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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.

93rubyz
93rubyz OP
39 posts
 
stuartk

 

@93rubyz  

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 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.

93rubyz OP
39 posts
 
yada

 

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.

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.

vitussl101's avatar
vitussl101
211 posts
 

I rarely purchase new discs from Amazon unless it's my only choice, but I do purchase used CDs from them with great success, typically in clean condition cheap, not to mention music that I have exhausted looking for elsewhere.

stuartk
3,516 posts
 

@93rubyz 

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.

Same here, which Is why I always double-check with sellers now.  I got really tired of having to return CDs that were inaccurately graded, intentionally or not. 

 

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