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(information from Coverdrone)
With the cost of living at an all-time high,people are increasingly concerned about getting value for money from any major purchase. Those looking to buy a drone can opt for an older, used drone to save a few hard-earned pennies.
While buying a used drone can be a good alternative to buying a brand-new model because the initial outlay can belower, there are a few things to consider to ensure that buying used won't cost you more in the future.
Here we list ten practical questions to ask yourself when considering a used drone purchase.
1. How has the drone been used and maintained in the past?
Take the time to understand the seller's history of drone use. Does he rarely fly thedrone, or does he use it frequently? Ask to see the drone's flight logs to find out how many flight hours it has accumulated.
It's also important to ask how the seller has maintained the device. Don't forget that heavy use may indicate that parts need replacing soon, or that the device is reaching the end of its life if it hasn't been well maintained over time.
2. Why is the drone being sold?
Be curious. Ask him why he's selling the drone. Is he simply looking to upgrade his equipment, or is he selling it because he no longer uses it? Or are there other factors influencing the sale that you need to consider?
3. What is the overall condition of the drone?
Check that no components are missing, and examine the drone carefully for any signs of wear or damage, paying particular attention to cracks, dents and scratches. Physical inspection of the drone is very important, as it can provide a useful indication that the drone may have crashed at some point. Check whether any visible cracks, dents or scratches are purely cosmetic, or whether they could affect the drone's performance.
In addition, check the drone's propellers and make sure they turn smoothly and without resistance.
4. Arethere any signs of moisture damage?
Waterdamage to a drone is likely to affect its electronic components. So it's essential to inspect the drone thoroughly and look for tell tale signs, such as rust around screws.
Most drones are also equipped with liquid indicators to facilitate detection. These are white stickers affixed to the drone which turn pink if they have come into contact with water or moisture.
5. What is the condition of the battery?
Whenever possible, physically inspect batteries when fully charged to ensure that they are in good condition. Examine each surface of the battery, making sure it is flat and shows no signs of swelling. Also check for signs of corrosion around the terminals.
If you notice any signs of battery deterioration, consider the cost of a replacement battery before proceeding with the purchase.
6. Have I seen the drone fly?
Chances are you wouldn't buy a used car without physically inspecting it or taking it for atest drive. Take the same approach when considering buying a used drone by asking to see the drone take off, fly, maneuver and land. This is the easiest way to test the signal and range, determine its overall performance and check that there are no obvious problems with the drone, as well as with ancillary components such as the controller, gimbal, camera and any obstacle detection sensors.
7. Has it already crashed and been repaired?
Always ask the seller if the drone has ever crashed or had to be repaired, and don't hesitate to ask for details if necessary. Don't forget that it's natural for drones to wear out over time. Do any parts seem to be mismatched? Do some panels or propeller arms look newer than others? This may indicate that they have been replaced.
8. Does the unit come with a warranty and/or return policy?
Drone technology is advancing at a breath taking pace, resulting in an abundance of new product launches. As a result, it's not uncommon to see relatively new but still-used drones being resold, as people choose to update their drone with the latest kit to hit the market.
So it's always worth asking if there's still a warranty on the drone you're considering buying, as this can give you peace of mind and extra protection. Don't forget that you'll probably need proof of purchase to have a drone repaired underwarranty. Never just take the seller's word for it.
What's more, many companies specializing in the resale of electronic products oftenoffer a warranty and return policy. Refurbished or pre-owned products sold by Amazon, for example, come with a one-year renewed Amazon warranty: if you're not completely satisfied, you have one year to return the product for are placement or refund. This level of warranty would be less common, however, if you were buying from an individual seller on sales sites such as Facebook Marketplace, which increases the risk when making a purchase.
9. Does the price seem too good to be true, and are you buying from a trust worthy seller?
We've all seen those "too good to be true" offers when we're browsing online, and unfortunately these days, the sale of technology products is particularly susceptible to scams.
As much as we all love a good deal, ask yourself the following questions: "Does the price seem too low?" and "Does the seller seem really credible?". Trust your instincts and if something doesn't seem right, be prepared to walk away from the deal.
If you're buying from a private individual, we recommend that you meet the seller in person, in a safe place, to see and test the item before paying for it. Whenever possible, choose to pay through a reputable payment service that offers you some form of buyer protection, for example by selecting the "Goods and Services" option when using PayPal.
10. How much would it cost to replace your drone?
When you take out insurance for your drone, most policies offer "like for like" replacement in the event of a claim (sometimes referred to as"new for old" cover).
So it's very important to determine the real value of your drone. It won't necessarily be what you paid for it, especially if you got a very good second-hand deal.
Think about what would happen if your drone was no longer available, especially if you bought a slightly older model second-hand. If a replacement drone were no longer available, you'd be offered the nearest alternative. However, with advances in drone technology, the nearest replacement option could cost you more. Bear in mind that you will only be covered up to the value (known as the "sum insured") you chose when you took out your insurance policy, so there could be a shortfall if the replacement drone is more expensive. It is therefore very important to define the appropriate insured amounts in your policy, and to regularly check and update the current replacement values.
There's no doubt that buying a used drone can offer considerable advantages, especially in terms of cost savings, but care should always be taken. We hope that the advice presented in this blog will help you limit the risks involved in buying a used drone, and enable you to enjoy your new (or rather, almost new) purchase to the full.
Enjoy your flight!
