CDs still sought by some buyers (2024)

MANITOWOC, Wis.— Jim Vogel opened the brown cardboard box to find five new compact discs sandwiched between several vinyl records.

“CDs!” he said quietly as he fully opened the box.

After years of declining sales, people are still asking for and buying compact discs.

“I think they are more difficult to find for people,” Vogel said. “So, they end up at stores such as mine because historically we’ve sold them since they were a new team in the 80s and we still continue to bring them in and offer them both new and used.”

He’s the owner of Dr. Freud’s Institute of Fine Recordings in downtown Manitowoc.Vogel saidthe reasons people buy both new and used discs vary.

“I would say it’s generally an older demographic, however there are younger kids who may get a used vehicle that has a CD player in it and they want something to put in it.,” Vogel said.

Recording industry figures show sales of new CDs saw an upward bump in 2021 — the first in 20 years.Salessettledslightly through the middle of last year but are still higher than 2020.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, CDs accounted for almost $200 million in sales through mid-2022.

Vinyl records are probably the biggest comeback story in the music business. Compact discs aren’t at that level.

Allie Rappel has her mother’s CD collection in her car, which also happens to have a CD player.

“It’s really cool to listen to things my mom used to listen to and have that connection while I’m driving,” she said.

While Rappel grew up on CDs, she’s drawn to vinyl.

“They are nostalgic,” she said about the discs. “I just think I’d rather buy an album than a CD.”

CDs still sought by some buyers (3)

(Spectrum News 1/Nathan Phelps)

Which she did.

Vogel said CDs haven’t yet reached the revival or novelty level of records and cassettes.

“It’s yet to happen, but it’s hanging on,” he said. “There are people that still want them. I have customers that that’s what they buy and there are people who don’t want to go back to records.”

CDs still sought by some buyers (2024)

FAQs

CDs still sought by some buyers? ›

Vogel said CDs haven't yet reached the revival or novelty level of records and cassettes. “It's yet to happen, but it's hanging on,” he said. “There are people that still want them. I have customers that that's what they buy and there are people who don't want to go back to records.”

Does anyone want CDs anymore? ›

Absolutely! Although streaming and digital music are the most popular ways to listen these days, lots of people prefer the collectable nature and superior sound quality of CDs. This demand means that the vast majority of CDs are still worth something - and the amount you can make soon adds up!

Are people still collecting CDs? ›

After being in a steady decline since 2000, CD sales are actually rising. Last, almost 37 million CDs were sold — up nearly three percent year over year. Here are all the reasons I collect CDs and think you should, too.

Are CDs still worth buying? ›

CDs are a safe investment that can net you a higher return than most savings and money market accounts. Since rates have increased over the past year, they're more appealing to some savers. But with some banks already dropping rates, it's best to lock in a rate soon.

Will CDs become collectible? ›

With the resurgence of interest in vinyl and physical music formats, CDs have become hot commodities among collectors.

What is a fair price for used CDs? ›

Recent releases in good condition might average $2.00 to $10.00 STORE CREDIT, with some being worth more. For titles that do still sell strongly and are in very good condition, we typically offer between $2 and $4 STORE CREDIT (or 50% of the credit value in cash).

What is the best way to sell old CDs? ›

These are the best places to sell DVDs, CDs, games and books online:
  1. musicMagpie. Accepts: CDs, DVDs, Books and Games. ...
  2. CeX. Accepts: CDs, DVDs and Games. ...
  3. WeBuyBooks. Accepts: CDs, DVDs, Books and Games. ...
  4. GameXchange. Accepts: DVDs and Games. ...
  5. eBay. Accepts: CDs, DVDs, Books and Games. ...
  6. Amazon. ...
  7. Ziffit.
Mar 10, 2024

Should I get rid of my old CDs? ›

CDs don't biodegrade and can release harmful chemicals in landfills. It's best not to throw away old discs unless you have no other choice. A better option is to donate them to thrift stores or to music resellers who might resell them.

Who wants my old CDs? ›

Unwanted CDs, DVDs and records can be donated to charity shops or sold on sites like Zapper and Ziffit. Some Recycling Centres accept these items but this service does vary across the country. It's best to check with your local authority.

Are CDs going to make a comeback? ›

The humble compact disc has gone from relic to retro as Gen Z music fans look for ways to commemorate their favorite artists.

Are old CDs worth selling? ›

If you're wondering “are CDs worth anything”, you should know there's a lot of value in those old CDs, especially if you're an audiophile. These days, some streaming services are losing their luster – with some famous artists like Neil Young taking down entire catalogs.

How much does a $10000 CD make in a year? ›

Earnings on a $10,000 CD Opened at Today's Top Rates
Top Nationwide Rate (APY)Balance at Maturity
6 months5.76%$ 10,288
1 year6.18%$ 10,618
18 months5.80%$ 10,887
2 year5.60%$ 11,151
3 more rows
Nov 9, 2023

Is it a good time to buy CDs right now? ›

The top CDs on the market right now offer APYs above 5% for 12-month terms. For context, in 2021, when rates were around their lowest, the national average 12-month CD had an APY of just 0.15%.

Who buys the CDs? ›

Corporate entities, financial institutions, and investors utilize CDS as a hedging tool to protect themselves from adverse credit events. For example, a bondholder may purchase a Credit Default Swap to hedge against the default of the issuer, ensuring they receive compensation in case of a default.

Are there any rare CDs? ›

Top 3 Most Expensive CDs

Falling Hearts is a heavy metal gem from Korea. Although the album was reissued on CD in 2022, the original Korean CD is a rarity that a serious collector paid $3,000 for. Mightnight Over Honey River is a Japanese release from the American singer-songwriter.

What to do with CDs you don't want? ›

What Can You Do With Old CDs? If you don't feel like going through the hassle of boxing and shipping them, you can always just donate them to places like Goodwill and other charitable organizations. Another option (and probably one of the best options) is to turn them into something else. Let your creative juices flow!

Why are CDs no longer popular? ›

It's not just the physical attachment to the music that has been lost in the streaming era. In some ways, streaming has made the playlist more valuable than the music itself. Clicking like on a song provides significantly less emotional attachment for a consumer than buying and holding a CD, cassette or vinyl record.

How much should I sell my CDs for? ›

You're allowed to keep things flexible and test different prices in different markets and settings. You might sell a CD for $10 on consignment at a local record store, offer it wholesale for $6, charge $15 at a show in a wealthy area, or do “pay what you want” at a college gig.

What will replace CDs in the future? ›

With the shift to DVD audio, consumer-electronics manufacturers also hope to draw the musicbusiness closer to the growing home-theater market.

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