Better to sell gear/lenses as bundle or separate?

[AlphaPhotography]

Two weeks ago I listed my A6000 and several prime lenses (12mm, 24mm, 50mm, 85mm) for sale here and on a couple other photography forums. Everything is like new with original boxes (except the 85mm) at what I believe is a very good price based on the amount of interest. I have received numerous inquiries asking for shipping quotes and many (lowball) offers.

In your experience, have you had better luck offering gear as a complete bundle or selling pieces individually? Due to all of the flaky buyers I am considering listing everything on Ebay but I'm not sure if I should list it complete, or part everything out. I have also considered selling the A6000 + 12mm, 50mm, and 85mm to make the partial bundle closer to $1,000, then selling the 24mm separately or vice versa (A6000 + 24mm and the rest separate).

What do you think is the best/most profitable way to go about this? I would rather not use Ebay at all due to their 13%+ fees including PayPal but I would like to sell everything reasonably quickly. Any input is appreciated

 

[AlphaPhotography]

It seems with all of those great lenses and the a6000, you would have an almost perfect travel kit. Is there something the a6000 and all those lenses was not allowing you to do photographically?

Kind of. However, I have spent much of the last year using my A6000 and my girlfriend's A7II side-by-side. While I absolutely love the form factor of the A6000 and the IQ in good light is fantastic, there are certain scenarios where I found the A7II more desirable. Pretty much any low light scenario, the high ISO capabilities + IBIS have been welcomed. Especially since we both shoot specifically with primes, mostly without OSS (for example the 24mm, 55mm, 12mm, and 85mm). The dynamic range has also been very impressive on the A7II compared to my A6000, specifically when pulling shadows. The A6000 sensor often struggles to retain natural colors in shadow areas, usually ending up with an unpleasant green noise. This was very noticeable during some long exposures at the beach, where the A7II files held up much better when pulling some detail back in dark rocks along the shore while also maintaining highlights in the sky.

It sounds like you have made up your mind and the a6000 is simply not cutting it for you. You really seem to need/require an a7II and the best prime lenses that come with it to be satisfied. IMO, you should sell your A6000 and all APS-C E mount lenses ASAP, get the a7II and keep the 55mm f1.8, 85mm f1.4 and be happy. There is no sense in being unhappy with the a6000, 24mm, 12mm when you can go FF and get the pictures you want. Obviously you have the all the money you need to have any camera/lenses you want, so why settle for second best. Life is too short, get the best camera/lenses you can, that way you can keep up with your girlfriends camera and lenses. Hopefully, the a7000 with IBIS and better sensor will not be announces right after you sell your a6000 and all lenses with it in 3 weeks or so ;-)

 

[AlphaPhotography]

Instead of using the forums or ebay, have you thought about selling it on Kijiji or craigslist? You may occasionally find someone who wants what your selling locally, which can save you a bit of cash since you won't have to deal with paypal or ebay. I've had some luck selling some of my gear and also buying gear through Kijiji, and for the most part its alot safer to get products that work since you can try it out on the spot.

I have considered it but would rather not deal with it. I have many friends who have been involved in sketchy Craigslist transactions, gotten ripped off, intimidated etc. One seemingly nice family came to purchase an almost new box spring/mattress from a friends house, handed him the money and left. My friend didn't think to bother counting it based on how polite they were. Ended up being like $80 less than what they were supposed to give. Then of course they didn't return any phone calls... Doesn't seem worth the trouble.

 

[AlphaPhotography]

I'm likely telling you what others have already... You get more money selling them separately but it's quicker to sell as a package. However, you don't have a "normal" package to offer. Most users interested in any of your lenses (with the exception of the 50) probably already have the camera, don't like the kit lens and want something better.

I took a quick look at your "for sale" thread and I'm assuming these are the latest prices.

• Rokinon 12mm f2 - 269
• Rokinon 85mm f1.4 - 229
• Sony 50mm f1.8 - 239
• Sony Zeiss 24mm f1.8 - 790
• A6000 body only - 389 (31K actuations)

In my opinion the A6000, 50mm and 85mm are overpriced. If those prices are any indication, the other two are as well.

A6000 - People shopping for used items are likely aware of recent Best Buy open box pricing in the recent past - $350+ for an A6000 WITH kit lens open box with between 50 to a few hundred actuations and will not pay $389 for a body with 31K actuations.

The 50mm was selling for $250 BRAND NEW through December 31.

I'd say a fair price for those two items (used) would be $250-$300 (A6K body with 31K actuations) and $150-$200 for the 50mm.

The Rokinon 85mm sells for $269 new at B&H and comes with warranty. Why would someone pay $230 (only 15% discount) for a used lens with no warranty? I'd want 30-50%

Honestly though, if you haven't sold your stuff, you should consider keeping it. You have some fantastic pictures posted on your website! Wait till after the supposed new camera announcement next month before you sell.. Good luck!

Thanks for the input. I priced the individual items slightly higher than I had planned to in anticipation of being lowballed (which I already have been numerous times). One person offered $1000 for everything shipped lol). I also based the prices partially on recent sold Ebay listings, and the fact that everything is pristine in the original boxes (except the 85mm).

And thank you for the kind words about my portfolio! I have considered waiting until the supposed announcement next month but I am one of the many people who have been waiting for this announcement for over a year (since October of 2014) and have been let down more times than I can count. It's my fault for buying into all of the rumors. I just keep telling myself that even if the A7000 has amazing specs, it still won't be able to take full advantage of all of the excellent FE lenses that recently came out (at their native focal lengths) like the Batis 85mm or 25mm that I have been drooling over. My girlfriend will also be pleased when I start buying new FE lenses that she can use on her A7II. I guess only time will tell if I have any regrets.

 

[santiclaws]

Great deals disappear in minutes. Good deals go in a few hours to a few days. If your stuff isn't selling your prices are too high. And your prices are definitely too high, especially for forum sales. Stuff on ebay sells for more.

And selling gear separately definitely brings higher prices. The more stuff you sell together, the more of a discount buyers will expect.

 

[AlphaPhotography]

Great deals disappear in minutes. Good deals go in a few hours to a few days. If your stuff isn't selling your prices are too high. And your prices are definitely too high, especially for forum sales. Stuff on ebay sells for more.

And selling gear separately definitely brings higher prices. The more stuff you sell together, the more of a discount buyers will expect.

That may be true but I've also had tons of people ask for shipping quotes without haggling on the price. None of them have followed through however. I will see what happens in the next couple days and then decide if I should lower the price or put on Ebay. Thanks for the input

 

[blue_skies]

Two weeks ago I listed my A6000 and several prime lenses (12mm, 24mm, 50mm, 85mm) for sale here and on a couple other photography forums. Everything is like new with original boxes (except the 85mm) at what I believe is a very good price based on the amount of interest. I have received numerous inquiries asking for shipping quotes and many (lowball) offers.

In your experience, have you had better luck offering gear as a complete bundle or selling pieces individually? Due to all of the flaky buyers I am considering listing everything on Ebay but I'm not sure if I should list it complete, or part everything out. I have also considered selling the A6000 + 12mm, 50mm, and 85mm to make the partial bundle closer to $1,000, then selling the 24mm separately or vice versa (A6000 + 24mm and the rest separate).

What do you think is the best/most profitable way to go about this? I would rather not use Ebay at all due to their 13%+ fees including PayPal but I would like to sell everything reasonably quickly. Any input is appreciated

 

[brilly]

Definitely separate

As mentioned above, someone wanting a package with lenses will assign a low personal value to a lens they dont actively want.

of those lenses the 12/2 85/1.5 and 24/1.8 are all 'specialist' and will instantly shrink your market

if you must bundle then the 50/1.8 as a maximum

buyers of the body like pretty much nothing with it or imo a 'starter pack' with a memory card/battery/case/lens so they can get going straight away

i think a zoom is better suited for the 'starter bundle' though so would just try all separately

 

[AlphaPhotography]

Two weeks ago I listed my A6000 and several prime lenses (12mm, 24mm, 50mm, 85mm) for sale here and on a couple other photography forums. Everything is like new with original boxes (except the 85mm) at what I believe is a very good price based on the amount of interest. I have received numerous inquiries asking for shipping quotes and many (lowball) offers.

In your experience, have you had better luck offering gear as a complete bundle or selling pieces individually? Due to all of the flaky buyers I am considering listing everything on Ebay but I'm not sure if I should list it complete, or part everything out. I have also considered selling the A6000 + 12mm, 50mm, and 85mm to make the partial bundle closer to $1,000, then selling the 24mm separately or vice versa (A6000 + 24mm and the rest separate).

What do you think is the best/most profitable way to go about this? I would rather not use Ebay at all due to their 13%+ fees including PayPal but I would like to sell everything reasonably quickly. Any input is appreciated

 

[snapa]

The kit I have listed is the A6000, + Rokinon 12mm f2 + Sony Zeiss 24mm f1.8 + Sony 50mm f1.8 + Rokinon 85mm f1.4. All items are like new in the original boxes except the Rokinon (which is flawless but doesn't include the original box). The A6000 had a screen protector put on from day one and the Zeiss 24mm has had a B&W filter from day one. Retail price for everything is $2,540. I am asking $1,790 which seems fair considering the lenses are all like new. I have received tons of interest asking for shipping quotes but just haven't had a buyer follow through and I'm wondering if it is because the bundle is "too large". I did recently list some of the items here individually as well so we'll see how that goes and if not I will try my luck with Ebay.

Just a thought that 'might' be helpful. I think there may be quite a few people who:

• Might already have 1-2 of those lenses and that's why they are not interested.
• Might not want 1-2 of those lenses for whatever reason.
• Might not want to spend $1,790 to start off with.
• What is the chance anyone would choose those exact 4 lenses for their kit?

So, here's the plan, make the 1st option to buy the entire bundle, just like you have. Have a 2nd option for people to buy the A6000 with two (2) lenses 'Of Their Choice', and make you an offer. That way, they can pick a 2 lens system they really want, and may just give you a offer you can live with. Then, you will have only 2 lenses to sell separately and I think you will be more successful that way. Hope that helps, good luck!

--
Life is short, make the best of it while you can!
http://grob.smugmug.com/

 

[Entropy512]

I know most would say to invest in lenses instead but I also have access to a Canon 40mm STM (great results with this as well on A7II including AF), and Canon 10-18mm STM/Canon 55-250mm STM to use in crop mode. The ironic part is that the STM lenses are a pain to manually focus with the small focus ring, focus by wire, and smaller/worse A6000 EVF but the AF works amazing on the A7II/A7RII after the update in November. So I have two great crop lenses (and a great FF STM lens, the 40mm) that are hindered due to the lack of firmware...Sigh.

 

[AlphaPhotography]

I know most would say to invest in lenses instead but I also have access to a Canon 40mm STM (great results with this as well on A7II including AF), and Canon 10-18mm STM/Canon 55-250mm STM to use in crop mode. The ironic part is that the STM lenses are a pain to manually focus with the small focus ring, focus by wire, and smaller/worse A6000 EVF but the AF works amazing on the A7II/A7RII after the update in November. So I have two great crop lenses (and a great FF STM lens, the 40mm) that are hindered due to the lack of firmware...Sigh.

 

[QQsubs]

I know most would say to invest in lenses instead but I also have access to a Canon 40mm STM (great results with this as well on A7II including AF), and Canon 10-18mm STM/Canon 55-250mm STM to use in crop mode. The ironic part is that the STM lenses are a pain to manually focus with the small focus ring, focus by wire, and smaller/worse A6000 EVF but the AF works amazing on the A7II/A7RII after the update in November. So I have two great crop lenses (and a great FF STM lens, the 40mm) that are hindered due to the lack of firmware...Sigh.

 

[csintexas]

I do not see how you could beat a FF with a crop sensor...

My guess is that most people who buy used do so because of limited budgets or interest so coming up with 2 grand in one chunk limits the market considerably.

Only those folks who already know they will like the a6000 but do not have a large lens collection.

 

[Entropy512]

I do not see how you could beat a FF with a crop sensor...

My guess is that most people who buy used do so because of limited budgets or interest so coming up with 2 grand in one chunk limits the market considerably.

Only those folks who already know they will like the a6000 but do not have a large lens collection.

Two places where crop sensors are historically advantageous and these are reasons why I really would prefer to stick with APS-C if possible:

1) Smaller sensor typically leads to significantly faster burst framerates - A6000 burst performance still destroys any of the FF Sonys

2) Crop factor is good when you're at the very long end of the telephoto range. A 300mm lens on FF is the equivalent of 200mm on APS-C, and that 300mm lens on APS-C is equivalent of a monstrous 450mm lens on FF. (Yes, I realize there are potential image quality/lens resolution issues here...) A 500mm lens on APS-C is also highly beneficial compared to 500mm on FF when you're trying to get a good image of the afterburner flame of an F-16.

(Where'd I get those FLs - started with a 55-200 on Pentax APS-C, moved to 70-300, then moved to a 50-500 Bigma... No viable Bigma for Sony is one reason I still have my Pentax gear)

 

[SeaFrank]

Awesome pics on your flickr by the way, I really enjoyed them.

If I were in your shoes I would definitely bundle the a6000 body with the sony 50mm (its a pretty cheap lens to begin with, and you would probably attract more buyers by including it as its a great lens for the money and one many a6000 users will probably want regardless).

As for the Rokinons, its more up to how quickly you are looking to sell and how much patience you have dealing with buyers - you would probably get more money selling them on their own, but if you are just looking to get rid of things quicker with less hassle, might be worth just tossing them in the bundle if the price is right.

Regardless of that, I definitely would sell the Zeiss separate - its a great lens and I suspect you might get more interest and a higher price in selling it off on its own.

 

[AlphaPhotography]

Awesome pics on your flickr by the way, I really enjoyed them.

If I were in your shoes I would definitely bundle the a6000 body with the sony 50mm (its a pretty cheap lens to begin with, and you would probably attract more buyers by including it as its a great lens for the money and one many a6000 users will probably want regardless).

As for the Rokinons, its more up to how quickly you are looking to sell and how much patience you have dealing with buyers - you would probably get more money selling them on their own, but if you are just looking to get rid of things quicker with less hassle, might be worth just tossing them in the bundle if the price is right.

Regardless of that, I definitely would sell the Zeiss separate - its a great lens and I suspect you might get more interest and a higher price in selling it off on its own.

Thank you for the kind words and input. I am still considering bundling the 50mm with the A6000. I received some more inquires today, one person was interested in the 24mm and 85mm together. A few days ago someone wanted the A6000, 24mm, and 12mm. So it appears it is just a matter of finding the right buyer. I'm sure individually may move them faster, so I may split them up for the most part, at least the Zeiss, unless a buyer follows through soon

 

[AlphaPhotography]

I know most would say to invest in lenses instead but I also have access to a Canon 40mm STM (great results with this as well on A7II including AF), and Canon 10-18mm STM/Canon 55-250mm STM to use in crop mode. The ironic part is that the STM lenses are a pain to manually focus with the small focus ring, focus by wire, and smaller/worse A6000 EVF but the AF works amazing on the A7II/A7RII after the update in November. So I have two great crop lenses (and a great FF STM lens, the 40mm) that are hindered due to the lack of firmware...Sigh.