Robert’s Photography Blog

Singapore is small enough that most retailers don’t have to worry about delivery except for large items. Brick and mortar camera stores do a brisk business from walk-in locals and tourists alike. Sim Lim Square, Peninsula Plaza, and to a lesser degree Lucky Plaza are well-known for clusters of camera shops.

Unknown to most outsiders is the very active secondhand market. Yes, there are a few shops selling used photography equipment. However, the bulk of the transactions are between photographers themselves. Cameras and or accessories are posted online where initial contact is made through email or private messaging. Then they meet up in coffee shops, MRT stations, or hawkers stands to inspect the item(s) and make payment. Fraud is extremely low.

By far the most popular site for listing photography gear is ClubSnap’s Buy/Sell Forums. ClubSnap members either know each other or at least have a mutual acquaintance. Unlike most other forums, ClubSnap allows you to bump your own post until the item is sold.

Making inroads into this niche are the online classified ad sites. The biggest are Mocca.com and ST701.com. The former is owned by Media Corp and the later by Singapore Press Holdings.

Second tiers classified ad sites are easier to navigate and less demanding in their registration requirements. These include 88DB.com and start-up One2Sell.sg.

Several large classified ad site networks are active in Singapore also. The best known are Gumtree (now owned by eBay) and Locanto.

If you have a camera or related gear to sell, you can increase your odds by listing on multiple sites as most offer free ads.

A word of warning: stay local and stay safe. Don’t be tempted by low prices from unknown overseas companies or individuals. Never send money by MoneyGram, Western Union, or by bank transfer. Meet in a public place and carefully inspect all items before making payment.