Selling your CD’s?
One of our most frequently asked questions is, “How much do you pay for used CDs?”
- Many factors affect the value of your used CDs. All That Music & Video has been buying & selling used CDs since their inception in 1984, so we have a lot of experience.
- Like anything else, the supply & demand for the item you’re selling is the most important factor in determining its value, but the CD must also be acceptable condition.
- We ask our customers to please be realistic about the value of their used CDs. While you may not like our appraisal, we believe that if you do your own survey of other vendors, you will discover that our bid is always realistic, fair, and based on market conditions.
- We are aware that you have other choices when selling your CDs. We think it is important that you know we have the highest standards in town for purchasing used CDs. Don’t confuse us with a pawn shop or thrift store.
- Although we reject many items, we can pay out from $1 to $6 for any single CD. Box or multiple CD sets, rare collectibles, imports, and out-of-print CDs may command more.
- Our customers know that All That Music & Video is the best place to buy great quality & guaranteed used CDs at fair retail prices.
So how much do we pay for used CDs? Let’s start with the basics.
Condition. We guarantee all pre-owned products, so it is vitally important that the CDs we accept for resale are free from serious scratches, marks, scuffs, or other damaging characteristics.
- Like all collectibles, items that are new, like new, unused or unplayed command the highest prices.
- While it is reasonable that used CDs may bear minor flaws like minimal fingerprints or an occasional mark or scuff, we are not interested in product that has been neglected and abused.
- We can not overstate the importance of the proper care and handling of your CD collection. Handle the CD from the edges and always store the CD in its proper jewel case. Getting into these two habits will insure that the value of your collection will be optimized when you are ready to sell.
- Note: All That Music & Video replaces the original (usually worn & tattered) jewel casing on any used CD when it is purchased. The buyer not only receives a CD whose appearance is like new, but also a piece of music that is guaranteed as well.
Market Conditions. This is a broad area of judgement and involves many factors. Market condition here is synonymous with supply & demand.
- Here’s a simple example. Let’s assume that many sellers are relinquishing the same CD back into the marketplace, and that the CD is showing no interest from buyers at retail. It is logical that this CD will have little or no value. We see thousands of these CD’s per month and routinely can make on the spot judgements based on the title alone.
- As a general rule, hot, in-demand or classic and Greatest Hits CDs always command the best resale value. However, current, new releases, or chart rated CDs always undergo their own sales cycle. In the beginning, many buyers may be eager to pick up a deal on a used version of a hot new release. However, as the months elapse, consumers listen and discard the “flavor-of-the-day” and move on to the next new latest hit artist or release. Meanwhile, the resale marketplace becomes flooded with the same item.
- If the CD was not critically acclaimed, or if the artist was an unknown, or if the songs or content were a passing trend, then there is a strong possibility that the CD could be worthless. It may all come down to the timing of when you decide to sell a CD against its present popularity. Wait too long, and you may be faced with too many of the same title available for too many uninterested buyers. We routinely clear-out non-performing used CDs by selling them in the $1 to $2.50 range
Other Factors. The used CD marketplace is now well matured. At All That Music & Video, we have the resources to determine the true marketability of any used CD.
- We have determined that many Rap, Hip-Hop, country, & Jazz CD's do not command the same value as other established or mainstream artists. Most Classical music is virtually worthless in our resale market.
- Promotional CDs, known as promos or freebies, and identified with a drill hole, cut spine or other sticker, may or may not be worth anything. Remember that the CD you got for free was distributed to promote the item. Often, recipients of these goods will keep the goodies and offer us the unknown leftovers. We know the difference.
Thank you for considering All That Music & Video for a bid on the purchase of your used CDs. We are always seeking large volumes of used CDs to feed the appetite of our many happy customers who shop for the weekly deals we are known for. The marketplace is the final determinant for the buy-sell equation. Our aim is to offer a win-win situation for the seller, merchant, & buyer.