Request for Advice: Selling at Camera Shows

[Dave S.]

I'm considering renting a table at the upcoming Puget Sound Photographic Collectors Society sale, swap, & collector show. A standard 8 foot table is $40 and I get to bring an assistant (read friend) along for free.

I'd like to get some feedback from people who have sold at shows like this before. Is this a good way to thin out my collection with low hassle and no online auction fees? Or will I just be selling my gear at really low prices?

I have about 36 cameras to sell - nothing very valuable. Some items are in need of repair / CLA.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[zoz63]

Go for it .Lots of fun and get to meet some nice people along the way.Watch out you may take home more than 36 cameras...

 

[FrankS]

I don't know about your area, but where I live the folks that are dedicated enough to go to camera shows know their stuff and buy prudently. I don't see any sellers making big bucks, unless they have high end gear that they have bought cheaply.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

you'll go for the fun, not for the money..

 

[Pompiere]

Go for it .Lots of fun and get to meet some nice people along the way.Watch out you may take home more than 36 cameras...

This seems to be the case at a community garage sale that my wife is involved with. Everyone has a good time and spends half of their earnings buying each other's stuff.

 

[chris00nj]

We had something similar in Houston last weekend. I think everyone made back their table money.

It's a good place to sell cheaper cameras because there could be students or other collectors.

I go to eBay if only I really want something. At the show, it was easy to pick up a camera and say "Oh this looks cool, let's try this." So I picked up this little gem for $20. It's got some pinhole and a sticky slow speeds, but it is my project.

 

[Beemermark]

I did shows in the Mid West for years with a good friend. Best time I ever had. I made a boat load of money - all which I spent on more gear from the other sellers. I always like to think I came out ahead but I really doubt it -🙂