Selling your gear and how does it work for you?

[blb]

Several posts, here and throughout this forum, make is sound very easy to sell unwanted equipment. I'm sure there is a wide range, but how long do you usually have to list an item before it sells (And I'm thinking of current models - for instance - I am trying to sell my NEX 5n.) and do you have the best luck selling here, on craigslist, through ebay, or some other way?

Thanks,
blb

 

[thekeddi]

I have bought and sold on here and ebay Bib, here is good because you know where it will be going.

 

[Country Parson]

I sell more on Amazon than on Ebay, but use both. For me the key is pricing. I price as low as possible within the field of already existing listings. It is also important to keep boxes and all their contents so that they are included in the description. Think of it this way. If, for example, you pay $600 for an item and sell it with a take of $450 (after fees paid etc.). Then suppose you had used the camera or lens for 1-2 months. In effect you paid in this example a rental fee of $150. Depending of course on how long you used it that might be a very reasonable rental cost. I have not sold anything on this site, but have only listed a couple of small m4/3 adapters, nothing expensive.

 

[Penny]

I haven't tried to sell on this site because of the postage from the UK, but I have sold everything I have listed on Amazon UK.
Ok; they do charge a bit but it works for me, and it is a case of getting price right as Dan says, on Amazon you can see what the lowest price listed.
I think people feel a bit more secure buying S/H from them.

 

[BBW]

When I was using micro four thirds cameras, I was very successful at selling on our sister site Mu43. It helped a great deal, of course, that I was very involved on that site and was a "known" entity...as far as I could be known by people who hadn't met me in real life. My point, however, was that because I'd been so involved I believe that my being known worked very much in my favor. I also always priced my items at extremely fair prices. My goal was to sell and not to make money. Very few people are going to by used what they can by new for a few hundred dollars more. In addition, I sold to people in Australia, Spain, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. I don't think I ever sold anything to anyone in the UK. Not sure.

Many people find the site Fred Miranda to be a good place to sell... It's also a good place to check prices. eBay seems to be a good place for many and for local sales Craigslist seems to be good - especially because you can meet, and exchange your camera, etc., for cash.

I hope more people will add their tips. I know that I have been helped in the past by others who are known sellers and I've appreciated their help very much.

 

[ajramirez]

I have had good success selling though eBay, although I have not tried selling anything since 2007. At that time, I sold some Contax G film gear and Canon EF lenses. They all sold very well. You do have to watch for scammers, though.

Antonio

 

[Briar]

I've just listed a few things on Amazon's marketplace. I've only sold a few books there before, this is the first time I've tried selling any of my camera gear. So far the only impact my listing has had is to make the next cheapest seller reduce his price even more so he is now the cheapest .... hmmm, it's a shame he is not listing something I'd want to buy, I could have used that same tactic to get him to reduce the price so I could pocket a bargain! That would be naughty of course!

 

[Andrewteee]

I've sold stuff on Amazon. But for the majority of camera gear I use FredMiranda.com because they seem to get the most traffic for buy and sell, and the folks there are serious, not the flakes you might find on Ebay (which I no longer use). I've also used more specific forums, such as Serious Compacts or Four Thirds forums. If things aren't selling I start to lower the price. I'm usually motivated to sell and willing to accept whatever price is eventually offered. I also always offer to pay for shipping.

One thing that makes it more difficult for me is that I don't accept Paypal, only checks (or cash if local). But things still sell, there is just a smaller set of willing buyers. One of these days I'll start to accept Paypal because my account as a Paypal buyer using a credit card has about reached the limit. Some folks are simply stunned that in this day and age someone won't accept Paypal, but I've never been one to follow the crowd.

Newer items that are popular sell quickly (like the NEX), items further off the beaten path will sell within a couple of weeks.

 

[Penny]

Don't worry Karen that has happened to me; but I have also under priced someone; however mine didn't sell right away but a week later.
Hope you have success too.

 

[Luke]

I have sold quite a bit on the last year through this site, the Mu43 site, Amazon and eBay. I do research completed auctions on eBay and used prices on the forums and Amazon to arrive at a fair price. eBay takes a pretty massive chunk so in general I will only sell there when I get a premium for something that has a more niche audience.

btw, have you listed your 5n yet? Not that I am in the market

 

[BrianS]

I stopped selling on Ebay in 2006 or so. It was not so much a Big Business then. I prefer selling on the camera forums, you get to know the people that you deal with.

 

[BBW]

Yup, it's always good to throw in shipping - and let them know you'll insure it, as well. And, if you do use Paypal - include the fees. The easier it is for the buyer, the happier they'll be.

 

[Isoterica]

I've just listed a few things on Amazon's marketplace. I've only sold a few books there before, this is the first time I've tried selling any of my camera gear. So far the only impact my listing has had is to make the next cheapest seller reduce his price even more so he is now the cheapest .... hmmm, it's a shame he is not listing something I'd want to buy, I could have used that same tactic to get him to reduce the price so I could pocket a bargain! That would be naughty of course!

Sounds like a good tactic to me! Anyway I have been working up to selling things, camera stuff included, on ebay. I've bought but never sold so I am a bit leery about it, worried I will send out a good lens, someone will smash it up or scratch it and try to claim I sold them a lemon. I guess the answer there is to take a LOT of photos before it leaves my house as evidence. It would seem easier to sell on a forum where people know you IF they are interested in what you have. More comforting to seller and buyer. I guess I would suggest something like that and if that doesn't get the sale then moving to the larger sellers like ebay or craigslist.

 

[blb]

I'm in that same boat. If there wasn't such a price difference, I'd be happy to sell or trade in through B&H or something like that, just to minimize the potential hassles.

 

[kyteflyer]

...I've bought but never sold so I am a bit leery about it, worried I will send out a good lens, someone will smash it up or scratch it and try to claim I sold them a lemon. I guess the answer there is to take a LOT of photos before it leaves my house as evidence. ...

These are exactly the concerns I have which is why I have usually sold locally, to people who can come to the house or meet me somewhere, with cash, so they can see what they are getting, and I don't have to fret over whether I'll be dudded, or Australia Post manages to lose or break something. I recently sold my iPad to someone in Canberra and even though I had it go via registered post, and it was insured, until I got the word from the guy that it was all OK, I was a nervous wreck.

Of course, gumtree is a good selling spot, no fees. But an awful lot of ferals who think you must be desperate if you advertise there, and then offer you stupid prices. (Hello? I never said the price was negotiable?) Just had an offer of $75 on an android phone which is already unlocked and firmware upgraded and only 3 months old. No. Thank you.

 

[Isoterica]

I'm in that same boat. If there wasn't such a price difference, I'd be happy to sell or trade in through B&H or something like that, just to minimize the potential hassles.

Well on ebay you would look at sold items to get an idea of your pricing and how the other sellers listed to pique the interest of buyers. If you aren't ready to part with something at lower than what you want out of it, don't yet or leave yourself a "Make an Offer" option. My stuff is like new.. and giving someone something in like new condition, all the boxing and paperwork and getting nothing for it doesn't appeal to me. I mean all they are missing is warranty. Advertising in a forum however might work there because others know you and how you take care of things and might be willing to spend a little more for pristine because they know you're honest. And... maybe if you priced it a little lower, knowing a friend is getting use out of it will satisfy that yearning for 20$ more.

 

[Isoterica]

These are exactly the concerns I have which is why I have usually sold locally, to people who can come to the house or meet me somewhere, with cash, so they can see what they are getting, and I don't have to fret over whether I'll be dudded, or Australia Post manages to lose or break something. I recently sold my iPad to someone in Canberra and even though I had it go via registered post, and it was insured, until I got the word from the guy that it was all OK, I was a nervous wreck.

I did Craigslist for some larger items. childrens play furniture etc. They HAD to come pick those things up. But yes you get the barterers and then they show up and think.. okay I am here.. now I will offer 30 less but they will be so glad someone is here they will accept it! NOPE. I used to put on my craigslist listings that there is absolutely no negotiation on pickup and that payment must be in such and such form or I will not transact. Never had a problem then. They can look and say 'no, I changed my mind' but they can't argue with me.

 

[stillshunter]

I've been a pretty steady seller My motto is forums first. This satiates the guilt associated with parting with kit I should have loved better; as I'd prefer to sell it where those who appreciate the gear - and will look after it as well as I did - get first dibs. On forums I will list at my best price - leaving the postage and fees (e.g., Paypal) separate....as these will change based on where the buyer is and how they prefer to receive a package. I normally give these ads about a week then the guilt inflates and I post on eBay. This is a little trickier as you need to figure in Paypal and eBay fees which inflates the price. But then I work my bottom line plus these costs and add 10% or so, first listing as a BuyItNow (BIN) with "Best Offer" option. I will normally auto-reject any offers below my bottom line + costs. I'll leave this for 7-10 days and the numbers of watchers will determine if I then transition this to an auction. These can be good or bad. I've netted prices well above what I had listed as BIN only a week earlier. Then I have made some pretty drastic losses this way too. It's like playing the poker machines (or 'pokies' here in Australia) really...

But my cardinal rule - is to only despatch goods registered and insured! I invest a little more in my listing on additional photos and providing a comprehensive description and actually even overstating or inflating any faults and making clear that potential buyers must ask questions as returns are not accepted. Apparently this caveat turns some buyers away, but I don't care! I had experiences with two buyers a few years ago, both of which paid about 10% more than I'd expected for an item and then claimed something or other was damaged. The first screwed me out of 20%. Then I found out this is a common tactic - pay more and then pick fault and claim a rebate! The second tried the same thing on and I dug my heels in and said that he would need to take it up with the postal service as this is why I insisted on postal insurance. He lodged a claim with eBay but this fell in my favour as he was as cagey with them as he was with me about claiming damage through the post.

Well this has worked for me....

 

[Isoterica]

Very helpful actually.. your technique. Not sure I will gamble with resetting things to auction but I do insist on insure and delivery receipt. Then if something really IS damaged it's covered and I don't lose the item and the money.

 

[PeterB666]

I use to sell a lot of stuff on eBay but since they changed the rating system so that only negative ratings can be given to sellers, the quality of buyers has fallen away and it is more hassle than it is worth. I still buy stuff off eBay, but eBay is often not the cheapest. I have found that some eBay sellers have their own off-eBay web sites with better prices and ofen still allow payment by PayPal which is quite convenient for overseas transactions.