Discussion Forums - Questions about SwapaDVD

I have received some DVDs from the site that were ex-rentals from Blockbuster or Hollywood Video which is fine by me, I just want to watch the movie. Now I'm getting ready to post some that I'm done with to my tower and have a few general questions. Do I need to remove the stickers from the cases? I assume it OK to list ex-rental copies, right?

Hi Dan,

Yes, it is fine to post ex-rentals.  It is a shame the person who sent it to you did not remove the stickers first.  I always do. The stickers usually come off easier at first than after they have been there awhile.  A nice thing about ex-rentals is the case it usually stronger than the typical dvd case.  Like you, I don't mind ex-rentals as long as the person is selective about what they purchase.  I drive them crazy at my BB because I make them open each one before I buy it.  I check out the artwork before I take it to the counter, I check out the disc before I pay and then I ALWAYS watch anything I buy before I send it out. I also wipe off any fingerprints or smudges with a microfiber cloth.   I wish others would do the same whether buying them at rental stores, garage sales or pawn shops.

The same rules apply as to all dvds you post -- must play, must have original artwork and must come in a case.

A hint if you are trying to get the stickers off and having trouble -- remove the artwork before using any products to try to soften the adhesive.  I've gotten dvds where the artwork is damaged by liquid and I wondered if that was what happened.  Or maybe they were just using it as a coaster  :O)

Dan, When I first joined SwapaDVD, someone gave me several previously rental videos.  I was able to get remove the stickers by heating them with a blow dryer.  It helps soften the glue so you can remove the sticker.  I don't think you have to remove the stickers, but I like to take them off if I can, and I also remove any sharpie markings from the top of the DVD disc using nail polish remover. 

GooGone is magic at removing sticker residue.

(Sheena, thanks for the nail polish remover tip!)

"GooGone is magic at removing sticker residue."

So is WD-40 .   I have found I have the same luck with WD-40 as Goo Gone and  you get much more for the money.  ;)

I just don't like rental copies. They're always more banged up.

I've gotten plenty of blockbuster copies that were in perfect condition and plenty of retail dvds that are very banged up.

I'm with you Kathryn.  The only dvds I've received that did not play were retail.

Usually the ex-rentals are buffed back to near perfect condition before they are sold. Hastings, Blockbuster and Family Video all do this (at least at the stores I have visited.) 

I've had very good luck with rentals. The only rentals I have gotten that were banged up were ones that spent some time in a private collection and were not handled well.