How to Buy Used Video Tapes

From LoveToKnow Buy

With the rocket-fast advent of DVD sales, used video tapes have become easier and even more affordable to purchase than ever before. Follow the advice below on how to shop for used videotapes before plunking down cash for that second-hand VHS copy of “Gladiator.”

Tips for buying used videotapes

Take out your local yellow pages, or do a search online, for independent record shops near your home. Jot down the names, numbers and addresses of the record shops you come across, and place calls to each shop to ask whether or not they carry used videotapes for sale (most probably will).
While browsing is fun, it’s best to go into a shop with a list of movies you’d like to purchase in used videotape format. Head out to the shops in your town with a wish list, or simply peruse the selection.
As previously stated, used video tapes have become incredibly cheap in price, due to the fact that consumers are replacing their VHS film collections with DVD-formatted films. In many cases, you will be able to buy used videotapes for under five dollars!
Slip used videotapes out of their sleeve covers to inspect for any external damage. In most cases, you won’t be able to tell if there are any imperfections with a used videotape until you get it home and pop it into your VCR. It’s important that you take this step once you arrive home with your purchases.
Get a solid grip on the return policies pertaining to the used videotapes you’re purchasing. If you have up to seven days to return the used videotape once you purchase, make sure you preview the used videotape within that time period to screen for damage or any other irregularities.
Consider shopping online for used videotapes. All you have to do to find shops online selling used videotapes is to go to a search engine and type in “used videotapes” or “videotapes” into the search field.

Caution

If you discover that the actual tape in a used videotape you’ve purchased is leaking out of the cassette, do not place the cassette in your VCR. Chances are the tape will become entangled inside your VCR, and will then need to be removed by a professional.

Where to buy used videotapes

You can easily expand your video collection by shopping at any one of the below online shops.

Amazon.com offers movie lovers the chance to shop for many of their favorite titles in used format. Visit their video section, or simply type in the title of the movie you’re after for results.

eBay is another great place to shop for used videotapes. Type in the name of the movie you’re looking for, use the pull-down category menu and select “DVD and Movies,” then click on “search.”

Alibris now offers sales of used videotapes. Type in the name of the movie you’re looking for, then search in their VHS category.