Selling Camera Gear: Strategies For Moving Inventory

There are many ways to sell cameras and lenses, from auction sites like eBay to Facebook groups and Marketplace. It's important to do your research, list your gear correctly, and decide whether to sell to a used camera store or directly to a buyer. When selling online, it's crucial to pick a secure payment method and be aware of potential scams. In-person sales are generally cash only and should take place in a public location to ensure safety.

Selling on auction sites like eBay

EBay is a great platform to sell your camera and lenses, with millions of shoppers looking for 35mm film cameras, camera lenses, camcorders, and even photo-editing software. Here are some tips to help you sell on eBay:

Build a good reputation

If you are new to eBay, build a good reputation by buying some cheap items and paying immediately to get positive comments.

Research and know your gear

Do your research to know the average selling price of similar pieces of equipment on eBay. You can also search completed listings to see how others are selling similar items.

Focus on legitimacy

Ensure that every aspect of your communication and dealings with others projects and reinforces the notion that you are a credible person to buy from. Be responsive and communicate well with potential buyers.

Take great pictures of your gear

Take photos of your gear from a variety of angles and ensure that any notable marks, dings, scratches, etc., are highlighted so people can clearly understand the extent of the issue. Pay for extra pictures if needed.

Tell a story

Share your reasons for selling the equipment. For example, you may be upgrading to a new model, or the lens range overlaps with your other lenses.

Anticipate questions

Don't wait for obvious questions to be asked. Anticipate and answer them in your description of the item. When did you purchase the item? Did you buy it new or used? Is it still under warranty? Has it had any repairs or maintenance? What is included with the gear? Do you have the original box and paperwork? Does the item show any obvious signs of wear? Does the lens have any fungus?

State your business terms clearly

If you will only wish to do business in certain countries, say so clearly. State the number of days required for payment, before voiding the sale. Draw attention to any other rules for doing business, such as only accepting PayPal. Indicate that insurance costs extra. Know the size of the box and total weight so that potential buyers can accurately estimate their shipping costs. List the maximum number of days someone has to pay you before you cancel the transaction.

Be appreciative

Take the time to write a thank you note. Let the buyer know that you appreciate them choosing to do business with you.

Feedback is important

Accurate and timely feedback is essential on eBay. Treasure positive feedback and do all you can throughout the auction process to earn it. Provide feedback for others who treat you equally well and prove to be good buying partners.

Selling to a local camera shop

Research Local Shops:

First, take some time to research the camera shops in your area. Look for stores that specialise in buying and selling used camera gear. Check out their websites or give them a call to find out more about their purchasing process and what types of equipment they are interested in.

Prepare Your Equipment:

Before taking your camera and lenses to the shop, make sure they are clean and in good working condition. If you have the original boxes, manuals, and accessories, include those as well. Presenting your equipment in the best possible condition will help you get a better price.

Get Multiple Quotes:

Visit multiple local camera shops to get quotes for your equipment. This will give you a sense of the market value for your items and help you negotiate a fair price. Don't be afraid to haggle a little, especially if you have a highly sought-after item or are selling a large collection.

Understand the Payment Process:

Ask the shop about their payment process. Some shops may offer cash or store credit, while others may issue a cheque or transfer the money electronically. Understand the payment terms before finalising the sale.

Be Open to Trade-In Options:

If you're looking to upgrade your camera gear, consider the option of trading in your old equipment towards the purchase of new items. Sometimes, shops may offer you a better deal if you're willing to trade up for something else in their store.

Negotiate and Finalise the Sale:

Once you've found a shop that offers a fair price and has a payment method that works for you, it's time to finalise the sale. Review the offer carefully, and don't be afraid to ask questions or negotiate if you feel the offer could be improved.

Selling your camera and lenses to a local shop can be a straightforward and rewarding process. By following these steps, you can ensure you get a good deal and have a positive experience throughout the transaction.

Selling on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a great platform to sell camera gear, especially if you're looking for a more localised approach. To get started, open the Facebook app and look for the shop icon at the bottom of the screen – this is your gateway to Marketplace.

When creating a listing, you'll need to include a photo of the camera or lens, along with some key details such as the name, description, and price. Be sure to confirm your location and select the appropriate category, such as "Electronics". It's important to be as detailed as possible when describing the item's condition, including any scratches or cosmetic damage. Buyers on Facebook Marketplace will often want to inspect the item in person before purchasing, so be prepared for some haggling and back-and-forth communication.

One advantage of Facebook Marketplace is the added trust and safety it provides compared to anonymous platforms. Each listing is associated with a name and a face, reducing the risk of scams or robberies that can sometimes occur on other platforms. However, it's still important to take precautions, such as meeting in a public place and accepting cash-only payments for local sales.

Facebook Marketplace is a convenient option for selling camera gear without the fees and shipping hassles associated with some other platforms. It's a great way to connect with local buyers who are looking for a good deal and want to avoid the higher prices that may be found on eBay or Amazon.

Selling on Craigslist

Craigslist is a great site for selling your unwanted cameras and lenses. Here are some tips for selling on Craigslist:

Research and Pricing

Before posting your camera or lens for sale, do some research to see what the same or similar item is selling for. Check both the new and used prices, and compare your item to the used options. This will give you a good idea of how much to price your item. You can also check other shopping sites like eBay or Amazon to see what people are asking or paying for similar items. When deciding on a price, consider that those who shop on Craigslist are not afraid to make low-ball offers, so be prepared to negotiate.

Choose the Right Craigslist Markets

Craigslist operates on a local level, with subdomains for different cities and towns. Consider posting your ad in surrounding cities as well, especially if they are close enough for easy pickup. College towns and areas with lots of young adults are great markets for selling used goods.

Headlines that Attract Eyeballs

When writing your headline, be specific and include the brand and model number if known. Use keywords that buyers might search for, such as "camera", "lens", or the specific model. Keep the headline under 30 characters if possible, so mobile devices display the full title. Avoid using symbols like #, @, or , or do not list the price in the headline.

Disclose the Right Amount of Detail

Include the item's color, age, and condition in your description. If selling a camera or lens, list any spare batteries, battery chargers, additional lenses, kit cases, or other accessories. Link to the manufacturer's specs for more detailed information. Be honest and disclose any damage or imperfections, as this builds trust with buyers.

Include Your Name and Phone Number

Including your name and phone number in the listing helps establish trust. If you don't feel comfortable giving your full name, at least include your first name. State your cell phone number but write out the last digit as a word to prevent telemarketers from finding it. You can also request that buyers text you instead of calling.

Set a Deadline

Create a sense of urgency by setting a deadline for pickup, such as "Needs to be picked up by Saturday." This will encourage buyers to take action.

Take Great Photos

Clean your item and set it against a background that makes it stand out. Use strong light, preferably bright white light, to photograph your item. Include pictures from different angles and close-ups of any unique features or defects. For electronics, be sure to show them in the "on" state. Caption all photos accurately so buyers know what they're looking at.

Safety and Security

When meeting with buyers, it's important to take safety and security into consideration. If possible, meet in a public place and bring a friend. If the buyer is coming to your home, get their full name and cell phone number beforehand and text them to confirm. Keep the meeting during the daytime and have someone else at home with you. Only accept cash or electronic payments like PayPal or Venmo.

Selling to an online camera store

Research Reputable Online Camera Stores

Start by searching for well-known and trusted online camera stores that buy used camera equipment. Look for stores with a good reputation and years of experience in the industry, such as KEH, B&H, or Sell Your Gadget. Check reviews from previous sellers to get an idea of their selling process and the quality of their customer service.

Prepare Your Equipment

Gather all the camera gear you want to sell, including cameras, lenses, and any other accessories. Ensure that your equipment is in good working condition and clean it if necessary. If you have the original boxes, manuals, and accessories, include them as they can increase the resale value.

Get a Quote

Most online camera stores will have an online estimator or quote form on their website. You will need to provide detailed information about your equipment, including the brand, model, condition, and any included accessories. Be as accurate as possible to receive a fair quote. You may also need to submit photos or a detailed description of the condition of your gear.

Ship or Drop Off Your Equipment

Once you have accepted the quote, the online camera store will provide you with shipping instructions. Some stores may offer free shipping labels or even schedule a pickup from your location. Carefully package your equipment to ensure it is protected during transit. If the store has a physical location, you may also have the option to drop off your equipment in person.

Receive Payment

After the online camera store receives and evaluates your equipment, they will provide a final offer. If you accept the offer, you can choose your preferred payout method, such as cash, store credit, or bank transfer. The payment process may vary depending on the store, so be sure to review their policies beforehand.

Frequently asked questions