Leica DMIL, lots of micromanipulation gear, over 10K in objectives

[microscopy]

Been having trouble finding buyers for used microscopy equipment... Is everyone buying new these days?

We have lots of lab equipment including:
Complete Leica DMIL Microscope
Complete Zeiss PM Microscope with tons of accessories
Complete American Optical Biostar Microscope
Complete Sensaur Micromanipulator
30+ Objectives (Zeiss, Leica, Nikon, Many other brands)
Tons of Eye Pieces
Sony Time lapse cameras and Time lapse VCR equipment
+Lots more, much of it not in the pictures

We have also listed it here. Sorry, but not the most appealing pictures in its current storage location:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/253771692433

[PeteM]

Pretty sure you'll have to list these items separately to get close to their value.

In the past dealers might have bought large lots, knowing they could eventually get their money back. Lot harder these days. Largest dealer in my area (once a hotbed of sales -- Bay Area, CA) has closed its doors.

With microscope items in particular, there seems to be a large gap between sellers' asking prices and what things actually and eventually sell for. Research labs may have grants and look to a know dealer even if buying used. That pretty much leaves hobbyists (including many of us here) hoping to get a decent item at a decent price.

Given how fast computer-aided optics are evolving (think cell phone camera that simultaneously takes a dozen 12 megapixel pictures at different depths of field) and you're likely going to want to sell these sooner than later.

Another factor, for things like the epi fluotars, is that current wafer technology is going beyond what can be QC's by optical microscopes. Not so much demand.

If you have a ton of other profits, could be donating them for a tax deduction may be your best bet to easily get 25 cents on the dollar??? Around here, we're trying to get scopes into the hands of young kids (future techies, biologists, geologists, marine and environmental scientists, etc.).

[microscopy]

Thanks for the info. I could list them separately on this forum... But I don't currently have time... And I think hobbyists who want this gear would be willing to checkout the link & pics. I think the manipulators will be of interest.

[ChrisR]

I bought a Leitz manipulator like the one on the right in the second pic, $125, after it hadn't sold for a while. I don't know what they cost new but it seemed a good price. I'll think of a use for it, one day!

[MicroBob]

Been having trouble finding buyers for used microscopy equipment

At the price you ask for this is very understandable.

[einman]

I agree! With all the comments. Used microscopy equipment is becoming more and more difficult to sell, as most hobbyists, like myself, are looking for deals and the "original" price of the scope etc is actually irrelevant. I frequent many auction sites, so generally know what a lot or items sold for before they hit e-bay. I am amazed at how much they try to make in profit.

[MicroBob]

Acceptable prices for equipment can vary a lot depending on the condition and the likelyhood of it being complete and running. To expect the sum of top prices for each part for a heap of stuff is not realistic. The only real problem with this is that these never-selling offers bloat the listings of used equipment and in this way cost peoples time.

Bob

[charlie g]

Hello, OP, I visited your link...it is a barrier to the sales: 'the items sold as is'...'no returns'...'I had no time to test the items'. Your best bet is pitching this bulk offering to a con-US microscope dealer/refurbisher for 'parts'. As you can't stand behind the functionality of the manipulators ( do the fluidic lines still have oil?, etc. ).

I think you could get a lot of Chicago area local microscopy hobbyists to purchase your wares..if they could visit and try the items out...then buy. But with your: 'as is', no returms', 'no time to test' provisos...a barrier to hobbyist sales of the equipment.

Yahoo forums has a microscope forum whose owner is (?was?) Chicago, US...perhaps post there? Best of luck..I am interested in the micromanipulators you show in your link...but: 'as is'..'not tested'...'no returns'...we have local casino's where I could gamble. best with your sales, Charlie guevara

[jimur]

Thanks for the info. I could list them separately on this forum... But I don't currently have time... And I think hobbyists who want this gear would be willing to checkout the link & pics. I think the manipulators will be of interest.

Wow! High dollar items with no returns, no warranty, as is, etc. Guess I'll have to pass and let ebay get flooded with more over priced microscopy equipment. Good luck.

[ChrisR]

Saying " as is...no returns." means nothing. If you haven't disclosed a fault, you have to take the return.
There is no such thing as an "as is" listing.
Yes I've tested it, and won. Ebay rules, rule.

[zzffnn]

Saying " as is...no returns." means nothing. If you haven't disclosed a fault, you have to take the return.
There is no such thing as an "as is" listing.
Yes I've tested it, and won. Ebay rules, rule.

I agree and have the same experience. If seller says item is "used" (meaning fully functional), then (s)he will have to take return for "item not as described", if item does not work. List them as "for parts" makes more sense.

The listing price of that lot is too much for any hobbyist and likely too much for a dealer to make profit too. Splitting the lot would work much better.

[Scarodactyl]

Much like gemstones, it is possible to make money buying and selling microscopes, but it is a job, not a passive investment. You have to put a fair amount of work into making sure a unit is complete and functional and getting it properly listed in the right venues. And even then you're not guaranteed a profit, certainly not one commensurate to the time investment (or the pain of dealing with some customers). You might hit paydirt just tossing it up on eBay but it isn't that likely.

[ImperatorRex]

You would need to sell it in bits and pieces to get the money you have asked for. Otherwise you would get only a fraction of the price you have asked for. My opinion that seems to match the previous comments.