The Booming Used Camera Market: Doubling Demand Driven by User Satisfaction

In recent years, the used camera market has witnessed remarkable growth, more than doubling demand within just six months. This significant shift can be attributed to a rising interest in sustainability and the increasing cost of living, which has put the spotlight on the resale market. Notably, madoguchi Co., Ltd., which operates a bulk assessment site for brand buying, noted a dramatic increase in the number of camera requests, with figures projected to reach almost double by May 2025 compared to the previous six months.

Once dominated by luxury watches and designer handbags, madoguchi is now seeing a surge in requests for assessments of DSLR and mirrorless cameras from well-known brands such as Canon, Nikon, Leica, and FUJIFILM. According to company representatives, as of 2025, there is a clear trend shift occurring in the market.

Understanding the Growth: Consumer Mindset

Suzuki, who oversees the brand assessment business at madoguchi, shared insights into the consumer psychology fueling this growth. He explained, "One reason for the significant rise of the camera segment in the reuse market is the accumulation of successful experiences among users, who feel they are able to sell their items at fair prices. The brand assessment platform provides users with offers from multiple buyers, which enhances their feeling of comparison and choice. This engenders trust and often leads them to recommend the service to friends and family."

Moreover, since around 2023, there has been a noticeable increase in posts about 'resale experience reports' on social media, particularly highlighting cameras as items that fetch higher prices. This trend has attracted younger consumers who are keen on sustainability and value for money.

Changes in the Industry and Future Outlook

Traditionally, in-person assessments were the norm within the buying and selling industry. However, madoguchi's online comparison platform provides a fully digital solution for assessment and comparison, allowing for greater efficiency and transparency. This model has not only streamlined operations but also incentivized buyers to offer more honest and competitive prices due to clearer advertising costs.

Looking ahead, Suzuki expressed his belief that the market will continue to evolve: "We anticipate increasing transactions not just for cameras but also for high-value hobbies like musical instruments and agricultural machinery. Our goal is to continue providing a trustworthy selling experience, enhancing transparency and ease of use in the assessment process."

Services Offered

Madoguchi also operates a variety of services designed to improve daily lives through efficient solutions. Known as ‘O yobee’, their app allows users to effortlessly summon workers or service providers during troubles or challenges without the hassle of traditional service calls, saving time and simplifying the process. The app automatically calculates market prices, enabling users to decide on fair compensation comfortably.

Some of their services include:

- O yobee: An app that connects users with service providers (https://oyobee.com/)
- Used Goods Recovery Consultation: A platform for efficient disposal of unwanted items (https://fuyouhin.support)
- Cleaning Services: Accessible support for cleaning (https://osouji.support)
- Brand Assessment: Trusted valuation services for luxury items (https://brand-satei.me/tokei/)

Company Overview

Madoguchi, based in Minato, Tokyo, specializes in matching service providers with clients for waste disposal and inheritance organization. Established in 2016 under the leadership of representative Yasuyoshi Naokazu, it continues to evolve and adapt to changing market demands while maintaining transparency and trust in transactions. The company was also selected for the Best Venture 100 in January 2025, highlighting its potential for significant social impact.

Overall, the burgeoning used camera market presents an exciting opportunity, not only for consumers but also for businesses like madoguchi that aim to redefine the resale experience in a digitally-savvy era.