I'm a semi professional photographer, over 30 years experience. The only used gear I am comfortable buying is used large format lenses and used analog film backs. Everything else it's usually a better use of your time to save up and buy new. Stuff being sold used is sold for two reasons:1) something wrong with it 2) owner needs the money fast
Refurbished DJI drones can be a good deal as long as you buy them from DJI's site, from their official eBay store or an established retailer like Best Buy. I bought a refurbished mini 2 with the Fly More kit for less than the cost of the drone alone. I've had it for almost 2 months now flying 2-3 times a week with no issues and it arrived just like new.
Good video. I recently bailed on a deal for two original DJI Minis for $250. Location was listed as a town 2 hours away but when I contacted the seller they were 4 hours away in another state. Sketchy, but people move and don't update things sometimes. So we worked out a deal shipped but then he wouldn't take PayPal which would have given me recourse if they failed to show up. So I said thanks but have to pass.
Not to mention my wife was grumbling I'd lost my mind since I'd just bought my first drone (Mini 2) a couple months earlier in October. My goal was to split the cost with my son so one could be his. He wants a nicer drone than the toy store ones he has but doesn't need to be burning much money since he's working on his Part 61 private right now.
Hey, Greg, idea for a new video. What about buying a broken drone for repair? I'm mechanically inclined and there's an Air 2 fly more kit with a broken off left front arm and camera not far from me for $200. Tempting.
Could you expand on buying a used drone and getting everything in my name. You said it's simple for the FAA to just reregister in my name but is the original owner still listed? Also, same questions for DJI. The original owner died and I don't have their login information. How would DJI handle repairs? Thanks
you know when buying a used phone, you can check the IMEI if its stolen or not and it gives lots of info about the phone. Is there some wat to check the drone if it's stolen or maybe a flyaway drone? Is there a website to check?
Personal opinion: I've bought plenty of refurb items over the years without issues. Pretty much all drones DJI sends as part of the "refresh" program are refurbs.
This was helpful!! How do you transfer the money using an escrow account? Who would you set this up with?? Also I am looking to sell where would the best place be?
The escrow company will tell you all the steps to give them the money. You or the seller can set up the escrow, it doesn't really matter. As far as best places, Facebook groups (that allow it) will probably target the most people.
Question please. My wife and I are wanting to fly a new drone. Do we both need to get the recreational TRUST $5 card for the one drone? (drone is in the mail)
TRUST is free, and you both need it. It can be done here: trust.pilotinstitute.com The registration is $5, and that's only one for the aircraft. Do it at faadronezone.faa.gov
I bought a new unopened Air 2s on EBAY and it did have the original warranty. I would buy a refurbed item on EBAY before I would buy anything from FB marketplace. EBAY acts as the escrow in the deal until all parties are paid and product is delivered. Also, lots of sellers like DJI, Ecoflow, etc have shops on EBAY and offer certified refurbished merchandise at big discounts with warranties. Some also offer free returns.
Hi Greg, Have you ever heard of "Mercari"? like E bay except umm I think the rip off to real is greater. I made a few good purchases, and truthfully I think buying second hand is the way to go in some cases. What I mean I find that "Used Electronics/Drones" do not hold value. Ok so I bought a DJI Spark combo for 200 bucks. Worked like a Charm. Picked up an Inspire 1 with Zenmuse 3/ 4 Good bats in Giant samsonite suitcase. $600 bucks. Now for a guy like me Truthfully it was Too Much. (Oh filters included) It flew great blah blah. It was just to much to comprehend. To controllers. Bottom line I put it back up for 800 and it went quick. Aha, now my problems 3 different times I went to purchase Phantom 4's all were in the 4-5 range. Each was a rip off. No I did not loose Money as Mercari does not let go of money, but it's loaded with thieves . So I think f I purchase again it will be local/hands on
I'm a semi professional photographer, over 30 years experience. The only used gear I am comfortable buying is used large format lenses and used analog film backs. Everything else it's usually a better use of your time to save up and buy new. Stuff being sold used is sold for two reasons:1) something wrong with it 2) owner needs the money fast
Good thing when you buy a Skydio it comes pre-broken.
Refurbished DJI drones can be a good deal as long as you buy them from DJI's site, from their official eBay store or an established retailer like Best Buy. I bought a refurbished mini 2 with the Fly More kit for less than the cost of the drone alone. I've had it for almost 2 months now flying 2-3 times a week with no issues and it arrived just like new.
I've come across sketchy listings. A person was selling after they FOUND it on their property.
The old "finders keepers" rule. Lol
Good video. I recently bailed on a deal for two original DJI Minis for $250. Location was listed as a town 2 hours away but when I contacted the seller they were 4 hours away in another state. Sketchy, but people move and don't update things sometimes. So we worked out a deal shipped but then he wouldn't take PayPal which would have given me recourse if they failed to show up. So I said thanks but have to pass.
Yep, probably a very smart move!
Not to mention my wife was grumbling I'd lost my mind since I'd just bought my first drone (Mini 2) a couple months earlier in October. My goal was to split the cost with my son so one could be his. He wants a nicer drone than the toy store ones he has but doesn't need to be burning much money since he's working on his Part 61 private right now.
Good advice
Hey, Greg, idea for a new video. What about buying a broken drone for repair? I'm mechanically inclined and there's an Air 2 fly more kit with a broken off left front arm and camera not far from me for $200. Tempting.
Could you expand on buying a used drone and getting everything in my name. You said it's simple for the FAA to just reregister in my name but is the original owner still listed?
Also, same questions for DJI. The original owner died and I don't have their login information. How would DJI handle repairs?
Thanks
You should do a video on selling a drone.
you know when buying a used phone, you can check the IMEI if its stolen or not and it gives lots of info about the phone. Is there some wat to check the drone if it's stolen or maybe a flyaway drone? Is there a website to check?
Hey I have a question can I unbind a Dji mini se that I got from some one and add mines that I made
Very helpful info. Do you have an opinion about buying refurbished (vs. new) drones directly from DJI?
Personal opinion: I've bought plenty of refurb items over the years without issues. Pretty much all drones DJI sends as part of the "refresh" program are refurbs.
Would like to hear more info on the escrow account. How do you do that?
Escrow.com is actually the one we used.
This was helpful!! How do you transfer the money using an escrow account? Who would you set this up with?? Also I am looking to sell where would the best place be?
The escrow company will tell you all the steps to give them the money. You or the seller can set up the escrow, it doesn't really matter.
As far as best places, Facebook groups (that allow it) will probably target the most people.
Don't buy a drone off craigslist that's for sure. Talk about scammers everywhere.
Send your used drones in support of public safety, we are here to help
Question please. My wife and I are wanting to fly a new drone. Do we both need to get the recreational TRUST $5 card for the one drone? (drone is in the mail)
TRUST is free, and you both need it. It can be done here: trust.pilotinstitute.com
The registration is $5, and that's only one for the aircraft. Do it at faadronezone.faa.gov
@@PilotInstitute Thank you again, & for being so prompt.
Is a new unopened DJI Mini 2 drone battery under warranty if bought from EBay?
Highly doubt it.
I bought a new unopened Air 2s on EBAY and it did have the original warranty. I would buy a refurbed item on EBAY before I would buy anything from FB marketplace. EBAY acts as the escrow in the deal until all parties are paid and product is delivered. Also, lots of sellers like DJI, Ecoflow, etc have shops on EBAY and offer certified refurbished merchandise at big discounts with warranties. Some also offer free returns.
Hi Greg, Have you ever heard of "Mercari"? like E bay except umm I think the rip off to real is greater. I made a few good purchases, and truthfully I think buying second hand is the way to go in some cases. What I mean I find that "Used Electronics/Drones" do not hold value. Ok so I bought a DJI Spark combo for 200 bucks. Worked like a Charm. Picked up an Inspire 1 with Zenmuse 3/ 4 Good bats in Giant samsonite suitcase. $600 bucks. Now for a guy like me Truthfully it was Too Much. (Oh filters included) It flew great blah blah. It was just to much to comprehend. To controllers. Bottom line I put it back up for 800 and it went quick. Aha, now my problems 3 different times I went to purchase Phantom 4's all were in the 4-5 range. Each was a rip off. No I did not loose Money as Mercari does not let go of money, but it's loaded with thieves . So I think f I purchase again it will be local/hands on
What escrow services do you know of?
Escrow.com worked for us before.
@@PilotInstitute Thanks, you probably saved me from getting scammed.
My fear is the previous owner didn't unlink their account to the drone.
You can log them out.
🙂👍