Turn VCR's for Profit?

Come to find out used VCR's (video cassette recorders or players) can actually be a nice item to pick up on the cheap and resell on Amazon. Take a look at the Top 10 selling VCR's on Amazon and the prices they're fetching. Anywhere from $50 to $300 and more depending on the make and model.

Recently, I have been picking used VCR's from local thrift stores and Goodwill for $1 to $3. This one I just found Monday at Goodwill for $2.99.

After checking it out to see if it actually powered on and would load and eject a tape, I bought it and brought it home to hook up to the TV and thoroughly test it out. All functions worked great and now have it listed on Amazon for $79.99 


I know it's hard to believe because who would want a VCR when you can have a DVD? But there is a market for VCR's. They are now being looked at as "retro" or "vintage", kind of like Vinyl Record Players. There are others who have large collections of VHS tapes who just love their VCR and would rather replace it if it breaks, instead of converting everything to DVD. Who know's all of the why's and who's purchasing them, but they are and that creates a market to meet.

Still can't believe it? Here is some screen shots of VCR's that have recently sold at AZ Discount Haus on Amazon. All were purchased at Goodwill for $3 or less.

Now, before I decide to buy a VCR at a thrift shop I will look it up on the Amazon Seller App to check the going price and sales rank. Some brands and even specific model numbers sell better than others. For example, the Panasonic model pictured above is one that sells quickly and at a higher price. In fact I've sold 4 of this specific Panasonic model in the last 30 days.

Also, stick to ones that are NOT too banged up. Make sure all the buttons and knobs are intact. A few cosmetic scratches are okay, so long as you disclose that in the description of your listing. If the remote comes with it, that is even better and will help in getting a few more dollars out of the unit. But if it doesn't, that's okay too, just make note of it in the description of the listing.

I hope some of this information is useful and will help you in making some extra dollars while you are out there thrifting, picking and Goodwill hunting.