Honest answers to the questions everyone asks.
If anything's still unclear, just ask. We'd rather walk you through it than have you guess.
Pricing & payment
How much do you pay for DVDs and Blu-rays?
Most DVDs pay $0.25 to $3 each, with rare or out-of-print titles paying $5 to $15+. Most Blu-rays pay $0.50 to $5, with steelbooks, Criterion, and 4K UHD discs paying $5 to $40+. Full pricing guide →
How long until I get paid?
Same day we confirm contents. End-to-end timeline for mail-ins is typically 3–7 days: label sent same day you accept → you ship (2–5 days transit) → we inspect (1–2 business days) → payment that day.
What payment methods do you use?
Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or a mailed check. Your choice. No cryptocurrency, no gift cards, no store credit.
What if I disagree with your offer?
No problem. For mail-ins, we'll send everything back at our cost. For local pickups, we don't haul anything away without your verbal agreement. We'd rather lose a deal than pressure anyone.
Why do prices vary so much?
Resale value drives everything. A common mainstream DVD sells for $1–3 on eBay; a Criterion Blu-ray sells for $25–40. We pay roughly 25–40% of resale, accounting for our time sorting, listing, photographing, packing, shipping, and platform fees. Bulk and rare items get higher percentages.
Shipping & pickup
How does the mail-in process work?
Submit the quote form. We send a ballpark within 24 hours. If you like it, we email a free prepaid USPS or UPS label. Pack the box (we'll send packing tips), drop it off, and we handle the rest. Step-by-step →
Do you offer local pickup in Minnesota?
Yes. Free pickup across the Twin Cities metro (Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Edina, Eagan, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Burnsville, Woodbury, and surrounding suburbs) for collections of 200+ items. We bring the boxes.
What about smaller local lots?
We offer drop-off at a Twin Cities meeting spot for smaller collections. Just mention it in your quote request and we'll arrange a time and place.
Do I need a photo ID to sell to you in person?
Yes — for any in-person transaction (local pickup at your home, or drop-off at a Twin Cities meeting spot), we ask for a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). It's standard practice for secondhand-goods buyers in Minnesota, and it keeps both sides protected. Mail-in sellers don't need ID — your shipping address serves as the record.
I'm outside Minnesota. Can I still sell?
Absolutely — we buy from anywhere in the U.S. via free prepaid shipping. The process is identical and we still pay the same day we confirm contents.
How should I pack the box?
Discs stand up vertically in a sturdy box, packed tight so nothing shifts. Use crumpled paper or bubble wrap to fill gaps. Don't stack discs flat on top of each other — they crack. We'll send a packing tips PDF with your label.
Condition & what we buy
What condition do items need to be in?
Discs should play. Light scratches are fine. Cases and original artwork are preferred but not required — we buy disc-only at a reduced rate. We don't buy discs with cracks, deep scratches that affect playback, mold, or significant water damage.
Do I need to make a list of every title?
No. Rough counts and condition are enough for a ballpark. If you have anything you suspect is rare — box sets, anime, Criterion/Arrow/Shout, sealed games, complete-in-box retro — mention those by name. That's how we quote accurately.
Do you buy VHS, CDs, or LaserDiscs?
Selectively. Sealed/rare VHS (horror, Disney Black Diamond, slipcovers), select CD box sets and audiophile pressings, and LaserDiscs by title. List what you have and we'll let you know.
Will you buy a partial collection?
Yes. We can take just what we want and leave the rest. For mail-ins, we'll text you a revised number before paying if anything didn't fit — you can accept, ask for items back, or have us donate them. No surprises.
About Northstar Disc Buyers
Are you a legitimate business?
Yes. Northstar Disc Buyers is operated by the team behind Reels & Relics, an established eBay seller with a strong eBay seller reputation. We're a Minnesota-based business with a verified Google Business Profile and a real human phone line.
Why are you better than Decluttr / SecondSpin / eBay?
Decluttr and similar services use barcode scanners that miss rare titles and lowball everything else. Selling on eBay yourself takes hours per item and weeks to finish. We sit in the middle: a real human reviews your list, prices fairly (with extra love for the rare stuff), pays fast, and you skip the listing grind entirely.
How are you connected to Reels & Relics?
Same owners, same warehouse, same expertise. Reels & Relics is our retail brand for selling. Northstar Disc Buyers is our brand for buying. Two storefronts, one trusted team.
Where in Minnesota are you based?
Twin Cities metro. We do free in-home pickups across the metro area. We also offer a drop-off point for smaller lots — details in your quote response.