Whether you’re upgrading to something new or just cleaning out your gear closet, selling your old tent is a great way to get some cash back. It’s also an opportunity to give your gear a new home and help someone else start their own adventures.
Having a clear understanding of your tent’s resale value will help you sell it quickly and fairly. This article will share tips on how to clean and prepare your tent for sale, how to price it right, and how to take great photos.
1. Price it right
If you’re upgrading to a new tent or getting rid of your old one to make room for other gear, it’s important to understand what factors go into determining resale value. For example, a well-maintained tent with minimal wear and tear will likely fetch a higher price than one that’s more than a few years old or has significant damage.
Also, certain features and upgrades can add value—for instance, a gear loft, large vestibules, or high-quality aluminum poles. Be sure to highlight these in your listing.
There are many platforms to sell your tents, including online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist, outdoor gear exchange stores like REI Co-op, and consignment shops that specialize in camping and hiking gear. In addition, local community forums and bulletin boards can be great places to advertise specialized camping gear. Whatever platform you choose, be sure to set a reasonable price and take clear and honest photos. This will help ensure you get a fair deal and a quick sale.
2. Take great photos
A tent is more than just equipment; it holds memories of nights spent under the stars and stories shared around campfires. When the time comes to sell your tents, it’s important that you follow best practices so they find new homes where they can continue to inspire outdoor adventures.
Presentation and honest description are key when it comes to selling your gear. Buyers want to buy a tent that is in good condition and has been cared for. This means making sure the tent is clean, shaken out, and vacuumed out before listing. It’s also a good idea to patch any holes or frayed straps that you can before putting it up for sale.
When taking your photos, it’s helpful to frame the tent with natural or man-made elements to add interest to the photo. For example, you could stand the tent up against a tree, use a campsite number post to frame one edge of the photo, or set up your tent in front of a waterfall or other scenic landscape.
4. Make it easy for buyers to buy
Whether they’re upgrading to something bigger or just need to make room in their garage for new gear, camping enthusiasts often have old tents that don’t see much use anymore. Instead of letting them gather dust in the shed, why not give them new life as someone else’s home in the great outdoors?
A tent’s resale value is influenced by its age, condition, and features. For example, a well-maintained, lightly used tent from a reputable brand will hold its value better than an older tent with obvious signs of wear and tear.
When listing a tent for sale, be honest about its condition and include any flaws or repairs in the beckel description. That way, potential buyers can make an informed purchase and feel confident they’re getting a good deal. It’s also helpful to highlight any extras the tent may have, like a gear loft or built-in pockets, to increase its appeal. Finally, be sure to provide clear and consistent photos to create a professional-looking ad.
