Anyone ever sell gear to Adorama?

[Darrell C]

Well, I did talk to Jack @ Adorama this morning, re my D90 and D7000, our original conversation on the price was about $750 for both cameras, using their grading system I would put my cameras at E and E- which put their cameras for sale in same grade on their site to be valued at retail of $1150.......now 70% of that = $805 to me, their offer was $500, I told myself I would not go below $700, we could not meet so cameras are being mailed back, very interesting experience.

I asked Jack if they did a shutter count, as both cameras were under 10,000 one 2505 the other 9703......in camera terms NOTHING!
Jack said they do not do shutter count, I then asked what grade they gave my cameras, his response was they did not grade the cameras, I was left numb struck.

and Helen thanks for the help, after I e-mailed you i got 3 e-mails the next day they were trying to call me

[HelenOster]

Jack said they do not do shutter count, I then asked what grade they gave my cameras, his response was they did not grade the cameras, I was left numb struck.

They actually don't do shutter counts during the evaluation process; as I understand it, the time it takes in person-hours isn't felt to be worth the additional cost it would put on a unit. If a customer asks for a shutter count, provided we have the appropriate software, we do it at point-of-sale. (We can also provide a set of pictures of an actual item)

In terms of the grading; well, that isn't Jack's area. He simply heads the team that buys in gear. there is a separate team that examines, cleans and grades the units.

See my post #28 for how Jack's team work out the value.

BTW, I'm glad I was able to help - you know where I am if you need any additional support.

[photofan]

I'm in the same debate as Jeta. I have a Canon Rebel T3i with double lenses set to sell. I've been thinking to use Adorama. I'm waiting on a quote from them but reading things online I'm also confused on whether I should use them or not. There are a lot of bad reviews, some of them still recent from one year ago, mostly for the same reasons. People are being offered with one price and then paid with another offer way lower. It's embarrassing to say it but I probably used it just a couple of times since I bought it. I realized a DSLR camera is too big for me. So it's in excellent conditions. I understand I won't get the same price I paid for it, but and I'd like to get a fair one. Does anyone know what other sites I can explore or should I take a leap of faith on Adorama?

[HelenOster]

I'm in the same debate as Jeta. ....... should I take a leap of faith on Adorama?

When customers contact me and describe issues regarding final quotes being considerably less than the 'phone estimates, I look for the recording of the call. The most common problem is that customers selling to Adorama 'hear' that the used department "pays up to 70% of RETAIL" and assume this means 70% of the current brand new retail price. Whereas, what they say is that they pay is "up to 70% of RESALE"!

BIG difference......

The Adorama used department get upwards of 1,800 pieces sent in for evaluation every week and at any given time there are 26 - 27,000 used items in the warehouse

The way the value is established is by using a calculation which takes into account the number of exact same units in the warehouse at the time of your trade; the average number of that same unit in stock over the past 6 months; the average selling price of the unit over the past 6 months and projected decreases in the pre-owned market in the coming months due to new models becoming available.

In addition, the selling prices on the website can only be a ROUGH guide if you are trying to figure out how much the used department might be able to pay you for your gear.

When new models are released, the overall market tends to soften. Pre-owned units will usually drop in value, but the used department will still be looking to sell existing pre-owned stock (which may have been warehoused and therefore costing the company revenue for days, weeks or months) without making too great a loss on the price that was originally paid.

While you will be offered up to 70% of the current value (as calculated above), unless you are selling a genuine collectors' piece, in my experience you shouldn't expect to receive more than 55-65% of the price you see on our website. If you do, then it’s a bonus.


All that being said, you have my direct contact details: Helen@adorama.com, and I want you to make use of them!
Whether you have a query, a complaint or a general inquiry, I will do my best to help. And if it's outside of my sphere of knowledge, I'll find the right person to assist!

Back to your T3i; if it is in Excellent Plus condition you could expect to receive $225, with extra for the lenses.

Jack Gold will be available on Monday: 212-741-0052 ext. 2107 if you'd like to call the used department directly

[Darrell C]

my first post.howdy guys!! we'll see how this pans out I have 2 cameras in the used dept now, a D90 and a D7000, quoted $750 by phone, the will get back in a few days.
so stand by!!

[HelenOster]

my first post.howdy guys!! we'll see how this pans out I have 2 cameras in the used dept now, a D90 and a D7000, quoted $750 by phone, the will get back in a few days.
so stand by!!

I'm hoping that if you have any queries regarding your Adorama trade, that you will email me directly: Helen@adorama.com

[Darrell C]

Thanks for the PM Helen, as posted in this thread that Adorama's used purchasing agent Jack Gold and I could not reach an agreement re: buying my camera gear, my equipment was sent back to me at no cost. Jack had mentioned if i wanted to purchase in the future he would give additional discount as a gesture of good will, I spoke to Jack this AM and we worked out a new purchase for a Nikon 80-400G AF-S lens, he kept his word and in all things worked out well, my new lens is on it's way, thanks Helen and Jack my wounds are healed JK

[HelenOster]

Thanks for the PM Helen, as posted in this thread that Adorama's used purchasing agent Jack Gold and I could not reach an agreement re: buying my camera gear, my equipment was sent back to me at no cost. Jack had mentioned if i wanted to purchase in the future he would give additional discount as a gesture of good will, I spoke to Jack this AM and we worked out a new purchase for a Nikon 80-400G AF-S lens, he kept his word and in all things worked out well, my new lens is on it's way, thanks Helen and Jack my wounds are healed JK

Delighted to see this - and thank you so much for posting the outcome.

[dcpotter22]

Well its been 10 full business days since June 9th when Jack supposedly sent the final $100, and no check has arrived. So, definitely done with Adorama, using B&H, KEH, or Amazon for any equipment purchases, and testing other print places as I'm done with Adorama, they don't keep up with their competition as I used to think before discovering how B&H and KEH handle used equipment(actually give an online quote immediately, no ambiguous prices). Anyone selling to adorama, check KEH first to get an immediate quote, and if you still use adorama, know it'll take a month to get any money back, and now over 2 months to fully resolve any issues.

[HelenOster]

Well its been 10 full business days since June 9th when Jack supposedly sent the final $100, and no check has arrived. So, definitely done with Adorama, using B&H, KEH, or Amazon for any equipment purchases, and testing other print places as I'm done with Adorama, they don't keep up with their competition as I used to think before discovering how B&H and KEH handle used equipment(actually give an online quote immediately, no ambiguous prices). Anyone selling to adorama, check KEH first to get an immediate quote, and if you still use adorama, know it'll take a month to get any money back, and now over 2 months to fully resolve any issues.

Did you mislay my email address? I can't seem to find anything in my inbox advising me of this.

Please understand, Jack does not either personally write the checks himself, nor does he personally deliver them.
He is merely a small cog in the machine. He sent a request to the accounts department to raise a check on June 9; it will then have needed to be signed by a senior manager, and mailed.

I assume you would like me to check with the accounts department whether the check was definitely mailed? If it was, then I can have the check cancelled and a replacement raised, as common sense would indicate that it is lost in the postal system.

If you would like me to take any action, please email me: Helen@adorama.com

[HelenOster]

Well its been 10 full business days since June 9th when Jack supposedly sent the final $100, and no check has arrived. ........

After corresponding thru email you emailed us the corrected apt number – we corrected it in our data base

We reissued you the $100 check and send it out UPS 2 day air

We also emailed you the tracking number

We had to to do everything via email (which takes longer), since, I am told, you are not accessible via phone

[indagarden]

my first post.howdy guys!! we'll see how this pans out I have 2 cameras in the used dept now, a D90 and a D7000, quoted $750 by phone, the will get back in a few days.
so stand by!!

Hi Darrell, I'm in the same situation. My D600 and lenses are winging their way to Adorama as I type this. I am hoping the quote I was given will be honored once they evaluate my camera equipment.

[HelenOster]

Hi Darrell, I'm in the same situation. My D600 and lenses are winging their way to Adorama as I type this. I am hoping the quote I was given will be honored once they evaluate my camera equipment.

I think I need to clarify................if you were given any kind of $$figure over the 'phone that can ONLY be an estimate of re-sale value. NOT a quote!!!

In addition, you should not expect to receive any more than 70% of the re-sale value; if you have any queries about the final figure, emailing me directly: Helen@adorama.com is the most effective way to address this.

[Darrell C]

I think I need to clarify................if you were given any kind of $$figure over the 'phone that can ONLY be an estimate of re-sale value. NOT a quote!!!

In addition, you should not expect to receive any more than 70% of the re-sale value; if you have any queries about the final figure, emailing me directly: is the most effective way to address this.

I see they are very careful with your words, IF they said "$750 or less" the $750 quote being MINT all boxes etc etc, NOT a $750 thrown out then we will evaluate it, I understand you have overhead, insurance, profits, etc...........I will stop here, and wait for the phone call, as I sit here, I in my heart can not give my equipment away, just be fair.

[HelenOster]

I see they are very careful with your words, IF they said "$750 or less" the $750 quote being MINT all boxes etc etc, NOT a $750 thrown out then we will evaluate it, I understand you have overhead, insurance, profits, etc...........I will stop here, and wait for the phone call, as I sit here, I in my heart can not give my equipment away, just be fair.

I think it IS fair......the shipping and insurance was covered for you to mail it in, and if you are not agreeable to the amount offered it will be sent back at our cost.

But if you want to maximize your returns then selling to a dealer is never going to net you as much as selling yourself on eBay or CraigsList.

[Liz]

Darrell,

I would just like to make a comment from my own personal experience with selling photography equipment. I have sold cameras and lenses here and there to a few stores besides Adorama, including B&H and KEH. Most dealers have the same type of policy as Adorama. The dealer will give you an estimate according to the current value of the item, and your description of the condition ahead of time. However, in every instance this is only an estimate. Then the item needs to go through the evaluation process by a professional before an actual quote can be given.

I have to say that IMHO, Adorama is one of the most generous buyers when it comes to giving the seller a fair price. Also, their customer service is always excellent. In our case at PR, we have Helen to assist us in the process. She always does everything in her power to help the Adorama customers who post on this website.

I hope you are pleased with the outcome. I do know you will get excellent customer service and a fair quote for your equipment. I say this from my own personal experience, and from following some of the situations that have been resolved by Helen on PR.

Liz

[indagarden]

I see they are very careful with your words, IF they said "$750 or less" the $750 quote being MINT all boxes etc etc, NOT a $750 thrown out then we will evaluate it, I understand you have overhead, insurance, profits, etc...........I will stop here, and wait for the phone call, as I sit here, I in my heart can not give my equipment away, just be fair.

I do not recall being told it would sell for xxxx. I was given a number to expect to receive for my equipment. I would certainly hope that the representative would explain the number on the phone. 70% of the number I was quoted is not what I expected. I certainly understand overhead and profit. Again, like you, I will wait for the phone call.

[HelenOster]

I do not recall being told it would sell for xxxx. I was given a number to expect to receive for my equipment. I would certainly hope that the representative would explain the number on the phone. 70% of the number I was quoted is not what I expected. I certainly understand overhead and profit. Again, like you, I will wait for the phone call.

If you can email me with the date and time of your call plus the number you called from I can listen to the recording - but the estimate given over the phone is ALWAYS the expected re-sale value. It is never the sum that may be offered.

The Adorama used department get upwards of 1,800 pieces sent in for evaluation every week and at any given time there are 26 - 27,000 used items in the warehouse

The way the value is established is by using a calculation which takes into account the number of exact same units in the warehouse at the time of your trade; the average number of that same unit in stock over the past 6 months; the average selling price of the unit over the past 6 months and projected decreases in the pre-owned market in the coming months due to new models becoming available.
In addition, the selling prices on the website can only be a ROUGH guide if you are trying to figure out how much the used department might be able to pay you for your gear.
When new models are released, the overall market tends to soften. Pre-owned units will usually drop in value, but the used department will still be looking to sell existing pre-owned stock (which may have been warehoused and therefore costing the company revenue for days, weeks or months) without making too great a loss on the price that was originally paid.
While you will be offered 70% of the current re-sale value (as calculated above), unless you are selling a genuine collectors' piece, in my experience you shouldn't expect to receive more than 55-65% of the price you see on our website. If you do, then it’s a bonus.

[JJfilms]

My experience selling to Adorama was by far the worst gear selling experience I have ever had including craigslist. In fact it was the most uncomfortable retail experience I have had with any camera store and likely any store in general. I would gladly choose to deal with Comcast customer service over the Adorama used department. And I have had fine experience purchasing from them in the past, but never again. But from reading this forum there are people who had the opposite experience… I just thought I'd weigh in and try to keep them honest.

[HelenOster]

@33films

I was really so very sorry to read that this was your experience and I would like to understand more about this issue. Can you please email me directly? Helen@adorama.com

[Corey]

An update: I spoke to Jack this morning and we came to an agreement on the price for my camera. He did spend a good amount of time with me on the phone and we discussed things in more detail. He was very clear on all of my options and wanted to make sure that I felt like it was a fair deal. I order from Adorama quite often and would consider using them again when I sell gear.

[Pat S]

I have sold gear to Adorama but am not unsure if I would do it again. Customer Service Ambassador Helen Oster has contacted me and I am looking forward to how things might be going forward.

[HelenOster]

I have sold gear to Adorama but am not likely to do it again. ...................

I was extremely concerned to read the description of your experience, Pat - can you please email me as soon as is convenient: Helen@adorama.com, soi that I can address the issues you've raised.

Please accept my deepest apologies; we clearly have not served you well up 'til now, and I'd like to ensure that, going forward, you are looked after as you should have been.

[Pat S]

Thank you, Helen, for your kind post. It goes along way towards renewing my confidence in Adorama's concern for me as a customer. I have also received an email and voicemail from Stephanie in Jack Gold's office. She relays his request that I call him as soon as possible. I am not sure that speaking with Jack would be very productive at this time. If he intends to discuss the details about what he remembers compared to what I remember, it would only serve to renew the frustration I felt at the time. I don't know what the answer is but I feel that Jack could probably think of something if he was motivated to do so. If the concern is over the post I made on the on line forum just a few hours ago, it can easily be deleted or modified.

[HelenOster]

I've made the used department manager aware of your feelings - and IF you still feel things are not going as you'd like them to, then please contact me again