Used DVD Treasure Hunt
 

I. Introduction

How cool would it be if you could browse a nationwide used DVD store that only carried out-of-print, rare, or uncommon used DVDs? We can create such a “store” right here by working together.

Here is the idea in a nutshell. We create a request list of out-of-print, rare, or uncommon DVD titles that folks would love to purchase used. Then, during the course of our regular used DVD browsing, we keep an eye out for titles on that request list that we don't want for our personal collection. If we see such a title, we buy that disc and present it here for the purchase price paid, plus tax and shipping, or we simply say that we spotted the DVD and name the listed price with tax and estimated shipping and ask if anyone wants it. This idea is NOT about profiteering. Rather, it's premised on the idea of reciprocal altruism, i.e., one good deed deserves another.

In order for this process to work in a way that is as fair and secure as possible, we have designed rules and procedures for buying and selling used DVD’s in this thread, which include the use of a Buy Point system. Their development would not have been possible without the input and support of the following DVD Talk Members: DrGerbil, drjay, ivelostr2, groovrbaby, Psychlowne, achau9598, Corky, Stoney, db27, chanster, neiname, DaBargainHunta, Quezacotl02, El-Kabong, kenbenobi, ProjectMayhem, Kamikaze, RonBoster, nova, Jucas, grune, JestersTear, TomOpus, jarsim, Dirt-Boy, dtcarson, farleyisgod, chemosh6969, kedalto1, and neocheddar02.

Now, we need your participation and support to get this project rolling. In addition to participating as a Seller or Buyer, we would also very much appreciate your help in spreading the word about the Used DVD Treasure Hunt, because the more people that participate, the better chances are that the disc for which you have been searching will appear in a listing here for an incredible used price. One way you can help us spread the word is by adding a hyperlink to this thread in your signature. To do that, just highlight and copy this text:

[ URL=http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=357173]Used DVD Treasure Hunt[/URL]

Then click on "Member Control Panel" near the top of the screen, then click "Edit Profile". Then, scroll down to the "Signature" box and paste the copied text into that box. Next, delete the extra space that appears after the opening bracket ("[") before the letters "URL" and then click on the "Submit Modifications" button at the bottom of the page. That's it! Thanks!

II. Organizational Overview

A. The Listing Thread (You are Here)

This thread, i.e. Used DVD Treasure Hunt, is first and foremost the Listing Thread where used DVD browsers will post listings of used DVD’s on the Request List that they have either purchased or spotted and where eligible Buyers will attempt to be the first to claim them. Thus, this thread is for listing and claim posts only. Details on the procedure and rules governing claiming and buying listed discs and listing and selling them are found below in the Buyers Guide and Data post (the second post in this thread) and the Sellers Guide and Data post (the third post in this thread).

B. The Used DVD Treasure Hunt Lounge

The Used DVD Treasure Hunt Lounge is the companion thread to this one. The Used DVD Request List will be maintained in the first post in the Lounge. This list will catalog the out-of-print, rare, or uncommon individual DVD’s or box sets that members have expressed an interest in buying used. Because the purpose is not to list DVD’s which can be easily obtained used, we will exercise some editorial control over requested DVD’s. The second post in the Lounge will contain our FAQ. In the Lounge, people are free to ask about or discuss any aspect of the process or make requests for discs to be added to the list. It is the catch-all thread and its purpose is to keep the clutter out of this Listing thread. Please respect that.

C. Staff

As I mentioned above, this idea and process would not be possible without the assistance and support of others. At the outset of this endeavor, the following people have graciously volunteered to help administer this process:

1. drjay (Zac Schellhardt): Buyers Guide and Data Administrator

2. DrGerbil (Peter Suchowacki, Jr.): Sellers Guide and Data Administrator

3. ivelostr2 (Nick Curcio): Used DVD Treasure Hunt Lounge Administrator

4. grooverbaby (Jon Groover): Used DVD Store Database Manager

5. nonametofame (Nathan Nguyen): DVD Database Manager

6. Loc Nar (David Warren): Used DVD Treasure Hunt Coordinator

III. Compliance with the Exchange Forum Guidelines

We support and incorporate herein by reference the Exchange Forum Guidelines found here and recommend that you read them if you have not yet done so and abide by them in conducting transactions here in the Used DVD Treasure Hunt. To the extent that those Guidelines do not conflict with the rules and procedures we outline here and below in the Buyers and Sellers Guides and Data Posts, they will govern.

IV. No Guarantees!

We have developed this idea and process in an attempt to help fellow DVD Talk Members locate out-of-print, rare, or uncommon DVD’s at used prices to add to their personal collection. DVD Talk, its moderators, affiliates, and the DVD Talk members involved in helping manage and administer this process make NO GUARANTEE that Listings are accurate or that Sellers or Buyers will meet their obligations as described above and below. Thus, by participating in this process as a Seller or Buyer, you agree to release and hold harmless DVD Talk, its moderators, affiliates, and the DVD Talk members involved in helping manage and administer this process from any liability for any sales under this process. We have tried to design the system to be as fair and secure as possible, but as with any Internet transaction, it is possible that an unscrupulous Seller or Buyer will try to abuse this process to your detriment.

Good luck and have fun!

Buyers Data Post
 

Buyers Guide and Data

Welcome to the Buyers Guide and Data post! Here, we set out the rules and procedure governing claiming and buying listed used DVD's and also track Buyers Data. If you have any questions regarding this information, please post your question in the Used DVD Treasure Hunt Lounge, and it will be answered. Now, let’s learn how to buy a DVD under our system.

I. Buyer Eligibility - The Buy Point System

To buy a disc listed here, the Buyer must first be eligible. Our system works on the basis of Buy Points. To be an eligible Buyer you have to:

1) be a DVD Talk Member ranked at “Member” or higher (which means you have at least 50 posts under that username);

2) have at least one Buy Point; and

3) have not already purchased the particular title by winning a prior listing for the same title (this is to reduce the possibility of an ebay scalper trying to capitalize on a great price on a high demand title).

Each listing costs one Buy Point to win. All DVD Talk members ranked at Member or higher start out with two Buy Points. Once you win your first listing (and fall to zero Buy Points as a result), your name (username and real name, as reported by the Seller) gets added to "The Bench", found below in Section IV, which is simply a listing of successful Buyers who have exhausted their Buy Points. If we determine that a Buyer has purchased a Listing simply to turn around and try to scalp a profit off of it on Ebay or elsewhere, that person will be permanently listed on The Bench as an ineligible Buyer with the notation “(banned)” behind their name.

So how do you get more Buy Points so you can get off The Bench and buy more DVD's? By finding used DVD's on the Request List and selling them under this system! For each such DVD listed and sold, you gain one Buy Point. Once you have at least one Buy Point again, your name is removed from The Bench. Buy points accumulate and will be tracked.

II. How to Stake Your Claim to a Listed Used DVD

Okay, assuming you’re eligible, how do you claim a listing? It's easy. The first eligible Buyer to post a "quote" reply in response to a Spotted or In Hand listing by simply hitting the “quote” button to quote the Listing and then the “submit reply” button, has first rights to the listing. Thus, two button presses are all that is necessary. No e-mail offers will be accepted. You must use the posted quote method in order to claim a listing.

A. Claiming an “In Hand” Listing

If the listing is for an “In Hand” disc, meaning the Seller has already purchased it, then the first eligible Buyer to claim the disc wins the right to purchase it. More details regarding the “In Hand” versus “Spotted” listing formats are found below in the Sellers Guide and Data post.

B. Claiming a “Spotted” Listing

If a claimant wins the right to purchase a "Spotted" listing, meaning the Seller has seen the disc for sale but has not yet purchased it, the next step is for the Seller to check if the disc is still available. “Spotted,” therefore, means there is no guarantee the disc will be there when the Seller goes back to check. If he finds and purchases the disc, he will update his Listing accordingly to look like an "In Hand" Listing, with disc condition notes and the like. If that information is satisfactory to the Buyer, the Buyer must, within 72 hours, edit original claim post and explicitly state he has reviewed the updated In Hand listing and still wants to purchase the disc. Failure to confirm the claim in this manner will result in the Seller being permitted to re-list the disc.

III. Completing the Transaction

Once a Buyer wins an In Hand Listing or confirms his claim of a Spotted Listing, as described above, then the Buyer must e-mail the Seller his delivery information, name and address. The Seller will then reply and confirm the total purchase price including tax and shipping. At that point, it is between the Seller and Buyer if they wish to negotiate on any of the transaction terms. Payment for the disc is made by the Buyer to the Seller before delivery, and should be made within ten days of winning an In Hand Listing. If payment is not made within ten days, the Seller may notify the Buyer that his winning bid is cancelled and the Seller can then re-list the DVD. Our standard recommended shipping method is first class media mail with delivery confirmation. We also recommend PayPal for these transactions. If you have some question as to whether the listed used price is accurate, you may request the Seller to include proof of the price, which the Seller could provide by including the price sticker or sales receipt, and you can cancel if the Seller is not willing to provide that. Finally, successful claimants under this system consent to allowing the Seller to e-mail their (the claimants’) user name and real name to drjay for data tracking purposes as explained below in Section V.

IV. The Bench

The following Buyers, listed by real name and username(s), have exhausted their Buy Points and are not currently eligible to purchase another used DVD listing:

1. Real Name: Nathan Nguyen; Username(s): nonametofame


V. Veteran Buyers List

Buyers who have successfully completed a transaction have their real names and user names added below to the Veteran Buyers List. A successful Buyer’s name will remain on this list even if they have zero Buy Points.

We will track successful transactions and remaining Buy Points for each Buyer. For example, let's assume you have not sold a disk but you did just win a listed disc and completed the sale. At that point, your name would be added to this Veteran Buyers List as follows: Mr. Anderson (1/0). The first number indicates your number of successful transactions and the second number is your remaining Buy Points. We track this data to build trust in Buyers and the system.

The following Buyers, listed by real name and username(s), have successfully purchased a DVD under the Buy Point System:

1. Real Name: Zac Schellhardt (1/2); Username(s): drjay
2. Real Name: Aaron Chauncey (1/1); Username(s): achau9598
3. Real Name: David Schonfeld (1/1); Username(s): dhs122
4. Real Name: Samuel Fidecaro (1/1); Username(s): Samuel
5. Real Name: Name deleted by request
6. Real Name: Joe Perry(1/1); Username(s): kicker_of_elves
7. Real Name: Scott Oie (1/1); Username(s): bright cucumber
8. Real Name: Jerry Reimann (1/1); Username(s): Jarcat
9. Real Name: Robert Stacks (1/1); Username(s): ProjectMayhem
10. Real Name: Brian Adelstein (1/1); Username(s): indiansbsa

Sellers Data Post
 

Sellers Guide & Data

Welcome to the Sellers Guide & Data post! Selling used DVD's for their purchase price plus tax and shipping is at the heart of this system. It is the good deed that, hopefully, will encourage others to follow suit, thereby increasing your chances of obtaining a great deal on a hard to find DVD you seek. The rules and procedures governing listing and selling these DVD's are described below. Also, Sellers Data is found below, for those that have successfully sold a DVD. If you have any questions regarding this information, please post your question in the Used DVD Treasure Hunt Lounge and it will be answered. Thanks for your support and good luck with your hunt!

I. Format for Listing Used DVD’s

A standard format for listing DVD’s has been established. To list a DVD, all you need to do is copy and paste the following table into your post and fill in the blanks. Instructions can be found below.

Title:
Status:
Total Price: $ _______ (Used Price) + (Tax) + (Shipping)
Availability:
Disc Condition:
Notes:

Title: Please use the complete title of the disc. Including the year and version is also helpful. Also, please specify aspect ratio if it is not the widescreen version of the film.

Status: This category should either say “In Hand” or “Spotted”. “In Hand” means that you have already purchased the DVD. “Spotted” means you’ve seen it at a store at the listed price. Once a Seller purchases a "Spotted" DVD, he must update the Status from “Spotted” to “In Hand” and should notify the Buyer of same via e-mail. The Seller would then update the Disc Condition section, discussed below, and Shipping cost. At that point, the claimant has 72 hours to confirm that they still want the disc, as explained above in the Buyers Guide and Data Post in Section II.B. If they fail to so confirm, the Seller is free to re-list the Listing. Re-Lists must be identified by putting “(Re-List)” after the words “In Hand” in the Status category.

Total Price: Here you list the total price you expect the Buyer the pay for the disc. Next to the total price, you provide a breakdown of how you arrived at that total by listing the Used Price, the Tax you paid on that price, and the Shipping cost. First class media mail with delivery confirmation is the standard recommended shipping method. The average cost of shipping a single DVD (or anything else weighing less than one pound) in this manner in the U.S. should be less than $4. For a Spotted disc, a Seller can simply state “actual cost” for the Shipping expense, since he will not be able to calculate it to the penny until the disc is In Hand. Buyers can request proof of the used price to be included with the disc, which could be either a copy of the sales receipt or original price sticker, and can walk away from the transaction if the Seller does not agree to do that. Sellers, of course, should review sales receipts to delete any CC information before sending a copy. Sellers should also put some non-abrasive cushioning inside the disk case to protect against floater disks. PayPal payment is recommended for these transactions. Buyers must deliver payment within ten days of winning an In Hand listing. If they fail to do so, the Seller may, at his discretion, notify the Buyer that his winning bid is cancelled, and the Seller could then re-list the DVD.

Availability: This category will start with “Unclaimed”, then progress to “Claimed” and “Closed”. “Unclaimed” means no eligible Buyer has posted a reply claiming it. Once an eligible Buyer does claim it, the Seller must edit the Listing to change “Unclaimed” to “Claimed”. Once the transaction is complete, meaning the Seller has received payment and confirmation that the disc has been received by the Buyer, the Seller must change “Claimed” to “Closed”. If there is a problem with the disc, as discussed below under Disc Condition, the Availability should be changed to “Cancelled”.

Disc Condition: We require that all Sellers indicate their subjective opinion of any In Hand disc condition by indicating disc scratch level as none, light, medium, or heavy, and we further require Sellers to confirm that the DVD plays in their DVD player and indicate that fact in the Disc Condition category by the simple word “Played.” If the disc does not play, “Availability” should be changed to “Cancelled” and the Seller should state “Failed to Play” in the Disc Condition category. We require Sellers to present this information because if the disc fails to play, they are in the best position to return the disc for a refund. Sellers should also note any unusual wear and tear on the case. If the Seller is aware that inserts are missing, that should also be noted.

Notes: This is where the Seller provides any miscellaneous information. For example, if the disc is Out of Print, it should be indicated here. If the Seller has particular requirements regarding payment, e.g. PayPal only, it must listed here. Other information that could go here would be the presence of price stickers on the case.

II. Additional Rules and Procedures Governing DVD Listings

A. E-Mail Address

Sellers must have an e-mail address in their DVD Talk profile that is “visible” (see Member Control Panel/Edit Options) so that a winning buyer can e-mail the Seller to confirm the claim and send delivery address information.

B. Sellers Must Confirm Buyer Eligibility

When a Spotted or In Hand Listing is claimed, the Seller must confirm the eligibility of the Buyer. That term is defined above in Section I of the Buyers Guide and Data Post. It is the seller’s responsibility to confirm that a buyer is ranked at DVD Talk Member or above and is not listed on The Bench. If an ineligible buyer claims a listing, the Seller will post a reply pointing out the buyer's ineligibility and, if there were multiple claim attempts, the Seller will identify the first eligible buyer as the winner. If there was only one claimant and that claimant was ineligible, the Seller could post a reply identifying the ineligibility and inform everyone the listing is still unclaimed. If a Seller does not abide by the eligibility rules, his name will be added to the list of ineligible buyers on The Bench, and Sellers who believe in and respect the rules of this system will not sell to him. Also, any attempt to claim a listing via E-Mail should be ignored. A seller should only respond to requests once it is confirmed that the buyer has posted a claim on this thread.

C. Sellers Must Forward Tracking Seller and Buyer Data

Once a Seller completes a transaction, he must e-mail his user name and real name to DrGerbil, who is tracking Seller data. He must also e-mail the Buyer’s real name and user name to drjay, who is tracking buyer data. Buyers consent to the disclosure of this information as a condition of buying DVDs under this system. We require Sellers to deliver this information because they know the true destination of the DVD and it would be too easy for unscrupulous Buyers to falsely report information if they are trying to string multiple user names to get around the Buy Point system.

D. Listing Personal Discs

Listing Personal Discs is permitted with certain restrictions. First, it should be a Criterion Collection DVD or a DVD on the Request List. If the disc is In Print, it should be listed at one half of its Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price. Thus, for example, $39.99 Criterions should be $19.99 and the $29.99 Criterions should be $14.99. If the DVD is Out of Print, the Seller should list it at the same price of a prior completed listing of that title or, if that is not available, it should be listed at half the price that the title last sold for on Ebay. The Seller will not include sales tax on the sale of a personal disc and will put in the Notes section that it is a sale from his personal collection and, thus, no receipt for the selling price exists.

E. Geographical List of Good Used DVD Fishing Holes

As an additional bonus for Sellers, groovrbaby will be maintaining a city by city database of good used DVD stores, as reported by Sellers who list items under this system. He will e-mail this list on a monthly basis to Sellers who have sold DVDs under our system and who have sent him via e-mail a list of good used DVD stores in their respective locales. So, don't forget to send this information to groovrbaby after you complete a sale. Once a Seller receives the database, he will continue to receive updates as the database is updated.

III. Veteran Sellers

Sellers are tracked by real name and user name. The number of completed transactions under the Buy Point System is included in parentheses behind their real name. This will help build confidence in sellers and the system.

Real Name: Aaron Chauncey (1); Username: achau9598
Real Name: Peter Suchowacki (1); Username: DrGerbil
Real Name: David Schonfeld (1); Username: dhs122
Real Name: Zac Schellhardt (1); Username: drjay
Real Name: Jerry Reimann (1); Username: Jarcat
Real Name: James Wireman (1); Username: Johnny Zhivago
Real Name: David Warren (8); Username: Loc Nar
Real Name: Nathan Nguyen (1); Username: nonametofame
Real Name: Tom Hancher (1); Username: TomOpus

Title: Lord of hte Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring Extended Edition
Status: In hand
Total Price: $ 12.83 + shipping [(11.99) + (.84 tax) + (Shipping)]
Availability: Unclaimed
Disc Condition: Great, no scratches
Notes: a little sticker residue on the back, barely noticable

If available. I'd like to buy this from you.

groovrbaby: I may be a total retard but I'd like to get the Naked Lunch set from u. I'm in Canada, though, can we work something out? Am I doing this right? thanks!

After reviewing its In-Hand listing, I still want the disc. YGM.

Title: King of the Hill Season 1
Status: Spotted
Total Price: $17.00 + shipping
Availability: Unclaimed
Disc Condition: I will review if someone claims it
Notes:

Yet another CC listing from me... You'd think I'd posted enough of these already and that maybe I'd want to branch out. YOU WERE WRONG!!! There's plenty more on the way. Also, it's great to see people following in my lead with the no tax and shipping. You guys are the greatest!!

<b>Title</b>: Fiend Without a Face: Criterion Collection
<b>Status</b>: In Hand
<b>Total Price</b>: $16.00 [($16.00) + (Tax = FREE) + (U.S. Shipping = FREE)]
<b>Availability</b>: RECLAIMED by ivelostr2
<b>Disc Condition</b>: Fingerprint smudges...very minor. Didn't want to potentially scratch the disc by cleaning it, so I'll leave that up to the buyer. No scratches.
<b>Notes</b>: This former Blockbuster rental is in great condition. I checked the rental history and it hadn't been rented in over a year. It appears it was only rented once. Comes with all the original inserts and there is very, very minor damage to the bottom part of the cover art. With my employee discount, the price drops from 20 to 16.

Title: Kurosawa Samurai Box set
Status: in hand and spotted
Total Price: $ _59.99___ (Used Price) + (Tax) + (Shipping)
Availability: closed
Disc Condition: sealed copy
Notes: picked this up at dvdplanet since i live close by to it and used the 5 dollar off coupon. This is the cheapest price I've seen for this box set, let alone a brand new, sealed one.

I'll claim this one...

I'll claim this one....

Angel Season 1
 

Title: Angel: Season 1
Status: In Hand
Total Price: $27.06 + Shipping TBD [($25) + (Tax = 8.25%) + (U.S. Shipping = Estimated @ 4.50 for first class, Media would be cheaper)]
Availability: claimed by boredsilly ##SOLD##:

Babylon Season 2
 

Title: Babylon 5: Season 2
Status: In Hand
Total Price: $43.3 + Shipping TBD [($40) + (Tax = 8.25%) + (U.S. Shipping = Estimated @ 4.50 for first class, Media would be cheaper)]
Availability: Unclaimed
Disc Condition: Discs and case are in Good condition. haven't played the discs to check but can verify everything works if necessary.
Notes: as on the other listing, I don't have the receipt handy for this since I bought it awhile back as well, but may possibly be able to find it. The price listed is what I have documented in my spreadsheet database. I also have a Season 3 I found I think, but I didn't update my spreadsheet with the price. I believe it was the same price as this season, but not certain, therefore I won't list it. I've also seen a couple of these B5 sets at around $45 or $50, but my haggling couldn't get them down much in those cases and I already had these extra anyway.

Title: Silence of the Lambs CC
Status: In Hand
Total Price: $28.00 [$28.00 used price + (Tax = Free) + (Shipping = Free)]
Availability: Claimed by kicker_of_elves
Disc Condition: Case is in great shape. Disc totally scratchless and mint.
Notes: Picked up a second copy when I found it on the relatively cheap for $28. Free shipping as a sign of goodwill.

Hey there!

I'd like to claim this, if possible.

Thanks!
Austin

Title: Friends Season 3
Status: in hand
Total Price: $23.99 (free shipping)
Availability: unclaimed
Disc Condition: immaculate
Notes: the case has sticker residue on the upper right, where the used price sticker was

Title: X-Men 1.5
Status: in hand
Total Price: $7.99 + free shipping
Availability: unclaimed
Disc Condition: immaculate the sheet glued to the back has sticker residue and is bent a little
Notes: I know this isn't on the list, but i thought it was a good deal and figured if no one here wanted it in a week I could just ebay it


__________________

I will go ahead and take this one :)

*UPDATE* I have reviewed the updated listing and still want it. I'll send along my info.

Title: RoboCop Criterion
Status: In Hand
Price: $25.99 plus shipping TBD
Availability: Unclaimed
Condition: Case is in great shape and I tried the disc out... it works great too

Notes... Paypal will be fine for this or a money order

...and one more

Title: CSI: Season 3
Status: In Hand
Price: 41.99 plus shipping TBD
Availability: Unclaimed
Condition: Case is in really good cindition, a couple of small scuffs on the outside case, the discs look and play great
Notes... paypal or money orders are welcome, I am trying to build up a few extra buy points before my ineveitable shopping spree on this thread

Title: Straw Dogs CC
Status: Spotted
Price: $32.99 + tax + shipping
Availability: will probably offer this for a week
Condition: New
Notes: you can still purchase this through ebay or even half.com than the retail price that i saw it for, just put this up if someone's still interested....

Title: Wrong Men, Notorious Women CC Box Set
Status: Spotted
Price: ~$110 + tax + shipping
Availability: will probably offer this for a week
Condition: New
Notes: actually saw 3 copies at the store; still cheaper to purchase through dvdpacific.com (got mine for ~$97 shipped)

Title: Traffic (2 Disc Criterion Collection)
Status: In Hand
Total Price: $25.00 [($20.00) + (Tax = FREE) + (U.S. Shipping = $5)]
Availability: Unclaimed
Disc Condition: Each disc has a couple light scratches, but they are barely visible
Notes: Insert is present. I'm shipping from Canada