The art of the deal

Economic uncertainty and rising prices means that buying used, or selling old gear, makes more sense than ever. Geoff Harris shares ten tips for getting the best deal

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As somebody who's bought and sold a range of cameras, lenses and accessories from several retailers, I have really come to appreciate the benefit of going down this road. While there is nothing quite like unboxing a brand-new camera or lens, unsullied by the grubby mitts of previous owners, the shine tends to wear off when you check your bank statement. With so few 'bad' cameras and lenses released these days, buying and selling used remains a great money-saving option, and, of course, you can trade in old gear to help finance the cost of a new acquisition. Here are ten tips to ensure you get the best deal.

Get a guarantee when buying used

While you might save a few quid buying privately off eBay, you are very much dependent on the equipment working properly when it arrives. Sorry, eBay and Gumtree fans, it might be okay for smaller purchases, but for bigger ones, you can end up in a world of hurt. I recently bought a flashgun for my Olympus OM-1 from a specialist used retailer and it turned out to be as dead as a dodo. I got a full refund. Had I bought it off eBay, I'd now be stuck with an expensive paperweight, ruefully remembering the old adage 'let the buyer beware'.

Don't feel you need to always buy gear in 'excellent' condition