Are original boxes really necessary to keep around?

[Berel Shoots Cars]

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As a camera owner, I always keep the bowes. It is useful to store all the camera related stuff in one place (manuals, chargers, batteries, filters, SD card) if they are not in my camera bag. I think that it is also better when you want to sell it, as the buyer would feel that he buys it "complete". 

Now,  as a potential buyer for a 2nd hand Leica camera, I would not buy it without the box, especially when you see how beautiful the boxes are. It is a little bit as a luxury watch (I do not own one), the box is part of the object and the experience itself.

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[Olaf_ZG]

Anybody wants to buy my boxes? I’ve got plenty. Not all photography related though…

[Jeff S]

I saved my large and heavy boxes from the expensive stereo equipment that I bought more than 30 years ago.  When I had to ship the amp and pre-amp back to the manufacturer (Krell) a few years ago for refurbishment, they told me that the original packaging saved me over $400 in packing/insurance costs. The packaging (including for floor-standing speakers) similarly helped when having to store the gear in moving vans for several long distance house moves in the interim. I don’t know if this actually made any economic sense long term, but it sure made me feel better.

And, yes, I have all my original Leica boxes, paperwork, etc.  Don’t ask what else I keep, although multiple relocations does help define priorities and reduce unnecessary clutter to a degree.

Jeff

[LEGEND]

Question... 

Would you buy a used Leica camera or Leica Lens but without the box
if the offered price is around 20-30% lower as the same thing
but with the box?  

I would...  

Nikola

[Viv]

Personally speaking, no.

I regard Leica purchase prices as sunk costs.

This stops me worrying about depreciation.

Anything I get from resale is a bonus.

Call me foolish ...

Edited November 7, 2022 by Viv

[Olaf_ZG]

10 hours ago, LEGEND said:

Question... 

Would you buy a used Leica camera or Leica Lens but without the box
if the offered price is around 20-30% lower as the same thing
but with the box?  

I would...  

Nikola

Yes. 
 

[ravinj]

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On 11/6/2022 at 2:53 PM, Olaf_ZG said:

Anybody wants to buy my boxes? I’ve got plenty. Not all photography related though…

If they come with a free Leica lens, then yes.

[otto.f]

On 10/31/2022 at 11:03 PM, hellobrandonscott said:

but am I in the minority?

Yes you are, and the market is determined by the majority. I have had a few camera’s and lenses which I had sworn not to sell ever, but I did. And especially if you want to trade your stuff in in a good Leica store it makes a real difference. I was glad I had kept the boxes and all the documents. Batteries aren’t very interesting though. 

[Jeff S]

15 hours ago, otto.f said:

Batteries aren’t very interesting though. 

Stores will, however, boost trade-in values for extra batteries or other popular Leica accessories.  I save those boxes, too.

Jeff

[LocalHero1953]

I keep any boxes that come with stuff in case I need to send it off for repair, or for resale - original boxes are generally better than homemade packaging for protection of the item. I have a stash of boxes in the attic for camera, lens, laptop, monitor, TV, coffee machine, GPS (.........etc) - they may come in handy for this reason.

But boxes are never a serious consideration when I buy used, and I have never lost a significant sum when trading in without boxes. If people want the boxes that's fine: AFAIC it's a money-making opportunity - I have sold boxes on ebay that I forgot to include when selling used items, for good prices. I'm a photographer, not a collector. If I'm buying on ebay or in other auctions, then a lower price for an item without boxes means I get the camera or lens cheaper. What not to like?

[Ouroboros]

On 11/8/2022 at 11:27 PM, LocalHero1953 said:

...I have never lost a significant sum when trading in without boxes. 

From my experience of trading stuff in, including boxes etc does not add anything at all to an item's trade-in value. Condition, functionality, existing stocks of the same item and re-saleability are the criteria that dealers such as Wex and MPB base their quotes on. They will, however, use included original matching boxes and packaging as a USP to attract buyers and load the resale price accordingly.

If I were faced with a choice of two items in similar condition, one with a box and the other without, I would not pay more for the item with a box.  Personally, I hate clutter and I refuse to keep stuff that I don't need or use, but I've no doubt many would choose an item with the box and be prepared to pay more for it.

Most boxes and packaging  is probably put away in the attic when opened and only retrieved some time later when the owner wants to trade the item in or sell it on, which renders the perception that a box indicates careful or low use of the item rather moot.

 

 

[Jeff S]

Leica Miami specifically accounts for all packaging… boxes, documents, etc… as part of their trade-in assessment.  Might not translate to significant dollars, but not nothing. 

Jeff

[waltercano]

Keeping original boxes for items like cameras and lenses is not always necessary, but it can be helpful if you plan to sell them in the future. Many buyers prefer to have the original packaging because it suggests the item has been well cared for and can add value. However, if you don't mind possibly getting a slightly lower resale price, or if you don't plan to sell certain items like your SL lenses, you can consider getting rid of them. Alternatively, using custom boxes for retail packing can keep your items safe and organized without the need for the original packaging.
 

[Almizilero]

Here I was thinking this was a very German problem. But it seems to be international. And it's not only Leica gear. Here, it's everything. You don't have the original box? Cut the price in half! (exagerated)
I think it stems from the (totally untrue) myth, that you don't have warranty if you don't have the box.

The funny thing is that everybody I have talked to about this finds it annoying. But still, everybody does it and everybody wants the original boxes. Me included. If only because I know it will be harder to sell, should I decide so.

[Eclectic Man]

My first Leica, a second hand, but Mint condition, R5 was without a box.  I have bought several used Leica lenses without boxes, and one boxed (Super-Angulon 21mm f/4).  If buying to use then the box is mostly irrelevant, it is the condition that matters.  But with new gear I always keep the packaging.  This is certainly useful in the event it has to be sent off for a service when you know that the original packaging will protect it properly in transit.  

Of course I have a large collection of cardboard boxes for other things, many of which I still possess ...

[BillCB]

I have sold a bunch of MF gear recently - all in original boxes. It's not so much the box itself as the fact that the foam/styrofoam innards cradle the gear for shipping. Saves time packing and may save damage too.

[NightPix]

On 11/10/2022 at 4:28 AM, Ouroboros said:

From my experience of trading stuff in, including boxes etc does not add anything at all to an item's trade-in value.

I just sold 2 seldom used Leica m-lenses to mpb and they upped my quote by $50 per lens because I had the original packaging. Seems like a good price for some cardboard and foam.  I have sold Voigtlander lenses in the past and there was no premium for the original packaging. I keep all the boxes anyway as they are great for shipping if you do decide to sell. 

Edited June 12, 2024 by NightPix

[hellobrandonscott]

To my sweet naive past self,

When you originally wrote started this post all those years ago, you had no idea the Leica addict you'd become. Today, yep, boxes *do* matter to you for inexplicable reasons. I hate to tell you this, but you actually bought an empty box on eBay today to go with your newly acquired 135 Elmar that didn't come with one. You're that guy now. You're the guy who buys empty boxes on eBay. 

Congrats on the monster you've become 🖤

Edited June 13, 2024 by hellobrandonscott

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55 minutes ago, hellobrandonscott said:

To my sweet naive past self,

When you originally wrote started this post all those years ago, you had no idea the Leica addict you'd become. Today, yep, boxes *do* matter to you for inexplicable reasons. I hate to tell you this, but you actually bought an empty box on eBay today to go with your newly acquired 135 Elmar that didn't come with one. You're that guy now. You're the guy who buys empty boxes on eBay. 

Congrats on the monster you've become 🖤

Hope you didn't pick up one of the well know counterfeit boxes for the 135 Elmar!

[Archiver]

I keep all boxes and packaging, and this has proven handy on the rare occasions that I've sold gear of any kind, Leica or otherwise. Camera shops always make a big deal out of a camera/lens being complete with box and papers.