Used drones for sale can be a smart way into flying or a way to get a bigger sensor for less, but a crashed gimbal, tired batteries or a drone still locked to someone else's account can turn a bargain into a loss. Buying from a shop that tests and resells drones, or having a private sale checked, takes much of the risk away. Shops that buy drones also take trade-ins. Send one request and drone shops and resellers in your area quote you directly. It is free and there is no obligation.
What to check before you pay
- Gimbal and camera: power it on and watch the gimbal level itself. Grinding, drift or a crooked horizon point to crash damage.
- Arms, shell and propellers: cracks, loose hinges or mismatched parts show past repairs.
- Batteries: check the cycle count and health in the app; swollen or puffed packs must not be used.
- Account and serial: the seller must unlink the drone from their account so you can activate it. Match the serial on the drone to any invoice.
- Test flight: hover, fly a short distance and check return to home works.
Shop resale or a private sale
A drone shop that sells pre-owned drones usually tests them, replaces worn parts and gives a short warranty. A private sale on a classifieds site is cheaper but sold as seen. If you buy privately, meet in a public place, never pay a deposit to an unseen seller and ask for proof of purchase. A shop that does drone repairs can often check a used drone before you commit.
Batteries, warranty and hidden costs
Flight batteries age with use and heat. A used drone with one tired pack may need two new ones, so price replacement batteries before you agree on a figure. The maker's warranty may not pass to a new owner, and crash cover rarely does. Budget too for new propellers and a firmware update, which the drone may need before its first flight with you. Remember that the SACAA rules apply to a used drone exactly as to a new one, and paid flying still needs a licence and registration in your name.
Prices and selling your drone
Asking prices for used camera drones run from about R3,000 to R28,000, depending on the model, condition, battery health and bundle. Shops that buy drones will quote a cash or trade-in figure after inspection. Clean the drone, include all batteries and the box, reset it and unlink your account before handing it over. Delete photos and flight logs from the drone and the memory card. Be honest about crashes and repairs: a buyer who finds hidden damage will want the money back, and a shop will find it on the bench. If a figure seems low, ask two or three shops to quote.
What to include in your request
- The drone type or features you want, or are selling
- Your budget or asking price
- How many batteries you want included
- Whether you want a shop warranty
- If you want a trade-in against a new drone
Second-Hand Drones for different clients
- Hobbyists and families: a tested pre-owned drone as an affordable first drone or travel backup
- Farmers and growers: a used drone bought cheaply for daily fence, dam and stock checks
- Estate agents and developers: a used larger sensor drone for listing photos at a lower starting cost
- Builders, engineers and installers: pre-owned drones bought as spares so site photos never miss a week
- Mines, plants and utilities: trading in older drones against new enterprise models with a supplier
- Photographers, film crews and agencies: selling an older drone to fund an upgrade to a newer camera
- Security companies and estates: used drones bought as backup units for patrol teams on a budget
- Municipalities, schools and NGOs: schools and clubs buying tested used drones to teach flying for less
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy a second-hand drone?
How much are used drones in South Africa?
Who buys drones in South Africa?
Can you find me a used drone or a buyer for mine?
Second-Hand Drones by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg