MPB question

[InkedMarie]

I haven’t looked at the MPB website for awhile. I noticed it says, by the rating “cosmetic condition “. Is that new?



Alternately, does anyone know if KEH, UsedPhotoPro, B&H test their used gear?

Marie

 

[ishwanu]

I haven’t looked at the MPB website for awhile. I noticed it says, by the rating “cosmetic condition “. Is that new?

They don't have a New category. If the condition isn't shown, they probably forgot to enter it.

Alternately, does anyone know if KEH, UsedPhotoPro, B&H test their used gear?

They test some things to some extent, but not all things thoroughly.

 

[InkedMarie]

I haven’t looked at the MPB website for awhile. I noticed it says, by the rating “cosmetic condition “. Is that new?

They don't have a New category. If the condition isn't shown, they probably forgot to enter it.

To

Alternately, does anyone know if KEH, UsedPhotoPro, B&H test their used gear?

They test some things to some extent, but not all things thoroughly.

I was asking if having “cosmetic condition” next to the rating.

Marie

 

[ishwanu]

I was asking if having “cosmetic condition” next to the rating.

They all have that AFAIK. Have you seen an item without the Cosmetic condition text?

 

[InkedMarie]

I was asking if having “cosmetic condition” next to the rating.

They all have that AFAIK. Have you seen an item without the Cosmetic condition text?

Honestly, I’m not sure, that’s why I asked. I *thought* it was just the rating but not sure.

Marie

 

[tclune]

It appears that MPB lists the appearance as the "Condition," and then adds specific notes for items that they are aware do not live up to that appearance. So you might see a "Like New" cosmetic condition item with a note that the stabilization doesn't work, for example. Until you get your mind around their system, it seems very odd and would be easy to be misled by the headline condition rating. But MPB accepts returns (which it pays for) without question, so it isn't in anyone's interest to mislead on the item's condition. Once you understand their system, I find the MPB descriptions quite reliable on the whole. FWIW

 

[jerryf128]

I too have noticed this. It is something new lately.

 

[jerryf128]

It used to say condition. Not cosmetic condition.

 

[jerryf128]

I agree, I don't think they are trying to mis lead, but the words "cosmetic condition"are fairly new.

 

[InkedMarie]

I agree, I don't think they are trying to mis lead, but the words "cosmetic condition"are fairly new.

Yes! That’s what I thought.
Marie

 

[InkedMarie]

It used to say condition. Not cosmetic condition.

Thank you!

Marie

 

[MJ_Photo38]

MPB rates the camera in two things : functionality and cosmetic condition.

If the cosmetic condition gets down (some bumps, paint going away, earased buttons, scratched screens, etc) the price drops.

If the functionality of the item is lowered (dirty lenses, hard to turn focus / zoom ring, broken screen, non functional AF or image stabilization etc) then the price is lowered again, and the defect mentionned in the product description.

If the camera or lens has a functional problem that makes it unusable (broken shutter, camera not turning on, no screens working), then it's sold at a heavy discount as "spares and repairs".

 

[Redhenry]

I haven’t looked at the MPB website for awhile. I noticed it says, by the rating “cosmetic condition “. Is that new?

Alternately, does anyone know if KEH, UsedPhotoPro, B&H test their used gear?

Marie

Yes, as mentioned previously, it used to say “condition”. I expect that the addition of the word “cosmetic” is for the sale of clarity - in other words, the item looks good but it’s not impossible that there’s a problem which is not visible. I’ve been dealing with MPB for over ten years now and will continue to do so. It’s worth adding that the long-established UK weekly photo magazine “Amateur Photographer” thinks highly enough of MPB to offer as a regular competition prize a voucher from MPB rather than a specific camera or lens.

 

[Bob A L]

I would lay odds that this came about at the hands of a lawyer somewhere. Companies are needing to be more and more conscious of doing whatever necessary to cover the bases so to speak in the world of ever increasing law suits.

Personally I have nothing bad to say about MPB rating of and description of equipment they sell. Every single item I have bought from them was rated by them lower than I would have rated the item had I been grading.

 

[jerryf128]

I too have bought/traded, with no issues, other than it takes too long to get the item!:-D

 

[contadorfan]

I too have bought/traded, with no issues, other than it takes too long to get the item!:-D

Yes, their shipping schedule is a bit of a mystery. I've bought 2 lenses from MPB, both listed as only "Good" condition, but sure looked like new to me when they arrived. I exchanged one because the IQ was mushy, & the "Good" replacement was also in excellent condition (& had much better IQ).

I'll certainly use them again if I have two weeks to wait on a lens. I paid $30 for three day shipping with lens #1: it arrived 8 days after purchase. Lens #2 exchange: After 11 days of transactional inactivity, I asked via their chat service to check up on it, & lens arrived three days later.

 

[Dick Dastardly]

They sell a million items every year, of course they can't test everything. But....there's a warranty.

 

[InkedMarie]

I would lay odds that this came about at the hands of a lawyer somewhere. Companies are needing to be more and more conscious of doing whatever necessary to cover the bases so to speak in the world of ever increasing law suits.

Personally I have nothing bad to say about MPB rating of and description of equipment they sell. Every single item I have bought from them was rated by them lower than I would have rated the item had I been grading.

It was the addition of the word “cosmetic “ to condition that made me ask. I’ve had no problems with my purchases from them; same goes with KEH and B&H’s used section.



Marie

 

[egk4260]

Regarding one of your alternates:

Loading…

www.keh.com

 

[Ryan Schwartz]

I've had no issues with MPB as well. I tend to go for "like new" condition items not only for cosmetic purposes but also increases the likelihood that the internals are working fine, whether it's a lens or body. Have bought two Nikon lenses through them: the AF-S DX 16-80mm F2.8-4 and AF-P DX 18-55mm F3.5-5.6.

They aren't the fastest to ship items out, but I believe they have an expedited option for a fee if you need the item right away.

--
Ryan