Anyone ever sell gear to Adorama?

[HelenOster]

You have to remember that they have to be able to make a profit,too.
The advantage is they would pay quickly. The disadvantage is they aren't going to give you top dollar because they can't justify the time and expense of selling it for what they paid.
Helen is always on top of stuff and spends a lot of time trying to make things right with the customers.

We usually aim to pay 70% of the expected re-sale value.

The 30% covers our costs of shipping and insurance of used gear in for evaluation (and back again if a customer turns down our estimate); cleaning and servicing of gear prior to re-sale; advertising; warehousing; the cost of providing for most items a 6-month warranty - which includes a 30-day returns period; staff wages..........and the boss expects us to turn a profit!

I guess as with any service you outsource, plumbing, carpentry, car mechanics etc - the bottom line is: if your time is worth more and you want a quick job you get someone else to do it!

[Photo-John]

.and the boss expects us to turn a profit!

What??!! Turning a profit? Whoever heard of such a thing!!

Thanks for answering questions in this thread, Helen. Hopefully it reassures potential Adorama customers and brings you guys some more business. Personally, I love it when camera industry folks and dealer reps post on our forums

[HelenOster]

.....I love it when camera industry folks and dealer reps post on our forums

Delighted to have the opportunity to reach out to so many people; give support and assistance where required, and sometimes, even a behind-the-scenes look at the photo industry!

[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.