Learn about the incredible benefits that MPB offers photographers, which includes easily freeing up funds from your camera gear to buying pre-loved cameras and lenses at very reasonable prices.
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At a time when we're all counting the coins, as well as looking for ways we can all do a bit more to help the environment, you might think that purchasing a camera or lens would be at the bottom of the list. However, if you choose the right company to buy, or even sell, photography kit to you can actually do both of these things while gifting yourself a spot of consumerism joy.
The company we are talking about is MPB - an online platform where photographers can shop for used photography and videography equipment, or even sell their photography kit that's no longer needed, to bring in a bit of a cash at a time when all of us could do with an extra pound or two!
Founded by Matt Barker in 2011, MPB want to make the buying and selling process easier, more accessible and very much more affordable for all photographers thinking about buying or selling cameras, lenses and photography accessories. Plus, by putting over 350,000 items of used photography kit back into circulation every year, their commitment to creating a more sustainable future is evident too.
"At MPB there’s something for everyone who want to try something new, hone their skills or pursue their passion - and it won’t cost the earth." MPB.
MPB makes it possible for you to fill your photography bag with your dream set-up for a smaller price and we're here to cement why the ePHOTOzine team, many of whom have bought and sold items through MPB, truly do believe this.
1. MPB Have What You're Looking For
MPB are used photo and video kit specialists with a wide range of products on their platform. On average, they get new product releases within 3-months and thousands of products are added to the platform every week. In fact, MPB has the UK's largest range of used photo and video kit with over 10,000 products on the platform, which equates to over £4m worth of products online!
2. Buying Used From MPB Is A Better Deal
Used cameras and lenses from MPB cost, on average, a third less than brand new so, when you can buy excellent and like-new equipment at the fraction of the price, it does make you wonder why we still buy new. The team also check the market prices on hundreds of models every week to ensure you're always getting the best deals.
What's more, used equipment holds its value better than brand new equipment, meaning that when you come to trade-in you'll still get a good price.
3. Finding What You're Looking For Couldn't Be Easier
You can compare, filter and shop from a huge range of products quickly and easily with options for ordering by brand, product type, condition, price and more. Scrolling from your smartphone is a breeze too, with thousands of products right at your fingertips.
Once you've added your purchases to the basket you can get your kit in a matter of days with MPB's super fast delivery options.
"UK based, MPB are your one-stop online shop for buying, selling and upgrading your kit." ePHOTOzine.
4. What You See Is What You Get
All of the products listed on the MPB website are the actual products you buy, so you know exactly what you are purchasing before parting with any cash. Detailed descriptions are featured alongside images of each individual product and an easy-to-understand rating system is used, so you know what condition your lens/camera will be in when it arrives.
For peace of mind, all items are inspected thoroughly by product specialists and a free 6-month warranty is also provided with every item sold.
5. Buying Used Is Better For the Planet
We've already mentioned that 350,000 items of used photography kit are put back into circulation by MPB every year, which the planet will thank us for! By recirculating kit, using plastic-free packing, and working with couriers that invest in electric vehicles/sustainable fuels, MPB is definitely consciously thinking about environmental sustainability.
6. MPB Buy Almost Any Kit
If you want to sell a camera or lens rather than purchasing, MPB buy almost all digital photo and video kit and they buy over 10,000 items in the UK every month.
7. Fair Prices & Avoid Fees
MPB's unique platform means that they offer the right price for every item based on make, model and condition. MPB pay fair and excellent prices for your kit and, unlike selling on eBay, there are no extra or hidden fees (avoiding the 12.8% eBay seller fees) and everything is completely secure.
"The whole selling process with MPB was seamless, quick, easy and resulted in a higher valuation than expected. 5 stars from me and highly recommended!" ePHOTOzine's Managing Director, Tracey Jennings.
8. Total Transparency From Beginning To End
With MPB you can get a free instant quote for the kit you want to sell, including a trade-in all-in-one transaction - no need for callbacks or waiting for an email quote. Then, if you decide to sell, MPB will pick up your kit with a free insured DPD collection and you’ll get paid cash into your account within days. MPB will also keep you informed about the status of your gear at every step of the way and the whole process is carbon neutral.
Learn more about the easy selling process MPB offers every customer in this instructional video:
Want To Learn More?
Still not made up your mind about selling or buying photography kit with MPB? We chatted with the company's founder, Matt Barker, to ask why he believes buying pre-loved equipment and shopping with MPB makes perfect sense...
Q&A with MPB Founder, Matt Barker
Q1: How can photographers benefit from purchasing pre-loved photography equipment?
Every photographer has a budget. On average, used kit from MPB costs a third less than new. That’s a huge chunk of their budget that can be better spent on more lenses. It’s the smart choice. Depending on the kit they currently own, some photographers will find they can access the kit they want without having to spend any money at all.
Q2: Why is buying used better than new?
Used kit retains its value and performance remarkably well. Usually, there’s an element of risk buying used or selling on listing sites. That’s why we employ a team of highly-trained product specialists who check our entire stock for more than 40 criteria to make sure everything’s in perfect working condition. Used cameras and lenses just keep going and going, meaning it’s even more crucial for photographers in particular to embrace a circular way to access their kit.
Q3: Have you seen a rise in interest in the second-hand market since we all became much more aware about the ‘reuse, recycle, repurpose’ message?
Yes, definitely. Ahead of the upcoming gifting season, we conducted some research into sustainable shopping habits and uncovered some fascinating findings. Nearly half (48%) of consumers say they are considering the environmental sustainability of the Christmas gifts they buy this year, more than they have in the past. Encouragingly, a third (33%) of consumers are actually planning on gifting a second-hand or used gift this Christmas, and 61% say they would be happy to receive a used gift in good condition. We expect these trends to continue further in the coming years and we're seeing them reflected in the second-hand photo and video market already.
Q4: If you could only list 3 reasons on why photographers should shop with MPB, what would they be?
1. More than 250,000 visual storytellers around the world trust MPB. We offer free instant quotes, free doorstep collection of the kit being sold to us and free delivery on anything purchased in exchange. There’s a free warranty for peace of mind and the entire process is fully insured. If photographers want to sell to us for cash instead, we send money directly to their bank account. You can get a free instant quote at mpb.com/trade.
2. MPB has thousands of used models available for purchase, each in five condition ratings. Every year we recirculate more than 350,000 cameras and lenses. If we don’t have the right model in stock you can sign up for an alert so you’re the first to know when it’s ready to buy used.
3. We ask photographers to choose a more sustainable way to access their kit. So, as a business, we think it’s equally important to hold ourselves to account. So I’m particularly proud of our sustainability commitments, which focus on our circularity, inclusion and diversity. You can learn more about that at mpb.com/impact.
Q5: Do you have a favourite second-hand camera purchase you’ve made and, if so, what is it and why?
Not strictly personal purchases, but if I were to recommend two great value cameras on the MPB platform at the moment I'd be looking at something like the Sony A7III, which is still one of the best examples of an entry-level full-frame camera - it can take excellent photos in any genre. My other pick would be the Fujifilm GFX 50S which, despite its age, still offers incredible performance. If you’re looking to upgrade your existing landscape or portrait system, the GFX 50S is a very compelling option over similarly priced full-frame cameras.
Convinced that buying and selling used is now for you? Visit MPB today to get a free, instant, no-obligation quote - you won't be disappointed!
Support this site by making a Donation, purchasing Plus Membership, or shopping with one of our affiliates: Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon CA, ebay UK, MPB. It doesn't cost you anything extra when you use these links, but it does support the site, helping keep ePHOTOzine free to use, thank you.
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