Lens Selling Advice please

kyteflyer · 09-26-2012, 01:59 PM

I've already decided to try selling locally first... but I am a bit concerned about pricing..

How do people decide what a lens is worth, in terms of selling. Do you sell at a percentage of what you paid, originally, or a percentage of the current new price? How to decide?

The two I want to sell (limited primes) are both in excellent near new condition, but I have absolutely no idea how to calculate a fair price, I've only ever bought lenses and rarely sell (now need money and some which have gone unused for 6/12 or more, have to go).

tim60 · 09-26-2012, 02:53 PM

The value of anything in a market: secondhand stuff, shares houses etc is what a buyer is willing to pay.

New producers decide prices based on a combination of cost of production and the psychology of product positioning in the market. If they charge too much for the combination of performance and 'cool' associated with their product they do not sell and either must reduce price or stop supplying.

When we sell secondhand stuff the best guide is the prices paid recently in the market. If your lens is reasonably common do an eBay watch on auction sale prices for a little while. Then decide the premium or discount you need to give based on:
1. The condition of your lens
2. How urgently you want to close the deal
3. The size of your local market
4. After sales service you offer - such as return possibilities
You might think of a couple of other factors.

BTW: selling to a friend is bad news: you always feel you gave too much 'friend's discount' and your friend always feels you did not give enough 'friend's discount'. Both are not happy.

Alliecat · 09-26-2012, 07:24 PM

I would look on eBay & then search online camera shops to see if the lenses are selling there & for how much. If there's a camera store near you, you could also call them & inquire what it might be worth. I'd start with an asking price somewhere in the range I found, probably toward the upper end. Then there is room to come down a bit if it doesn't sell right away, & you might make more than you expected.

kyteflyer · 09-26-2012, 07:36 PM

Thanks, folks (oh yeah, been there done that with selling to friends)

Lloydy · 09-27-2012, 03:12 AM

CollectiBlend: classic, collectible and old cameras price guide.

Collectiblend might give you a starting point ?

09-26-2012, 01:59 PM	#1
kyteflyer Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newcastle, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,444	Lens Selling Advice please I've already decided to try selling locally first... but I am a bit concerned about pricing.. How do people decide what a lens is worth, in terms of selling. Do you sell at a percentage of what you paid, originally, or a percentage of the current new price? How to decide? The two I want to sell (limited primes) are both in excellent near new condition, but I have absolutely no idea how to calculate a fair price, I've only ever bought lenses and rarely sell (now need money and some which have gone unused for 6/12 or more, have to go).

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09-26-2012, 02:53 PM	#2
tim60 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 8,745	The value of anything in a market: secondhand stuff, shares houses etc is what a buyer is willing to pay. New producers decide prices based on a combination of cost of production and the psychology of product positioning in the market. If they charge too much for the combination of performance and 'cool' associated with their product they do not sell and either must reduce price or stop supplying. When we sell secondhand stuff the best guide is the prices paid recently in the market. If your lens is reasonably common do an eBay watch on auction sale prices for a little while. Then decide the premium or discount you need to give based on: 1. The condition of your lens 2. How urgently you want to close the deal 3. The size of your local market 4. After sales service you offer - such as return possibilities You might think of a couple of other factors. BTW: selling to a friend is bad news: you always feel you gave too much 'friend's discount' and your friend always feels you did not give enough 'friend's discount'. Both are not happy.

09-26-2012, 07:24 PM	#3
Alliecat Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: East of Everywhere, Canada Posts: 740	I would look on eBay & then search online camera shops to see if the lenses are selling there & for how much. If there's a camera store near you, you could also call them & inquire what it might be worth. I'd start with an asking price somewhere in the range I found, probably toward the upper end. Then there is room to come down a bit if it doesn't sell right away, & you might make more than you expected.

09-26-2012, 07:36 PM	#4
kyteflyer Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newcastle, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,444 Original Poster	Thanks, folks (oh yeah, been there done that with selling to friends)

09-27-2012, 03:12 AM	#5
Lloydy Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 1,114	CollectiBlend: classic, collectible and old cameras price guide. Collectiblend might give you a starting point ?