Selling DVDs a couple questions

[around_again_records]

I have been sorting through some DVDs that I plan to sell. Most are my own, but some have been donated to me.

The main thing I look for when making my listings is the Region Code, and I am able to find that on MOST of them, but there are a few where I cannot find the region code, anywhere on the package or on the DVD itself. It is also not in the UPC catalogue data.

Now I know that the DVDs from my collection are playable here in Canada, because I've played them, but I have come across some that were donated to me that do not have the region code. Some are unopened, so I planned to sell them as New and I don't want to open them to see if they play. I'm pretty sure they are Region 1 or All region, but I'm not absolutely certain.

How can I find out the Region Code for these DVDs?

If I decide to open them, and they play on my DVD player which is not an all region player or anything, can I safely advertise these as Region 1 or All Region, or should I just say Region is not marked but they play OK for me.

There must be some way to know. Some of these DVDs are older - does anyone know when they started with the different regions?

The other question I have is about bootlegs. While I was trying to find some answers on the Region Code, I found a lot of information about bootlegs. So much information that it seems the market is flooded with them.

Truthfully, I would not know a bootleg from an original, and seeing as I do not know for certain the original owners or chain of possession of the DVDs that have been donated to me, I'm not quite sure what to do. They look genuine to me they all have good cases and UPC codes and everything, but really how does a person know?

Hope some of you experienced sellers don't mind helping out a rookie

[recped]

Probably 99% of the DVD's you would find floating around in Canada are Region 1.

I suggest you refrain from mentioning anything other than Region 1 unless you are absolutely sure they are something else.

Regions started from day one of DVD's as the main purpose of the region code is to indicate if the disc is NTSC, PAL or SECAM format.

Bootlegs are pretty easy to spot, for sure it's unlikely you'll find any if they are Canadian releases (Canadian distributor info or bilingual french/english).

Do keep in mind that most dvd's are worth very little these days unless it's something that is long out of print AND fairly obscure to begin with.

[thestuffofchris]

Having sold a large portion of my collection of DVDs a few years ago, I can say that recped is correct on all fronts. Just a few extra points to add.

Being that all my DVDs are (were) Region 1, I only ever stated Region 1 and only sold within North America. From what I understand, there are DVD players that exist around the world that are Region Free and can play all discs, but I still always limited myself to selling within North America where I knew for sure I was least likely to encounter problems of "the disc doesn't work" due to region incompatibilities.

As for the DVDs not showing a region, I know that other site named after a river often shows a DVD's region so perhaps search those DVDs there and see what information they have. Specifically searching by UPC there, or even just on Google, could help you better find information for the exact versions of those DVDs.

And yes, many DVDs these days are not worth a lot, especially used. Perhaps do what I did and sort them into groups and sell them as lots. That may work better, though any high-demand high-value ones can still do well on their own (for example, Disney).

Best of luck!

[recped]

Having sold a large portion of my collection of DVDs a few years ago, I can say that recped is correct on all fronts. Just a few extra points to add.

I appreciate this comment because although I own a dvd player I have never bought (or sold) a dvd and only own a couple that people have given me!

[around_again_records]

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@recped wrote:

Probably 99% of the DVD's you would find floating around in Canada are Region 1.

I suggest you refrain from mentioning anything other than Region 1 unless you are absolutely sure they are something else.

Regions started from day one of DVD's as the main purpose of the region code is to indicate if the disc is NTSC, PAL or SECAM format.

Bootlegs are pretty easy to spot, for sure it's unlikely you'll find any if they are Canadian releases (Canadian distributor info or bilingual french/english).

Do keep in mind that most dvd's are worth very little these days unless it's something that is long out of print AND fairly obscure to begin with.

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Hi recped: Thanks for the quick reply

I only plan to sell region 1 DVDs and have my DVD sales set for Canada and USA only

My problem is even though I am Pretty sure they are region 1 I can't find any proof

Good to know about the Canadian Releases, which many of these are, and the bilingual versions makes sense that they would not be prime specimens for bootlegging, so that's a good thing to know, unfortunately not all of mine seem to be Canadian releases, but that info will weed out a few.

I know most of them are not worth much, and I'm not asking much for them, but things add up 🙂

[around_again_records]

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@thestuffofchris wrote:

Having sold a large portion of my collection of DVDs a few years ago, I can say that recped is correct on all fronts. Just a few extra points to add.

Being that all my DVDs are (were) Region 1, I only ever stated Region 1 and only sold within North America. From what I understand, there are DVD players that exist around the world that are Region Free and can play all discs, but I still always limited myself to selling within North America where I knew for sure I was least likely to encounter problems of "the disc doesn't work" due to region incompatibilities.

As for the DVDs not showing a region, I know that other site named after a river often shows a DVD's region so perhaps search those DVDs there and see what information they have. Specifically searching by UPC there, or even just on Google, could help you better find information for the exact versions of those DVDs.

And yes, many DVDs these days are not worth a lot, especially used. Perhaps do what I did and sort them into groups and sell them as lots. That may work better, though any high-demand high-value ones can still do well on their own (for example, Disney).

Best of luck!

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Thanks for replying stuffofchris:

I'm with you on the first point. I only want to sell within North America, and I only want to sell Region 1 or All Region DVDs. I know I'm safe when it comes to my own DVDs, even if the region is not shown, I know they are OK for North America - I bought them here and I played them in a Region 1 player - Even then though I'm not sure how to list them. I don't like not stating the code, or saying the code isn't shown .... but trust me haahahahaha That wouldn't work for me 😞

It's the unmarked donated ones that I'm not sure about. If these Region codes have been around since the beginning of DVDs there must be some way to find out on the package what the region is. Most of them have the Region 1 NTSC logo and for the most part the logo seems pretty universal, although I have seen a couple different iterations of it. But if that Logo is not there, what other indicator might there be?

Regarding point number 2 about the River in the Jungle. Sigh, I'd feel more honest pulling up the regions out of a hat than I would relying on what they have pulled up from their catalogue or wherever their information comes from. Sorry, but I've tried shopping there a few times and... I don't know what to say - will a shudder suffice?

I did find a UPC lookup tool that seems to be pretty accurate, but it does not show a Region Code for any that I have tried so far. It does specify COUNTRY OF REGISTRATION though. If the country of registration is USA would that necessarily mean that it is a Region 1 DVD?

Like I said to recped, I don't expect to get rich, but I have found a few that seem to be fetching good prices here. I generally do a quick search of sold items to get a general idea of what they have sold for in the recent past, and then see what is for sale at what prices right now, and then somehow come up with what seems like a fair asking price. It's the same method I use for books and records, but with books and records I don't have to worry whether or not they will work when the person gets them, or even if they do work, someone will call me on Saying Region 1 when it doesn't say Region 1.

LOL, nothing is ever as easy as it seems.

I don't like this solution but, I'm thinking I might just pop the unmarked ones in my DVD player for verification, and open any sealed cases/boxes and  pop them in the player, make sure they work and then sell them as LIKE NEW instead of NEW, and put that in the listing.

I don't like the idea of not stating the Region Code or saying that it is not shown, but I cannot find another way to verify what I already know.

Does that make any sense?

Does anyone else know another way to identify Region Codes when it can't be found on the package?

I'm starting to repeat, so I'll sign off for now

[thestuffofchris]

That makes sense, and if it were me I would also hesitate to list something that I could not verify the information for. I don't want to sell maybes, I want to sell absolutes. For example, I'm currently selling some of my old video games which have similar regional limitations, and making sure that information is correct in my listing is important to me.

I would assume that a DVD registered in the US is region 1, but you know what happens when we assume...

Would you consider posting a picture or two of the case of one of these DVDs that you are unsure about? I'm sure if some sort of marking exists on the package to identify the region, someone here will be able to help point it out.

[ypdc_dennis]

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@thestuffofchris wrote:

Being that all my DVDs are (were) Region 1, I only ever stated Region 1 and only sold within North America. From what I understand, there are DVD players that exist around the world that are Region Free and can play all discs, but I still always limited myself to selling within North America where I knew for sure I was least likely to encounter problems of "the disc doesn't work" due to region incompatibilities.

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Selling worldwide is not a problem. In over 10 years I've never had a disc-doesn't-work complaint for international sales. Most buyers from outside North America are well aware that Region 1 dvd needs a machine that can read them. And most dvd players outside North America are multi-region or easily modified to read Region 1.

[ypdc_dennis]

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@around_again_records wrote:

I did find a UPC lookup tool that seems to be pretty accurate, but it does not show a Region Code for any that I have tried so far. It does specify COUNTRY OF REGISTRATION though. If the country of registration is USA would that necessarily mean that it is a Region 1 DVD?

---

Nope. Lots of Region 0 releases from USA based companies -- especially for some of the older releases.

On the cover look for a globe of the world with a number on it -- that's one one way of detecting the Region(s). Some releases for example, are 1 and 4 (for North and South America).

And UPC is not always reliable. Some companies (usually on older releases) used the same UPC for different Regions -- but the packaging usually had the actual region on the cover.

-..-

[femmefan1946]

I bought the complete set of Two Guys A Girl and a Pizza Place on DVD from Australia, because Nathan Fillion, and they play just fine on my Mac.

[around_again_records]

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@thestuffofchris wrote:

Would you consider posting a picture or two of the case of one of these DVDs that you are unsure about? I'm sure if some sort of marking exists on the package to identify the region, someone here will be able to help point it out.

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I haven't posted pictures here before but I'll give it a try

Here are 2 shots of 1 example

Now if someone finds an NTSC or Region 1 symbol on these I'll be really embarrassed, but what other indicators might assure myself and customers that they are indeed getting a region 1 DVD playable in a regular North American DVD player.

Here are 2 from a sealed box set that I really do not want to open

[around_again_records]

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@ypdc_dennis wrote:

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@around_again_records wrote:

I did find a UPC lookup tool that seems to be pretty accurate, but it does not show a Region Code for any that I have tried so far. It does specify COUNTRY OF REGISTRATION though. If the country of registration is USA would that necessarily mean that it is a Region 1 DVD?

---

Nope. Lots of Region 0 releases from USA based companies -- especially for some of the older releases.

On the cover look for a globe of the world with a number on it -- that's one one way of detecting the Region(s). Some releases for example, are 1 and 4 (for North and South America).

And UPC is not always reliable. Some companies (usually on older releases) used the same UPC for different Regions -- but the packaging usually had the actual region on the cover.

-..-

---

Yup, I'm familiar with that globe, that's what I'm looking for I think I called it a logo before, I should have said symbol. I've only found 1 so far that has the Region 1 and Region 4 symbols.

Too bad about the UPC not being reliable, I've just spent an hour or so online trying to see if I could find out what number or set of numbers in the UPC code might indicate the Region Code. I guess I'll give up on that thought. 😞

Anyway ypdc (and others) if you don't mind, have a look at the photos I posted, and tell me if there is anything there that would indicate to you without a doubt that these were Region 1 OR All Region DVDs

[recped]

They are American discs, they will be Region 1.

Maybe they are Region 0 (or Region 9) but who cares, just offer them as Region 1 compatible.

[around_again_records]

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@recped wrote:

They are American discs, they will be Region 1.

Maybe they are Region 0 (or Region 9) but who cares, just offer them as Region 1 compatible.

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Thanks for your reply recped, but that is a little vague for me. Are you saying the country where they are manufactured will be the Region they are set for?

For instance I have a box set here somewhere of a BBC produced sitcom. If I cannot find a Region symbol on it do I assume it is Region 2 because it is British, or do I assume it is a Region 1 if I see that it was mfg in USA? What if it doesn't say where it was mfg. How would I know if this was set to be played on North American or European players.

[snoopwiz]

I appreciate this comment because although I own a dvd player I have never bought (or sold) a dvd and only own a couple that people have given me!

I would be willing to bet the farm (should I actually have one to bet) that you undoubtedly do have a cassette deck. 

[recped]

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@snoopwiz wrote:

I appreciate this comment because although I own a dvd player I have never bought (or sold) a dvd and only own a couple that people have given me!

I would be willing to bet the farm (should I actually have one to bet) that you undoubtedly do have a cassette deck. 

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Yeah it makes a very nice "stand" for my turntable!

[jt-libra]

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@around_again_records wrote:

I have been sorting through some DVDs that I plan to sell. Most are my own, but some have been donated to me.

The main thing I look for when making my listings is the Region Code, and I am able to find that on MOST of them, but there are a few where I cannot find the region code, anywhere on the package or on the DVD itself. It is also not in the UPC catalogue data.

Now I know that the DVDs from my collection are playable here in Canada, because I've played them, but I have come across some that were donated to me that do not have the region code. Some are unopened, so I planned to sell them as New and I don't want to open them to see if they play. I'm pretty sure they are Region 1 or All region, but I'm not absolutely certain.

How can I find out the Region Code for these DVDs?

If I decide to open them, and they play on my DVD player which is not an all region player or anything, can I safely advertise these as Region 1 or All Region, or should I just say Region is not marked but they play OK for me.

There must be some way to know. Some of these DVDs are older - does anyone know when they started with the different regions?

The other question I have is about bootlegs. While I was trying to find some answers on the Region Code, I found a lot of information about bootlegs. So much information that it seems the market is flooded with them.

Truthfully, I would not know a bootleg from an original, and seeing as I do not know for certain the original owners or chain of possession of the DVDs that have been donated to me, I'm not quite sure what to do. They look genuine to me they all have good cases and UPC codes and everything, but really how does a person know?

Hope some of you experienced sellers don't mind helping out a rookie

---

You've already received a lot of valuable information from other posters.

I sell DVD's and the first thing I would say is DO NOT OPEN THE SEALED ONES!  It's hard enough to sell a new DVD, never mind one that is Like New.  The examples you provided look like fairly old DVD's, a time when the Region was not commonly displayed.  Most, if not all, DVD's sold in Canada and the U.S. are Region 1 or Region 1 compatible.  There usually is enough information on the back to confirm that they are Region 1.  Time Life is an American company and would be manufacturing Region 1 discs.  Also, look for statements like:  manufactured (or printed) and distributed in U.S.A. or Canada.  Sometimes there will be a stamp "Disc Made in Mexico", which is fine. 

With respect to BBC productions, I have many and they are all Region 1.

I haven't come across many bootleg DVD's but they tend to be ones that are very popular, mass produced movies or TV shows.  They don't usually sell for much on eBay since there are so many of them in distribution.  The older movies are the ones that will fetch a better price.  There are less of them around and are usually good sellers.

If the disc is in "like new" condition but the case is beat up, I would buy some new cases, if you think the selling price warrants this.  You can buy them 3 for $1.25 at Dollarama.

Good luck!

[around_again_records]

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@jt-libra wrote:

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@around_again_records wrote:

I have been sorting through some DVDs that I plan to sell. Most are my own, but some have been donated to me.

The main thing I look for when making my listings is the Region Code, and I am able to find that on MOST of them, but there are a few where I cannot find the region code, anywhere on the package or on the DVD itself. It is also not in the UPC catalogue data.

Now I know that the DVDs from my collection are playable here in Canada, because I've played them, but I have come across some that were donated to me that do not have the region code. Some are unopened, so I planned to sell them as New and I don't want to open them to see if they play. I'm pretty sure they are Region 1 or All region, but I'm not absolutely certain.

How can I find out the Region Code for these DVDs?

If I decide to open them, and they play on my DVD player which is not an all region player or anything, can I safely advertise these as Region 1 or All Region, or should I just say Region is not marked but they play OK for me.

There must be some way to know. Some of these DVDs are older - does anyone know when they started with the different regions?

The other question I have is about bootlegs. While I was trying to find some answers on the Region Code, I found a lot of information about bootlegs. So much information that it seems the market is flooded with them.

Truthfully, I would not know a bootleg from an original, and seeing as I do not know for certain the original owners or chain of possession of the DVDs that have been donated to me, I'm not quite sure what to do. They look genuine to me they all have good cases and UPC codes and everything, but really how does a person know?

Hope some of you experienced sellers don't mind helping out a rookie

---

You've already received a lot of valuable information from other posters.

I sell DVD's and the first thing I would say is DO NOT OPEN THE SEALED ONES!  It's hard enough to sell a new DVD, never mind one that is Like New.  The examples you provided look like fairly old DVD's, a time when the Region was not commonly displayed.  Most, if not all, DVD's sold in Canada and the U.S. are Region 1 or Region 1 compatible.  There usually is enough information on the back to confirm that they are Region 1.  Time Life is an American company and would be manufacturing Region 1 discs.  Also, look for statements like:  manufactured (or printed) and distributed in U.S.A. or Canada.  Sometimes there will be a stamp "Disc Made in Mexico", which is fine. 

With respect to BBC productions, I have many and they are all Region 1.

I haven't come across many bootleg DVD's but they tend to be ones that are very popular, mass produced movies or TV shows.  They don't usually sell for much on eBay since there are so many of them in distribution.  The older movies are the ones that will fetch a better price.  There are less of them around and are usually good sellers.

If the disc is in "like new" condition but the case is beat up, I would buy some new cases, if you think the selling price warrants this.  You can buy them 3 for $1.25 at Dollarama.

Good luck!

---

Thank you so much for all the excellent information. You have confirmed some things that I was wondering about, like the older DVDs not always being marked, and pointed out lots of other indicators for me to watch for. At least now if I do happen to end up selling one that is the wrong region, I will at least know I found something on the package that indicated to me it was Region 1. It probably sounds crazy, but It makes me feel better - due diligence I guess.

I am finding quite a variety in this lot that was given to me. Lots of run of the mill stuff but a lot of older titles too. It's been interesting sorting through them. It will probably be a 50/50 split between what I keep for myself and what I try to sell.

Thanks again for the tips. You have been very helpful

[maximus7001]

You are mostly going to be wasting your time and using up your promo listings for nothing  trying to sell dvd's unless they are something special. They are not worth much and even sending them lettermail in a plain unpadded free envelope we are lucky to even make $1 - $2 cdn profit.

Also with this region code business and being safe listing them in Canada and USA only that really limits the market making them all the less likely to ever sell.

[jt-libra]

Don't be discouraged.   I sell 200+ every year (granted I used to sell about 400) and, it's true that sometimes the profit is only $3.00.  However, on older movies, I can make a profit of $8 to $12.  British movies and TV series also sell well (Masterpiece and BBC), as do documentaries and PBS productions .  And I can often make a profit of $25 to $50 on certain TV series boxsets (complete series).  If you have the will and some time on your hands, a few extra dollars can't hurt, right?