How to Sell DVDs Online: (+6 Platforms to Boost your Sales)

A friend of mine once looked at the pile of DVDs I had at home and joked, “These could make you the next Netflix.” I laughed it off at first, but later, it got me thinking—what if I could actually make some extra cash from them? So, I dived into research to understand what it would take to sell them. Now, I’m here to share what I learned so you can turn those old discs into money too.

With so many online platforms emerging, selling anything has become easy, especially something as less common as DVDs. There are tons of collectors out there looking to have a physical copy of their favorite movie, show, or musical piece. And the digital space will let you reach them so easily.

I suggest you start by choosing the right platforms. Then, you can focus on setting fair prices and creating appealing listings to ensure your DVDs find new homes. But with so many options out there, where do you even start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered in this article.

What’s new in the online DVD-selling market?

If you think DVDs are old school, you’ve gotta hear me out. I thought the same—assumed physical media was on its way out. But after digging deeper, I realized the market had pulled a plot twist. The big players are stepping back, and new opportunities are popping up. Trends are shifting, and there’s more to the story. Let’s break it down.

Big players are out of the market

Netflix ended its 25-year DVD rental service in 2023, and Best Buy announced plans to stop DVD and Blu-ray sales by early 2024. Sounds like the end of an era, right? Not so fast. While this might look like a decline, in reality, it’s opening doors for independent sellers, like you and me, who sell to physical media collectors.

Physical media is making a comeback

Streaming services may dominate, but nostalgia has a funny way of rewriting the rules. In April 2024, sales of DVDs and Blu-rays hit their highest prices since 2014. Prices were up nearly 29% compared to the previous year. That’s because people love the feeling of owning something real, something they can hold. Vinyl records made a comeback, (I’ll admit, my collection is getting out of hand), and now DVDs are having their moment, too.

Rare collectors’ market gains interest

After nostalgia-driven buyers come the collectors. That’s where certain rare and collectible DVDs gain interest. For instance, limited edition box sets like the “Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection,” with its 31 discs, have been known to sell for over $1,800. If you think hard, you will find at least 5 people collecting those.

Specialized resale platforms appear in the market

Platforms like Decluttr and Bonavendi are becoming popular for selling used DVDs. They offer simple interfaces, instant price quotes, and hassle-free selling—perfect for today’s buyers and sellers.

Personal websites open new opportunities

Owning a website is now accessible to everyone. The market is full of website-building platforms. Many individuals are moving away from third-party marketplaces to build their own platforms. Honestly, when given a choice, I would do the same. These tools provide easy customization, secure payment options, and inventory management, allowing sellers to establish a fully independent and professional ecommerce presence.

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What are the factors influencing DVD sales?

One day, I was scrolling through an online marketplace and spotted the DVD of “Ice Age”, my favorite childhood movie. It brought flashes of memories of my brother and I watching it over and over. I didn’t even think twice and added it to my cart. That feeling of nostalgia, the excitement of owning a physical copy, and the satisfaction of finding something that would take me back in time were so rare. And those are just a few reasons why DVDs are still selling today.

Let’s look at the biggest factors driving demand for DVDs.

• Movie popularity and perceived quality: Well-known movies, award-winning films, and blockbuster hits tend to sell more DVDs due to higher demand.
• Nostalgia and collector appeal: Buyers often seek DVDs for nostalgia or to own special edition collector’s items that hold sentimental or financial value.
• Convenience and purchasing channels: The ease of purchasing through online marketplaces, specialized resale platforms, and direct studio stores influence buying decisions.
• Physical ownership: Some consumers prefer owning a physical copy rather than relying on streaming subscriptions or digital libraries.
• Limited-edition releases and special promotions: Limited-run releases, exclusive merchandise, and special promotions create urgency and drive demand for DVDs. There is always a collector out there waiting for his chance to own a DVD copy.

Keep these factors in mind when targeting your audience.

What are the best platforms for selling DVDs?

No more looking at that dusty stack of DVDs in the corner and thinking, “I should really do something about those.” Now you can both clear up space and make some extra cash. But with so many platforms out there, where do you even start? No worries—I’ve done the legwork and found the best options for you. And if you stay with me, I’ve got a bonus tip on how to sell your DVDs independently, on your own terms.

Amazon Marketplace

Amazon Marketplace is probably the first marketplace you think of (so did I) when you think of selling DVDs in the first place. It’s one of the biggest online marketplaces, but selling DVDs on Amazon doesn’t only mean listing them on the platform. When I went to test Amazon, I found that it has strict rules to prevent counterfeit sales giving you 2 options; either to trade in or to sell as a reseller.

Option 1: Amazon trade-in program (for personal collections)

If you’re just looking to offload a few DVDs without the hassle of becoming a big seller, Amazon’s trade-in program is your best bet. Here’s how it works:

• Check eligibility: Not all DVDs qualify, so first see if Amazon accepts yours.
• Describe the condition accurately: Like New, Very Good, Good, or Acceptable.
• Ship for free: Amazon provides a prepaid shipping label.
• Get paid in gift cards: Once Amazon inspects the DVDs, you’ll receive an Amazon gift card.

The weak side of this option is that it doesn’t pay cash—only Amazon credit.

Option 2: Selling as a third-party seller (for resellers)

If you want to sell DVDs as a business, rather than a side hustle, then this option is for you. This process is more complex, as Amazon requires approval before you can list DVDs. Here’s what you need:

• You must sign up for a Professional Seller Account (individual accounts don’t qualify).
• Your seller account must meet these strict criteria:
  • Order defect rate: Below 1%
  • Late shipment rate: Under 4%
  • Cancellation rate: Under 2.5%
• You must submit invoices from authorized distributors or manufacturers showing at least 10 units per title—Amazon does not accept receipts from thrift stores, liquidation sites, or eBay.

Selling DVDs on Amazon offers huge reach, but it’s not for casual sellers. If you’re clearing out your collection, Amazon trade-in is the easiest option. If you’re a serious reseller with the right paperwork, becoming a third-party seller might be profitable.

eBay

eBay’s massive marketplace offers a platform to connect with buyers worldwide, making it a popular choice for selling pre-owned items.

Setting up an eBay account is simple. Once registered, you can list your DVDs with detailed descriptions and clear photos to attract potential buyers. eBay allows flexibility in pricing; you can choose fixed prices or auctions, depending on your strategy.

People were warning me of eBay’s fees, which include listing and final value fees that can affect your overall profit. Also, managing listings, handling buyer questions, and shipping items require time and effort.

DVD prices on eBay can range from $1-20+ depending on rarity and condition. Popular titles in good shape tend to sell for $5-10.

With a vast number of sellers, competition is significant. Accurately estimating shipping costs is essential; offering free shipping can be an incentive for buyers but may reduce your profit margin.

If you’re willing to invest time and effort, eBay’s extensive reach can help you convert your DVD collection into extra income.

Decluttr

If you have no patience for eBay listings and zero interest in dealing with buyers, Decluttr can be the perfect fit for you. As a platform, Decluttr is quick, convenient, and hassle-free.

Here is how the platform works. On Decluttr, you don’t need to bargain with buyers about prices or wait weeks for sales.

Download the Decluttr app and just scan the barcodes of your DVDs using the app. Another way is to enter them manually on their website. Instantly, you’ll get a price quote. Accept the offer, print the free shipping label, and send your box of DVDs on its way. Once Decluttr receives and checks them, you’ll get paid—often the next business day—via PayPal, direct deposit, or check.

Simplicity is the name of this sale. No listing fees, no negotiating with buyers, and no worrying about shipping costs. If you have a large collection of common DVDs gathering dust, Decluttr is a painless way to turn them into quick cash. The platform also has a solid reputation for customer service and makes the whole process refreshingly smooth.

But you can’t always have your cake and eat it too. The payouts for DVDs can be shockingly low—we’re talking $0.05 to $0.20 per disc in many cases. If you’re sitting on rare collector’s editions or high-value box sets, you’ll almost certainly get better prices elsewhere. Also, Decluttr is picky about the condition of your DVDs, so DVDs with scratches or missing cases might get rejected.

Decluttr can help you get rid of the unused media, if that’s your goal. But if you want to maximize profits, you’ll need to search other options like eBay, Amazon, or specific collector groups.

Bonavendi

Ever wished you had a friend who could scour the internet to find the best deals for your used DVDs? In a nutshell, that’s Bonavendi—a price comparison platform that does the legwork for you, connecting you with over 30 vendor websites to ensure you get top dollar for your media items.

Using Bonavendi is quite easy. Simply enter the barcode of your DVD into their website or app, and voilà—you’ll see instant offers from various buyback vendors. This means no more hopping from site to site, manually comparing prices. Once you select the best offer, you’ll be directed to the vendor’s site to complete the sale. Many of these vendors even provide free shipping, making the process smooth and cost-effective.

Bonavendi is a good choice if you want to

• Maximize your earnings
• Save time
• Sell multiple media in a single platform

However, there are some things to consider as well. I know, every platform has its downside, you should just choose the golden mean. Since Bonavendi connects you to various vendors, you might end up dealing with multiple buyers, each with their own shipping requirements and payment processes. And you will have to manually check if they have good reputation and reliable payment history.

So, if you’re looking to get the best prices for your used DVDs without manually comparing prices, Bonavendi is a valuable tool. It’s particularly beneficial if you’re selling a diverse collection of media items and want to accelerate the process. However, you should be prepared to manage multiple transactions and familiarize yourself with each vendor’s terms and conditions.

Facebook Marketplace

With over 3.07 billion monthly active users, Facebook is where a lot of people spend their free time and shop. Facebook Marketplace offers a convenient, cost-free platform to connect with local buyers, making it an appealing option for selling pre-owned items.

Nearly half of the planet hangs out on Facebook, so it’s your chance to grab their attention. Facebook provides access to a wide and diverse audience, increasing the likelihood of finding interested buyers for your DVDs.

And unlike some platforms that charge for listings, Facebook Marketplace allows you to list your DVDs for free, maximizing your potential profit.

The platform emphasizes local buying and selling, enabling you to connect with buyers in your area. This local focus can simplify transactions and eliminate shipping hassles.

As with any platform, this one comes with its drawbacks as well. For instance, meeting strangers for transactions requires caution. And there might be potential challenges such as lowball offers, last-minute cancellations, or no-shows.

So, if you’re looking to sell your DVDs locally without incurring listing fees and prefer direct interactions with buyers, Facebook Marketplace is a good option. However, it’s essential to be aware of safety and be prepared to handle the occasional unreliable buyer.

Create your own DVD-selling website

Instead of relying on third-party platforms to sell DVDs online, you can now create your own and customize it to your liking. And what if setting up a professional website was as easy as answering a few questions? With 10Web AI Website Builder, it is. If you’re interested in exploring this option, here’s how you can create a DVD-selling website in minutes.

1. Visit 10Web.io and click Generate Your Website.
2. Choose the AI-powered website option to let the AI handle the initial setup and design.
3. Select your business category, such as “DVD-selling”.
4. Add a brief description of your business, which you can improve with AI by clicking Enhance with AI.
5. Let the AI build your website. Once it’s ready, click Next to proceed.
6. Pick a color scheme that aligns with your event branding and click Generate to apply it.
7. Customize your website with the help of the drag-and-drop editor to adjust layouts, add products, and upload photos.

From there you will be directed to the intuitive dashboard, where you can manage your inventory, list, and sell your products. To run an online DVD business, you’ll also need to manage shipping, payments, and customer service.

• Choose your shipping method.
• Decide on shipping rates, carriers (USPS, FedEx, etc.), and estimated delivery times.
• Set up payment options.
• Manage inventory.
• Handling returns & customer questions.

If you want full flexibility, long-term growth, and no marketplace restrictions, running your DVD-selling website is the way to go. You decide the prices, the promotions, and how your store operates. And with 10Web AI Website Builder, getting started is easier than ever.

Conclusion

What started as a simple joke from a friend turned into research on how to sell DVDs online. And now, you (and I) have everything needed to clear out the DVD collection, make some extra cash, and maybe even start a full-time side hustle.

We’ve discussed some of the best platforms for selling DVDs online, from Amazon and eBay to hassle-free options like Decluttr and Bonavendi, and looked at how the market is shifting. And if you want full control, you have also got covered on how to build your own online store and run it on your own terms.

At the end of the day, how you sell is up to you. Whichever method you choose for your DVD sales, the key is to start. That stack of DVDs won’t sell itself. So, are you ready to turn those discs into dollars?

FAQ

Create your online store in minutes!

Looking to sell online? Develop and launch your store with 10Web AI Ecommerce Website Builder.

Generate Your Store

Create your online store in minutes!

Create your online store in minutes!

Develop and launch your store with 10Web AI Ecommerce Website Builder.

Generate Your Store