BruceLR Loc: Shoreline (Seattle), WA

I'm reporting this so that others may be aware of how the pricing goes, at least in my case. About a week or so ago I sold my T5i to Adorama after shipping the camera to them for a quote. I was told the market value was $300 and that they pay 70%. So, I accepted their offer of $210. Now I see my camera on the used gear list at $399. So, I called them about it and we had a civil conversation. Seems "the computer" tells them what the market value is, whatever that means. Well, they offered to send me an additional $25 which was probably charitable of them but it doesn't assuage my nagging feeling that this is a routine occurrence and that items are probably under quoted to see if you'll take it. Naive me, I assumed that they were honest about the value. Lesson to be learned.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

So this forum is now Dear Abby??

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

No,it's actually a place to troll for a-holes. He found one.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

Avoiding the sheer silliness of this 'rant" (really, why are you whining? Did they hold a gun to your head and force you to accept that amount? Did you check KEH or eBay or elsewhere to see what that model goes for used?) one question that comes to mind is how do you know that the camera they are offering is YOUR camera? Is yours the only used T5i they have in stock?

Adorama and B&H have proven themselves to be highly reputable companies - and KEH, which mostly deals in used gear, is as well. That you have "sellers remorse" is on you.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

That makes two....

Wasn't much of a so called rant. Told us what happened so that we could be aware and look carefully for the best price. Guess the OP should have cleared it with everyone before he posted.....

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'm not sure what you expected, but the reality is, Adorama is in business to make some sort of profit. That camera didn't just jump up on the web site and announce itself for sale.

In addition to investing $210, they probably had to pay technicians to refurbish the camera, and pay someone to photograph it, and someone-perhaps the same person- to enter it into the web site. Then, they need to pay someone to package it and ship it. Then again, someone to take it off the web site.

I'd bet by now were up to the $300. Then they sell if for 30% profit, give or take.
--Bob

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Great reply,Bob! Reality without belittling.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Business is business. I sent them two boxes full of film gear, their offer was very low. I had the gear sent back. I have sold a few pieces for more than their offer for everything. No hard feelings, I still buy from them, but have been buying more from other vendors. Just life!

JD750 Loc: SoCal

You happily accepted their offer, so where is the problem? Did that contract you signed specify the price they were going to ask? No it did not. They are free to sell the camera for whatever they want. That is the way the resale business works. In my mind, they didn't owe you a dime.

And besides, they spent money having it cleaned and tested and certified to be in good condition to meet their quality standard for sale. They have in fact added value to it and are justified in asking a higher price.

And you were certainly able to look on their web site to see what prices they were asking, BEFORE you sold it to them.

If you wanted $399 for it then you should have had it cleaned and certified and put it up for sale yourself for $399.

Yet now even though they offered you Bonney back which you accepted, you seem to imply they somehow wronged you. Sorry, I don't see any issue here.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

We always want "our" stuff to be worth more and when you see the same item or a different camera advertised for more than they give you it makes you feel bad about your choice but a person has to take to the idea that the business that bought your equipment needs to make a profit so they can keep the costs down and pay their employees. If you remember this the next time you sell check all avenues to sell to including ebay and other sites that you may sell your stuff on, use the classifieds on this site you probably would have made a better sale, good luck in the future and hope that you were able to pick up some equipment that you want

thraso

All he did was to share his experience. BruceLR did not ask any questions. Right or not, he shared a story thinking that he could most probably help someone, or vent off, or even provide some "negative advertisement" for Adorama. And that was it. From now on, let's censor everyone here and call it a day!

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

It seems that Adorama is being very fair in this instance. There are a lot of costs in running a business, especially the cost of people to do things. Employees have to be paid, have health insurance and so on.

When buying and selling any used item, it isn't unreasonable to see a minimum of a 50% markup to cover costs and the ability to earn something for your time, and 100% is more common, especially for lower cost items. Anything under about $5,000 is a lower cost item in this context. Have a look at the terms and conditions for major auction houses like Bonhams or Christie's for both buyers and sellers. The house frequently takes a significant percentage of the hammer price and the buyer pays a premium on top of that. It is normal for the seller to receive only 50% to 75% of the amount of money that the buyer actually pays.

Adorama's payment and listing price was very fair. You always had the option of selling privately, doing the work and taking the risk on Craigslist, Ebay or somewhere else. Adorama took that risk for you.

Although you may be surprised, your story shows that Adorama is offering a good and fair business.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

That's why I always sell all my gear myself on Craig's list! If I screw up, it's nobody's fault but my own!!
I'll admit, one day I had a pretty ugly problem.
I had a gorgeous young woman come and threaten that if I didn't give her a great deal she would have her way with me. I told her my price was my price!
Fortunately for her, she had her way with me before I had a chance to call the cops...., and I got my selling price!!! Bless her little heart!!!! :lol:
Everything has a risk.
SS

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

On your meds again, I see! :lol:

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Well, at least the risk was small for her and you received what you were worth! Caveat venditor!