When you are getting a used CD, it may seem like the best thing in the world because you are paying next to nothing for it and you are getting an album by an artist that you really enjoy listening to. However, used CDs do have their problems and you need to be aware of them before you start looking for the CD that will complete your collection.

First of all, there is the obvious problem of used CDs that are scratched. Before you ever get a used CD, you need to make sure it is not scratched. Otherwise, you have just bought a CD that is essentially worth nothing and you will be better off throwing it out the window than keeping it around.

If you are at a pawn shop or garage sale, open up the case and make sure that, a) the CD you want is in there, and b) that the CD is not damaged in any way. Paying for a damaged CD is just throwing your money away because there is really no way to repair a damaged CD. If you find a damaged CD, pass on it.

Second of all, your selection on websites like eBay.com can be very large, but you are competing with others for those CDs and you may not always win. If you go through a website that sells used CDs, you will be better off but you will be paying for shipping and handling. If you are buying your CDs at a garage sale and pawn shop, you are unlikely to find Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Nevermind, SuperUnknown, or OK Computer, in the mix. Most likely, you find something by Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, or the C&C Music Factory. So don't expect to find that diamond in the rough when you go to these places because the first CDs to be sold are the ones nobody wants.

Lastly, don't pay too much for a used CD, even if someone tells you it is a collector's item. If it was a collector's item, they would not be selling it at a garage sale. Always do your research into how much a CD is worth and understand that no CD is ever worth $20, especially 10 years after it was made. Don't be taken for a ride because someone wants to make a buck off you. Never pay more than $5 for a CD at a garage sale.

Used CDs can be a great item for collectors, but they do have their problems, the most obvious of which are damaged CDs and horrible selections. You need to be patient and perceptive when you are getting a used CD. Look to see for imperfections and don't expect to find Led Zeppelin IV, in a pile of CDs at a garage sale.

That being said, you may find that diamond in the rough if you look hard enough, so don't let this advice push you away from getting used CDs in the first place. When found, they are great additions to a music collection.

BlueWaterArticles.com: - Problems You Might Face with Used CDs

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for used CDs, autographed CDs, and used musical instruments. You can find the best marketplace for used CDs, autographed CDs, and used musical instruments at these sites for good used CDs, good autographed CDs, and good used musical instruments.