gearsupply.com

What It Is

Gearsupply is an online marketplace for used equipment serving the professional AV and live events industry, with a focus on buying and selling used pro AV gear. The platform entered the used AV equipment market in 2017 and launched Gearsupply.com in 2020, positioning itself as one of the AV industry’s first true online marketplaces where sellers and buyers can communicate directly. Covered brands include Meyer Sound, JBL, L-Acoustics, D&B Audiotechnik, Vari-Lite, and others. It has also partnered with L-Acoustics to offer certified pre-owned K1 and K1-SB systems.

Core Capabilities and Supply Chain

The platform’s core value lies in reducing the uncertainty around trust, payments, and logistics in traditional used AV transactions. It emphasizes trusted ways to sell and source equipment, customer support, a secure and fast payment process, and reliable logistics partners. For buyers, it is suitable for finding backup amplifiers, sound systems, or professional stage equipment at lower prices. For sellers, it provides online exposure and a safer way to sell equipment themselves. Its trade-in program is also a notable feature: rental companies can trade in older systems for purchasing credits with selected manufacturers such as JBL, L-Acoustics, Absen, and others.

Pricing and Fees

Fee information is limited. The website only states that its “fees [are] the lowest in the industry,” suggesting low industry-level fees, but it does not specify commission rates, transaction fees, listing fees, payment processing fees, or logistics pricing rules. Sellers should therefore confirm the cost structure before using the platform, especially because high-ticket AV equipment transactions can be highly sensitive to commissions and shipping costs.

Pros and Cons

Its strengths are a clear vertical industry focus, professional brand and equipment coverage, and an emphasis on secure payments, logistics partnerships, and human support. Direct communication between buyers and sellers is also useful for confirming specifications, condition, and shipping arrangements before trading complex equipment. The drawbacks are that public information lacks details on market coverage, payment methods, fee breakdowns, and cross-border fulfillment. The platform is clearly not suitable for general e-commerce sellers or merchants dealing in low-ticket consumer goods.

Who It’s For and Access from China

Gearsupply is better suited to professional AV equipment dealers, event production companies, equipment rental businesses, and enterprises that need to dispose of or source used sound and lighting systems. Access from China is not addressed in the available information, and it is also unclear whether payments from Chinese entities are supported. Chinese sellers or buyers considering the platform should carefully verify website accessibility, cross-border payments, international shipping, customs clearance, and equipment certification requirements. Alternatives include eBay, Reverb, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or specialized used AV equipment brokers.