The Complete Guide to Selling Your Used FPV Gear
When to Sell Your FPV Gear
The best time to sell is before your gear becomes outdated. FPV technology moves fast — components lose 15-25% of their value annually as newer versions release. Sell when:
- You are upgrading to newer components
- You have spare parts sitting unused for 3+ months
- A component still works but you have replaced it
- You are switching video systems (analog → digital)
- You are leaving the hobby (it happens — sell early for best returns)
Pricing Your Gear
Market Research
Before listing, check current prices on:
- Facebook FPV marketplace groups (search recent sold posts)
- eBay completed listings (filter by "sold items")
- FPV Recycling instant estimate tool (quick baseline)
Pricing Guidelines
| Condition | % of New Price | Example (5" Quad) | | ------------------------------ | -------------- | ----------------- | | Excellent (minimal use, clean) | 60-75% | $180-$225 | | Good (normal wear, functional) | 40-55% | $120-$165 | | Fair (heavy wear, works) | 25-35% | $75-$105 | | Parts Only (non-flying) | 10-20% | $30-$60 |
Component-Specific Values
Some components hold value better than others:
- Goggles — hold 70-85% of value (high demand, durable)
- Radios — hold 60-80% (long-lasting, universal)
- Digital VTX — hold 50-70% (DJI units in constant demand)
- Motors — hold 40-60% (wear items, but easy to test)
- Frames — hold 30-50% (cosmetic wear affects pricing)
- Batteries — hold 20-40% (degrade with cycles, sell early)
Photography Tips
Good photos sell gear faster and for higher prices:
- Clean the drone first — remove dirt, grass, tape residue
- Use good lighting — natural light or a desk lamp, avoid shadows
- Show all angles — top, bottom, side, and any damage
- Photograph damage honestly — buyers will find it during inspection
- Include scale reference — show relative size with a common object
- List components in caption — brands and models for each visible part
Shipping Best Practices
Packing
- Remove propellers
- Discharge batteries to storage voltage
- Tape battery connectors
- Wrap drone in bubble wrap
- Use a rigid box with 2+ inches of padding on all sides
- Include a printed packing list
Carrier Selection
- USPS Priority Mail: cheapest for light packages, 2-3 day delivery
- UPS Ground: best for heavy shipments, good tracking
- FedEx Ground: reliable alternative to UPS
Insurance
Insure packages over $100 in value. USPS Priority Mail includes $50 of insurance. Add supplemental insurance for higher-value shipments.
Avoiding Scams
Red Flags When Selling Peer-to-Peer
- Buyer wants to pay via Zelle, CashApp, or wire transfer (no protection)
- "I'll send extra money for shipping" overpayment scams
- Requests to ship before payment clears
- Brand new accounts with no transaction history
- Urgency or pressure to complete transaction quickly
Safe Selling Practices
- Use PayPal Goods & Services (seller protection)
- Ship only to the address on the payment receipt
- Photograph the packed item before sealing
- Save tracking numbers and delivery confirmations
- Never share personal information beyond what's needed for shipping
Why FPV Recycling Is the Easiest Option
Selling peer-to-peer maximizes price but takes time and carries risk. FPV Recycling offers:
- No listing — request a quote in under 2 minutes
- No negotiation — we provide a fair market offer
- Free shipping — prepaid label provided
- Fast payment — 48 hours after inspection
- All conditions — broken, working, parts-only accepted
- Bulk-friendly — sell your entire collection in one shipment
For most pilots, the convenience and guaranteed payment outweigh the slightly higher prices possible through peer-to-peer selling.
FAQ
Should I sell the complete drone or part it out?
Complete drones are easier and faster to sell. However, premium individual components (DJI goggles, RadioMaster radios, quality motors) may fetch 10-20% more total when sold separately. FPV Recycling values both options.
What is the fastest way to sell FPV gear?
FPV Recycling is the fastest: request a quote, receive a shipping label instantly, ship your gear, get paid within 48 hours. The entire process takes less than a week from start to payment.
Do you buy broken or crashed drones?
Yes. Broken drones have significant parts value. Motors, frames, ESCs, and cameras can often be refurbished even when the complete drone does not fly. We buy all conditions.
What if I disagree with the offered price?
If our inspection reveals a different condition than expected, we contact you before processing. You can accept the revised offer or request your gear returned (we cover return shipping).