Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Learn how to promote your used drone for max revenue

In case your outdated drone has been amassing mud otherwise you’re able to improve to a more recent mannequin just like the DJI Mavic 3 Professional, DJI Mini 4 Professional, or DJI Air 3S, you could be questioning the way to promote your used drone for the most effective value. Whether or not you’re executed with the drone pastime or need additional money for the most recent gear, there are a number of methods to show that unused drone into cash.

From peer-to-peer marketplaces to drone-specific resale platforms, your very best promoting methodology will rely on how a lot effort you need to put in — and the way a lot money you’re hoping to stroll away with.

Promote your drone on on-line marketplaces for money

As an eBay Associate, I could also be compensated in case you make a purchase order.

On-line platforms like eBay, Mercari or Craigslist are fashionable choices for changing used electronics into money. These platforms usually provide the best potential payout however require essentially the most effort in your half.

All of those websites cost vendor charges in some capability (whether or not it’s upfront whenever you submit, or after-the-fact whenever you promote), which might reduce on how a lot you’ll finally earn.

There’s additionally nonetheless some labor in your finish; creating an account, photographing and itemizing your merchandise, and finally packing and delivery it; and there’s no assure it can ever truly promote. However in case you’re up for it, you could possibly make a couple of hundred {dollars}.

Listed below are among the on-line marketplaces you must know:

eBay

Finest for: Sellers with earlier transaction historical past or higher-value drones

A screenshot of DJI Phantom 4 drones on the market on eBay

Itemizing charge: When you’re an off-the-cuff vendor, it’s seemingly free to record on eBay. Past that, a $0.35 insertion charge applies.

Promoting charge: eBay prices a 12.55% remaining worth charge plus $0.30 per order.

Delivery: You handle packaging and delivery. Patrons usually pay for delivery, although aggressive sellers usually provide free delivery.

Ideas:

  • Construct vendor credibility by promoting smaller objects earlier than itemizing your drone.
  • Embrace clear images from a number of angles, detailed specs, and a video exhibiting it flying (if attainable).
  • Point out any included equipment like additional batteries, prop guards, or carrying circumstances.

Buy

Finest for: Newbie sellers in search of a simple interface with built-in protections.

Join Mercari utilizing this hyperlink, and also you’ll get $10 off your first buy. And in case you’re trying to promote on Mercari, you’ll make one other $20 when you full your first $100 in gross sales.

Itemizing charge: Free to record.

Promoting charge: 10% gross sales fee, plus a 2.9% + $0.30 cost processing charge.

Delivery choices:

  • Use Mercari’s pay as you go label.
  • Ship by yourself (helpful for knowledgeable shippers).
  • Drop off at UPS utilizing Mercari’s “Pack & Ship” service — very best for fragile drones.

Payouts:

  • Direct deposit (free for transfers over $10).
  • Prompt Pay ($2 charge).

Ideas:

  • Use sturdy key phrases like “DJI Mini 2 used,” “digicam drone with 4K,” and “examined quadcopter” within the title and outline.
  • Allow purchaser provides to encourage curiosity.

Craigslist

Finest for: Sellers who desire a no-fee, cash-only, native transaction.

  • Itemizing charge: Free.
  • Promoting charge: None.
  • Delivery: Not beneficial — meet in particular person at a protected, public location.
  • Ideas:
    • Carry the drone for a reside demo, if protected and possible.
    • Meet in public areas like espresso outlets or police division change zones.
    • Settle for solely money to keep away from scams.

Use drone-specific marketplaces

Websites like DroneTrader provide peer-to-peer platforms constructed particularly for drone gross sales.

  • Itemizing charge: Typically free or low-cost.
  • Viewers: Patrons are already in search of drones, which improves your odds of a fast sale.
  • Help: Could not embody purchaser safety or transaction ensures, so use with warning.
  • Ideas:
    • Analysis pricing of comparable fashions earlier than itemizing.
    • Embrace firmware model, flight hours, and whether or not equipment or unique packaging are included.

Drone Woman has not independently verified these platforms, so proceed fastidiously and skim evaluations earlier than itemizing.

Donate your drone to a college or nonprofit

donate drone school DJI Phantom kids altruistic donation tax writeoffdonate drone school DJI Phantom kids altruistic donation tax writeoff

When you’re completed flying and don’t want the cash, donating your drone is a good way to offer again.

  • Recipients: STEM applications, public faculty tech courses, robotics golf equipment, and scouting troops usually welcome used drones (sure, even Woman Scouts love drones!).
  • Tax advantages: Donations to certified nonprofit organizations or public faculty districts could also be tax deductible.
  • Tip: Use a “cheap valuation methodology” by evaluating latest gross sales of comparable objects on eBay or Craigslist to find out the truthful market worth.
  • Documentation: Preserve a receipt and picture of the donated merchandise, and seek the advice of a tax advisor if claiming deductions.

Promoting your used drone generally is a sensible technique to fund your subsequent aerial journey — or just filter house. The important thing to getting the most effective worth lies in figuring out the place to promote, setting real looking expectations and writing a compelling itemizing with clear images and an trustworthy situation report.

Whether or not you need quick money, regular rental revenue or the satisfaction of serving to children study STEM expertise, there’s a resale choice that matches your objectives. Take advantage of your outdated drone and select the promoting path that’s best for you.


Uncover extra from The Drone Woman

Subscribe to get the most recent posts despatched to your e-mail.

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Articles