Shopping decisions
Compare used camera listings
Used prices for the same camera model can differ between listings. Shutter count, included accessories and seller reliability often explain the gap, so comparing specific listings helps more than a general brand recommendation.
A text to start with
I'm comparing three used listings for a [camera model]. Listing A: [price], seller rating [rating], shutter count [number], no returns. Listing B: [price], seller rating [rating], shutter count not stated, thirty-day returns. Listing C: [price], local shop, shutter count [number], store warranty. I shoot [your subject matter] and own [lens mount or lenses, if any]. Which listing looks strongest, and why?
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.What to check in the answer
A missing shutter count is a reason to ask the seller, not automatically a reason to reject the listing. Check the lens mount against the manufacturer's specifications if you're buying into a new system. Seller ratings change, so look at them again when you're ready to pay. A return window can be worth more than a shutter count you can't verify yourself.
What to do next
Ask any seller who doesn't state a shutter count to provide one, or to allow an in-person inspection if the price is significant. Read the marketplace's buyer-protection terms before you pay.