How to sell used DJ equipment: a complete guide

Quick answer

Selling used DJ equipment involves more than taking a few photos and posting a listing. A player, mixer, controller or turntable can be worth a considerable amount and may have faults that aren't obvious at first glance.

Before selling used DJ equipment, we recommend checking its main functions, documenting its cosmetic condition, recording the serial number, filming a short video of it working and preparing it properly if you need to ship it.

It's also important to choose where to sell and use payment and shipping methods that offer sufficient security for both parties.

Check the equipment before selling

Just because a unit powers on doesn't necessarily mean it works properly.

Many faults in used DJ equipment are intermittent. A button may respond sometimes and fail at others, a potentiometer may develop a poor contact when moved slightly, or a connection may lose signal when the cable changes position.

You don't need to open the unit or enter Test Mode or service modes. The aim is to check the functions any DJ would normally use.

CDJs and DJ players

Test every button and control, paying particular attention to Play and Cue. Press them repeatedly to detect intermittent faults.

Turn the jog wheel several times and check that it moves smoothly without unusual noises or rubbing. With Vinyl Mode enabled, also check that touch detection responds correctly at different points across the entire jog surface.

If it has a touchscreen, test different areas and make sure they respond properly. Do the same with the encoders, checking rotation in both directions and the push function where applicable.

Check the pitch control at different positions and the player's main connections.

If it has Pro DJ Link, check that the Ethernet connector inserts correctly, clicks into place and stays secure. With LINK running, gently move the connector to check that the connection doesn't drop.

Play audio and listen carefully to both left and right channels. You can also gently move the RCA connector to check for poor contacts, without ever forcing the port.

DJ mixers

Test as many channels, inputs and outputs as you can. Check CUE, gain, EQ, filters, effects, channel faders and the crossfader if fitted.

Also test every button and turn the potentiometers through their range to check their response.

With audio running through the mixer, gently check the potentiometers for sideways play, particularly frequently used controls such as filters or Sound Color FX. There should be no dropouts, noise or loss of signal.

Check Master, Booth and the other available outputs. With XLR, RCA or jack cables connected, you can also gently move the connector to check for looseness or poor contacts.

On the headphone output, test both jack and minijack sockets if both are provided. Audio should remain clear on both sides even when you gently move the connector.

Controllers and all-in-one systems

Many of the same checks apply to controllers and all-in-one systems.

Test jog wheels, Play/Cue, pitch, buttons, encoders, Performance Pads, touchscreen, faders, crossfader, EQ, filters, CUE, effects and the available inputs and outputs.

If it supports standalone operation, also check the main playback functions without a computer.

DJ turntables

Check Start/Stop, the available speeds and the tonearm, making sure there is no abnormal play.

On Technics models with a strobe, you can use the dots around the platter edge to check pitch calibration. The strobe markings let you visually check behaviour at +3.3%, 0%, −3.3% and +6.4%. When the pitch is set to the corresponding value, the associated row should appear stationary under the strobe light.

Also check that both audio channels work properly, along with the RCA connections and ground connection where applicable.

If you're selling the turntable with a cartridge and stylus, specify the model included and its condition.

What should you do if you find a fault?

If you find a problem during testing, you have two options: sell the equipment as it is and clearly describe the fault, or take it to a specialist workshop for repair before listing it.

Depending on the fault and the equipment's value, a repair can make the sale considerably easier and prevent a relatively minor issue from putting off too many potential buyers.

What matters is not describing a unit as fully working if you've found a defect. A button that occasionally fails, a potentiometer with a poor contact or an output that loses signal when the connector moves are all issues the buyer should know about.

Clean and prepare the equipment

Before taking photos, remove dust and surface dirt and carefully clean the exterior.

There's no need to dismantle the unit. Avoid applying liquids directly to it or attempting internal repairs if you don't know exactly what you're doing.

Clean equipment presents better, but cleaning should never be used to hide its true condition.

Document its condition

When you sell used DJ equipment, the buyer should be able to understand what they're buying before it arrives.

Take photos from different angles that clearly show the unit's condition. Include the front, top, sides and rear where relevant.

Photograph any scratches, dents or wear specifically. For equipment with screens, try to capture scratches or marks that certain lighting could hide.

Keep the serial number

Locate the unit's serial number, photograph it and keep it with your sale records.

The serial number identifies the exact unit you've sold and can be particularly useful if an issue arises later.

Record a video of it working

We also recommend filming a short video before handing over or shipping any used DJ equipment.

It doesn't need to be an exhaustive test. A video of around one or two minutes showing the unit powered on and some of its main functions provides a record of its condition before sale.

Keep the original file after completing the transaction.

Describe exactly what you're selling

A good used DJ equipment listing should state the exact model, working condition, cosmetic condition, known faults, included accessories and whether you still have the original box.

If you know of any relevant previous repairs, it's also advisable to mention them.

Avoid vague descriptions such as “seems to work fine”. The clearer you are about what you've checked and the unit's condition, the less room there is for disagreements later.

When should you sell your DJ equipment?

Before choosing where to sell, it's worth considering whether the timing is right. The model's age, a new generation arriving, demand in the used market and your own plans to change your setup can all influence the decision.

For more on this, see our guide:

When to sell your DJ equipment

Where can you sell used DJ equipment?

The best option depends on whether you prioritise a particular price, a quick sale or a simpler process.

You can sell directly to another DJ through general or specialist marketplaces. You can also list your equipment on the Sounds Market marketplace and sell to another user through a platform specialising in music and DJ equipment.

Alternatively, you can sell your used equipment directly to a specialist DJ business, simplifying much of the process.

If you're unsure which route suits you, see our guide to selling DJ equipment to a private buyer or a specialist dealer.

The platforms people use vary by market. Wallapop has a significant presence in Spain, Kleinanzeigen in Germany, Leboncoin in France and Subito in Italy. eBay and Reverb also operate across Europe and internationally.

When adapting this guide to each market, we'll prioritise the platforms actually used in that country.

For a closer look at this decision, see our guide:

Where to sell used DJ equipment safely

Sell safely

A used DJ equipment sale can involve significant sums. A single player, mixer or all-in-one system can easily cost more than €1,000, and complete setups can run to several thousand euros.

If you use a marketplace with its own payment and protection system, make sure you understand the terms before completing the transaction. Be wary of buyers who try to change the payment or shipping process in suspicious ways.

Don't treat a payment as received just because the buyer sends a screenshot, receipt or email. Always check that the money has actually arrived.

Keep conversations, photos, video, the serial number and any documentation relating to the sale.

How to pack DJ equipment for shipping

If you still have the original box and protective inserts, that's usually the simplest option. Otherwise, use a sturdy double-wall cardboard box and protect the unit on every side.

The main aim is to keep the equipment completely immobilised inside the box. Before sealing it, gently move the box: if you can feel the unit shifting inside, it still needs more protection.

Cables and accessories should also be protected and kept separate from the unit to prevent knocks or scratches in transit. Turntables need particular attention around the tonearm, counterweight and platter.

We also recommend photographing the packing process before sealing the box.

For a fuller explanation, see our guide to How to pack and ship DJ equipment safely.

What if you want to sell several units?

If you're selling a complete booth setup or several pieces of used DJ equipment, selling individually can mean managing multiple listings, buyers, payments and shipments.

This is particularly relevant to DJs replacing an entire setup, clubs, studios, DJ schools or rental companies renewing their equipment.

In these cases, selling the lot directly to a specialist buyer can make the process considerably simpler.

Selling your equipment directly to Sounds Market

If you don't want to manage listings, messages, negotiations and private buyers, you can request a valuation directly from Sounds Market.

We specialise in buying and refurbishing used DJ equipment, including players, mixers, controllers, all-in-one systems, turntables and other DJ gear.

We assess each unit according to its model, condition and specifications. If the offer suits you, we can arrange the purchase directly with you.

Sell my DJ equipment →

Checklist before selling used DJ equipment

Before handing over or shipping the equipment, check that:

Operation: you've tested the main functions, controls and connections.

Intermittent faults: you've checked buttons, potentiometers and connections for poor contacts.

Cosmetic condition: you've clearly photographed dents, scratches and wear.

Serial number: you've recorded and photographed it.

Video: you've kept a short video of the unit working.

Description: you've disclosed any known faults and exactly what's included.

Payment: you've checked that the money has actually arrived.

Packing: the unit is properly protected and immobilised.

Documentation: you've kept evidence of its condition and packing before handover or shipping.