Photography Gear Used Prices, a rant, and a warning.

Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 12:24 pm

The used photography market is a great way to pick up some deals on used gear for those willing to fore go a warranty and who want to save some cash, "generally speaking". I have noticed a fairly significant trend happening with used photography forums as well as Cragslist. Where certain users that predicate on unsuspecting photograph enthusiasts are on the rise.

There is always a portion of people that want to garner the highest price for their gear, and lets face it, who wants to lose money. I think one could also agree that you want to provide a "fair price". Obviously, getting a used item for more than the cost of that item new, is not fair. It is abundantly clear that some of the used prices have reached the "ludicrous" level due to unscrupulous individuals, and buyers that failed to do some research.

An example (1 of many you can find on any given day):

1 used SB-900 for $400.00 USD. The add states, you pay for shipping, AND use the paypal gift option (the buyer incurs all paypal fees).

The price of a new SB-900 USA model WITH warranty, is $442.97 USD a refurbished one with a 90 day warranty is $429.00 USD from Amazon The items ship free from Amazon as well as many retailers.

Nikon Note: Warranties are non-transferable.

Now it is obvious that you must place responsibility on the buyers (and some sellers) for not doing their homework. I think it would be fair also to say that many of the forums could lend a hand to aiding these people. The forum owners are providing a service under their name or brand. And it is with that view, I believe that some need to alter what is allowed, and or reinstate comments in the for sale forums. Of the sites I goto, all forums with exception to FM Forums have closed the comments and you cannot even call them out on their "unrealistic prices". You can PM (private message) the seller and negotiate a reduced price, but that is no guarantee. And does not protect other forum users in the meantime from entering into an agreement to purchase a used item or items.

Like other places you buy goods, you can talk with neighbors who will pass on good deals, and also provide "warnings" of overly priced merchants. The online Photography community is "muting" the checks and balances that work for consumers.

Some ways to protect yourself:

1) Do your research, investigate prices for new items as well as used items. Investigate sellers, and past transactions. Talk to photography friends in regards to prices and gear. If a seller routinely removes details of previous sales from his or her post, this should raise a caution flag.

2) Do not be afraid to notify a seller that the price asked for exceeds that of a new item, they may not have done their homework. While a forum owner may not wish to acknowledge a single user who does this, they should take note of someone who makes a habit of it, and intervene.

3) Write, post, or PM, the forum management for items that you believe to be misleading. Also write them of your disappointment with the inability to reply to threads in the for sale forum.

4) Always ask for a detailed description of the item(s) and images. If they are not provided in the initial post, it may mean the person is not taking the time to provide enough information so that a buyer can make an informed decision. This is most likely not done to "hide something or be sneaky", it is generally a sign of rushing to get the item posted.

5) If the condition of the item cannot be verified, do not buy it. Remember that old saying that comes to mind "if the deal looks to be to good to be true, it probably is".

6) Check your local Camera shop for used gear, many brick and mortar shops offer this service. You can evaluate and test the gear before you spend your money when you buy local.

Please note, that many forum owners only offer a "For Sale" forum to facilitate their users. They should not be held over the fire for every deal gone bad, many of the deals that happen on their forums go unseen by owners. Holding these owners responsible when they were for the most part not involved, and made no money on a transaction would not be fair.

Hope that helps,
Tom