Used Photography Equipment: Why You Should Consider Buying Them
Did you know that buying used photography equipment while you are trying to establish your photography business can very well work in your favor? Yes, it definitely can. More than just helping you save a lot of your hard-earned dollars, buying used photography equipment can also offer you a lot of other benefits as well.
The Wisdom behind Buying Used Photography Equipment
Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider buying used photography equipment:
Buying used camera equipment can help you save a fortune. We all know that brand new photography equipment can be quite expensive. So, if you are just starting out or are quite strapped for cash, then buying used photography equipment can help you get what you need at a significantly reduced price. You should also consider buying used camera equipment as a backup for your primary camera gear or if you are going on a vacation or location shoot where the prevailing conditions may be harmful your primary gear.
If you’re not aware of it, most used photography equipment can be purchased for just 40% to 80% of its original price. Well, that’s quite a huge savings, if you ask me! If you want to further protect your purchase, then you can consider buying a two-year warranty. It may be an additional cost but you’ll still save a lot of money in the process.
Image Source: whatdigitalcamera.com
They have fewer defects. Contrary to what most people would expect, used photography equipment actually has fewer defect issues. In fact, according to KEH, the world’s largest dealer of used cameras, only about 1.7% of all used photography equipment returns can be attributed to defects. For brand-new camera equipment, the average return is about 2%.
They are equipped with all the latest updates. If you are buying used photography equipment, there is a great possibility that it is already equipped with all the latest updates. You can also be sure that all the problems that came with it when it was purchased by its previous owner have already been properly dealt with.
You can use it as a low-cost learning tool. If you want to try a particular camera or any photography equipment, consider buying a used version of the same model first. This can help protect your investment and lessen your risk of buying something that doesn’t suit your needs or measure up to your expectations.
Tips in Buying Used Photography Equipment
With all of the benefits of buying used camera equipment, I bet a lot of you will be interested in buying such gears. So, to make sure you get the best value for your money, here are some tips you need to consider in buying one:
- Know what you really need. Before deciding to take out your credit card, make sure you know what you really need. Are there any pieces of equipment from your old camera that you can re-use? Think about it.
- Read online reviews. Smart buyers read the reviews first before taking the dive. You should, too.
- Go find them! Where can you buy used camera equipment? Well, there are a lot of places that you can consider. You can do an online search for reputable dealers of used photography equipment, check out internet auction sites and/or look for ads in camera magazines. However, I still recommend buying them from your local camera shops or private sellers from your area so that you can inspect it and ask questions before paying for it.
- Try haggling. If you’re up to it, you can try talking to the seller to see if he can give it to you at a lower price. This trick often works so you may want to give it a try.
Smart buyers usually see the wisdom behind buying used photography equipment. Are you one of them?
Good luck,
Ray Baker
