Not having a box for the lens during sale

Well, long story short, I bought a 100 2.8 Macro (non-IS) used. I drove an hour to the dude and found out he didn't have the box, but I just let it go.

The thing is, in the past I found it so hard to sell a lens without the original box, manual, etc. Is this still the case? Is the box really that big of a deal?

I'm only planning to temporary use this lens and want to sell it so I can get the L version or preferably the MP-E 65mm, so I don't want to get stuck with it since Ide need the money.

0oo0o0 wrote in post #12334961
Well, long story short, I bought a 100 2.8 Macro (non-IS) used. I drove an hour to the dude and found out he didn't have the box, but I just let it go.

The thing is, in the past I found it so hard to sell a lens without the original box, manual, etc. Is this still the case? Is the box really that big of a deal?

I'm only planning to temporary use this lens and want to sell it so I can get the L version or preferably the MP-E 65mm, so I don't want to get stuck with it since Ide need the money.

It's not like no one will buy it when you are ready to sell if it is in good shape. The reality of the matter is, however, that lenses with original box and packaging seem to fetch higher prices. Simple as that.

Luckily, I started in this forum about the same time I started acquiring gear. I have faithfully kept every box and manual and warranty card on every new purchase since then (even the boxes on the cheap e-Bay stuff...I'm turning into a borderline hoarder with boxes). I doubt I'll ever be much of a seller here; but if I ever am...well, I'll expect to get the high end of used market price.

The box is important. Anyone who'll take the time to save the box and keep it in excellent condition will also take meticulous care of the lens. Or at least that's the perception. Much easier to sell at a very good price. My first thought would be it's a refurb. Not that there is anything wrong with refurbs but they sell for the lower end of the range.

It might also come across as stolen without the box. Paranoid people are out there... Just don't lower the price too much or others might just jump to the wrong conclusion.

The notion that the item will be in better condition because the box is there is perception more than reality. The notion that the item will fetch a higher price because the box is there is more reality than perception.

For some lenses it can be a big deal but on that lens if you got it for $450 or less I wouldn't worry about it. For those like me who don't need the IS they rank right up there in the bang for the buck category. Super sharp wide open and fast.

lazer-jock wrote in post #12335241
It might also come across as stolen without the box. Paranoid people are out there... Just don't lower the price too much or others might just jump to the wrong conclusion.

Knowing how many neat freaks are out there I never think stolen when there is no box. I will say I prefer them since the original boxes are designed to maximize protection while shipping. A lot of people don't have a clue how to ship fragile items and having the original box gives a buyer some assurance it will arrive without damage.

The box doesn't affect picture quality.

Ah thanks for the replies...

Well I personally don't care too much for the box. I bought the lens in perfect shape, apart from a very slight scratch on the words that say "100mm".

But would it be worth the effort to purposely purchase a box from Ebay, or should I just lose $30-40 when I sell the lens?

How much do you have in it? Not sure you would lose anything if you got a good enough price on it.

I have the box for my 30mm f1.4 that I dropped. It has a broken hood clip so the hood is wobbly, but did I mention I have the box? Will sell for $5 below retail if anyone is interested.

Box is good but not a must by any means. You seem disappointed that he didn't have the box? Did he say he actually had the box and showed up without the box?

0oo0o0 wrote in post #12337378
Ah thanks for the replies...

Well I personally don't care too much for the box. I bought the lens in perfect shape, apart from a very slight scratch on the words that say "100mm".

But would it be worth the effort to purposely purchase a box from Ebay, or should I just lose $30-40 when I sell the lens?

I don't think the box is a $30 - $40 difference. You might have to be a little bit patient to get your price, but unless you are listing at a totally unreasonable number it's not going to kill you.

Bigger issue here is probably your join date and lack of posting history.

the box is a MUST HAVE....
it is very handy when it comes to testing the lens, you can use the printing on the side of the lens for testing... if you're not using the box that the lens came with, don't use just any other box - the one the lens came with is calibrated specifically to the specific lens!!!

in all seriousness, its just a box... someone wants to give you a hard time for not having a box when you get around to selling it, tell 'em to take a hike (I bet no one has kept the box their fridge came in)

Realistically - I can't keep all the boxes for all the TVs i bought, laptops, DVD players, why camera gear should be different ? Box is a packing material - after it's used - it goes to trash, If i need a new packing material - I'll buy a new box.