Selling camera gear
Mar 19, 2020 15:03:45 #
cboysen
Loc: Homewood, IL
Recently I opted to sell my Nikon gear to one of the big New York camera stores. I sent in a list of my gear and received a preliminary estimate of $XYZ.00. I sent everything in and after 2 weeks I received a check for $XYZ.00. I was upset that apparently no second estimate had been done because my gear was brand new, unused, and spotless. When I wrote and asked why the preliminary and final amounts were the same, they wrote back that that was the way they did business, or words to that effect, and that I could take it or leave it. Painfully I agreed to take it, rather than go through the whole process with another company or two or three. My question: has anyone else gone through a similar experience?
Mar 19, 2020 15:08:55 #
They paid you what the estimate said? You thought they would pay you more? Doesn't work that way. You accepted the offer.
Did you list your equipment as "New", if so that was their top price. Remember they have to make a profit.
Did you list your equipment as "New", if so that was their top price. Remember they have to make a profit.
Mar 19, 2020 15:14:26 #
Should you need to sell gear in the future, I had great luck selling here to UHH members. I sold everything that I listed, and was very happy with the amounts I got.
Mar 19, 2020 16:18:44 #
mcmama wrote:
Should you need to sell gear in the future, I had great luck selling here to UHH members. I sold everything that I listed, and was very happy with the amounts I got.
Same here!
Mar 19, 2020 17:35:20 #
The easiest way to make money as a photographer is to sell your equipment.
Mar 19, 2020 17:51:38 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
The easiest way to make money as a photographer is to sell your equipment.
Obviously the OP didn't make money. He said his gear is brand new, unused and I don't think he sold them for more what he paid for so there was no money to make. I do make some money selling equipment but it's sure not easy. Gotta go estate sales every week and then listing on Ebay.
Mar 19, 2020 20:29:57 #
mcmama wrote:
Should you need to sell gear in the future, I had great luck selling here to UHH members. I sold everything that I listed, and was very happy with the amounts I got.
👍👍 Exactly.
Mar 20, 2020 05:35:41 #
I have had this experience dealing with a NYC used equipment operation, and learned this lesson as well. I have also done a fair amount if buying and selling on eBay, frequently coming out ahead but not always. I console myself that the difference between price paid and amount received when sold should just be considered the rental cost of owning the item for X amount of time.
Mar 20, 2020 06:25:15 #
cboysen wrote:
Recently I opted to sell my Nikon gear to one of t... (show quote)
I really hate to say this, but your New equipment is no longer new once you take delivery , and you are not going to get near what you paid for from a retailer. Once an estimate is given about the only way it can go is down.
Try reselling a brand new car to a dealer!!
Mar 20, 2020 06:27:45 #
cboysen wrote:
Recently I opted to sell my Nikon gear to one of t... (show quote)
What did they do wrong that you should have done right????
Mar 20, 2020 06:38:47 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
cboysen wrote:
Recently I opted to sell my Nikon gear to one of t... (show quote)
Did they say ahead of time they would reassess the value of your equipment once they got it?
I sell all of my stuff on line, I get on average 50-80% more by selling it myself. My mama taught me to maximize my income and minimize my losses. Good advice from a depression era mom.
Mar 20, 2020 07:04:05 #
cboysen wrote:
Recently I opted to sell my Nikon gear to one of t... (show quote)
Often it depends on which side of the fence you're on. When we don't use something we've bought very much we tend to perceive it as new but when we're on the other side of the fence it is perceived as used no matter how little use it has on it. The photography industry typically buys your pre-owned gear for 1/4 of the new price maybe will kick in a little extra if it's extra clean but more typically they'll take away from that if it's a little bit dirty or has a scratch or two on it. They will then turn right around and sell it right back to you for 1/2 the new price or much more if it's real clean and shows low or almost no use. Some places don't use that formula but many do. You'll do much better usually by selling yourself to someone interested in using it rather than turning a profit with it. Sorry you "got burned." It happens. Pity.
Mar 20, 2020 07:23:26 #
Yes, and keep in mind that the dealer can also use his money to buy new gear at his wholesale prices. If you want the most money out of used equipment you have to do the work and sell it yourself...
Manglesphoto wrote:
I really hate to say this, but your New equipment is no longer new once you take delivery , and you are not going to get near what you paid for from a retailer. Once an estimate is given about the only way it can go is down.
Try reselling a brand new car to a dealer!!
Try reselling a brand new car to a dealer!!
Mar 20, 2020 07:30:53 #
cboysen wrote:
Recently I opted to sell my Nikon gear to one of t... (show quote)
Just like you would not expect to pay market price for gear purchased from a private seller, you should not expect to get market price when selling to a store that must offer a warranty - even if it is money back in 14 days - support staff, overhead and still make a profit. They gave you what you agreed to. At least they didn't take money off for mileage. You have sold a vehicle in the past - you never get what the car is "worth" but you may get close to what the market value is as listed in NADA and Kelly Blue Book based on who you sell it to.
If you want more money, next time sell it privately. Fred Miranda has been particularly good for selling and purchasing camera gear - fast, clean transactions, So far no disappointments.
Mar 20, 2020 07:52:11 #
They based their offer on your description of the kit. Had it turned out not to be in the condition described no doubt they would then have offered less. No one forced you to accept their original offer. The forces of supply and demand apply and they're in it to make a profit on the resale and cover their overheads. Accept your lot and move on!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.