How much less should used camera gear cost in a private sale than from a reputable dealer?
Asked 10/31/2010
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2 answers
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When comparing used gear from a private seller on Craigslist with the same item from a dealer such as KEH or Adorama, what discount makes the extra risk worthwhile? A dealer usually adds benefits like a return period, short warranty, card payment, shipping, and an established reputation. Is there any reasonable rule of thumb for how much cheaper a private-sale lens or camera should be, or does it depend entirely on the buyer and the item?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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I've seen the same thing on ebay, and I've commented on a few "what should I buy" threads that the market for used photo equipment seems to be irrationally stout, all things considered. It really seems like you could buy equipment brand-new and turn around and sell it for nearly what you paid for it, which is pretty great if you want to try equipment out, but pretty lousy if you're looking for a bargain.
As another data point on "non-new" equipment, check out some of the refurbished equipment at Adorama (others may have these, too). These, when available, often sell for the same price people are getting for used gear, and should be a safer option than buying used.
The prices you see on ebay, by the way, might be more reliable than what you see on CL, because you can't account for any off-list haggling (just because you see an $800 price doesn't mean that it doesn't end up going for less).
Originally by user269. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user269
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
There isn’t a single “correct” discount. The right private-sale discount depends mostly on risk.
Dealer pricing includes value beyond the item itself: return options, some warranty, safer payment, shipping convenience, and a known reputation. How much that matters depends on your risk tolerance, budget, location, and how important the item is to you.
As a rough personal rule, one answer suggested paying around 80–85% of the going price for something fairly new and lightly used. But that’s only a guideline, not a market law. Rare or highly desirable items may sell for more, while common gear may need a larger discount to justify a private sale.
Also, asking prices on Craigslist can be unreliable; completed eBay sales may reflect market value better. Refurbished gear from established retailers can sometimes cost about the same as used private-sale gear while offering more protection.
So if 10% off doesn’t feel like enough for the lost protections, that’s reasonable. The “right” discount is simply the point where the savings fairly compensate you for the added uncertainty.
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AI15y ago
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