How to Sell Your Used Camping Gear

You love to camp. And you've got great camping gear. It's worked well for you. But now, you've upgraded. You've got even better camping gear. So you're thinking of selling your used camping gear – there's gotta be someone who'll want it, right?

Or you don't love to camp. And you've still got great camping gear. But it just never really worked out for you – it wasn't your “thing” at all. You hate the smell of fish, the mosquitoes drove you crazy, and if you never spend another night in a tent, it will be just fine with you. It's not the fault of the camping gear – but you don't want it anymore.

Times are tough – you might as well have some money for your used camping gear – sell it! How can you sell your used camping gear? Let's take a look at some things to keep in mind.

Would YOU Buy It?

First and foremost, if you were looking for one of these, would you even consider buying this one? If it is stained, or ripped, forget it. If it is beyond being able to be sold, give it away, or donate it to a thrift store (who might be able to repair it to a saleable state), or just plain throw it out.

Presentation Is Everything

Clean it up, wash it off, make it shine like the top of the Chrysler building. If you want to get a buyer, it needs to look its best.

Think of how you can show your item at its best – maybe set the tent up, or show the walking stick actually in use – and then take several photos, from different angles, variations of lighting, and backdrops. Choose the best one (or more) and include them in any of your advertising that can support photos, whether online or on a bulletin board at your local sporting goods store.

Setting A Fair Price

Now that it looks as good as it can, you need to set a price so you can sell your used camping gear. What's your used tent really worth? Obviously, not as much as a brand new tent, or the potential buyers will just go buy the new one, instead. Plus, yours has some wear. Consider checking online to see what items such as yours sell for – be sure to check “closed auctions” for what they really fetched, rather than using the asking price.

Putting The Word Out

Now you need to get the information in front of someone who might be interested. You can do this online, like at an auction site or ad site, or you can post a note up on a bulletin board at the sporting goods stores in your area or have it at your yard sale. If it is a high priced item, consider taking out a classified ad.

This is the time to be sure you tell the information a buyer will want to know. Model numbers, color, size, age – things like this are important. If there are any features that set yours apart, tell them! Add the photo (or more than one, if possible) so that people will have a better idea of what you're selling. Be sure to include the price and whether it is firm or flexible (OBO = Or Best Offer) and leave your contact information, too.

Following these guidelines, you should be able to sell your used camping gear in quick order – so kiss them goodbye, and get ready for more cash in your wallet.