The box means nothing. A copy of original sales receipt--with serial number on it and customer name/address matching---is some assurance that it's not stolen.
But, if having the box means 15%(hard to believe), save the dang box.
Keith B. wrote:
The box means nothing. A copy of original sales receipt--with serial number on it and customer name/address matching---is some assurance that it's not stolen.
But, if having the box means 15%(hard to believe), save the dang box.
Yeh, I don't believe a box adds 15% to the price. I sold my share of gear and a lot without a box and I got the going rates for the gear. Definitely not 15% less...no way.
I bought a 24-70 on Craigslist last year with no box and no hood and an odd cap on the front element. It was $1200 and probably hot, but I got a purchase receipt to cover myself. The lens is in great shape. Someone's loss and my gain.
ISO1600 wrote:
Honestly, out of all my selling experiences, I find ebay the least stressful.
on here: lots of lowballs, several experiences where the buyer wasn't satisfied because of something they should have asked about, and starts making paypal dispute threats.
on craigslist: millions of shady people/scammers.
on ebay: BUYERS.
That is your money at work - Ebay charges you at least 5% more than other sites (for fixed price listing, Paypal extra). They do have a good system protecting both buyers and sellers.
james.d53 wrote:
I bought a 24-70 on Craigslist last year with no box and no hood and an odd cap on the front element. It was $1200 and probably hot, but I got a purchase receipt to cover myself. The lens is in great shape. Someone's loss and my gain.
A purchase receipt does nothing to "cover you." In the (unlikely) case that the police track the stolen goods to you, the lens goes back to the original owner and you get zero compensation --- and should feel lucky that the police don't generally have time to press charges for the crime of receiving stolen goods, which would be what you deserve for knowingly buying something that is "probably hot."
i try not to buy anymore lenses that don't have the original box. its not that i like the boxes or need them for anything it just that i know that when it is time to upgrade or sell the lens, i will get asked if i still have the box and i want to get full price.
Having sold and bought a lot of stuff on ebay and craigslist, I do not believe that a box adds 15% to the value. In fact I don't think a box adds much at all to the cash value of the item. However it does make it more likely to be bought in a quicker manner.
Personally if I buy an item on craigslist (or here at FM), I do typically ask if it comes with the box. That of course does not mean that I will not buy it without the box, neither does it mean that I will pay less if it comes without a box. However to me it is just one of the many questions you would ask to know about the condition and history of the item.
chez wrote:
Yeh, I don't believe a box adds 15% to the price. I sold my share of gear and a lot without a box and I got the going rates for the gear. Definitely not 15% less...no way.
Hi Harry,
The 15% figure for having a box is probably from my contribution, at the start of the thread. As of today, I'm at 204 lenses sold. I stand by my original comment. YMMV.
For me it's all about disclaimers:
like - I am the second/third owner; and receipts, feedback on selling sites, etc, all do help.
Good pictures, and detailed explanation about lens condition helps, which show signs of the seller knowing what he has and talking about.
Ebay has been changing their policies - they do protect the buyer, and not so much the seller - thus the 'empty-box", "damaged item" and "brick-in-the-box retuen" scams, so popular these days.
Yes, boxes are just clutter, but in high priced items, just makes it nicer - I would not pay more for it either.
if you meet in person, it's easier to "read" the person.
So where's the box? - I just don't keep them or care for it. on CL I set a FIRM price - no bs, or will walk away, that simple.
Most photographers are perfectionist, who pay attention to detail. So having the box and the included accessories really adds value. It completes the item sold.
7-15% increase in value is expected.
I concur with most of the comments posted, buyers tend to ask less questions when the complete package is presented.
Great answers! My issues is people not taking pictures of the actual items. Posting some photoshop googled picture...hilarious!!! I prefer the box myself.
It might not be rational, but the box makes me feel better about the item I am buying when purchasing on Craigslist. I always speak to the seller directly before we arrange to meet in person and I feel like I can pretty quickly tell if the seller is genuine or not. I have met a lot of nice people for the most part. The most memorable recently was a woman who handed me her brand new 5d3 (gift from her husband) to get me to help put the lens I was selling on for her to test. Incidentally, she didn't care about the box.
I go for the box like others to get more for the item at resell (FM) where possible, however I also buy without the box as well. It's Craigslist, so generally the prices are negotiable within reason regardless. Even when the seller states firm in my experience.
