This is what happens to your product after you trade it in

Buying a second-hand product can be quite exciting. What actually happens to a second-hand camera, lens or bag before it goes on sale? How can we guarantee that you can buy a second-hand product with peace of mind? We're happy to tell you! We think it's important that you know where you stand when you trade in a product with us or want to buy second-hand gear. That's why, in this article, we tell you everything about the journey of a second-hand product: from trade-in to sale.

It starts with the trade-in

The product's journey of course begins when it's traded in at Kamera Express. This can be done in one of our stores, but also by sending the product to us. Around 2,000 products are traded in every month. We make sure all these products end up in our special 'occasion lab'. This workspace is on the top floor of our store in Capelle aan den IJssel. Here, our second-hand experts check all products thoroughly.

The product is checked thoroughly

Every working day, our second-hand experts see different products pass by: from cameras and studio equipment to camera bags and tripods. All these products are carefully checked by the experts. For each product, they check whether it still works properly and, of course, whether it has been traded in complete.

Our second-hand experts also look at the condition of the product. Is the product as good as new, or is it damaged? The experts then rate the product with a score from 6 to 9. A new product would of course get a 10, so a second-hand product gets a 9 at most: as good as new. By comparison, a product rated '6' shows clear signs of use. If a product scores lower than 6, we no longer sell it. That doesn't mean the product ends up in the bin: we carefully take it apart so we can reuse or recycle parts, such as a lens cap, battery or specific cable. These parts can be used again for a repair or if something is missing from a traded-in product.

We get the product ready for sale

After the thorough check, we get the product completely ready for sale. First, we clean the product thoroughly. For example, we carefully clean a camera's sensor and read out the shutter count, but we also make sure a bag's zip runs smoothly and that all the screws are present on a tripod. That way, we ensure the products are completely clean and ready to use for their new owner.

Time to put the product online

Once the product is completely ready, it's time to show it to you! To give a good picture of a second-hand item, we take unique product photos of every product we receive. That way, you can see exactly what the product looks like and you won't face any surprises after purchase.

Once the product has gone through all the steps above, we list it on our website. Here, we try to give you as clear a picture of the product as possible. That's why we always share the product's rating, so you know whether it's as good as new or whether you can expect signs of use. We also share the key features, a camera's shutter count and the included accessories. That way, you know exactly what to expect when you choose a second-hand product. Ideal!

Curious about our second-hand range? We completely understand! Take a look.