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Amazon Selling Used CDs Advertised As New

I might be in the minority, but I still purchase physical media for my music. Typically, these are in the form of CDs. I mostly purchase from Amazon due to their selection, convenience, competitive pricing, and free shipping when meeting the minimum threshold order amount.

I almost always purchase new CDs and will only purchase used (like new or very good condition) when a CD is hard to find, or more expensive than typical prices. Most of my purchases have been without issue.

However, since around the beginning of the year (2025), out of an estimated 30 or so "new" CD purchases from Amazon, six or seven used CDs were received instead. It isn't too difficult to discern they are used.  Even with obvious aftermarket (loose) shrink wrapping, I have found substantial wear on the cases (including cracks, which might be from shipping damage), wear on the included literature, and visible scratches on the CDs.  Some even had a “NEW” sticker on the packaging as was the case for the one I received just today. One even had a Savers (2nd hand store) price tag on it and was in nowhere near new condition.  Though all CDs have thus far played without issue, they were definitely not new!  I did not get what I ordered.

In a couple of the initial cases, I did nothing – accepting the CDs as-is. This was due to the condition being acceptable and either the price paid was low enough to be comfortable with the purchase or I was assuming this was a very rare mistake.  After having this occur repeatedly, I did not accept this any longer and contacted Amazon each time.  I eventually got resolution, but not until spending significant time on the Amazon website, chatting with a “bot,” chatting with a live person, or with someone on the phone.  Each time I was promised it would never happen again!

I thought this was occurring because some of the CDs were fulfilled by third-party vendors, but recently this has also occurred with orders fulfilled by Amazon.

This is getting very irritating and is causing me to look for other sources for new or nearly-new CDs. What other reputable sources for new or nearly-new CDs are available that have a good selection, are honest with what they sell, and priced reasonably? There are many more CDs I’d like to buy.

93rubyz
93rubyz OP
40 posts
 

ccmusic.com

Thanks @lmnop , I'll take a look there as well!

93rubyz OP
40 posts
 

It's everywhere. I had to return 9 vinyl records to Target, out of 15. Bought online, returned in person. All had been played, some even had different inner sleeves, some had light scratches, they had the loose shrink some stores use. Amazon CDs also as you say, but also some from Blue Note direct and other big merchandisers with easy return policies and no one looking. People buy them, then return them...whether gifts or open returns or bad sounding vinyl or they didn't like it or whatever. Been going on since the 60s. Korvette's and Woolworth's especially back then, but at least they discounted them, although no transparency. I usually just keep them if they play fine....but if not, like the Target ones, back they go.

@markmoskow I too let the first couple go without complaint -- they were clearly not new, but in decent condition, played without issues, and were a decent price. But since it started happening regularly -- I don't let it go any longer just based on principle.

93rubyz OP
40 posts
 

That’s dirty pool, and I hope those of you who fell prey to this have ripped the sellers a new one in their ratings as they’ll care about that and it will also alert others as to what they’re doing.  Very underhanded and sad. 

@soix that's exactly what I do.  I give a poor rating and get some sort of refund or other compensation back from Amazon. This will keep happening if everyone remains silent.  With the last CD I received that initiated this post, I checked the seller's feedback and saw that several people were complaining about the same thing.

93rubyz OP
40 posts
 
tomrk

 

It sounds like you purchased from a 3rd party.   In almost all cases, 3rd party sales are used.   That's why they're less expensive.

I usually buy on CDs on Discogs, yes, they’re all used, but as long as they play, being used doesn’t make them inferior. I’ve had good luck with them.

I have at times purchased from third-party vendors. Amazon indicates that.  Some are new, others are used but you are informed when they are used along with a rating (like-new, very good, good, acceptable, etc.). This latest purchase was "fulfilled by Amazon" and stated as "new" but I do believe a third-party provided it to Amazon.  It was shipped from an Amazon warehouse and the purchased contributed to my getting free shipping with a minimum $35 order, which is only available with products shipped by Amazon.

93rubyz OP
40 posts
 
ccogopher

 

This seems to be happening a lot now. I had to return a pair of shoes that had been well worn (not just tried on and returned), and a suitcase that was scuffed up and had someone’s clothing lint inside. Both items were supposed to be new but obviously weren’t. I’ve read that it’s becoming a big issue with online retailers. Just look at negative reviews for the biggest retailer of all -they’re filled with people’s complaints of receiving obviously use merchandise.

Wow!

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