Opusx300

Wasn’t sure if I should post this in this section or “For Sale” section but could use some help. I am in a situation where I may need to sell my camera and lens which I love dearly and are in great condition. How do I go about accurately assessing the right asking price? Just for the heck of it I went out to one of the known retailers to get a quote and it was, as expected ridiculously low. I know that’s because they resell so again just did it to do it. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

Look for sale prices from the dealers that you got Buy prices from. Also check sold prices on eBay.
You won’t get as much as the dealers are charging but you will have an idea of what your equip is worth.
Also check on here. There has been a lot of equip sold here.....good luck.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Check to see what your gear is selling for on ebay, MPB, KEH, etc. You will most always get a quote less than what you want? Cameras depreciate just like cars do. Once, you discover the price ranges, low and high, you can set a price. And see what happens. Yes, the seller has to make a profit on your gear. Good luck.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Look at Ebay sold prices. That is what your camera is worth on the market.

CCChuckles Loc: Michigan

It can be like new in perfect shape and you will still take a big loss.....use Ebay, list higher than you expect to get and show Make an Offer.....Works every time....What is it and how much do you want, I will give you an honest opinion......

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I used completed successful sales on eBay to help set my asking price, then get a quote from KEH (usually low imho), the MPB (better). I’ll also check KEH and MPB selling prices plus Craigslist and FredMiranda. If there’s a wide disparity between my want and the going demand price, I have to make a choice, and usually I sell to MPB. If you notice I don’t include B&H or Adorama... there’s a reason for that.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Opusx300 why are you asking this question?
I've already had experience in trying to sell on UHH in October 2017.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-492420-1.html

"...I went out to one of the known retailers to get a quote and it was, as expected ridiculously low..."
This has not be my experience in selling a lens to B&H's Used Department. They were highly competitive to the other major players in the mix. They also provide shipping with insurance... a relatively quick response and they have always agreed with my assessment of the Lens condition. I can not say that about some of the other major dealers...

btw, I would never try and sell a previously own professional body... I purchase my kit very carefully (all pro bodies are refurbs from Nikon USA) and I keep my kit... or pass it on to other members of my team. I'm still using my Nikon D3x and D3 on a regular bases commercially...

Camera lens are quite a different animal... Professional glass holds it's value extremely well. I've sold lens that were no longer germane to my client mix's needs. And reinvested in more appropriate glass. Many of my lens are circa the late 1980's and 1900's when Nikon was cash rich and had some of the best craftspeople in their employ... I also prefer older screw-driver optics that don't have in lens motors to fail (the epic AF 80-200mm f/2.8S is a prime example) No parts available and that Silent Wave motor which is well known to fail. I also avoid VR lens... Had to pay Nikon USA Support $570 to refurbish my AF-S 200-400mmm f/4 IF ED VR (they had to replace the entire VR assembly) albeit it has worked flawlessly for over six years now since they rebuilt it.

Nope cameras are pretty much disposable now... watch the used price on mirrorless fall as vendors release new "better" models every year... lol

Final thoughts Opusx300: If you want to compete in the market on Used Camera's you may want to offer a 30 day no questions asked free return and a 90 to 365 day warranty... Hope this helps you get your head around what it takes to obtain top dollar in this shrinking market...

Wishing you all the best Opusx300

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

I usually get a quote from B&H and then see what they or Adorama is selling the same item for used. I then set my price halfway between those two prices since I don't offer a warranty as they do.

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

Check KEH, Adorama, B&H and EBay. As has been mentioned, the buyer has to make a profit.

Opusx300

Thank you for your response. Duh, I should have thought about that... I think my head is still clogged from my recent flu.

Opusx300

Thank you for your suggestion.

Opusx300

Thank you

Opusx300

Thank you to all of you for your responses. They all make perfect sense.

gsmith051 Loc: Fairfield Glade, TN

I use KEH as the standard because their method of rating is pretty good and fair considering they have to make a profit. Sold four cameras and lenses through them over the years. At least it is worth a check for you.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Best bet is to look on eBay. Search for your particular camera model, then check the "sold" filter (in the column on the left) to see only the actual selling prices. This will usually find a list of the cameras at a range of prices. You'll have to inspect each sale individually to see the condition, what's included in the sale adding value, other costs such as shipping, terms of the sale, etc. For example "free shipping" auctions might see a higher selling price than those charging for shipping. An item where working condition is unknown will bring less than one that the seller vouches for and offers to take a return if not as described. It's pretty silly, but cameras and lenses sold with the original box tend to bring a higher price!

Repeat the process for your specific lens and any other accessories.

If it's a relatively standard "kit" lens or a popular one, you might find camera/lens combos that are the same as yours.... but only use those as a guide if they are truly identical to your particular combo.

Also limit to relatively recent sales. "Depreciation happens"! But values can change quickly, particularly when a new model has just been introduced.

Compile a list of the selling prices and determine an average selling price. You might want to not include the highest and lowest priced "oddballs"... Unusually high and low sales do happen sometimes.

Large retailer asking prices (KEH.com, Adorama and B&H used dept., etc.) aren't necessarily the best guide. They usually include a seller provided warranty of 60 or 90 days, while most direct, private party sales have no warranty. Retailers also track values very closely and tend to ask "top dollar" (and always have to pay substantially less to buy used gear, in order to make a profit).