Buying a used drone can be a great way to get a quality device at a lower price, but there are several important factors to consider to ensure you’re making a smart purchase.
Here are 10 things to keep in mind
- Condition of the Drone: Assess the physical condition of the drone. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or cracks. Check the propellers, camera, and any other components for damage.
- Flight Hours: Ask the seller about the number of flight hours the drone has logged. Drones, like any electronic device, have a finite lifespan, and high flight hours could indicate potential issues.
- Flight History and Accidents: Inquire about any past crashes or accidents the drone might have been involved in. A history of crashes could indicate hidden damage or ongoing issues.
- Battery Health: Batteries degrade over time, affecting flight time and performance. Ask about the condition of the batteries, their capacity, and how many charge cycles they’ve been through.
- Software and Firmware Updates: Check if the drone’s software and firmware are up to date. Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues and performance problems.
- Included Accessories: Determine what accessories are included with the drone. This could include spare propellers, batteries, chargers, remote controllers, carrying cases, and any other extras that can add value to your purchase.
- Manufacturer Reputation: Research the manufacturer’s reputation for reliability and customer support. This will give you an idea of how well the company stands behind their products and if spare parts are readily available.
- Model’s Age: Consider how old the drone model is. Older models might lack the latest technology and features, which could impact your overall experience.
- Compatibility with Your Devices: Ensure that the used drone is compatible with your smartphone or tablet, as many drones require a companion app for control and monitoring.
- Price Comparison: Research the current market value of the used drone model you’re interested in. This will help you determine if the price being offered is reasonable or if there are better deals available.
Bonus Tip: Test Flight: If possible, request a test flight to see how the drone performs in the air. This can help you identify any handling issues, stability problems, or other flight-related concerns.
Remember that buying a used drone involves some level of risk, but careful research and thorough examination can help you mitigate potential problems. If you’re unsure about a specific used drone, it might be worth considering whether the cost savings are worth the uncertainty, especially if the drone’s history is unclear.
Where to Buy a Used Drone
- Ebay.com
Ebay is a good source of looking for buying a used drone but you have to take the seller’s word for it. - offerup (App), which merged with Let’s go
This is a great site to source out your used drone, as you can meet the seller at a safe location and test out the drone. However, there are also a lot of scammers out there who would try to rob you or ask for your credit card. The only way to make sure they are legit sellers is to look at the seller’s profile and if they have a TruYou Logo listed on their profile. I would recommend meeting at a public location during the day, such as a police station, inside Starbucks or places with lots of cameras. - craigslist
Craigslist has been around for a long time but a lot of legit sellers have moved on to offerup and Facebook marketplace. So I would look for used drone on this site as last resort. - Facebook Marketplace
This is another great site to look for your used drone as a lot of the sellers tend to me more legit.
