We’re currently not making offers on certain RED DSMC camera bodies. This includes the original Scarlet and Epic bodies. Why aren’t we offering on these cameras? Do we not like them? Well no. We love the DSMC cameras however in the past 6 months we’ve seen the market for these cameras, for lack of a better term: tank.
Why we’re not offering
We don’t like to make people upset. We have an internal policy that if a particular camera is well above a price we’re willing to pay for it we simply won’t make an offer on it at all. Nobody likes to have a camera listed for $10,000 and receive an offer for $5,000 and by making offers like these not only will the person not sell to us but they will likely also view us unfavorably. We’re insecure. We like to be liked.
What’s that have to do with the DSMC cameras?
In the recent months RED has released or teased several cameras, including the Scarlet-W, the Raven and the Weapon. As these cameras trickle into the marketplace more and more Scarlet and Epic owners are trying to sell their existing cameras so that they can upgrade. Here’s the problem: the flood of new cameras into the marketplace has resulted in a precipitous drop in the value of these cameras. In some cases used Epics are selling for less than Scarlets did just 6 – 8 months ago and Scarlets are selling for a fraction of their very recent value. We have seen ready to shoot Epic Dragon kits sell for as little as $14,000. There are German cars that have depreciated slower than this.
So why the freeze and what’s it mean to me?
Since the prices are currently un-stable, many people are not aware that their equipment is worth a fraction of what it was just 6 months ago and when they list their gear for sale they might list it at a price they are entirely sure is fair though that price might be double what market value currently is. And this is why we’ve put a temporary freeze on making offers on these cameras. The values continue to drop, pricing is not stable and we understand that a reseller that’s trying to make money on your gear probably isn’t the first person you’re going to trust to tell you that your equipment is priced above market value. And so we won’t… At least for now.
Once prices stabilize we will once again start offering on this equipment.
Can I still sell you my camera?
Yes, however keep in mind that the price we can offer you likely won’t be in line with what you think your camera is worth. This is one of the rare instances where instead of making you an offer we might simply ask you what you’re looking to get so that we can tell you if we’d even be close. We’ll probably also point you to this page so we don’t have to explain this all in an email.
Every day we’re trying to strike a balance in pricing that allows us to make money but also offers value to our customers without extreme compromise. If we can’t do one of these we’re forced to re-access our approach. If we can’t make money then it’s not worth purchasing a particular item and if we can’t offer you a fair price then what value are we giving you? None. We’d rather temporarily opt out of the market and come back in when things settle down.
Questions? Email us: sales@monkeedeals.com