Ouch, KEH

I really like the idea of pushing back to find a higher value, but don't expect too much.

Another way to look at it is the cost of handling (e.g. boxes, bubble-wrap, labeling, insurance) of individual sales. A few supplies, but how much is your time worth? They are already at KEH, so in addition the to cost of shipping the stuff back, and the cost of individual shipment, waiting for different checks to clear, pay pal to pay, what is that head ache worth?

Total up what you wanted, subtract the cost of shipping back and the cost of individual boxing and stuff, from there, try to find a middle ground.

B2 (;->
 
We're in the middle of a move and I started examining all of my accumulated gear to see what I wanted to bring to the new place; it's amazing how the stuff seems to multiply when you're not watching. I donated three boxes of stuff to charity, then assembled a box of the better stuff to sell to KEH. I thought I was evaluating the items pretty fairly, and came up with an estimate that wasn't great, but didn't hurt too much. I sent the equipment off a few weeks ago and got an offer back today that is about 1/3 of what I'd figured. Ouch. But, what am I going to do, ask for it back and piece it out on eBay? 2018 resolution: No new gear, or at least a policy of one in/one out.

No real point to this tale, but it was nice to get away from packing for a minute.
You almost always get more selling gear yourself. The lower prices with a place like KEH is part the cost of convenience. Not having to take the time to photograph, list, package and ship plays in as well (as mentioned above). Selling on ebay is more of a hobby for me and I enjoy the process myself :)

BTW most shipping supplies (in the US anyway) are free. Save packing materials to protect the item from things you buy. You can also use newspaper and other products to protect items. Also, USPS Priority packaging boxes, tape and labes are free from the post office :)
 
Selling on eBay has some plus and minuses

Selling on eBay has some plus and minuses

From time to time you find a customer that wants to squeeze money from you when the item he receives is not as nice as he/she expected, or the crook one who break it and wants full return of money, etc. Ebay has been accommodated to protect the buyer, in many cases blindly. Then you get the problem of time wasted, etc. I did some uncluttering and donated lenses to my photo club, they took it all. The ones I did not need, who are currently priced on eBay at less than $50 (although I paid over $200 in most cases years ago), I donated to the Goodwill. I kept only what can be useful and desirable by a current photographer. KEH was very good at providing excellent stuff for a good price, based on their evaluation/pricing system. It is just fair that they buy low if they want to sell low. I have noticed lately that their stuff marked bargain is not as good as it used to be.
 
From time to time you find a customer that wants to squeeze money from you when the item he receives is not as nice as he/she expected, or the crook one who break it and wants full return of money, etc. Ebay has been accommodated to protect the buyer, in many cases blindly. Then you get the problem of time wasted, etc. I did some uncluttering and donated lenses to my photo club, they took it all. The ones I did not need, who are currently priced on eBay at less than $50 (although I paid over $200 in most cases years ago), I donated to the Goodwill. I kept only what can be useful and desirable by a current photographer. KEH was very good at providing excellent stuff for a good price, based on their evaluation/pricing system. It is just fair that they buy low if they want to sell low. I have noticed lately that their stuff marked bargain is not as good as it used to be.
I'm at at least a 99% success rate as a seller on ebay since 1999. I'll take those chances any day :)
 
There is always Craig's List, local papers, our area has a couple facebook pages that are solely dedicated to selling and buying photography gear. Many options beyond eBay.
If you are in a hurry to sell the entire bundle then you limit your choices.
 
We're in the middle of a move and I started examining all of my accumulated gear to see what I wanted to bring to the new place; it's amazing how the stuff seems to multiply when you're not watching. I donated three boxes of stuff to charity, then assembled a box of the better stuff to sell to KEH. I thought I was evaluating the items pretty fairly, and came up with an estimate that wasn't great, but didn't hurt too much. I sent the equipment off a few weeks ago and got an offer back today that is about 1/3 of what I'd figured. Ouch. But, what am I going to do, ask for it back and piece it out on eBay? 2018 resolution: No new gear, or at least a policy of one in/one out.

No real point to this tale, but it was nice to get away from packing for a minute.

Try PopFash in Los Angeles. Items sold on the site are charged a flat 20% fee off the final sell price. Better than anything you'll get selling outright to the bigger dealers. Tony Rose always prices the kit realistically as is his grading. Best return you're likely to get.
 
From time to time you find a customer that wants to squeeze money from you when the item he receives is not as nice as he/she expected, or the crook one who break it and wants full return of money, etc. Ebay has been accommodated to protect the buyer, in many cases blindly.
Has this happened to you? What is your experience of the 'problem' percentage? Because I've sold hundreds of items without one major problem.

I oce sold a £100 item to Thailand and sent it via (in retrospect) a not-so-good courier who was slow, and it got a hefty customs charge. I refunded £10 as a good will measure.

So in four hundred or so sales, I've refunded 10% of one sale. Those are my statistics. If I sold to a shop, I'd have thrown away a minimum of 50% of the value of every item .

OP, don't believe the received 'wisdom' re eBay on rff. It's misleading. And if you don't like eBay, aren't set up as a seller etc, pay $5 and sell here.
 
There is always Craig's List, local papers, our area has a couple facebook pages that are solely dedicated to selling and buying photography gear. Many options beyond eBay.
If you are in a hurry to sell the entire bundle then you limit your choices.
Very true, while none of those have even close to the reach of ebay, they are viable options. I've purchased a few photo related items on craigslist, facebook marketplace and photo forums such as this myself.
 
I've had very good luck on eBay for many years. that changed recently
the new change to eBay was the money back guarantee --- now extended to overseas sales. I sold an item out of the us, the buyer left great feedback, then found something he didn't like to return it, so changed his mind.
as a seller under the money back guarantee I have to absorb shipping costs both ways. I was lucky and the buyer agreed to cover return shipping
still it cost $85 to send it express to him, paypal requires tracking and to many locations express is the only way. fedex and ups would be way more.

however the guarantee provides a window to ask for money back since buyer knows you are going to lose shipping both ways if its sent back. they think they have to compete with Amazon

still I think eBay is a good venue -- however I don't sell overseas there at this time

Has this happened to you? What is your experience of the 'problem' percentage? Because I've sold hundreds of items without one major problem.

I once sold a £100 item to Thailand and sent it via (in retrospect) a not-so-good courier who was slow, and it got a hefty customs charge. I refunded £10 as a good will measure.

So in four hundred or so sales, I've refunded 10% of one sale. Those are my statistics. If I sold to a shop, I'd have thrown away a minimum of 50% of the value of every item.

OP, don't believe the received 'wisdom' re eBay on RFF. It's misleading. And if you don't like eBay, aren't set up as a seller etc, pay $5 and sell here.
 
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