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Even if you haven’t been thinking about selling or trading in camera gear, the possibility is always there in the back of your mind. It’s all part of the photography hobby culture. Or maybe you want to make some changes in your kit assortment but you’ve been afraid of getting ripped off. Read this.

Here are some of the many reasons photo and video enthusiasts sell and/or trade in equipment. Maybe you’ll see yourself in one of these categories.

Motivated by Creative Growth
Some photographers regularly trade in or sell pieces of equipment as the scope of their camera endeavors expands. It makes sense to sell or trade gear that’s not being used in order to get that lens or body that allows you to take your photography to the next level of creativity.

 MPB is the platform to buy, sell or trade used photo and video gear. We explain why a bit later in this story.

Parting with the old stuff lets you expand your picture taking horizons without emptying your wallet. For example, if you’re still sitting on that 20mm wide angle you thought you needed but realize now that your specialty is photographing birds of prey, it’s wiser to focus your resources toward your true passion and trade up to a 100-400mm zoom, prime 400mm f5.6 or a fast 300mm f/2.8.(The links included here are Canon shooters, but you’ll find appropriate lenses in a variety of mounts on MPB’s website.)

Switching Systems
Or perhaps you’ve decided that it’s time to change systems. You want to jettison that heavy DSLR and go mirrorless. Many people seem to be doing just that. Or it could be the other way around. In any case, switching systems is a compelling reason to sell or trade incompatible stuff and get more of the good stuff.

Raise Some Dough
Some photographers—pro as well as amateur—part with seldom-used gear to get cash for other necessities of life. It happens. Your car needs gas more than you need that 500mm lens you bought on a whim when you were flush.

Still Hankering
One of the biggest motivators: there are some DSLRs or lenses you really wanted when they first came out a couple years ago, but cost kept you apart. MPB may well have that model in stock in their huge inventory right now—and at an affordable price. Trading IN becomes trading UP to the camera you used to only dream about.

Downsize Sensibly
Some suddenly realize that they have collected too much gear and that it’s time to downsize. They just plain bought too much stuff over the past few years and now it’s time to make room, raise cash and focus on the equipment they actually use regularly.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Digital cameras lose value as they age. Once you’ve decided to make some changes in your camera and lens arsenal, act promptly and avoid possible regret. Digital cameras are like fish—it’s better to sell them while they’re still fresh.

You’ve Become a Regular Customer
You’ve discovered (finally) a place where you can sell or trade safely and get appropriate value in return: 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.

 MPB recirculates more than 375,000 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.

First a Word About Online Auctions
The word “auction” itself suggests uncertainty. It’s a gamble: maybe the bids will be high and you’ll get your full value, and maybe not so much. And there’s always the chance that the item will go unsold for days or even weeks. We won’t even mention the percentage fee you have to pay to the auction site.

Additionally, selling via online auction is risky partly because many of the rules favor the Buyer.

The world’s largest online auction operation famously has a policy that prohibits Sellers from leaving Neutral or Negative Feedback for Buyers. Think about that. A Buyer stiffs you and you can’t leave a negative comment—feedback that could save another seller from getting jammed.

Buy, Sell and Trade with MPB
Why Sell to MPB instead of elsewhere? Here are six reasons.

1. MPB has more than 250,000 customers worldwide. MPB is an established business (more than 10 years old) with an outstanding reputation—and proudly has a lot of customers because of it.

2. MPB provides great support every step of the way. They have three customer service centers in the creative communities of Brighton, Brooklyn and Berlin. No confusion, no feelings of being neglected after, during or before the transaction, either.

3. MPB offers free online valuation. Get a quote immediately (subject to inspection). Then base your decisions on real numbers, not vague guesses. Know the facts upfront instead of finding out when it’s too late.

4. Free doorstep pickup. COVID concerns may have diminished but the cost of gasoline—and many other staples—have gone sky high. You avoid a visit to the post office, too, so you save time and money.

5. Super-fast payment. Don’t wait for a “check in the mail.” As soon as MPB receives the gear you’re selling or trading they check the items, confirm the quote and send the money to your bank account. Payment is that fast.

6. Five star rating on Trustpilot. MPB has 93% Excellent and 3% Great ratings based on 20,000+ reviews. In fact, the number of reviews alone is staggering. Go to Trustpilot and see for yourself.

Conclusion
Selling and trading in digital camera and video equipment is all part of the photography hobby culture, and photographers both amateur and professional have many different reasons for these transactions. For greatest success and protection, it’s critically important to choose the best trading partner. Buy, sell and trade used equipment with MPB for up-front quotes, fast payment, free pickup and total peace of mind.

∞ Shutterbug Staff