More than half of UK adults could be sitting on a treasure trove of unused gear and have never considered selling their used tech, according to new research from online platform MPB, a leading specialist in the selling and trading of used camera and video equipment.
The survey was carried out in the UK, but if a similar pattern is repeated around the world, photographers could be sitting on assets that could be turned into huge volumes of cash.
Here are the key stats from MPB's survey:
• 83% of UK adults have at least 1 piece of unused tech in their home
• Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the adult population have never sold their old tech
• The average value of unused cameras and camera accessories a UK adult is holding on to is £293.50
MPB's survey reveals that little more than a third (37%) of respondents have sold an old piece of tech in the last ten years, and as many as 73% admitted they have never bothered trading in an old piece of kit to get a new one. 47% of respondents thought they wouldn't get much for it, and 25% thought they, or someone close to them, might need it one day.
Matt Barker, Founder and CEO of MPB, said: “Circularity should be a way of life but our research shows that this really isn’t the case when it comes to unused tech. There are opportunities online and on people’s doorsteps which allow them to give their unused items a new lease of life and they should grab them with both hands.
He points out that some tech, like smartphones, might quickly date and become useless, but cameras have a much longer life. They can often be worth more than you think.
In fact, MPB found that: "from March 2020 to March 2022 the average piece of kit appreciated in value by 1.6%."
There are some interesting points here. Global supply issues over the past couple of years have made many new and desirable technologies hard to get or unobtainable, so the used camera market has become more important. Also, as we on DCW know, selling or trading in your old kit can soothe your conscience when you want to buy something new!
You can see the full results of MPB's survey online at https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/info/unused-tech-survey/.
• Read more:
Best professional cameras
Best camera for beginners
Best camera under $500
Why I've only ever bought second-hand cameras, and why maybe you should too The cheapest full frame cameras
