As a collector of rare used Video Games, DVD Movies, and Music CDs, I KNOW the disappointment of purchasing a used CD or DVD disc in horrible condition. As a respected Powerseller of used Video Game CDs and DVDs, I'm writing this guide on how to reduce or elimate those "disappointing" purchases.

1) Know your seller.

First and foremost, ALWAYS read a sellers feedback and any negatives or neutrals they may have. The opinion of others can tell alot about the character of a seller. If you do not like what other people say about this seller, DON'T buy thier items.

2) Read the ENTIRE auction discription!!!

The second most important thing is to read an auction discription. If it is vague or non-existant, there usually is a reason and this should be a red flag. Honest sellers will detail how the disc surface looks and note any imperfections. They will tell you whether or not the items comes complete or is missing parts (such as disc-only, or missing game manual). If they are selling anything as "untested", chances are its severely scratched, damaged, or simply broken.

3) Do NOT do last minute shopping!!!

  One of the leading factors of purchasing disappointing auctions is last-minute bidding on an auction before it ends. In the final minutes of an auction, the frenzied actions and the bidding of other buyers can lead you to pay more for an item then what you were originally willing to spend. In cases like this, if you are the winning bidder and ended up spending more than you were willing, you get a feeling that the items value or condition should raise equal to how much you spent total on it. For best results, place your maximum bid your willing to pay, then forget about the auction until it ends. Simply WALK AWAY!!

4) ASK Questions!

  If a auction discription is vague, ASK questions!!! If you do NOT receive an answer before the item ends, DONT bid. For best results, check items that are ending no earlier then 12 hours in advance. This gives the seller plenty of time to reply to you, and if they do not there is usually a reason (Red Flag). And scroll down to the bottom of an auctions discription. Sometimes other people will ask a question and the seller will post the reply directly to the auction.

5) Check for a return policy.

Sellers that stand behind thier products will offer refund policies and usually believe in what they are selling by honestly discribing the items up for auction (whether in good condition or poor condition). However, if a seller doesnt offer a return ask them why. In my experience, the honest sellers usually reply with thier reasons (whatever they may be) whereas people selling poor-condition discs usually reply with things like 'untested' and 'sold as-is' with no refund.

6) Brouse additional listings of the same item you're bidding on!!

If you have been outbid on an item, check to see if there are other items up for auction or sale before bidding on it again. I dont know how many times I've seen a game sell for 40.00$ and then see another copy of the same game (and in better condition and from a more established seller!!!) sell for a much lower buy it now price!!!.

And don't be afraid to purchase what you want via Buy it Now auction formats. The reason most bidding style auctions go so high is because the bidders get a sence of "winning" something, as apposed to simply buying it with 'Buy it Now'. Get out of the mentality of winning something ..... because in the end money is money and there is no lasting feeling of winning something if you pay for it in the end.

 So, in closing ...... know the seller , know the item you're buying, remember that you are not winning anything, and make sure there are NO other alternative items up for sale before raising your bid!!!!