Tips for Buying Second Hand Audiobooks
Used Audio Books Can be a Low Cost Way to Extend a Listening Library
Feb 22, 2009
Many people look for second hand or used audiobooks as an alternative to new audiobooks. The main reason for this is that second hand or used audiobooks are often substantially cheaper than buying a new edition. This can be a very good way to buy audiobooks. There are, however, some things to watch out for when buying used audiobooks:
Condition
Many very old or well loved audiobooks may have an audio quality that has deteriorated over many plays. This is more likely in audio cassettes that have sometime become distorted over time. Cd audiobooks may be scratched and this can make the sound unreliable or even make the cd unplayable. While this may not be an issue with very cheap or low cost audiobooks, where audiobooks cost more money then it is worth checking the quality of the audio before buying. This is easier to do when buying from a shop or an individual than it is when buying online.
Digital Copies
Buyers need to be very aware of the issues surrounding buying second hand digital copies of audiobooks. Many digital audiobooks are only able to be read on specific listening devices or by the person who bought the copy. These audiobooks cannot be copied and redistributed. Buyers may find that they need a password to unlock the copy or can only be able to play the audiobook on nominated devices. The terms and conditions of some digital audiobooks state that they cannot be resold. Therefore when a buyer is looking to buy a cheap digital second hand audiobook it is definitely a case of ‘buyer beware’ and the buyer must be content that they are happy about what they are buying before they part with money.
CD and Cassette Copies
Sometimes copies of audiobooks are sold cheaply as second hand or used versions. This is generally illegal and unauthorized copies of audiobooks are known as pirated copies. Copies audiobooks are often of inferior quality and should be avoided.
‘Too Good to be True’
If an audiobook deal looks too good to be true then it is often worth avoiding. Occasionally nearly new editions of best sellers such as Harry Potter come up for sale at very low prices. On closer inspection, however, these are sometimes pirated copies or fakes.
Buying from Reliable Sellers
Buying second hand audiobooks can be a very rewarding experience. There are many reliable sellers who sell used audiobooks for valid reasons. Libraries, for instance, often sell of old audiobooks and collectors may look at reducing their audiobook collection. It can be less easy to determine the quality of audiobooks sold at garage sales or thrift stores. When buying from online auction sites the seller feedback function allows prospective buyers to check the reputation of the seller before buying from them.
With a little thought buying second hand audiobooks can be a great low cost way to listen to a new range of audiobooks.
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