Tips For Purchasing Used Camera Equipment

Purchasing camera equipment can be a hassle or a joy, depending on the approach you take. Because of this, it is imperative that you realize the fact that prices are seldom set in stone, and there are more opportunities for haggling than you might first realize. Negotiating for a discount is really an art though, and takes almost as much practice as photography itself. The best deals can be found by buying used camera equipment from stores that specialize in display, refurbished, or used items; the best part is that the quality of the product is usually not affected at all by the fact that it was previously used or owned.

A smart shopper will usually never have to pay the actual listed retail price. If you must buy from a retail store out of convenience, first stop by a discount dealer that provides these products for cheaper prices, such as B&H Photo. When you are checking for prices, call them on the phone instead of visiting their website. Some companies (in fact, many of them) have entered into agreements with distributors and manufacturers about publically advertising prices. If you call a manufacturer though and get a whole-sale price, you can sometimes convince the owner of the retail store to match or come close to the price usually saved for wholesale.

Of course, the best way to find yourself a good buy is to get used camera equipment. Refurbished products are typically in near perfect condition, since they usually are only used in displays or returns. The items used for display are only handled lightly, and the cameras returned by customers usually work just as well as if they were freshly bought. Even a perfectionist will have a hard time turning down an only slightly imperfect camera if he can save thirty to seventy percent off of the purchase price. On that note, performance is most likely not affected by simple scratches, damaged screw heads, or excessive wear marks.

When you buy used camera equipment, it is of paramount importance that you make sure all accessories and documentation are included, such as the owner's manual. If the manual is not present, an online copy can be found at the manufacturer's website. Also, look for signs of excessive use before the purchase, such as impact damage or moisture exposure. Common sense is a wonderful tool to use when you are trying to decide if a buy is worth the buck.