eBay can be an awesome place to score hard-to-find DVDs or DVDs that are out of stock at your local Best Buy or WalMart. In fact, even with the price of shipping, you can typically get a better deal for DVDs on eBay than at your local retail chain. We sell DVDs at our eBay store, and have come across questions from buyers that maybe you haven't considered.

So, without further delay, here is a short step-by-step guide to BUYING DVDs.

Buy a DVD on Ebay!

Things You Should Know ...

1.) What DVD are you buying? First, the title. Some rare DVDs have alternate titles, or foreign DVDs have a UK/Int'l English translation and an American English translation of the title. It helps to know the translations when you are performing a search. As for alternate titles, search for all given titles and see what comes up. IMDB.com is a great source for titles, but will not always give a definitive answer.

Knowing the date of release for your movie can help. The way a DVD typically lists on eBay includes this date in the title of the auction.

If all else fails, search the internet for your DVD and then get a UPC code for the exact DVD you are looking for. You can compare the UPC code with the one on the listing. If your seller doesn't have a UPC code listed, then ASK! Some DVDs - especially independents and public domain films - will not have a UPC code. This is not a bad thing, it just means that your search will be completely reliant on the title and year of release.

2.) The Specs - Aspect Ratio, Surround Sound, and more. Many DVDs come in two flavors - Widescreen and Fullscreen. For the best viewing experience, find the format that is suitable for your television screen.

The same goes for surround sound. This really applies to most big movies and movies with updated re-releases. If you are looking for the most enjoyable experience on newer playback equipment, make sure the DVD you're buying is the latest version (if available.)

Features are also pretty important. If the auction is for a lot, individual DVD information will be unavailable. Features apply more to single DVD purchases; if you want a single DVD with tons of features, be sure to look for a Special Edition.

A SPEC NOTE FOR US/CANADA BUYERS: Don't forget to buy all DVDs in REGION 1 or REGION FREE, unless you have a specific DVD player that recognizes all region codes. Don't assume all DVDs are REGION 1 or REGION FREE!

3.) How much? Nobody likes paying too much. Do some shopping around to ensure you are getting a fair deal. Also, make sure the shipping prices are not incredibly high for the shipping method and packaging. eBay's new policies will have maximum limitations on shipping charges to help you. But understand that most sellers will then offer Media Mail, and with this method you will wait 7-9 days for your item. This will save money! However, if you need it in a hurry consider that this method may not get your DVD to you in time.

The burden is on the buyer to know how fast they need the DVD. It will cost more money if you need it tomorrow, so speak up and iron out all the details before bidding. Communicate with your seller if you need a faster shipping method that is not offered in the listing. Most sellers will be happy to comply.

Even with shipping costs, you'll find you get DVDs for much less than the major retailers.

4.) Ahhhhh! Used DVDs!!! Wait! Before you panic, you should know that there is no reason to fear used DVDs. Read the listing for information on the condition. Most used DVDs are perfect for playback. Sometimes people will sell DVDs in DVD/CD books without the cases and jackets. If the case and jacket are important to you, avoid these types of auctions. Used DVDs are a great way to buy larger lots of DVDs to grow your collection.

Hope this helps get you started buying! If you have any specific questions about DVD buying that are not addressed here, or any helpful information for DVD buying that you would like to add, contact us.