Selling/Trading Equipment to Stores

[HDNitehawk]

Denise

Discount stores on line are going to have to pay discount prices to make any money off used. They have massive buying power, that is true of what they buy from manufactures and that is why they are cheap. They have massive buying power of used equipment as well, because of the large number of customers and followers they have. It all translates to cheap offers and cheap prices.

I just sold my backup 5D II and my 24-70mm. I thought about it a while about how to sell it. There was no way I was going to take 50 cents on the dollar, and I didn't need the money so if it sold it sold, if not I would keep it. I had offered it once to the local store that I bought it from, they gave some ridiculously low offer. The salesman has many connections and he told me he could try and sell it, this was a while back and nothing came of it.

The first day I listed them, I get a call from another camera shop in town. I never thought about checking other camera shops. They offered me $150 less than what I was asking. I got more than you could buy a discounted refurbished 5D II. I got 80% of the new price for the 24-70mm. $150 wasn't a big drop in price for two big items like this. Getting secure cash in hand from a store was better than meeting people on craigslist or taking the chance of selling online.

I asked if they did consignment sells, and they do. I have already decided when I upgrade my supertelephoto's I will take the old ones there first.

I wouldn't rule out the local shops, it might be worth a call to see if they do consignments or would buy your item.

Good Luck
Rick

[DanoPhoto]

I have had poor experiences with trying to sell equipment to the larger retailers, Adorama and BH, specifically. As mentioned earlier they need to buy low so they can sell high and turn a profit. My best experiences have been with Craig's List or local "friend of a friend" sales. I have told some buddies to let me know if them or any friends are interested in gear when I a easy to sell it.

Did not try the local camera shops here in PA, but they are all shuttering up with the increased online price wars, big box stores and faltering economy. Too bad, because the personal touch and expertise is lost, as well.