Used cds

I was wondering what the market is like for used cds in the UK. I have approximately 700 US cds that I have ripped onto my computer so I'm thinking about selling them to one of the used record stores over here before we move.

My first question is, are used music stores as common there as they are here? Also, are US imports a lot more expensive there? Over here a UK import usually costs twice what a domestic disc goes for and that is the same for used as well as new. I can get between $1-$3 dollars a piece for them if I were to sell them here and about double for trade, but since we are moving there, trading for store credit isn't a viable option. So, is it worth it for me to ship them along with the rest of my stuff and trade/sell them there where they may be worth more as imports? I know once I get there I'm going to want lots of new music, so I want to maximize my music allowance.

The main outlet for used cd's is eBay.co.uk and car boot sales. Given that you'd have to pay shipping costs to get them here and the fact that most people will just download & burn any song that they want...you're probably not looking at more than 20p - £1 each. I'd sell them in the US before moving.

There are used record stores that will know what you're selling.  I don't know if you'll be anywhere near London but The Record and Tape Exchange will offer a fair price usually.  It's just whether you'll want to lug everything around. 

It is going to depend on what they are.

If you have imports which have bonus tracks or mixes, then I would take a look at ebay and see what is already out there and how much they are currently going for in the UK.  It may be that if you have something which was unavailable in the UK, is a limited edition and is from a band with a cult following that you could get good money for it.  But CDs which have the same track listing/album design as the UK version probably isn't going to get more than £3 inc postage.

Many people who are really into music still buy real CDs...I do, as does my husband, they are taking over the flat.  Although I prefer vinyl really!

Have you a list compiled or an idea of how much you want to raise from this?  That might be a good place to start.  If you are looking for a quick sale you could sell them as a package to a dealer or professional ebay seller.

Vicky

I've always found Amazon Marketplace to be better than eBay for offloading individual cds (at least recent albums, you won't even get 10p for singles anywhere). With Amazon you set the price you want to get and it stays there for 30 days or until someone buys it (after 30 days you can relist it) and they come up right alongside Amazon's new cd price so they're effectively doing the advertising for you. The shipping costs are already factored in (quite generous if you've already got a supply of jiffy bags) and you get paid straighht into your bank account, so none of that Paypal crap.

Or if you don't want the hassle, there's always roving sellers for the music industry. We regularly have a guy called "Manchester Dave" come down to our office in London and buy boxes upon boxes of promos off us for £50-100 and then we all go down the pub. Considering 99% of the cds we get sent are utter rubbish, it was always a fair deal to us!

Hi there,

First thing that strikes me is that if you've ripped the collection of CD's to another format that can be played on media players and PC's etc and you sell off the original - technically you'll be breaking the law as you no longer own the original.

I think the law says you are allowed to make a digital copy of original genuine music that you've bought and so long as you own the original and make a copy for use in another media player you own and not distribute the copy thats fine.

However, in practical terms, it's highly unlikely you'll be caught and made ot pay fines etc.

The law is still a bit grey when it comes to home copies of original material - and it's been a while since I've looked up all the latest legislation.

Else, ebay is a good place as already mentioned, and you'll see adverts on Gumtree etc from people selling off their CD's as well. Some special editions and imports etc are worth more, but by how much and dependant on how sought after it is will vary

Cheers ! DtM! West London & Slough UK!