Selling photo and video gear you’ve outgrown or just aren’t using can be a great way to keep your kit up to date and make the most of your budget. It can also go terribly wrong. Here are some of the most common gear-selling pitfalls—and how to steer clear of them—from MPB, the world’s largest online platform for used photo and video equipment.

Waiting forever to get paid.

So, you shipped the goods weeks ago but you’re still waiting to hear the cha-ching? That’s no good. Whether you’re waiting for an individual buyer’s personal check to clear or you’re getting the runaround from a used gear vendor, it’s nerve-racking to be left in payment limbo. At MPB, we pay you quickly and securely with a direct deposit or wire transfer.

Shipping hassles.

Save yourself the trouble of running around town or waiting in line to ship your gear after you’ve packed it up. When you sell it to MPB, we send you a prepaid shipping label to print out. Drop your package off for shipping if that’s convenient or schedule a pickup from your own location.

Lost packages.

You boxed your gear up, shipped it all out, and then . . . crickets. When you finally call the buyer, your package is MIA, and the shipping company can’t track it down. Even in our era of high-tech tracking systems, packages can get lost—or even “lost.” [What does that mean, can get lost or even “lost”? Meaning it was stolen?] If yours isn’t insured, you’ll be the one taking the loss. Don’t risk it. When you sell to MPB, the prepaid shipping label for your goods automatically includes insurance.

Lowballing.

Don’t let buyers or middlemen haggle away your used gear’s value. MPB is the world’s largest online platform for used photo and video equipment, so we know what your gear is worth and we always pay a fair price. Use our online tool to get a fast estimate, ship your gear to us for free, and our experienced product specialists will send a price confirmation for your approval before closing the deal. Have a change of heart at the last minute? We’ll send the gear back to you for free.

Scammers.

Whether you’re doing it through social media, an app, or a classified ad site, selling to individual buyers involves the risk of getting scammed. Scammers come up with new strategies all the time, and even if you don’t fall prey to their schemes, you can waste a lot of time weeding them out. Save yourself the headache by selling to someone you know is legit. MPB protects both buyers and sellers to make sure everyone gets a good deal.

Paying instead of trading.

Instead of buying new (or new-to-you) gear and leaving your older stuff to gather dust, consider trading up. With MPB’s online tools, you can sell your older gear and pick up the new tools you need, all in one simple process. You’ll be making the most of your equipment budget—and making a great deal for yourself and the lucky next owner of the gear you trade in.

Get it right by selling with MPB, the world’s largest online platform for used photo and video equipment.