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Getting the most when you sell or trade the camera equipment you’ve outgrown or no longer use is very important to everyone. Getting the max amount is a fairly easy process if you start by choosing the best partner to deal with. So if you have an itch to move up to mirrorless or maybe 4K video capability, or just want some cash, this story about MPB is for you.

Who sells or trades in their used equipment? Just about everyone sooner or later.

MPB recirculates more than 300,000 items of used camera gear every year, thereby extending the life and creative potential of photo and video equipment, and providing more affordable price options to creators around the world. MPB offers multiple advantages which we’ll examine in a minute. But first, here are a couple typical transaction options, followed by the advice we’ve sharpened through years of experience.

Sell the Old Stuff
The cameras and lenses that you don’t use anymore can be sold for immediate cash. To find out what your gear is worth, simply use MPB’s free online quote form. Without leaving your chair, you learn what you need to know up front. That helps you make better decisions. You can find out exactly how much your gear is worth, instantly.

Taking great service one step further, MPB provides free doorstep pickup as explained in this video. You can opt for totally contact-free transactions, too. There’s no need to go to the post office or anywhere else. MPB’s pickup service saves you time and money. It’s safe, convenient, fully insured and completely free of charge.

Get Your Money Right Away
MPB pays fast. After confirming the contents and condition of your gear, MPB pays you directly into your bank account.

Trade for Something New
As it often happens, there’s really a very good chance that during the selling process you’ll find something you want to buy from MPB’s vast inventory of used photographer and filmmaker tools.

Used gear is popular because a used camera that has been certified in good working order can do everything a new camera can, and costs less. MPB trades thousands of cameras and lenses every week. They check, grade and photograph every single item, and back it with a six-month warranty. Unlike the others, MPB focuses only on used equipment, providing you with unrivalled access to a vast range of photo and filmmaking products.

Tips for Smart Sellers

1. Limit Your Risks
Selling via online auction is taking a huge chance, according to many who’ve been burned. It’s no secret that certain online auction sites lean 110% in favor of the Buyer. That’s great—if you’re the Buyer. Without giving extra protection to the Buyer, there would be fewer of them. This means that sometimes the Seller gets the short end of the stick.

While it’s important to protect buyers from unscrupulous sellers, there are thieves out there who have learned how to game the online auction system. They know the devious tricks that can keep your funds tied up for months—or worse yet—cheat you out of your payment entirely.

2. Give Your Old Gear a Good Onceover
After selecting an item to sell, examine it objectively as you gently but thoroughly clean it. Remove fingerprints with a soft microfiber cloth. Use a small, fresh (unused) paintbrush to lightly remove dust buildup around dials and seams. Note all dings, scratches, dents and defects. Do not – repeat – do not attempt to clean the sensor.

3. Check the Value
As mentioned above, go online at MPB.com and see how much your kit is worth. From a drop-own box, pick the condition of your item. Don’t worry if you’re not sure which to use; MPB will check an confirm upon receipt and notify you if they don’t agree.

MPB uses five condition ratings • Like new - unboxed, unused or lightly used • Excellent - minimal signs of wear, otherwise pristine • Good - fair amount of use, but well-kept • Well used - significant use, signs of normal wear and tear • Heavily used - clear signs of wear and tear, still works perfectly without malfunction.

Once you’ve entered the requested information, you’ll find out instantly what your equipment is worth. There’s zero obligation. In fact, you can change your mind right up until MPB deposits the payment into your bank account.

4. Dig out the Lens Caps, Charger, Case and Cables
You won’t need the old accessories any longer, but the new owner does. Gather up the original stuff, put it in a zip-type plastic bag and label it. Protect camera bodies using the original body cap; if it’s not available, place the camera body in a zip bag and seal it tightly with tape.

5. Handle with Care
When it’s time to ship, wrap the equipment in bubble wrap (enough layers to ensure good protection) and place it in a sturdy box filled with foam chips. MPB will pay for insured collection of the package.

Why MPB?
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that MPB has more than 250,000 customers worldwide. Every month, photographers just like you sell more than 20,000 cameras and lenses to MPB.

Also, MPB doesn’t just skim the cream from the crop. MPB buys almost all modern photo and video equipment, including DSLRs, video, compact systems, mirrorless, action, digital rangefinder and digital medium format cameras, as well as most lenses and flash units. They also buy used accessories including tripods, bags, cases, memory cards, lens filters, batteries and battery packs.

Your Old Gear Can Become Someone Else’s New Gear
Perhaps this is just one small part of the whole equation, but selling the gear you seldom use can give a leg up to a beginner, too. There is nothing more rewarding than helping a kid get involved with a wholesome hobby.

MPB provides friendly expert help and support. MPB has offices New York City in the US, Brighton in the UK and in Berlin, Germany. Visit MPB’s Help Center for more answers and advice. While you’re at it, sign up for the MPB newsletter. It’s always packed with helpful information, guides and tips covering a wide variety of photo and video topics.

 

∞ Shutterbug Staff