I was walking through a local store the other day and saw a copy of "Lady and the Tramp" sitting on the shelf.

I already have a copy, but thought it would make good trade or eBay material. It is still shrinkwrapped and has all of its original labels (security sticker, promo label, etc.)

The only problem is that the disc seems to be loose within the case. I can hear pieces of the broken spindle moving along with the disc in the case every time it is shuffled.

Does the broken spindle detract from the value of a sealed OOP title or should it still have some value?

Any opinions are wlecome.

Thanks in advance.

It loses value.

It loses a TON of value... since the buyer has no clue the level of damage. The disc may be scratched to the point of not being playable. Hell, it may be cracked in half.

Your best bet (if you're looking to maximize value) is to open it, make sure that it plays fine, and then accurately describe the condition. You can even include all of the original shrinkwrap, stickers, etc. if you think that will help.


A rare title that is used, with surface marks, but plays fine can still fetch a decent price. A sealed floater is too big of a gamble for most buyers.

I just respect you for the fact you'd be honest enough to mention that. Most sellers probably wouldn't.

What does your heart tell you?

Screw the buyer and sell it as NIB. Fetching top dollars is main reason you're even putting crap on ebay isn't it?

Of course I'd mention the fact in my eBay listing. I tend to list every shrinkwrap defect or label wear as it is.

I'm just guessing that if I were to buy it and sell it, the risk might be high and I'd likely not be able to sell it. Open it and there's really no point in buying/selling the disc (fetching price would likely be the cost of buying + listing fees).

I was just curious as to how people have handled this in the past. I think I'll just leave it as is. The only other possibility I could come up with was to bluntly piggy back it with another disc (like 101 Dalmations), seeing if the risky disc would shoot up the price of the other.

Thanks for the help.

BTW, FuzzyBallz, yes, I would sell it to make money. But screw a customer and likely the problem comes back in spades. Feedback is serious business to many buyers.

Loose discs suck! Everytime you pick a case up with a loose disc in it, you're reminded that that disc is getting scratched just that much more.

I agree with this. It's what I would do. I would also put it in a new case that doesn't have a broken spindle....

then again, I have never purposely purchased something to sell on ebay or half.com........sure I have sold plenty of OOP stuff on there that I already had, but I have never purposely purchased something to sell.

Here's what you should do:

Buy the DVD and if you can't sell it on Ebay in one week.. return it to the store for a full refund. Usually most stores allow you up to 30 days to return it for a refund if the DVD is still sealed. So when buying the DVD make sure you ask the clerk what their return policy is.

So, overall, you only lose listing fees at most.

Also you could also try to persuade the clerk at the store that the disc is loose inside so you may be able to a reduction in price when buying it.

Not sure what you should do... but I think bboisvert summed it up best.

Whenever I've found a hard-to-find disc, only to hear it shaking around in the case..... I've put that disc BACK on the shelf.

I would think that if the disc was error free, you would still be able to fetch a price that would bring some level of profit. Expalin in your listing that the disc was opened to check quality (because it was loose in the case, but never played. If someone is interested in the disc for viewing (not for speculating) they would probably still be interested.

You also might want to check Half.com to see what "Lke New" discs are selling for. If you figure the price gives you enough of a profit, go for it.

I'd never buy a "floater". Never. In fact, I much prefer to buy opened discs than sealed ones, because the seller is then in a position to ensure that there are no scratches and that the disc is playable. All that and a cheaper price.

I may stop by the store and see if they'll discount the disc. If they'll drop $5-10 off, I'll buy, open and repackage (assuming its in good shape). I'll then sell it along with something else as a two-fer deal.

If very scratched but playable, I'll just give it to a friend.

Otherwise, I'll leave it on the shelf.

it's easy to sell it to an unsuspecting buyer. you're probably banking on the hope that 1) the buyer doesn't care about the scratches, and 2) the disc will play. but it's not worth it if you hit a buyer who'll want to exchange it. open it up and describe it accurately in your ad...that way you're protected if you're up front with the exact description.

I’m confused as to the intent. You’ve got a product that you’re fairly certain is damaged, and you want to try to pass it off on someone just so you can make a coupla bucks. Failing that, you plan to give it as a gift?

What am I missing here?

Just walk away from it. It's the right thing to do.

Wizdar-

To be honest, I'm not sure what condition the disc is in. If I just wanted to scr*w someone, I wouldn't have posted this topic in the first place

My intent is these matters is typically two-fold:

1) Yes, I would like to make a couple of bucks if possible on the disc. The holidays are coming up and the little one just told me he has to have a Gamecube (as if the XBox wasn't enough!).

2) As a parent, its actually nice to find something like this (esp. this title, IMHO), and I like to give someone who is looking for it a chance to get a copy. Better than to sit on the shelf indefinitely.

The question is as to whether I purchase it or not, or maybe direct someone more willing to take a risk to it. If a broken spindle likely will mean damage, then I'm less likely to buy it. If the broken spindle was likely no danger to the disc, I'd buy it, test it, and post it with a disclaimer. Since the consensus has been that it has likely taken some damage, I dropped the idea of buying and selling it new.

As for giving it to someone, sure...why not if it plays okay and the store is willing to discount it? I have a lot of friends with young children that would get a lot of use out of the disc. Its not like I'd wrap it up for Xmas...I"d just pass it along. Don't need a holiday to be in the giving spirit.

Here, here.