Don't know how to price a lens

I bought a Tamron Zoom 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di about 5 years ago or so (maybe longer). It was used for a short time. I have the box and all original documentation. It's in like new condition. I know it retailed around $500. My friend wants to buy it. I have no clue how to put a value on it. I want to give it to her at a good price, but I don't even know where to begin.

Anyone? Pretty please? :D

Try seeing what they sell for on ebay or Craig's list is my only suggestion.

Just because I get a burr in my bonnet, I looked up used on ebay and see them for $200 to $300 but don't know what condition they are in.

When I worked in a camera shop that traded in second hand gear, we used to work out what the nearest new equivalent cost then half it and that would be how much we would sell it for. Obviously taking into consideration the condition of the item and any disparity performance wise between it and the new equivalent. In this case about $200-250.

When buying we would pay half as much again so that we could make a profit.

The staff price was what we paid plus the difference between what we paid and what we would sell it for. so here the fair price for your friend might be $150-$190.

Given the ebay price range is up to $300 (i would have thought that was on the high side) that should give you nice working parameters to be able to offer a price that is fair to both of you.

Hi Julie,

I've sold items on Amazon so I know their website is a good way to see what used items are going for today (I usually go by that). The used item is priced right along side of the new on their webiste.

I found the lens you are looking for which still sells on Amazon - both new and used. Just be aware that some sellers price above what they can get, but this should give you a good idea of what they are selling for.

There are quite a few of these lenses listed in this link. Click on one - then click on "used" and you will see the list. The used are being sold both from dealers and individual sellers (anyone can sell on Amazon).

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...6.3+XR+Di+lens

Good luck - let us know what you decide.

Good to see you!

Liz

For private sale a good starting point is 50% of new price. Just remember shops will sell like new items closer to 75% of the new cost. Now there are some items which are no-longer in production which will sell for allot more than new.

The best gauge I've seen for actual selling price is craigslist in large markets. Especially craigslist: SF bay area classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events Search New York and Los Angeles and you're probably going to find a few. Unless you're overly cautious fleabay throws the numbers off between people selling broken poop and idiots thinking they're going to get collector prices on 5 year-old glass.

What usually happens with me is I sell/give to my friend for a song and he buys me beer for a while. :)

And there's always the barter thing...does she have something you want?

Thank you all so much. So many good resources. I now I have an idea where I'm going to go with this. I'm going to ask her for $150. She is one of my best friends and I feel this is a fair price and I'm not overcharging. Do you guys agree?

That sounds more than fair to me. If you were selling this to a stranger, I would say $150 might be a bit low but since this is a friend and you are both happy with that price, then go for it.

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Originally Posted by mjs1973

That sounds more than fair to me. If you were selling this to a stranger, I would say $150 might be a bit low but since this is a friend and you are both happy with that price, then go for it.

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Mike, thank you! This is exactly my line of thinking. :)

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Originally Posted by JETA

Mike, thank you! This is exactly my line of thinking. :)

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I agree! Perfect price for a good friend! :thumbsup:

Liz

Just make sure you are happy with the price and DO NOT have any second thoughts. It's a friend just do not damage the friendship!

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Originally Posted by freygr

Just make sure you are happy with the price and DO NOT have any second thoughts. It's a friend just do not damage the friendship!

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I totally agree with you and am a believer of not doing business with friends and family.

In this case I would give her the lens among other things and be happy to share the love of photography with her. I'm so happy that someone will be using this lens and enjoying. :)