question about selling a lens

[ThomasOwenM]

I'm considering cutting one of my lenses loose, but I've never sold a lens or any of my gear online. I've still got the box it came in and the warranty card. I'm sure the box is a selling point, but is the warranty card? Can whoever I sell the lens to fill out the card and have a year warranty on the lens?

If I do let my lens go, I want it to be a good deal for both the buyer and the seller. Should I have a 30 day return policy similar to retail stores? I imagine I could deposit the money into savings for 30 days for the event that the lens is returned.

However, how should I protect myself in the event that it's returned? I don't think it would be fair to get the thing back trashed. When I send it, I'll box it up securely with lots of bubble wrap. Should I make my return policy state that it may only be returned in the same packaging to ensure I get it back in good shape. What about insuring it? Should I require that if it's sent back to me?

[Karl Johnston]

I'm new to the world of online selling myself, subscribing.

[asysin2leads]

The warranty card is only as good as an original receipt. In order for warranty work to be performed, you have to prove when it was purchased. If you can't provide a copy of the receipt, there's really only one good reason a blank warranty card is good for....wiping your 4th point of contact (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute_Landing_Fall).

If you think there is some reason it would be returned (defect or whatever), then why sell it. If the person is buying it is aware of its condition and they agree to purchase it in said condition, then you shouldn't have to accept the returned item. Now, if you don't disclose its true condition and the person wants to return it, then I would accept the return, but wouldn't go out further than 30 days. If someone buys it and has buyer's remorse, tough crap. They made a conscious decision to buy it. I wouldn't accept the return. If there is a return, DO NOT send the money back until you have received the item in the same condition it was shipped.

Yes, package it up as good as you can, extra box, extra padding, the works. Make sure you ship it via a traceable method and require a signature. That way someone can't come back and say, "I didn't get it." Yes, there are those type of people out there. If the item is shipped out in "X" condition and gets there in "Y" condition, then make darn sure you file a claim with your shipper. Also, ship the item insured for replacement value. Protect yourself and the buyer.

Keep this little gem in the forward part of your brain....

COMMUNICATION IS KEY!!!!!

[ThomasOwenM]

I don't expect it to be returned. The lens is in excellent condition and I haven't used it much. I'm just looking to be prepared. I think there are cases in which a product is not defective, but the person isn't satisfied. For example, I bought the German movie "Männer" from a private seller via Amazon.com. The Amazon description said it was in German with English subtitles. What I got was the film dubbed into English -- not what I wanted, since the point was me to experience the movie in my second language. When I looked at the seller's listing, he did say it was dubbed, but I had been going by the Amazon description. The seller agreed to take it back and refunded my money.

I was wanting a reasonable return policy as a "just in case" scenario.

[Tigershark]

If the lens is in good condition an you don't misrepresent it then it shouldn't come back, if it does have a warranty provdie a copy of the receipt to the buyer along with the warranty card and wish them the best good luck

[adam8080]

It is really easy. Tell people what you have, how much plus and shipping or any payment fees, post pictures and list anything wrong with it. They give you money, then you send the lens. And if there is something wrong with the lens because you misrepresented it, then I think you have the responsibility to return the money if the buyer asks. Otherwise, unless there is damage in shipping, that is it. Done deal.