Let's Sell Some Gear to KEH Camera!
If you’re looking for a way to make some quick cash, or better yet, to upgrade some gear, KEH Camera is a great place to look. Most photographers have had some gear updates over time, and most of us have had to deal with the hassle of online auctions or flaky buyers who don’t show up. I’ve personally sold cameras and lenses on eBay and had to deal with buyers trying to bargain at unrealistically low prices, and have even had them back out after winning an auction. It’s just a hassle.
KEH Camera is known as a fantastic place to buy used quality camera equipment at great prices - the gear is always clean, inspected, and fairly priced for the condition. We’ve shared about buying a lot of our own gear from them in a previous post!
But where do they get all of that great used gear? From the same people who buy it! It comes from photographers looking to upgrade or looking to get some extra cash. For over 40 years, KEH has been trusted for the gear they sell, and also for how they buy gear. They are in fact the largest seller of used gear in the world. From film to digital and everything in between, their huge inventory most likely has what you need, and they probably want what you have!
You may be wondering why choose KEH Camera as the place to sell gear? Well, I just recently went through the very simple process of selling some gear, and can’t find any reason not to choose them. I attended a buying event back in 2019. I just had some gear that had been sitting around, and had hoped to make a fair amount of money for it. The process was so simple, the buyer was friendly and explained everything simply, and I walked out with a check in a matter of minutes. Some gear that was worth next to nothing to me, and they gave me way more than I expected!
They offer a very easy process for selling gear online through their website. A couple of quick forms, and you have a ballpark price! They don’t charge shipping, there is no fee, and it’s very secure. The gear ships to them, and once they evaluate it, you get to choose if you want to take the offer they quote you, and can still get your (lightly cleaned) gear returned. It couldn’t be easier to get some extra cash!
So let’s walk through this easy process together and you can see quickly how it went for me:
Step 1: Get An Instant Quote
I decided it was time to part with a lens that I just don’t use much anymore. My Nikon 24-120mm has been catching dust for a while, so I want to turn it into a more useful piece of gear. I visited the site and clicked on the “sell” button in the navigation.
It’s worth noting, they also offer an online video chat option now, too. You can book an appointment with one of their buyers, entirely online, and they will walk through the gear and get an initial quote for you. That’s really convenient, and their buyers are really nice!
On the standard online quote side, I was at a page where I could easily enter the item I wanted to sell, and it auto filled to help me find the right item. It asked me to give them a “grade” description and they have an easy key to help make that determination.
The form then asked me to list anything included and other attributes. Try to pick the grade and the included accessories as accurately as possible, to be sure to get an accurate instant quote.
After answering the questions, click “add to quote” and it gave me an instant value. You can continue to add multiple items, if you have them!
I just had the one lens, so I clicked “continue” to move into the contact info and shipping details. There is an open comment box at this point, where other notes can be added. Most importantly, look for the promo code box and, since I’m sharing my experience of using KEH, I can help you get more for your gear!
Use this code to get 5% more back on your trade-in: WanderingAlways
Step 2: Pack the Gear and Ship It For Free
After getting through the fast and easy online entry process, the site gives you a packing slip and shipping label to print. The shipping is free. It couldn’t be more simple - just grab a box, safely pack the gear, include the packing slip, and ship it off!
Step 3: Ship and Wait
Their site also gives you easy links to find local shipping drop-off locations. I received an email with tracking info, too, so I was able to follow the item on it’s way to Smyrna, Georgia! And I just had to wait for them to receive it, and inspect it!
Step 4: Get Paid!
Once the lens arrives, they inspect and lightly clean it. They check it for function and appearance. Then they contact me with options via email. I can get paid quickly, a couple of ways. Since I was looking for a trade-in, I would take a KEH credit(with 5% extra if you use a promo code!) which I could apply to a new order, right away. There is also a cash out option, if you just want to sell!
Bonus: Peace Of Mind
I appreciated knowing that through the whole process, I was able to ask for my lens back. It went to them on a free shipping label, and if I received a very different quote or just changed my mind, I could easily ask for them to return my gear for free! There is no obligation to let them keep the gear, even after shipping it to them.
I had no doubt the quote would be fair, and wouldn’t change dramatically after I shipped the item. Like I mentioned previously, having sold to them in the past (in person), I was surprised at how much more they offered me than what I expected!
At any time during the process, they are available to reach by phone or email, and they are always more than willing to help with any questions.
To quickly summarize the steps - get a quote online, pack it up, ship it for free, get paid! So easy!