Where to Buy a Metal Detector Online
Buying a New Metal Detector
[ebook_store ebook_id=”3649″]
Guide to Buying and Selling Metal Detectors online in Australia.
Are you thinking of buying or selling a secondhand metal detector? This guide will help you if are looking for one detector or several. In this guide, I will teach you everything you need to know about good practice when buying or selling online in Australia, plus some information about flipping metal detectors for profit. I will cover where to find good deals on metal detectors, how to spot a good deal, and where to sell them for the best price. I also include a pricing guide and list of authorised dealers around Australia as these businesses will be invaluable in this process.
What to look for in a second hand metal detector
Buying used metal detectors and equipment can sometimes be the best option for this hobby. Enthusiasts often upgrade to keep ahead of the curve with metal detecting technology and they sometimes make for unwanted gifts so deals can be had if you shop smart.
Your best option for buying used metal detectors and equipment will always be to try and buy through a reputable metal detector dealer. We don’t do this as we are not a dealer. Buying from a reputable dealer means you can rest assured the machine has been properly tested and is fit for resale.
Keep reading to see what questions to ask when buying a used metal detector from other sources, like local forums, ebay, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace…
Questions to ask about the detector?
- Ask the seller about the Warranty registration, is it transferable?
- Do you have a receipt of purchase, original box with the manual?
- Is there a serial number and date of manufacture on the unit?
- Where was it purchased and do the manufacturers have their own warranty transfer rules?
- Make sure to test the equipment before handing over any money.
- It’s a good idea to bring some different type of metals with you so you can make sure the tones and signals are accurate, some old jewellery, aluminium cans, scrap metals, whatever you may have lying around. To test, simply lay the metal detector on a table or flat surface and wave the different metals in front of the coil.
- Also, when making big purchases through online ads bring a friend along or make sure to meet in a public place with lots of people around.
Try and buy equipment with boxes. this drastically changes the resale value if you decide to sell your used equipment.
A lot of manufacturers now print serial numbers and other important information directly onto the box, so it’s good to have and put away somewhere safe.
Price vs. Budget
If you know what kind of metal detector you’re in the market for, you can use eBay to review the going price for the specific model you’re looking at buying. Reviewing several prices can give you an idea of how much you’ll be spending.
Once you know the going price for a specific model, be sure to check your budget. You might want the pricier model that has all the bells and whistles, but if you’re not going to use the detector very often then you’ll be paying much more than you really need to.
The same with metal detector features. If you’re going to be metal detecting around your home and in schools or parks, then you don’t need to get the water-proof or underwater version unless you live in an area that gets lots of rain or you’ll be doing some metal detecting on beaches.
Look at how often you’ll be using the metal detector and at what kind of items you’re trying to search for when making a decision on purchasing a metal detector.
Online vs. In-Store
Buying online is convenient, fast and sometimes cheaper. However, metal detectors should be purchased based on performance.
If you’re new to metal detecting, you may not have had the chance to test a variety of metal detectors yourself. It might be wise to visit a store first where you can test a detector and get a feel for what it will be like carrying it around and doing your searches.
Better yet, you might even find some places that offer a metal detector rental. You can then rent a specific metal detector model and try it out for yourself.
Once you have tested metal detectors, then you can make a sound judgment as to whether buying online or in-store would make more sense for you.
If you aren’t in an area that offers rentals or in-store testing, then online is fine. Read reviews, check out metal detecting forums, and maybe even talk to a few people who belong to metal detecting clubs or advice.
Used vs. New
New metal detectors are usually smart purchases. They haven’t been badly looked after or overly used. There usually won’t be any malfunctions.
With that said, you can still find some pretty good detectors online that are still considered to be brand new.
Think of all the people who decide to try a hobby out. They go out and purchase top of the line equipment. In a few months the novelty wears off and those same people will sell their stuff. People like you can then make out with a great deal.
Using eBay to buy is usually a smart choice if you’re going with a used detector. You might find really cheap metal detectors at garage sales, but the quality and reputation of an eBay seller are more important factors you don’t want to ignore when spending your money.
Company vs. Individual
You’ll find companies and individuals selling metal detectors on eBay. Which one is better?
It depends.
A company can give you a warranty or a replacement in case there is something wrong with your metal detector. An individual usually gives you your money back.
Companies can have a long-standing, well-known reputation for innovation and product quality. An individual is rated on customer reviews and satisfaction.
It will be up to you to decide whether eBay metal detectors are a good purchase. Just make sure you do as much due diligence as you can and that you’re comfortable with your decision.
Good luck!
Here is a list of used metal detectors under $500 on ebay Australia: