CD Collectors Hub

Practical information and observations on audio CD collecting.

Hunting for Used CDs: Strategies for Collectors

For any collector one of the key issues is how to find the CDs you want. This article will outline the various locations and methods, pointing out some pros and cons, and provide tips for successful sourcing.

How to obtain CDs is an individual choice. The effectiveness of each method depends partly impacted on what your goals are. Some collectors focus on reselling, others on an obscure subgenre for a personal collection. Some collectors have a large budget, others do not. Some have a lot of time to devote to the effort, others do not, and so forth. So, no method will work the same for everyone. It is hoped that this article will help give you some tips and increase the overall effectiveness of your CD hunt.

Since CDs are still in production, albeit in much smaller quantities and limited selection than before, they are available from several sources, usually at full retail prices. So while this article focuses on used CDs it is important to understand that some titles may be easiest to find new, and many new releases are realistically only going to be found new.

At this time, late in 2025, used CDs are plentiful and often low cost, sometimes very low cost. A decent collection can be built for almost nothing. But something to keep in mind is that building a low cost collection from opportunistic finds can lead to a hit or miss collection with large gaps. That can be fine if it is what the collector wants, but the limitations of that approach should be understood.

The following are the main ways for one to obtain used CDs today:

Online used market

  • Discogs
  • eBay
  • Facebook Marketplace

Used Retail Stores

  • Record Stores
  • Antique stores
  • Permanent indoor flea markets
  • Record shows

"In the Wild" hunting

  • Thrift stores
  • Estate sales
  • "Pop up" flea markets
  • Church rummage sales
  • Library sales
  • Garage sales
  • Charity sales, for example for pet rescue
  • Garbage dumps / transfer station
  • Friends and family

Each of these sources has their own advantages and disadvantages. I will discuss each in detail, giving my observations and recommendations for each. But keep in mind that regardless of the source, great finds can occur anywhere.

General comments for all used CDs:

  • If possible examine the CD and packaging.
  • Check for mold and/or water, or other damage.
  • Check carefully for scratches under good light. Ideally we want pristine CDs, no scratches of any kind.
  • Make sure the correct CD is in the case.
  • If it is a multiple CD case or set make sure all discs are present.

Detailed Discussion

Online Used Market

The sheer volume and selection from online sources is enormous. Almost anything you want will be available. Prices are usually higher, especially when factoring in shipping.

Discogs - sellers usually identify the exact release by matrix number. Discogs has the largest number of titles available, but cost is usually on the high side. It is different than the other sourcing options since you are not really hunting, just looking up. The lack of an option to physically view the product is an issue. There are no photos of the exact item you are purchasing so you are relying on a short written description from the seller.

eBay - very large selection. Shipping can be somewhat mitigated by buying large lots where the cost is spread out over many CDs. The CDs are sold by title but rarely exact release or matrix number. Sometimes that can be determined from the photos, but usually not. Photos may not show blemishes or scratches. Some terms are overused, for example "like new". Users can set up a "search alert" to be automatically notified when a new item is listed matching a specific search. This can be useful if one is looking for a a specific CD or lot. Some sellers do not know what they have and price things low and if sold via a "Buy it now" listing" can lead to bargains.

Counterfeits do show up, especially for box sets of popular artists. This is actually a problem everywhere.

Facebook Marketplace - many examples of large lots, say around 50 to 500 CDs for one low price. Often these are not very desirable titles but keep your eyes open, good listings do show up. There are also plenty of overpriced listings so it is important to know the value of what you are looking for.

Used Retail Stores

Record Stores - they should know what they have and price accordingly. Some stores are overwhelmed with collections and they may have dollar bins with good selection. CDs are usually secondary to vinyl at these stores, so they may not be looking specifically for early pressings, targets, and so on, focusing mainly on titles, so there may still be some good finds. Many CDs will be sold for a fixed price, usually $3 to $5 each, with just a few choice titles getting premium prices. Watch for sales, like 2 for 1 or $1 each.

Antique Stores - they usually do not know what they have and usually price based on the popularity of the artist. Often overpriced.

Permanent indoor flea markets - mid price, perhaps $2 each. Inventory can change slowly so once picked over it may stay that way for months. You will see a combination of vendors focused on music and media, and vendors with miscellaneous "storage unit auction" type material.

Record Shows - will have many CDs. Pricing and issues are similar to record stores. Vendors are often very open to negotiation.

True "In the Wild" Hunting

Thrift Stores - Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savers, and so on. This is the bread and butter source for many collectors. Typically there is a fixed price, most commonly $1 each, but this is regional. Some stores do individually price, usually based on artist. So something like a Pink Floyd CD, any title, is 5 dollars. An artist the person pricing does not know about, regardless of rarity, is 1 dollar. I have found signed CDs in these locations.

The major thrift stores have high traffic (a lot of customers) but also a high level of donations. Some even have people essentially camping out and immediately jumping on carts as they come out. If one of those regulars is a CD collector, you may never find anything. Find out the schedule for putting out new stock. Some stores only put out first thing in the morning. Always check condition, you should be doing this anyway but for sure at a thrift store. The CD may not even be in the case.

Estate Sales - possibly one of the best places to find a good quality, highly curated collection of CDs. Think of your own collection being sold off at $1 each, there would probably be some pretty good finds there.

Estate sales often post lots of pictures. Look at those pictures. Do they show CDs? Do they show other items related to what you collect? For example, are they selling a bunch of banjos? Then maybe they have a good bluegrass collection. Zoom in on the pictures, are any titles visible? Once I saw a picture of a huge pile of CDs. I could only identify one, Cream "Fresh Cream". Well, who would have that? Someone with an extensive classic rock collection, that's who. And they did. Some CDs can be identified by a fuzzy photo of the spine. The Beatles red and blue albums, for example. A single desirable CD visible in a photo is a reason to prioritize that sale.

Another trick for the hardcore CD hunter: from the photo, try and figure out where exactly the CDs are located in the house. Are casement windows or a concrete floor visible? That suggests a basement. Sloped ceiling or rafters? Top floor or attic, and so on.

For best results show up at the opening on the first day. There are other collectors out there. They may not be as focused as the vinyl collectors, but good titles will be gone within an hour or two. The sellers may offer bulk discounts so be sure to ask. Also it may be helpful to bring along your own bag, like one of those reusable grocery bags, to put all your finds in.

Garage Sales - these are seasonal in most parts of the United States. There are often other people cruising around looking for CDs so going early is important. Prices are low, often something like four CDs for a dollar. Look on Craigslist, Yard treasure map, Facebook Marketplace and similar sites for garage sale listings. There may be pictures or a description that is compelling. You will probably go to ten sales to find one with anything worth picking up. Another tip, ask the seller if they have any CDs, or if they have more CDs they did not bring out.

Pop up flea markets - the kind that are occasional, once a month or twice a year. These are worth checking out. It is rare to find anything spectacular but usually the price is reasonable and fixed.

Church rummage sales, library sales, and charity sales - very hit or miss. They are usually poorly advertised so may be poorly attended, which is good for you since there is less competition for buying. Some do not even accept CDs for sale.

Garbage Dumps and transfer stations - some have an area for people to drop off stuff that others can take for free. I personally have not availed myself of this source but it seems to be a reasonable option and the price is right. The reality is that the dump is where most CDs will probably end up.

Friends and Family - most people are not hanging on to their CDs so you might as well ask around if anyone wants to give them away, or perhaps offer to sell them at a reasonable price. Be thankful and gracious, even if it ends up being a bunch of scratched up junk.

Finally, the hunt is a numbers game. The more places or times you look, the better your chances of finding desirable CDs. Great finds can and do show up anywhere, and often when you least expect them. Good luck!