10 months ago, on November 2, 2022, I wanted to complete my photographic equipment. I was hesitating between two Nikon “Reflex” models to keep compatibility with my two Nikon lenses.
After a few weeks of wandering around the Internet, I settled on the “mpb” site, which seemed to offer the best of compromises, including photos of the body in its original condition and from all angles, and good value for money…
So off I go, ordering a Nikon D7100, presented “as new”. Total transaction: €414, not including shipping. The day after I placed my order, I received my parcel, which had to travel all the way from Berlin to Saint-Etienne. On the other side of the Rhine, they know how to expedite transport. Hats off to them and nothing to say. Well-protected parcel in protective cardboard packaging/interior, and a device in complete conformity with the advertisement.
In use, I have no comments to make except that I have the impression of being in possession of a mini-computer, but I digress. Parameters that I have no use for, and I’ll skip the details, can be extended at will. All I ask of a camera is to offer me the possibility of intervening on shutter speed, aperture and ISO… Nothing more, nothing less, but Leica and to a lesser extent Fuji are beyond my means.
So, the day before yesterday, I tested the “Sell/Exchange Now” procedure on the “mpb” website. The idea was to offer them my D7100, “as new” and 14,000 shots, in exchange for a D800 or a D800E, in order to reduce the cost of the purchase.
Quite happy, but knowing that “mpb” would have to make money to take care of all the maintenance (product reception, technical checks, shooting, web page management, etc.), I had no idea how much I’d be financing their business.
In short, “mpb” takes a not inconsiderable margin, which varies according to model (D7100, D800 and D800E) from 47.21% to 85.59%! My D7100, taken back for €268, will be resold for around €400 by “mpb”.
Obviously, all these margins can be explained: firstly, they enable “mpb” to be highly competitive on the second-hand market, while at the same time offering for sale camera bodies that are well beyond their useful life.
As a good mother, “mpb” points out that “shipping is fully insured and free of charge. Shipping is also free for anything you buy in exchange.
Best regards.
Jean-Marie Le Goff
https://www.latelierfoto.com
