Buying or selling gear can be stressful – here’s how to do it right and avoid the common mistakes
You’ve probably heard horror stories about buying used gear online only to find out it’s a scam. Or receiving gear that wasn’t a right fit or not as advertised. The best way to avoid being one of those victims of a poor sale? Work with a trusted gear store that guides the process from start to finish. If you can’t do that, here are some tips to keep you safe.
Verify The Gear
Have the sellers local DZ rigger or shop help with the transaction. Things they can help with:
- Have all gear inspected by a certified rigger and confirm it’s airworthy
- Know the full history: jumps, storage, and any repairs or damage
- Ensure proper fit and compatibility for your body and experience level
- Verify reserve repack status and AAD service and battery life
At Sunshine Factory, we partner with Paragone Rigging, an independent FAA-certified rigger, for every inspection before buying or selling gear.
Paragone Rigging provides full, detailed reports covering AADs, mains, reserves, containers, and all related components, giving buyers and sellers confidence in every transaction.
Use a Trusted Source
The first way to ensure you’re getting a good, safe deal is to work with reputable gear professionals. However, if you found a steal online, then have a trusted source verify this. It’s not uncommon to have the seller drop the item by a DZ to have them be the third party verification on what it is you’re buy. This helps ensure there is actually something for sale, and that you’re getting a reasonable price in the condition you’re expecting.
Understand Value
- Fair pricing protects both buyers and sellers
- A knowledgeable shop helps set realistic expectations based on the market
- Ask around – get an idea of what something similar would cost
Keep It Simple
- Clean gear, clear photos, and proper documentation make a difference when selling and buying
- Straightforward communication avoids problems – chances are your spending or selling something at a decent price. Treat the sale as such and keep communications clear to be sure you’re on the same page with the buyer/seller
- A trusted store helps manage these details for a smoother transaction
Think Long-Term
Buying the right gear now makes upgrading easier later. Maybe you’ll spend a bit more on a harness that’ll fit the next few sizes of canopies you’ll be on, but the other rig that fits only the canopy you’re on now is cheaper. Think further down the line for gear. Sometimes it means spending a bit more, but it’ll mean a savings in the future.
A Better Way to Buy and Sell
It’s not impossible to take buying and selling gear into your own hands. Especially if you’re active in the community, and the people you’re buying/selling to are active and known. However, the safest route will always be working with a trusted gear store. It takes the guesswork out of buying and selling. At Sunshine Factory, with inspections handled by Paragone Rigging, we help skydivers make confident decisions, stay safe, and get the most value out of their gear.
Good luck out there!
