Finding Cheap Music CD's

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Where's the Best Buy?

Many of us buy CD's (the musical kind) at this time of year. Someplace these should be remaindered, like books, or at least available at a lower price. Ideas?
Alicia DeN.A.

Advice from a CD Shop

In regards to the question 'how do I find cheaper music?' you might want to instruct your readers to look for independent music stores who carry used CDs in their area.

My husband and I own Switched On CDs in Novi Michigan and we have a whole section dedicated to used CDs. Used CDs are quite the bargain. Often they are priced at 1/2 of their new price tag. Most people buy things for 1 song, once the song is off the top 40 or they're sick of it, they trade in their CDs for cash or trade value. Sometimes individuals get themselves in dire straits and have to sell off huge chunks of their collections at once. Either way, a deal is to be had if you are willing to look into it.

Most independent music stores also guarantee their used CDs. Here are some guidelines that consumers should be aware of:

1. Before you buy a used CD, make sure the CD and artwork are from the same album. Sometimes, less scrupulous shoppers will switch CDs much like they switch tags at a retail store or garage sale. With a large inventory, not every store can catch them.
   
   
2. Look for surface scratches on the CD. Deep scratches will almost certainly make the CD skip. Less deep or cosmetic scratches may cause skipping, in that case, its best to ask to hear the CD. Most stores will have a listening device for customers to scan through their choices before they buy. If you come across a great deal of seriously scratched CDs, you may want to bring it to the attention of clerk as well as be leery about buying from them. If they aren't too careful what used CDs they buy, they may not be that great of a store.
   
   
3. Ask if the store guarantees their used CDs. Most will but if they don't and you have any reservations about buying it, don't do it.
   
   
4. Don't be afraid to search through those 'bargain bins'. Often we put items that we have duplicates of in the bargain bin.
   
   
5. If you hear of a new re-release of a certain artist or album, you may want to start checking the used bins the week that new release comes out. Collectors strive to have every release by an artist. If the new release has an extra track on it, they'll get rid of the old version and buy the new. It's great for people who don't care if they have EVERY version of 'Crazy', they just want one.
   
   

Independent stores are also good for new music as well. Some, like us, have a best buy within 2 miles and need to stay competitive. Word of advice: Large mega retailers can offer better prices in some instances but they have absolutely no customer service. A smaller store can often give you a bit of guidance and are much happier to see you walk in the door. And they can watch the incoming used for items you are looking for. A little patience can get you some great deals on music.
Julie

Online Club Preferred

I like www.bmgmusicservice.com. You start out with 6 free CDs (you pay for shipping and handling). You buy one at their regular price and then get 5 more free. There is no further obligation. I use their e-mail catalog. They send me an e-mail when there is a new month featured CD. I go to their website and refuse it. No more cards to mail in (or forget to mail in). Their website almost always has some special going on. For the month up to Christmas, the special was buy one CD for regular price, get two free CDs, and any additional CDs for 2.99 (the shipping and handling is between 2.39 and 2.59 per CD - so you get your CD for less than $6.00. They have a nice search engine on the site, so you can find out what CDs are available. I usually make a list of the CDs my kids want and wait until they have a good price. This also makes it affordable for my kids to buy CDs with their allowance. Let's face it. $17 for a CD is crazy.

A final idea for kids/teens CDs is to sell or trade with friends. They tend to like a CD, play it over and over until they are sick of it, and then trade or sell to a friend for a different CD.
Janet

Check Online Coupons Before You Buy

www.deal-finder.com lists current online coupons for different online stores, including music stores. Check it out.
Dave

Mail Order Club

A good source of inexpensive CDs and cassettes is the Musical Heritage Society. They are a mail order company that offers a certain number of CDs for free and requiring a single new purchase in the next year. You must pay shipping and handling but if you are disciplined and only order what is required to fulfill your subscription, you can get your CDs for an average of $2 each. You must also remember to return the negative option card each month or you will receive things you didn't order.

I've been very happy with this company and they have an excellent selection of classical music. They also have some Broadway, jazz, and world music available. Once or twice a year they have a terrific sale: most CDs are $5.99 and most tapes are $3.99. They can be reached at 1710 Hwy. 35, Oakhurst, NJ, 07755.
Pamela in Philadelphia, PA

Try Pawn Shop

I've found that the best place to get cheaper ($2.98 -4.98) CDs is at a pawn shop. They guarantee the quality of the CD and will either issue store credit or offer a replacement if the CD you choose is defective. Many offer in-store previewing too. Most of the CDs I have at work were acquired this way , usually for $2.98 apiece, and I haven't had any problems with any of them. Sure beats the original pricing!
Mary S.

Don't Forget Library

Try the local library. We reserve right off the internet. You'd be surprised what the library has to offer or what they will order for you if you ask.
D.

Price Comparison Bots

The one way to find the best price on a CD using the internet is to go to Dealpilot.com. You put in the title you and want and it will list for you where it can be purchased, what the cost is and different types of shipping. It lists the prices from least expensive to most. They do not sell the CD's. You are also able to do the same with books, videos, etc. A very handy reference source.
Mary

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