiveness and forthcoming nature will demonstrate your integrity.