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Thinking of buying used this Christmas? Here’s five things you need to know Guide to buying used this Christmas
WHETHER YOU’RE UPGRADING your photography gear or getting a gift for a loved one, buying used can be a smart, sustainable choice. It reduces waste and lowers the environmental impact of production while potentially saving you loads of money. What’s not to like? Here is a guide to making the most of your used purchase this Christmas, along with some practical tips for ensuring you buy the right camera from a reliable seller. 1. Do your research When buying used, thorough research is key. Start by reading reviews on the camera models you’re considering, paying close attention to the features and specifications that best match your needs. Whatever you or the recipient wants to shoot, it’s important to choose a model that aligns with those specific requirements. You also need a clear idea of its market value to ensure you know a good deal when you see one. At MPB, every product page features detailed descriptions of specs and features, so you can be sure the gear is right for your needs. Furthermore, with the market
knowledge MPB has gained from recirculating over 570,000 products a year, the price is always accurate. 2. Inspect condition Undoubtedly, the most important factor in buying used is the gear’s condition. After all, a camera with a big scratch across the LCD could still be described as ‘in working order’. Always choose a seller that makes it easy to check the condition of the gear you want to buy. Are the images decent enough to show cosmetic blemishes that might affect your enjoyment? Are you satisfied that the equipment is in good working order? At MPB, all cameras are carefully inspected and given condition ratings by a team of seasoned experts, allowing you to confidently gauge their level of use. Clear and detailed images provide a good picture of the condition before you make a purchase. 3. Check accessories Imagine receiving a new camera, excitedly opening the box ready to get out shooting, only to discover there is no battery included. Not only does this significantly affect the value, it’s also really annoying.
“It can sometimes feel like you need a six-shooter and a cowboy hat, but it doesn’t have to be like the Wild West”
5. Buy from a reputable seller When stepping into the used camera gear market, it can sometimes feel like you need a six-shooter and a cowboy hat, but it doesn’t have to be like the Wild West. By choosing a trusted seller, not only can you get a guarantee on the gear’s condition, but also additional assurances that give you peace of mind. Take MPB, for example. It’s a highly rated seller with a track record of over a million satisfied customers who have rated it five stars on Trustpilot. Each product it sells has been subject to rigorous checks by expert technicians and comes with a free six-month warranty. And in the unlikely event you are not completely satisfied, you can make the most of hassle-free returns. Like what you hear? Go to MPB’s website to see what treats you can find to fit your budget and needs.
From battery chargers to lens caps, knowing the full list of included accessories before you buy ensures you’re getting good value and aren’t left needing to purchase additional items separately.
It’s also worth checking if any of the accessories included are original or third party, as this can make a difference in quality and compatibility. MPB simplifies this process by providing a full list of accessories through a simple drop-down system. This means that you can view the included accessories quickly and easily from the listings screen, without even having to load a product page. 4. Consider trading in You know that old camera and lens gathering dust in the back of the cupboard? We get it, you made some wonderful photos with it five years ago – but think of all the amazing photos you could make in the next five years if you trade it in to help get that upgrade. Trading in is not only a way to reduce your spend but also a sustainable decision that contributes to the recirculation of used gear. Doing it with MPB couldn’t be more straightforward. Simply add your old gear’s model and condition at checkout, and you’ll receive an instant quote in which its trade-in value is automatically deducted from the cost of your new gear. All you need to do is click a button and it’s done.
PEACE OF MIND Buyers can be assured that every product sold by MPB has been through a rigorous checking process by expert technicians – and everything is protected by a free six-month warranty with hassle-free returns if required
mpb.com
14 Photography News | Issue 118
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