Testing DVD's

[flp]

Hi Everyone,

This may seem like a silly question, but... I have a lot of used DVD's to sell and I usually take the time to test each one because in the past, I've found a couple that didn't play.  Obviously, it takes a lot of time and is usually a winter activity for me.  Do you do that? Or find it necessary? or am I wasting my time doing so? Thanks in advance 🙂

[eleanor*rigby]

I don't sell DVDs, so just my opinion: I think it's good customer service, and it may save you from returns you  could have prevented. I know I would request a return for a DVD that didn't play--then you'd have to decide whether you wanted to pay for return shipping or let me have it free (since you'd be obligated to refund). Obviously, buyers can file "item not as described" return requests for any dang thing they can come up with (or for nothing at all), but at least you'd avoid honest buyers from returning a DVD because it wouldn't play--and possibly the negative feedback you might get under those circumstances.

[toysaver]

I buy and watch a lot of DVDs and my experience has been what does not work on one player may be fine on another.  I wouldn't bother testing, I'd judge by looking how clean and unscratched the disc is. 

[alcoforever]

I think it would depend on the price of the DVD.  Less than $10, it would be a waste of time.  Even at $25 each, it would be borderline since it takes at least an hour to test a DVD fully.   Better to just ship it and refund without requiring a refund if buyer complains.   A buyer does that to you twice though and it's off to the BBL.

[luckythewinner]

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@flp wrote:

This may seem like a silly question, but... I have a lot of used DVD's to sell and I usually take the time to test each one because in the past, I've found a couple that didn't play.  Obviously, it takes a lot of time and is usually a winter activity for me. 

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Are you talking about watching the entire movie? How much is your time worth? 

IMHO this is a purely a cost/benefit question. You need to weight the cost of a "couple" returns vs. the cost of testing every disc vs. the likelihood every disc even selling.  

I would take 5 seconds to inspect them for scratches. If no scratches, list them. If scratched, throw them out. 

[iart]

We spot test. Probably the same as you. We start it up and fast forward a couple times to check video and audio. We note it as "Spot tested and working"

Of course, for us to spend this time the DVD has to be worth it. If we can't get $14 or better (free shipping), why bother?

[carolynnq]

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@toysaver wrote:

I buy and watch a lot of DVDs and my experience has been what does not work on one player may be fine on another.  I wouldn't bother testing, I'd judge by looking how clean and unscratched the disc is. 

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Same here. I sell only discs that are clean and unscratched. I've bought new dvds (from a store) that don't play on one of our dvd players, but will play on another, so it is a risk selling dvds and cds. I sell dvds (among other things) and I've never  had anyone say a dvd wouldn't play and ask for a return.

Edited to add: I do this more with CDs than DVDs, but if I have a CD with a few scratches and it's worth $15 or more, I'll listen to the whole disc and list it if it plays wellm (noting the scratches).

[katzrul15]

@flp 

As others have stated, what is the price point on the ones you sell?

We test HV games to be certain they play without issues - however, on lower valued ones, we inspect the disk and offer free returns, no questions asked, so we do not.  HV items, absolutely.

[a_c_green]

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@flp wrote:

I have a lot of used DVD's to sell and I usually take the time to test each one because in the past, I've found a couple that didn't play.  Obviously, it takes a lot of time and is usually a winter activity for me.  Do you do that? Or find it necessary? or am I wasting my time doing so?

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I think if it's spotless after cleaning (dishwashing detergent, soft sponge, rinse, soft towel dry), it will be fine.

If there are marks that won't come off, I would test-play by stepping through the feature one chapter at a time. Start the movie, press Next Chapter, let that play for 5-10 seconds, press Next Chapter again, repeat, etc. until you reach the closing credits.