Overview

When you create your quote to sell or trade with MPB, you’re asked to select a cosmetic condition for your gear:

Like New
Excellent
Good
Well Used
Heavily Used

This selection gives you an initial estimate. Once your gear arrives, our trained Product Specialists will:

Assess the cosmetic condition and functionality of the item
If the evaluation differs from your original selection, your quote may be adjusted
The revised quote reflects the true condition or contents of the item as determined by our team

What "Cosmetic Condition" Covers

Cosmetic condition refers only to the external appearance of the item, not how it functions.

It covers:

Scratches, paint wear, grip wear, dust, or screen damage
Cosmetic flaws like missing covers

It does not cover:

Functionality issues (e.g., autofocus faults, sensor damage)
Missing or additional accessories (these may affect price separately)

A Breakdown of Our Cosmetic Conditions

You can view visual examples and a full breakdown by clicking “Condition Guide” on the Selling & Trading page at mpb.com. This gives you a clear idea of what each condition looks like before sending us your gear.

Here’s how our Product Specialists categorise used gear:

Like New

Ideal for gear that looks close to brand new, with almost to no sign of wear. While they may not be factory-fresh, they visually present as nearly pristine.

Our specialists check for:

Minimal signs of use — gear looks close to brand new
No visible marks, wear, or discolouration
LCD and viewfinder in pristine condition
Paint, rubber grips, and port covers show no damage
Electronics and mounts are clean and unworn

Condition can be lowered due to:

Light wear to rubber, ports, or buttons
Minor internal dust in viewfinder or lens elements
Any visible signs of wear disqualify an item from Like New

Click here to see examples of items in Like New condition.

Excellent

Great condition with light and expected signs of use. “Excellent” items may show small signs of regular handling, but overall remain clean and well cared for.

Our specialists check for:

Light, expected signs of use
Some wear to grips, light scratches to paint or screen
Viewfinder and buttons may show light signs of wear
Everything is fully functional and intact

Condition can be lowered due to:

Medium scratches on the LCD or casing
Discolouration on grips
Dust or light debris inside lenses

Click here to see examples of items in Excellent condition.

Good

Gear with visible signs of regular use. Functionality remains unaffected, and there’s no major damage.

Our specialists check for:

Noticeable wear consistent with regular use
Scratches and faded paint
Loose grips or lightly scratched viewfinder
Minor wear on mount or contacts

Condition can be lowered due to:

Rubber peeling or degradation
Heavier marks or debris in lenses
Early signs of damage that affect visual appeal

Click here to see examples of items in Good condition

Well Used

Gear that has been through many shoots, with more noticeable cosmetic flaws and sign of use. It still performs as expected but looks well-loved.

Our specialists check for:

Clearly used gear with significant cosmetic wear
Heavy scratches, worn grips, missing covers
May have sticky or worn buttons/dials
Paint may be chipped or missing

Condition can be lowered due to:

Damage that affects usability or integrity
Loose parts or broken/missing rubber

Click here to see examples of items in Well Used condition

Heavily Used

Cosmetic damage is significant. The gear shows substantial external wear. These items are priced accordingly and may be best suited for backup kits or non-professional use.

Our specialists check for: