Used Drones For Beginners

Quality drones are typically pricey, which is no secret. Used drones for sale can be found in a variety of places, though. Buying a used drone is a wise option for people who don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend to get started with the drone flying hobby.
I discovered I wasn’t the only one seeking a place to sell or buy a used drone, so I began my sleuthing for reliable sites.
 

Few Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Drone #

 
Buying a used UAV is one of the most cost-effective methods to obtain high-quality equipment for your hobby. However, it can be difficult for novice fliers who are unsure what questions to ask to get the most out of their investment.
Let’s talk about the most important things you’ll want to know before buying a drone from a stranger. The quad may appear attractive, but it doesn’t guarantee that it is the correct one for you.
Start with the fundamental questions to help you learn what the seller has to say about the drone. We want to save both of us time and effort.

• Is there a copy of the original purchase receipt? #

The first purchase receipt is an essential topic to ask for a few reasons. If the vendor purchased the UAV from DJI or another similar firm, warranties are frequently transferable. Having the original receipt also lends credibility to the buyer’s information about when and what they paid for it.
 

• Is the drone FAA-approved? #

The Federal Aviation Administration requires that everyone who flies a drone (regardless of weight) register it with them. As a buyer, if you know the drone was registered, you can make a reasonable assumption that the owner was an attentive pilot and took good care of their equipment.
 

• What type of case was the drone kept in? And what does the deal include?  #

The case in which the seller stored their UAV is another indicator of how well they cared for it. It’s a plus if the vendor can show you the case in person or via photo. The accessories supplied with the UAV help to establish a price baseline. Ask for a detailed list of the goods they plan to sell so that you can determine what price range is ideal for you.
 

• What is the purpose of your drone? #

Is the seller selling their drone because they’re upgrading to a more advanced drone or because something is wrong? Asking this question can assist you in determining the reason. The closer they are with their response, the better your feeling should be. If the seller claims that they’ve only flown it a few times, be cautious. This means the thrill of piloting has worn off after just a few flights. They may have attempted far more dangerous stunts for fun.
 

• Where have you flown it before? #

It’s fine to ask about where the seller has flown their UAV when they have. Is it down at the lake or on the beach? If so, did it tumble in the water by accident? Did they fly it with a local drone club? Was it in their garden? This question generates interesting conversation starters to learn more about the drone you want to buy.
 

• What version of firmware is the UAV running? #

If you discover that the seller is several updates behind the firmware, this is a warning flag. It suggests that the vendor was not fully involved in the hobby and missed out on product updates. There might be legitimate explanations for why the upgrades didn’t occur, justifying you to keep buying from them.
 
 

 
When purchasing a second-hand drone, we recommend you buy it in person so you can inspect the physicality of the device. This isn’t always possible, especially if you’re buying from an online marketplace. The following few questions are crucial to ensure that you get what you paid for.
 

• Is the drone your first? How many flights have you made with it? #

Look at the battery pack to ensure that you can trust the seller. This might tell you how many times it has been charged. If the vendor claims they’ve only flown a few times, but the battery pack shows over 100 charges, for example, you know they’re not being truthful, and you should consider whether or not you can trust the item they are trying to sell you.
 

• Have there been any drone accidents or repairs? #

In the world of drones, crashes and repairs are inevitable; it does not mean you should avoid buying a used UAV. Keep this in mind while considering the purchase price since accidents will affect the overall quality.
It would help if you also asked about whether the drone has ever crashed. Most honest sellers will be straightforward with you and tell you all you need to know. If they do mention a crash or repair, spend more time inspecting the drone thoroughly.
 

• If you’re buying online, request detailed photographs from the seller #

Not all purchasers have the opportunity to purchase a used quad in person. If you’re buying online, be sure to ask for clear photos of Motors Prop arms Gimbal Assembly and Camera.
It’s a good idea to obtain clear pictures of the repairs that have been made, if any, and the motors’ orifices and confirm that the arms aren’t damaged and that the camera is operational. It’s also a fantastic idea to request a video of them powering up the drone from the seller. You may use this opportunity to observe the drone’s moving components, such as the gimbal, go through their basic routine.
 

Check for any gouging or swelling in the batteries. #

Don’t merely check out the batteries that the seller is handing over with your purchase. Feel for swelling and possible bubbles on the edges of the battery, which indicates it’s dying. Batteries that are unhealthy do not need to be included in the price of your purchase.
It’s also a good idea to charge each battery as soon as possible, just to ensure they’re in tip-top condition. While used batteries continue to perform well, they are still pricey, and it’s well worth your time to ensure that they all work correctly.
 

Inspect the Drone Case Closely  #

External examination of the drone’s casing is critical. DJI, for example, has distinctive stripes on the top of its drone shells. If you discover that the seal has been broken here, it’s reasonable to assume repairs were made to the aircraft.
Examine the walls for any signs of water intrusion or sagging seams. You’ll notice moisture residue if the seller has flown their UAV in the snow or rain.
 

Take your time. #

If the seller seems irritated that you are asking too many questions or taking too long to inspect the drone, this buyer may not be the correct one for you. It’s a good indicator when they respond to your inquiries quickly and provide you time to examine the goods they are attempting to sell.

Places to Buy a Used Drone #

Whether you want to sell your UAVs that you no longer use or are seeking to invest in a drone that is reasonably priced, check out our recommendations for buying a used drone.
 

DJI Drones (Refurbished) #

DJI is the world’s biggest drone maker, and as a result, it also has the largest refurbished drone shop on the Internet. They’re rarely out of stock, and their used drones have been meticulously restored to perfection.
However, they don’t typically result in a price reduction that is anywhere near as significant. For example, at the time of writing, a brand new Phantom 4 drone costs $785.The DJI Refurbished Products store sells a used Phantom 4 for $699.
 

Used Drones For Sale On eBay #

eBay has grown to be the world’s largest online used goods store; therefore, it’s only natural that they provide a wide variety of used unmanned aerial vehicles. They generally have a more extensive and better selection than any other single store, with prices that are typically cheaper than what you’ll find on Amazon’s pre-owned page.
However, when you purchase from a solo user, there are no such warranties as those with a manufacturer. Someone might overcharge you for a damaged product or isn’t as good as it appears in the photographs, and what can you do? eBay now offers more comprehensive buyer protection in certain situations and has a complete money-back guarantee.
There is still a level of caution necessary when purchasing used drones on this site. Don’t buy from any listing that seems “fishy,” and contact the seller to verify the product’s validity before making a purchase.
 

Used Drones For Sale On Craigslist #

Craigslist is an American classifieds website where people may post advertisements. You might discover excellent bargains on all kinds of pricey products, including used drones. This is generally the place where you’ll find the lowest possible price.
When you buy a used drone from a post on Craigslist, there is no buyer protection. It’s advised that you only deal with Craigslist users in your region and that you inspect the aircraft in person before handing them any money.
If the seller refuses to allow you to inspect the drone, it’s almost certainly a scam! Consider purchasing from another vendor or website.
 

Finding Used Drones in your area #

Finally, many individuals want to know where they can find used drones for sale in their area. Craigslist is still the most effective location to search for a used drone you may inspect in person. Still, you may locate refurbished consumer electronics devices like Best Buy or Walmart that sell second-hand drones and camera equipment.
Buying from strangers on the Internet is less safe than purchasing from a store. However, if these shops offer anything, they typically have only a few options because of their limited options. Before going to make a purchase, you should call ahead and ask about whether they really have the product you’re searching for or not.
 
In summary, before purchasing a used UAV, we recommend scheduling an in-person look to ensure that it is in good working order. However, if you’re buying from an online marketplace, check out one of the above websites first and consider the questions we listed first for you to ask the seller. Good luck with your search for a drone that meets your needs.