Amazon Selling Used CDs Advertised As New
I might be in the minority, but I still purchase physical media for my music. Typically, these are in the form of CDs. I mostly purchase from Amazon due to their selection, convenience, competitive pricing, and free shipping when meeting the minimum threshold order amount.
I almost always purchase new CDs and will only purchase used (like new or very good condition) when a CD is hard to find, or more expensive than typical prices. Most of my purchases have been without issue.
However, since around the beginning of the year (2025), out of an estimated 30 or so "new" CD purchases from Amazon, six or seven used CDs were received instead. It isn't too difficult to discern they are used. Even with obvious aftermarket (loose) shrink wrapping, I have found substantial wear on the cases (including cracks, which might be from shipping damage), wear on the included literature, and visible scratches on the CDs. Some even had a “NEW” sticker on the packaging as was the case for the one I received just today. One even had a Savers (2nd hand store) price tag on it and was in nowhere near new condition. Though all CDs have thus far played without issue, they were definitely not new! I did not get what I ordered.
In a couple of the initial cases, I did nothing – accepting the CDs as-is. This was due to the condition being acceptable and either the price paid was low enough to be comfortable with the purchase or I was assuming this was a very rare mistake. After having this occur repeatedly, I did not accept this any longer and contacted Amazon each time. I eventually got resolution, but not until spending significant time on the Amazon website, chatting with a “bot,” chatting with a live person, or with someone on the phone. Each time I was promised it would never happen again!
I thought this was occurring because some of the CDs were fulfilled by third-party vendors, but recently this has also occurred with orders fulfilled by Amazon.
This is getting very irritating and is causing me to look for other sources for new or nearly-new CDs. What other reputable sources for new or nearly-new CDs are available that have a good selection, are honest with what they sell, and priced reasonably? There are many more CDs I’d like to buy.
I’ve never run into this on Amazon but then it’s been a long time since I bought there with any regularity. I did have an experience with this with a ebay seller. When I called them on labeling a used cd they sent me as new, they refunded my money and told me to keep the cd. I haven’t checked back to see whether they’re still still engaging in this practice. I prefer importcds.com for new (they don't just sell imports) and discogs for nearly new (near mint).
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Have you considered switching to streaming? For far less than you’re likely spending on CDs you could have a Qobuz subscription and access to worlds music and much of it in hi res. I get it if you’re averse to going down that rabbit hole — I was too — but it’s really not that difficult to get started and was literally a reawakening to the listening experience finding so much new music at my fingertips. My only regret is not switching to streaming sooner and would strongly encourage you to at least consider it. Just my $0.02 FWIW. |
It's everywhere. I had to return 9 vinyl records to Target, out of 15. Bought online, returned in person. All had been played, some even had different inner sleeves, some had light scratches, they had the loose shrink some stores use. Amazon CDs also as you say, but also some from Blue Note direct and other big merchandisers with easy return policies and no one looking. People buy them, then return them...whether gifts or open returns or bad sounding vinyl or they didn't like it or whatever. Been going on since the 60s. Korvette's and Woolworth's especially back then, but at least they discounted them, although no transparency. I usually just keep them if they play fine....but if not, like the Target ones, back they go.
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This seems to be happening a lot now. I had to return a pair of shoes that had been well worn (not just tried on and returned), and a suitcase that was scuffed up and had someone’s clothing lint inside. Both items were supposed to be new but obviously weren’t. I’ve read that it’s becoming a big issue with online retailers. Just look at negative reviews for the biggest retailer of all -they’re filled with people’s complaints of receiving obviously use merchandise. |
Had the same issue with Amazon selling used CD’s as new, usually wrapped in loose cellophane with a “new” sticker. Had a few scratched discs and creased inlays/booklets. Latest one I had, somebody had written total running time in ballpoint on the booklet, so obviously not new! These are sold by Amazon CD’s, not Fulfilled By Amazon, and not cheap either! |
At this point, many of the Cds I still want are out of print, and more often than not, used. But not all CDs on discogs are used! I’ve bought new CDs on Discogs and still do, from time to time. Still, one can never take for granted that Cds will turn out to be in the same Cond. as advertised, either due to sloppiness or bad intentions on the part of sellers. It’s gotten to the point where I ask all sellers to double check their grading before I hit "pay". I’ve found reputable sellers are glad to oblige. |
I have a real problem getting out of print CD’s new when described to be new. I quit buying because sellers have confirmed it is new when it is not or I get no answer at all. I have two questions that I present here because it involves my CD collection. I am currently ripping a boatload of collectible CDs, such as nearly every Saint Etienne CD ever sold using a DVD drive on my SoTM computer. If I offered to DropBox link the FLAC rip also, would I be violating any DRM? Many of my discs were only played twice, the first rip was in 2004 (or later) and then again in 2025. I kept these in laundry baskets all these years and I am not nearly finished yet. If a CD is clean and only used twice, is a NM- appropriate? I have scratched up cases because of my poor storage preference. |
@stuartk thanks for the suggestions on importcds.com! I'll give them a look. I've been aware of discogs but don't think I've ever purchased from them in the past. I'll give them another look. I've also bought used CDs on eBay. In general, I've never had any issues that couldn't be resolved to my satisfaction with any eBay purchase (not just CDs). It might be since payment with eBay is only by PayPal and they will give refunds. |
https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2825840 http://discogs.com Is also a good website for rare, new and used media |
@corelli Sorry this has happened to you as well. I agree, letting things go just confirms that they can get away with it. I no longer let it slide based on principle -- it's not about the money.
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@soix I have only briefly considered streaming. I'm more of a late adopter and limited time is probably the biggest reason I haven't looked into it. I have discovered new music by using streaming sources such as Pandora -- but that has typically been when my cell phone is the only source for music. I also do still listen to the radio -- primarily when I'm driving.
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@larsman that has been my experience too until around the beginning of this year. After a few times, it's clear they are not mistakes. I received one CD that was nowhere close to new -- everything significantly worn with a "Saver's" price sticker. Since we don't seem to be able to post photos here, here is a link to the photo I sent to Amazon. They refunded my money and I didn't have to return it. https://i.postimg.cc/PqLQvYrk/20250118-190438.jpg
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Thanks @lmnop , I'll take a look there as well! |
@markmoskow I too let the first couple go without complaint -- they were clearly not new, but in decent condition, played without issues, and were a decent price. But since it started happening regularly -- I don't let it go any longer just based on principle. |
@soix that's exactly what I do. I give a poor rating and get some sort of refund or other compensation back from Amazon. This will keep happening if everyone remains silent. With the last CD I received that initiated this post, I checked the seller's feedback and saw that several people were complaining about the same thing. |
I have at times purchased from third-party vendors. Amazon indicates that. Some are new, others are used but you are informed when they are used along with a rating (like-new, very good, good, acceptable, etc.). This latest purchase was "fulfilled by Amazon" and stated as "new" but I do believe a third-party provided it to Amazon. It was shipped from an Amazon warehouse and the purchased contributed to my getting free shipping with a minimum $35 order, which is only available with products shipped by Amazon. |
Wow! |
LOL!! P.S. Nice username! It's along the same theme as mine. |
Wow -- I haven't had that issue with "sold by Amazon" yet. Maybe it's just a matter of time. Thus the reason I'm going to start looking elsewhere. |
I believe there are places in some towns/cities. It's good to shop there to help keep them going. I admit, I haven't done that in a long time. The convenience of finding what you want from your home by using a search function and having it shipped directly to you without ever having to leave home is a temptation that has become difficult to avoid. Every year there is a "Record Store Day" that is to encourage shopping for music at local record stores. |
@billstevenson If you take it up with Amazon and complain, they will give you some sort of compensation. It might be a refund where you can keep the CD, a replacement with a new one, or even some credit for your troubles. I'd rather they provide me with what I ordered, but by complaining you will get something in return and hopefully they will start to hear that we are not going to accept what is going on. |
I don't mind buying used CDs from time-to-time, usually because I can't find new at a reasonable price. But when I buy used CDs, I expect them to be of the condition stated. That has been the case for most purchases with only a few exceptions. There is one CD I purchased from Amazon a few months ago that was hard to find, and pricey. I kept watching and a more reasonable one popped up and it was new -- from a third-party vendor. I was nervous that I was going to be scammed again with a used version. Well instead of a used version, I got a brand new CD of something completely different! I contacted the seller and they apologized and indicated they would send me a replacement. I let them know what had been happening to me with used CDs being sent and that they had better not do that or I would make a huge stink with Amazon. They promised that would not happen and they would send me a new version of this difficult to find CD. I was pessimistic but decided to give them the chance. Lo and behold, I received a new copy of the exact CD that I ordered. This truly might have been a case of an honest mistake when the wrong CD was originally shipped. |
In my opinion, it doesn't matter how many times a CD is played, what matters is the condition of it (i.e., clean without any scratches or any other type of defects). The case should be like-new and also the same for the included literature. I don't believe a CD wears out by playing it -- it's how it is handled and stored that can affect it's condition. |
