p.1 #1 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
They seem to be unrealistic and unreasonable. This all came into perspective when recently I stopped in to B&H to look at trade in values and test some lenses (and other equipment).
They offered me $1200 for my Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM (in mint/beautiful condition with a date code that represents a manufacture date of 2009). I declined without hesitation, of course.
I then went to their used department, and asked to look at an EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM (same as mine), and they brought out what looked like a lens that had been through war and survived (just barely). It was rated an 8+ (but should've been a VERY ROUGH, 6 at best) and had a price tag of $2500 (before tax). They had another that was rated a 9 for $2800 and was better but I wouldn't rate it higher than an 8 if I'm being very conservative.
Later that night, I checked KEH and MPB and it was more/less the same theme. I thought to myself, if they offered me such a low figure for a pristine lens, god only knows how much was offered to those that traded it in the "WELL USED" copies.
Yes, I realize that we as individuals tend to overvalue our belongings, but holy cow, these profit margins are steeeeeep! Frankly, the rating system is very misleading. Terms like Excellent or Excellent+, 8's, and 9's don't paint an honest picture. I took some screenshots/pictures but unfortunately cannot upload them.
I'm curious to know what your thoughts are on this?
p.1 #3 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
I’ve been impressed with mpb. They post images of the actual items. Everything I’ve purchased has been in better shape than expected and listed. As for prices, you’re never going to get what you think your gear is worth from a company. If you want a better price, sell it independently.
p.1 #4 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
moosemunch1 wrote:
They seem to be unrealistic and unreasonable. This all came into perspective when recently I stopped in to B&H to look at trade in values and test some lenses (and other equipment).
They offered me $1200 for my Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM (in mint/beautiful condition with a date code that represents a manufacture date of 2009). I declined without hesitation, of course.
I then went to their used department, and asked to look at an EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM (same as mine), and they brought out what looked like a lens that had been through war and survived (just barely). It was rated an 8+ (but should've been a VERY ROUGH, 6 at best) and had a price tag of $2500 (before tax). They had another that was rated a 9 for $2800 and was better but I wouldn't rate it higher than an 8 if I'm being very conservative.
Later that night, I checked KEH and MPB and it was more/less the same theme. I thought to myself, if they offered me such a low figure for a pristine lens, god only knows how much was offered to those that traded it in the "WELL USED" copies.
Yes, I realize that we as individuals tend to overvalue our belongings, but holy cow, these profit margins are steeeeeep! Frankly, the rating system is very misleading. Terms like Excellent or Excellent+, 8's, and 9's don't paint an honest picture. I took some screenshots/pictures but unfortunately cannot upload them.
I'm curious to know what your thoughts are on this? ...Show more →
I think it's best to sell here on the B&S Moose. I sell some of my stuff here, but sell most of it locally. Here's a beater 300 2.8 IS listed for $1400. Not sure what you could get for yours:
p.1 #5 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
I've found MPB to be somewhat better than KEH in prices they offer, but unless someone intends to sell a lot to them at once (and save a ton on shipping doing so), as previously stated, no company is going to offer the prices for gear that people would really like.
I also like buying from MPB because they seem to do the best job describing any issues with an item, and give pretty steep discounts for things like marks on front lens coatings, even if they don't show up in photos. I once got a lens from them for about 1/3rd of new price and half of used price because it would only AF -- the focus-by-wire MF didn't work. And they explained that up front.
p.1 #6 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
I've used both KEH and MPB for B&S. In terms of buying gear, I do prefer MPB over KEH just because they provide photos of the actual lens, rather than KEH using stock images. When selling items, it varies. I was selling my 100-400 vers ii on MPB, and they quoted me ~$900 or so, while KEH offered about ~$1,000 dollars, so I jumped on KEH(Experience went well). I haven't had any "bad" experiences with any of the companies buying or selling, but I know others have had different experiences.
p.1 #7 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
Best return is to sell privately.
I have bought plenty of used from KEH, Adorama And B&H and I've only had 1 issue with an item. It was a camera body that was listed mint and when I got it had clearly been dropped on its head. The whole top plate was cracked and literally split open. The hot shoe was caved in and the viewfinder display only worked on half of it. I have no idea how it wasn't noticed by the seller, and the packaging was perfect so it didn't happen in shipping. Camera had less than 500 clicks on it too. Oh well! But I reached out and they gave me a full refund no questions asked.
p.1 #8 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
I've only bought, sold and traded at MBP but can say all the lenses I purchased were listed as "like new" and, indeed, were like new in appearance and operation. MPB has to buy at wholesale net in order to survive and squeeze out a profit. After all, the cost of doing business in a relatively low volume business is extreme. Much of the markup surely goes to overhead—insurance, payroll, rent, inventory, shipping, advertising, web fees, etc.—and only a small percentage is actual profit. My guide to MPB prices is if Canon Direct sells a refurb for about the same price or a little more, I choose Canon Direct (full warranty) over MPB. During sales, Canon Direct can be significantly less than MPB.
p.1 #9 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
For selling, use the B&S board. For buying, also use the B&S board. But I've never had issues with KEH, even with items purchased this year. Lenses/flashes/teleconverters I bought from them rated as Bargain looked and work as if brand new.
p.1 #10 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
I gave up on B&H long ago as MPB beat them by a mile for the same items, buying or selling, so they're my go-to at present.
I'm surprised MPB offered so little, as they're offering them for about $2500 in that condition.
Are you sure there wasn't some communication misunderstanding, as to which series?
p.1 #11 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
For some lenses that are tough to move here (Voigtlanders for instance) it's usually a better value prop to use a reseller instead of a listing languishing for 6 months here.
p.1 #12 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
RustyRus wrote:
I will give you 1300 for your 300 2.8
*****I tried MPB & KEH (this afternoon) and got quotes of $1620 & $1674 respectively. Not bad.*****
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artsupreme wrote:
I think it's best to sell here on the B&S Moose. I sell some of my stuff here, but sell most of it locally. Here's a beater 300 2.8 IS listed for $1400. Not sure what you could get for yours:
*****I saw that listing and actually left a comment for the guy to not undervalue it as compared to what the big retailers are pricing this at. The copy that was selling for $2500 at B&H was in the same condition!*****
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Sy Sez wrote:
I gave up on B&H long ago as MPB beat them by a mile for the same items, buying or selling, so they're my go-to at present.
I'm surprised MPB offered so little, as they're offering them for about $2500 in that condition.
Are you sure there wasn't some communication misunderstanding, as to which series?
*****I had one experience with MPB, and it wasn't very good. I bought a Sigma ART lens that was described as like new with box and accessories, and although it did look good, it wasn't LIKE NEW.*****
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*****I will say that, I tend to be very particular about all the small details that make up the big picture. Sometimes I forget to just enjoy the big picture
When using my equipment, being overly careful can sometimes cause me to miss a shot. However, when it is time to resell, buyers are always thrilled with the condition and frequently describe my items as NEW when they receive them despite being labeled as Excellent or Great. It's a double edged sword.
I have 100% feedback on eBay dating back to 2001, 4.9 / 5.0 rating on Facebook marketplace, and 100% on Amazon. Even my local car dealerships know me as the guy who does maintenance on time, smooth driver, always garaged kept, doesn't allow his kids to eat in the car, and occasionally they also have to take off their shoes for longer rides *****
p.1 #13 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
Sy Sez wrote:
I gave up on B&H long ago as MPB beat them by a mile for the same items, buying or selling, so they're my go-to at present.
I'm surprised MPB offered so little, as they're offering them for about $2500 in that condition.
Are you sure there wasn't some communication misunderstanding, as to which series?
Their price varies according to market demand, day of the week, whim of the inspector (once mailed to them) and stock on hand. I've gotten significantly varied estimates on the same lens across a couple months and jumped at the best one after a few tries.
p.1 #14 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
I agree it’s better to buy or sell here on FM, provided you’re dealing with someone who’s trustworthy and responsible. I’ve had mostly good experiences here, but a few bad ones: I’ve never had a bad experience with KEH and only one with MPB. That was during covid and I think they were badly understaffed at the time. It eventually got resolved. I’ve come to prefer MPB because, as others have noted, they show you the actual item and they specify everything that’s included, including the original box when it is.
One advantage of dealing with KEH/MPB is the free or low-cost shipping. Yeah, you can factor shipping costs into your ad here on FM, but it’s just a lot simpler to not have to even think about it. Also, I’ve had it happen several times that I sold something to MPB and when they received it, they offered to pay me MORE than what they had quoted because it was in better condtion than what I had specified. That’s never happened with KEH.
Mar 08, 2025 at 10:22 AM
AmbientMike Offline • • • • • • [X]
p.1 #15 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
It used to be about 60% of sale price on regular gear, maybe -70% on high demand gear. $1200 is 60% of $2000, about what I had been seeing them for, might be less today, looked the other day
People trashing EF and other older gear on here has real consequences. If everyone is running down the older EF, as tends to happen on here, in favor of mirrorless, you can't expect to walk in to a shop and get top dollar on your older gear. Although the prices they are asking sound high and $1200 really not that bad on a piece of gear that whether it ought to or not might sit on the shelf a while
p.1 #16 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
I think it comes down to a question of how much your time and personal risk is worth.
You clearly can sell stuff for more than you are going to get from a business that buys and then resells gear at prices competitive with those found on the direct sales, person-to-person market. They can perhaps charge a bit more since they'll take returns and they offer some sort of guarantee on the products, but that's not enough of a margin for this to be profitable for them — they have to buy low and sell high.
So if you are willing to take on the somewhat higher risks of selling person-to-person to people you don't know, the costs of shipping, and perhaps having it take a while to find a buyer, then the direct sale will likely return a higher price.
On the other hand, if you prefer to sell quickly and easily, don't want to expend the effort or take the risks of direct sales, and can afford it... these companies can make sense.
p.1 #17 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
I will admit I have NOT read all the posts here on this subject but I just wanted to say that as a 20+ year member, buyer and seller, and familiar with the ongoing debate about "whether or not so-and-so..." is fair...
All I can add is that in monitoring the B&S boards when selling or buying, comparing with keh or whoever...I don't like hassles or crappy equipment rated at Ex+ and it is crap..or even a few notches above that low rung....keh was only a $hundred dollars less that the going rate here on FM B$S..Canon 135f2 Rated EX+...Not a scratch, dust..nada..and as DanM sez...how much of my time do I want to get to where I should be...!I.....I was more than impressed! 90day no hassle guarantee..My 2nd purchase from keh.
Dan
Ps if you question "Why I didn't buy it here??...Item wanted was not available..!" And that's rare in some purchases/sales items.
p.1 #18 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
If you’re a pro and you have written off your gear, it’s a logical way to go. For amateurs it all depends on whether you want to deal with the hassle of selling it yourself.
BTW, I just was kind of forced to sell my car (long story) and best offer was 19500 euros. That dealer has it now listed for 40000 euros.
p.1 #20 · B&H, KEH, and MPB's condition rating system and used prices
I only buy used/refurbished from Canon Online and MPB. MPB is a large international company and, based on my own “shopping around” offer the best buy/sell prices of all the used equipment sites. If you’re a regular customer they will often ‘work” with you on pricing.
