Where to Sell Old DVDs: Online & Local Options

Old DVDs often accumulate in homes, presenting an opportunity for decluttering and financial gain. While streaming services are prevalent, a market still exists for physical media. Selling these items involves understanding various sales channels, preparing items, and navigating pricing and payment.

Selling Through Online Platforms

Selling DVDs online offers access to a broad audience through general e-commerce sites and specialized media resale marketplaces. Popular platforms like Amazon and eBay allow individual sellers to list items, requiring clear descriptions and photographs. Amazon charges a referral fee, typically around 15% for media, plus an additional closing fee of $1.80 per item. eBay also levies fees, which can be around 15.3% of the total sale amount for media categories.

Specialized media buyback sites, such as World of Books or Eagle Saver, provide a streamlined process. These platforms allow sellers to scan a DVD’s barcode for an instant price quote. If acceptable, sellers ship items using a prepaid label, and payment is processed after inspection. Social media marketplaces also facilitate online sales, often without direct listing fees, but require sellers to manage communication and transactions directly.

Exploring Local Selling Options

Local selling channels provide immediate cash or store credit, ideal for quick transactions without shipping. Pawn shops commonly purchase used DVDs, though payouts are modest, often $0.50 to $5 per disc. These establishments prioritize condition, offering 20% to 60% of an item’s resale value, depending on demand. Used media stores, such as FYE, also buy DVDs, potentially offering $1 to $5 per disc, but have strict condition requirements.

Local digital platforms, like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, connect sellers with local buyers. These platforms do not charge listing fees, enabling direct interaction for pickups and payments. When using these platforms, meet in a public location, such as a well-lit public space or a designated police department safe zone. Consider bringing a companion for safety.

Readying Your DVDs for Sale

Proper preparation maximizes DVD resale value and ensures successful transactions. Begin by inspecting each disc for scratches, smudges, or other damage that could affect playback. Discs with significant damage may not be accepted by buyers or resale outlets. Ensure original cases and any accompanying inserts, like cover art or booklets, are present and in good condition.

Cleaning discs and cases is an important step. For discs, use a soft microfiber cloth and wipe from the center outwards in straight lines to avoid circular scratches. A small amount of water or a mild solution like isopropyl alcohol can be used for stubborn smudges, applied to the cloth rather than directly to the disc. Organizing your collection by genre or alphabetical order streamlines the selling process and makes inventory management easier.

Setting Prices and Receiving Payment

Determining an appropriate price for DVDs involves considering rarity, overall condition, and whether they are special or limited editions. Titles that are out-of-print or not available on streaming services may command higher prices due to increased demand. Researching comparable sales on online marketplaces provides insight into current market values. Most used DVDs sell for an average of $5, with individual discs ranging from $0.50 to $20, while rare or collectible editions can fetch more.

Receiving payment for sold DVDs varies by selling channel, with different security and fee structures. Online platforms often utilize digital payment processors like PayPal, which charges a fee per transaction (e.g., 2.9% plus $0.30 for goods and services). Bank transfers or direct deposits are also common for online sales and generally involve no direct fees. For local sales, cash is a frequently used method, offering immediate and no-fee payment, though digital wallets like Venmo or Cash App are also popular. Significant profit from selling personal items may be considered taxable income. Sellers receiving over $600 from third-party payment networks may receive a Form 1099-K. Losses from selling personal items are generally not tax-deductible.