Owning camera equipment is fun and useful, but there will come a time when you want to branch out and get new gear. Luckily, there are quite a few places where you can sell your old equipment at a reasonable and fair price.
As a long-time camera user, I’ve spent years going through different gear. In that time, I’ve unloaded and sold all sorts of items in a range of different places. That experience with the devices allowed me to compile the list in this guide.
Below, I cover various great places to get money for your used camera equipment by explaining how they work, why I like them, and why they might be for you.
Let’s take a deeper look below.
Contents
1. B&H Photo
Almost all photo enthusiasts will be familiar with B&H. The company is one of the biggest camera companies in the world. While they are known for their wares, they also have a fantastic second-hand market for users looking to offload their old equipment without a big fuss.
Though New York locals can move their items in B&H’s physical store, everyone else can simply go to the website and click on Sell Your Gear. Not only will that give you a place to offload unused items, but B&H gives you a quote so you know what you’re getting. Shipping is free too.
2. Adorama
Right after B&H is Adorama. They are another goliath of the photo industry that’s best known for their wide selection of different goods. However, the company also does a great job of enabling you to quickly and easily sell your camera equipment through their site.
You simply visit the quote page and enter a few details to figure what they’re willing to give you. If you want to go another route, they give you such information over the phone or email as well. Though their rates are a bit lower than some other options, they buy just about everything.
3. eBay
If going with a big brand isn’t your style, you always have the option of turning to an online marketplace. None are more well-known or more reputable than eBay. The site excels through its versatility. You can sell whatever you want, anyway you want, and you get to set the price.
Rather than having to worry about quotes, you get to tell people exactly what you want or what your minimum starting big may be. You do need to do a bit more leg work (such as posting photos), but the payoff of being able to control the entire transaction will be worth it to some.
4. Craigslist
Right behind eBay on the list of online sellers is Craigslist. The site also gives you full control over the transaction. You get to set the price, tell people how much you want, and negotiate different costs. There’s also the benefit of being able to list your gear in a specific place.
Of course, Craiglist does have some downsides. Notably, you need to post everything yourself and you need to vet the buyers. However, if you’re willing to put in those extra steps it is one of the best ways to make some money off of your gear that’s just sitting around collecting dust.
5. Facebook Marketplace
When looking to sell used camera equipment you can also turn to various online marketplaces. There are a few out there, but Facebook has one of the largest. That means it gives you one of the best chances to get a good price on whatever equipment you no longer need.
This selling method is great, as long as you do the work to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Always be clear when putting out descriptions, point out defects, and include many photos. Being able to localize your location is also fantastic.
If you want a more niche experience, don’t be afraid to look at groups. Going this route won’t give you the same reach or audience as the wider marketplace, but it typically means your equipment is getting in front of people who are more likely to buy it.
6. Your Local Store
If the internet is not your thing, or you simply want as painless of a transaction as possible, you can always sell old gear at your local camera store. If you have a shop in your area, especially one you frequent, this is perhaps the least stressful way to get rid of some used products.
You can go in person, which gives you full control of the situation, and some places also enable you to sell to them via shipping. Certain stores may even pay for it. All you have to do is call in or email them and ask about their policies.
Going to a shop typically won’t give you the most money when compared to online marketplaces, but the method does allow you to quickly and reliably dump old equipment without too much of a hassle. That makes it perfect for stuff you’re willing to sell for cheap.
Final Words
There are quite a few ways to sell used camera equipment, and each comes with its own benefits and downsides. All of the options in this guide are relatively easy, simple, and hassle-free ways to get a good deal on your old stuff.
In today’s age, moving old or previously-owned gear has never been easier.
If you have any other questions or know of any other places to sell used equipment, let us know in the comments below!
