As in any jungle, there are predators and prey. You could quickly find yourself on the dinner menu when buying used photography equipment online – and what the predators would be devouring is your money. The Internet, as a commercial marketplace, is like any marketplace: Most of the time it works well and everyone receives value for his or her sale or purchase. Considering the Internet may be the most open marketplace in the world, there are also thieves and a few despicable individuals, and even companies, lurking in the shadows to pounce and separate you from your money.
Despite these dangers, buying used photography equipment – and buying it online – is often a wise decision.
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- You’re excited about becoming a photographer, but you are concerned about spending hundreds, even thousands, on new equipment. This is when buying used equipment is a good idea for your initial photography learning experience. Even if your interest is short-lived, you can sell used equipment and recoup a larger percentage of what you originally spent than if you bought new equipment.
- Let’s say you are a photographer, shooting with a DSLR, but you are attracted to a photography genre, such as macro, that requires a specific kind of lens. Again, buying used allows you to determine your level of interest in macro photography without a large investment.
- A huge number of photographers, including you, may still be using older cameras and other equipment, but manufacturers are often quick to discontinue lenses and other accessories simply as a sales, marketing or business decision, not because the equipment is outdated. You are likely to find these items online, as either new or used.
- You’re excited about becoming a photographer, but you are concerned about spending hundreds, even thousands, on new equipment. This is when buying used equipment is a good idea for your initial photography learning experience. Even if your interest is short-lived, you can sell used equipment and recoup a larger percentage of what you originally spent than if you bought new equipment.
When buying used photography equipment online, you may consider searching sites such as Craigslist, eBay and Etsy, where you could find good equipment at reasonable prices. The problem, however, is that the sellers are typically individuals and you can’t actually know if they are being honest and that the equipment they are selling is worth their prices.
If you do decide to look for equipment online from such sites and individual sellers, then here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
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- If the seller describes the equipment as requiring some repairs, then check with an independent repair business that they are fixable repairs and parts are available.
- Ask the seller whether the camera or other equipment works correctly. If he or she hasn't used it recently, then ask him or her to use the continuous shooting mode on a camera to determine if the shutter is capable of operating quickly; look inside the lens for scratches, etc.
- If the seller describes the equipment as requiring some repairs, then check with an independent repair business that they are fixable repairs and parts are available.
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- Request a series of photos of the equipment, including exterior and interior close-ups. When you receive them, look for any new parts; marks, scratches and dings; or any makeshift, jerry-rigged repairs.
- Ask the seller to take some pictures with a camera and/or lens under different lighting conditions and send you the photos, as another method to determining the operational quality of the equipment.
- Ask the seller for any repair records and how they have used the equipment. If the seller is an amateur who lost interest in photography, then the equipment is apt to have plenty of remaining life. Used equipment from a professional may be near the end of its life or was used in rugged outdoor environments.
- Request a series of photos of the equipment, including exterior and interior close-ups. When you receive them, look for any new parts; marks, scratches and dings; or any makeshift, jerry-rigged repairs.
The other online source for used/refurbished photography equipment, and typically the best choice, is a reputable used equipment company, such as UsedPhotoPro.com, a service of Roberts Camera. How do you know if an online used equipment company is reputable? Longevity and reputation is a good place to start. Roberts Camera is still owned by the same family that started the business during 1957 in Indianapolis. You must have many happy, satisfied customers to operate a business for that many years.
Another important factor when choosing to buy from an online used photo equipment company is an excellent rating system, so you know the current condition of any equipment. UsedPhotoPro.com’s rating system includes Mint, which is 97% to 99% of the original condition; Excellent, 90–96%; Very Good, 80–89%; Good, 70–79%; Fair, very rough looking; and Inoperable, sold as is.
Maybe, of even greater importance is an outstanding warranty. UsedPhotoPro.com has a 14-day, hassle-free return policy and a 6-month warranty on all purchased equipment, except for those rated Fair or Inoperable.
If you’re selling equipment, then the people at UsedPhotoPro.com are happy to provide you with a free online quote.
Of course, there is much more to learn about UsedPhotoPro.com and why it is your best choice for used photography equipment. You won’t believe the selection – and the prices.
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