10 Tips For Ordering CDs & Vinyl From Amazon

For those of you that don’t have access to physical record stores, and perhaps have to rely on online retail stores for your music, this video is intended to help make the experience of using Amazon to get your music a better one. Join me as I run through 10 Tips For Ordering CDs & Vinyl From Amazon.
Related video:
My Love/Hate Relationship With Amazon
• My Love/Hate Relations...
Please help support my channel by subscribing, leave a comment, and hit like.

[@jazzpunk]

That particular Metallic album (cd) comes with a "free" Auto-Rip digital version when bought from Amazon. If you want the Auto-Rip, do NOT buy from the Market Place/resellers. Why do I like an Auto-Rip? 1- I get the music files immediately. I can then drag the files onto a USB drive...plugs into my car (which doesn't have a cd player). Works great, so far. 2- Since I get the music files immediately, I can select a different option vs. the 2-Day Delivery IF Amazon offers a $1-$2 freebie on digital purchases (music or movies). ;-)

[@offtherecord681]

I both love and hate Amazon 😄

[@BrendonSnyder]

I filmed a video a while back called My Love Hate Relationship With Amazon. See link if you’re interested kzbin.info/www/bejne/aofZeXqXqpaAl9E

[@hydeks]

That's everyone's feeling about Amazon lol

[@dancingbear86]

Me too sometimes.

[@Madhatter8547]

I’ll pre order fairly early a lot of the time, but keep my eye on the date and cancel the original order and re-order if the arrival date is sooner close to release. It’s easy to keep track that way, and cancelling an order is usually pain free.

[@BrendonSnyder]

It’s ridiculous that we have to keep an eye on it ourselves. You’d think Amazon would just update it in their system for all pre-orders.

[@dano1962]

Would love to see an Ebay video of the same topic. So many more pitfalls on Ebay that have happened to me over the years. I would like to see your take on what you have encountered. Keep up the GREAT videos that you do. They are well appreciated and so informative. You are a wealth of knowledge and it is so great that you share your thoughts with other viewers!

[@sandyfader4649]

You are absolutely correct about returns. In fact, quite often I will receive my replacement vinyl the next day after I request a replacement, less than 24 hours. I never hesitate to ask for a replacement from Amazon and they have never denied my requests. Also, often they have Amazon exclusives, for instance the new Rolling Stones LP Hackney Diamonds, not only do they have it in green vinyl, but with an alternate (and cooler) cover for pre-order. In my case I can say about 90% of my vinyl arrives undamaged, although I do occasionally get damaged vinyl due to pressing issues and those I do replace. But that is not Amazon’s fault. When my favorite on-line indie store sells out of a new release in a day or two, I then go to Amazon with great results. Good topic for a video.

[@lateramae]

I recently started ordering from marketplace re-sellers and I'm impressed! The CDs arrived in great condition and no cracks whatsoever. I don't mind waiting a week or two for my CDs, as long as they don't arrive damaged.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I know what you mean. I’ve suggested to Amazon on more than one occasion that they should add a button that for an added fee, you get deluxe shipping where they package better. I’ve told them I’m willing to pay for better shipping but I guess not enough people have expressed that issue that they feel it is worth it.

[@lateramae]

@@BrendonSnyder I agree! I'll pay extra for better packaging. I'm surprised Amazon hasn't done anything about this yet, regardless of how many people complain about it.

[@dansharkey5218]

All Great advice Thanks Brendon. In the Sumner months I have my cds & vinyl delivered to my local Whole Foods store otherwise delivery people leave it on my stoop in the scorching sun & to prevent theft.

[@mikesclassicrock9745]

Thanks Brandon , I using Amazon Canada a lot starting pandemic and never had problems.

[@RVALMAT]

It's great there in the United States. But here in South America, the shipping cost is too expensive. In many cases, it costs more than the product itself. So if I want to shop on Amazon, I have to choose at least two or three items, so the shipping cost ends up being less than if I chose just one product. Even so, in many cases, the full price on Amazon (including shipping) ends up being cheaper than the same items purchased at local stores here. That's why I keep buying on Amazon.

[@dano1962]

Great video! I am also an Amazon faithful. A few additional things. They have a lowest price guarantee for pre-order. I have gotten a small refund on several items because the advertised price has dropped since I pre-ordered. That is always nice! I also have done returns that they say "just keep the product" and I still get a refund. Another time I got a broken case CD and they offered a big discount to keep it and live with it. I did! A few times I get the refund for a damaged product just as soon as UPS scans the barcode at the UPS store when I return the item. I ALWAYS do a label & envelope return now after some bad experiences. A couple of times I did the "easy" return of an item with no packaging and just a QR code to scan and I never got the refund until I complained on their chatline.

[@jazzpunk]

I get a lot of damaged cd cases. If it's bad enough, I just replace it myself. Something I learned to live with, I guess. ;-)

[@jeffcorbitt8869]

Great info Brenden! Particularly the pre-order piece. I always order a couple of weeks before the release date and I’ve noticed that items are coming the following week or later in some cases. Will definitely start looking for the ‘Get on release day’ message going forward.

[@paulweaver]

When i was in the states I got my music from tower records and Sam goody or virgin music in florida 👍

[@speedking4951]

Online shopping really helped me during the covid pandemic! Great video Brendon.

[@trippy2022]

I had cinderella long cold winter shipped from the states to ontario canada… they put it in a plastic bag. The album cover was destroyed… i think a 5 year old packaged it. They wanted it returned in the original box… so i put it back in the same amazon bag and slapped some tape on it. Returned for full refund. And currently i have not gotten an album, and the delivery date has passed. Now i have to wait two more days to hear back from the seller. Tracking shows a label was created and it stops there… no movement through the system. I swear it wasnt even mailed… I think will break down and get prime…you got me sold on that. Thanks!

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yeah I’ve never understood when the label is printed but then the item doesn’t ship for several more days. I get tired of waiting with no update and no recourse.

[@alfredo3397]

Hi Brendon, great video. I've been watching your videos recently and i enjoyed them a lot, greetings from north of Mexico (CD Juárez) thanks for sharing your collection, I hope one day to have a collection like yours. Greetings.

[@JJBolli1]

Thank you, Brendon. I use Amazon all the time. Their communication and return policy is second-to-none. Conversely, I ordered a 2017 vinyl reissue of Judas Priest - Sin After Sin from Merchbar on July 2nd, because Merchbar "supposedly" had it on sale and in stock and Amazon did not. Well, it's been 11 days and I haven't heard a word from them. I guess I, the consumer, will have to take the initiative to reach out to them to find out the status of my order.

[@paulbainjr]

Great video there’s something about paying just 12 bucks on Amazon for a brand new CD like Eagles greatest hits. Or 8 bucks for Willie Nelson Stardust etc. Someday those prices will double it’s inevitable . I have Apple Music Spotify and You Tube music. If I just dropped one of those services and bought one brand new CD a month I’d have a growing collection . 🤔

[@BrendonSnyder]

Perhaps not. I mean, CDs used to cost $18.98 30 years ago and now CDs are less.

[@TheCDGuyJZ]

Lots of great insight! Amazon drives me crazy with the way they handle CDs... my copies always come with cracked cases or damaged spines. I try to go to record stores instead when I can.

[@mikemclintock3893]

Great video Brendon. I consider myself a seasoned veteran of Amazon due to the lack of record shops in my area but you gave me a couple of new tips. The pre-order is the big one. I want to get Marshall Crenshaw's Field Day reissue which comes out tomorrow but it says it would arrive Monday. So I will wait until it is released and see if it will arrive faster. I'm the same as you, don't like waiting for music, yesterday wasn't soon enough!

[@thomaswery3087]

Exellent thanks for the tips Brendon

[@BrendonSnyder]

My pleasure Thomas, I hope they’re helpful.

[@virtualsignals1215]

Amazon and Ebay are my two main sources, given I have no record stores within 300km of my home. Eba is better than Amazon on more obscure stuff or my main interest (hard rock). For instance, their prices and availability of Frontiers Records releases isn't great. Discogs is just too expensive for postage. Amazon is pretty expensive too, but they have good specials, you just have to watch out for them. Prime membership is a must have for the free delivery. Thanks for the video.

[@adkleiner]

I always forget what I am interested in when I go to a record store so what I do is when I find something on amazon and don’t want to buy it yet, I add it to my amazon wish list. That way, if I get a gift card or something I can easily remember what I wanted from amazon and or view the list in the record store…

[@BrendonSnyder]

Sometimes I write a list of things I’m looking for in advance of going to a record store so I don’t forget once I’m there. With so much to see it’s easy to forget what I went for in the first place.

[@Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown]

Very good tips!!!!

[@garyrobinson8665]

I've stopped buying vinyl from amazon. I've had one too many damaged sleeves from them. I'm now buying direct from the record label even though they are more expensive. I mainly buy blue note records.

[@tapanim6576]

Good advices. 👍

[@timbates6309]

One thing to watch or with Amazon is that on some items, they are cd on demand CDR's, usually with no back cover art, no booklet. Got burned that way more than once.

[@BeatUpRecordsCDs]

I deliberately don’t have an account online. To resist the temptation of ordering expensive CDs and box sets on a regular basis. Cos that’s what I’ll do. 😋

[@BrendonSnyder]

All I can say is don’t deprive yourself.

[@superunknown2812]

I was buying alot of cds off amazon for the past 2 years now i find im buying more off ebay or even discogs which i just joined a couple months ago,great community on there when it comes to music.And with ebay and discogs sometimes sellers will let you make offers to get them cheaper.I just recently got the 1987 edition of AcDc back in black in near mint condition for 10 bucks where as amazon will charge me 15 to 20 bucks for the digipack which im not a fan of digipacks im.old school like jewel cases and there easy to replace.Overall its good to have 3 different places to buy from overall to get the best deals.Buying cds can get pretty expensive sometimes unless you shop around.

[@MrMusic193]

As far as packaging, Ebay is awesome. Sometimes, you really need to work to get those open. Hey, not complaining because they come in great condition.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yes the packaging from independent sellers is often way better than Amazon. Problem is, I can’t get everything from eBay or if I can it takes forever for it to arrive. Prefer not to have to order from overseas and wait for customs. I tend to balance the things I don’t like about Amazon with the pluses it has. But it’s all in what works for you.

[@Stephen1164]

Very interesting video, I keep a supply of jewel boxes just so I can replace and damaged jewel boxes asap. I did once get busted up Jewel boxes from Target, they shipped replacements right away n told me to keep the 2 CD’s in the damage Jewel boxes or donate then to a school or library, find that interesting. I love my Amazon Prime only go to Target to get CD’s with bonus tracks. I know you can sort preorders n see them in order by date but it only works that you see the preorder the furthers away, with you can see preorders so you see what’s coming out the next week.

[@AngelLopez-vi3nr]

Excellent video Brendon! The one thing that I think you sort of brushed over in this video is prime music versus Amazon music unlimited. Just because you pay for prime does not mean that you get Amazon music unlimited automatically. That is a separate charge. Also, if you only have prime music, you will not get access to Amazon music, unlimited’s cd, quality streaming,or Dolby Atmos mixes. Please clarify this for your viewers at some point in the future. Thanks so much for all the great work you do Sir. Peace!

[@deathtodigital4097]

I got stung with that but they did refund me the charges

[@SO-ym3zs]

One of the big downsides to ordering CDs from Amazon is the extremely high proportion of cracked or shattered jewel cases I get. It's far less common from other sellers on Ebay, Bandcamp, etc. Amazon will take returns, but why should I have to bother with that all the time when they could just package items better and not throw boxes at the door?

[@BrendonSnyder]

I completely agree with you. While dealing with returns is easy, it shouldn’t be the norm that I have to return nearly every other item I order.

[@SO-ym3zs]

@@BrendonSnyder I'm sure they factor the costs of all those returns into their business model, but it sure seems stupid to alienate and annoy customers and have to pay for all the return logistics when they could just package things right the first time. Never made sense to me.

[@dancingbear86]

I encounter broken jewel cases all the time and it's a big bummer! Sometimes it's both sides and the occasionally the inside of the case is cracked. I wish Amazon would package the CDs a little more carefully. Most marketplace sellers I've ordered from package the CDs really well so nothing often gets broken. I always keep a supply of blank Maxell single CD jewel cases handy to replace a front, center or back of a CD if the case is broken.

[@SO-ym3zs]

@@dancingbear86 That's the irony: it's clearly possible to ship CDs carefully so they don't break. It's just that Amazon literally doesn't care. I guess it's cheaper for them to pay for returns than to pay to package things well. Doesn't make much sense, but there it is.

[@briankessler3501]

75% of cds that order up from Amazon have broken jewel cases; am always leery to order box sets from them due to shitty packaging. My go to is Import CDs as much better packaging and only costs a few dollars more with less damage. Edit #1: Import CDs on secondary marketplace on Amazon is the SAME as their website, albeit the cds are usually a dollar or two cheaper on Import CDs website. And cheaper to ship than the $3.99 Amazon tacks on. Fyi for all the viewers.

[@unclestinky6388]

You could set up an AZN affiliate link where you get a small commission if a viewer uses the link to buy something you recommend.

[@JasonGladu]

I also use the wish list (by year) - and review it every week to see what is below $10.

[@BrendonSnyder]

It good way to take stuff you’re interested in without having to look each one up individual.

[@PopPop_2]

When your order arrives from Amazon, if it's in a clear bag with green writing it means it's been damaged, returned or something else. I always return it immediately. I bought the Destroyer box set and returned it 3x because they sent me 3 of them that were opened. They then canceled the order. Don't accept opened goods from Amazon.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yeah that happened to me once but the next one that was sent was factory sealed. I’m those instances I always chat with a representative to explain the issue and guarantee the replacement is new.

[@SO-ym3zs]

One minor correction: in some areas, USPS does deliver packages on Sunday. An important note about Prime shipping, too, is that it's not as quick as they want you to believe when they sign you up. It's two-day delivery from when the item ships, not when you order, and items are frequently delayed by a day when they're out on the truck. It's not too uncommon for some "Prime" delivery items to take a week to arrive. Prime really comes into its own if you also use the various streaming services.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yes on rare occasions USPS will deliver something on a Sunday but it’s not a given. I don’t know how they decide when to deliver on a Sunday and when they don’t. But Amazon always delivers on Sundays. So there is no figuring it out with them. And of course it’s 2 day delivery from when it ships. That said, I’ve never had it take a weeks. Usually it’s a day to process the order and that’s because it’s ordered in the middle of the day, then it ships the next day. So if you want to get technical the from the time I hit the order button it might be 2 and a half days…haha 😂

[@SO-ym3zs]

@@BrendonSnyder My understanding is that Sunday USPS delivery varies by area. I'm one of the lucky ones who gets it. It came as a pleasant surprise after a lifetime of no mail on Sundays. With Prime, people just need to go into it knowing it's not always a rosy as Amazon pitches it. In fact, the FTC is going after them, and a number of class action lawsuits have been filed recently relating to Prime.

[@digitalpicker]

It’s pretty simple, really. The USPS delivers Amazon packages on Sundays due to an agreement between the two. Hasn’t anyone else put that together? When you see a USPS vehicle in your neighborhood on Sunday, that’s what they’re doing… Amazon stuff.

[@SO-ym3zs]

@@digitalpicker Also Priority and Express Mail packages.

[@paulburrows7908]

I've ordered a hundred cds of Scamazon this year alone and 90 of them had a cracked case. I prefer Ebay. Never comes broken.

[@BrendonSnyder]

While I don’t like the cracked case, at least you can change it.

[@turntabillist]

Interesting stuff.Thanks for all these helpful tips. I always thought importcds on Amazon was indeed the same as the online seller but it very well may be different as you suggest. Sometimes I'll compare the Amazon price and then go to the importcds website and the price will be quite a bit different. Of course, you have to factor in tax, whether you'll be getting free shipping or not, etc. Also, I have mostly been happy with Amazon shipping/packaging EXCEPT, I would say about 50% of the time I get a cracked jewel case. Such a buzzkill. Just out of curiosity, do you have any go-to specific replacement jewel cases that you use? So many of them are so cheap and flimsy. I used to use them from Office Depot, but they have been discontinued and I haven't really found any that were as good as those.

[@Starman2112ofKings]

Nice info video. I was curious if you knew why some new release CD’s come in a jewel case and others are in digi park? Like you I prefer the jewel cases. Even if it’s cracked replacing it is easier than dealing with a digi pak that’s smashed like a sandwich or if it’s a digi pak that has a CD spindle holder that’s broken in shipping. Can’t replace that without a return 😡

[@chrisvalentine6852]

Brendon - have you found a work around when viewing a band CD offering on Amazon? They used to a have band page where it listed all the CDs and a lot of those were unique packaging, complications, dual or tri past CD releases from the band back catalog. It looks like Amazon now just takes you to their Amazon Music page and you only see the normal release and not the more unique ones tied to a band. I have a large collection of music so I am more interested in unique releases instead of the normal one. Trying to find a work around is why I am asking and was wondering if you found one. Thanks!!! Chris

[@madcrabber1113]

I've never preordered anything and have had zero issues getting whatever it is when it actually comes out.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Then you’re awesome!

[@TheMetalComedianene]

Amazon Prime is better. It’s quick and delivered straight to the mail. I am trying to order stuff online right now including cds, vinyls along with metal merchandise.

[@topographic1973ify]

One other small thing, I have my VPN set for Australia because if I try to run it in the States it shuts off on me constantly. I have no idea why. If I have it on that setting if I try to order on Amazon it doesn't register. If one looks up in the left hand corner there's a spot that shows a delivery location and if I'm ordering from the U.S. Amazon won't take my order if it thinks I'm ordering from Australia. I have to change the delivery location to the United States and then it will work. Sometimes I just reset my VPN to the U.S. again for a short while if I think I'm going to be on Amazon for a bit but if it's just going to be quick I'll change the delivery location on Amazon back to the U.S. and then place my order.

[@norseczar27]

Be careful you don’t buy a mix on demand album

[@PickedLastinGymClass]

Had a coworker order an X-Files Blu-ray set through Amazon, a $500 item. Warehouse slapped a shipping label on the cellophane and sent it off. Totally damaged, with all corners banged up and beaten in. He didn't bother with a return, and just gave it to me instead. Great score for me, but still...

[@BrendonSnyder]

Sounds like your co-worker doesn’t like confrontation or doesn’t value money. I don’t know which but you don’t give $500 away. But see it’s these kind of people that are making it worse for us. Amazon knows most people won’t complain so they just keep doing it and that affects us all. So next time you see your co-worker make sure to thank him for helping to keep shipping practices bad. 😂👍

[@nelsonmaud1]

Just letting you know import cds I've gotten on ebay too I've gotten some vynils police and other album releases that rnt available here there excellent I do like Amazon too

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yes, you can find anything on eBay…but this video is about ways to make Amazon better for people. There will be a separate video about eBay.

[@rodcrispo5859]

Amazon prime costs more! I can wait, society needs instant gratification these days

[@BrendonSnyder]

I order hundreds of items a year. Maybe even nearing a 1,000. Not just CDs but everything. Prime which costs $139 a year, and provides free shipping, is made back to me because every time I order I don’t pay the $4 shipping. After 35 orders I’ve made it back. But yes it’s an added benefit to get things quicker. If you run out of toilet paper do you want to wait a week or get it the same or next day? I’m going with quicker is better.

[@SO-ym3zs]

​@@BrendonSnyderPoint taken, but one quibble: at last check, non-Prime Members can still get free shipping if they order over $35. So, it's not actually $4 reach order. But that's presupposing you're willing to wait and have at least $35 you need/want at once. And that's a big "if" for most folks.

[@SO-ym3zs]

​@@BrendonSnyderPoint taken, but one quibble: at last check, non-Prime Members can still get free shipping if they order over $35. So, it's not actually $4 reach order. But that's presupposing you're willing to wait and have at least $35 you need/want at once. And that's a big "if" for most folks.

[@purplesabbath]

they don't replace my cds damaged...I have to send back cd for refund...they use to send replacement and give me 30 days to return damaged cd...that seem to start at the beginning of the year...I can still order cd but I won't get refunded for damaged one til they receive it...which could take 2 weeks or more

[@BrendonSnyder]

I don’t get the refund right away either. But if I request “replace with exact same item” they ship it next day and I get it before returning the damaged one. If they have stopped doing that for you, they may feel you have returned too many times when they don’t feel it was warranted. You should call them and speak to a representative and try and resolve it. I have found that I always need to explain in detail the issue as to why I am returning. I use key words like “damaged” and “broken”. But I will say this, they do not consider a cracked jewel case damage. I’ve only returned a CD that had a broken jewel case when the damage of the jewel case also caused damage to the inlay or insert. For that they do consider it damage and returnable.

[@jpcastrianni]

Amazon is able to sell things so cheap because they don’t really pay the artists. I have friends who are musicians have begged people not to buy their records from Amazon.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Sounds pointless to set up and sell through Amazon and then tell people not to buy through Amazon. Just simply don’t sell through Amazon then. That sounds like better business sense to me. 👍

[@boogerbrains138]

Support your local record shops!

[@BrendonSnyder]

I do but they don’t carry everything. And not everyone has local record stores to shop at. This video is for those that rely on Amazon to get their music. And if you’re only shopping at your local record stores then you’re missing out on a world of music. Don’t limit yourself.

[@kbrewski1]

Computere 101. Lmao. Granny, you watching this?? 😂

[@BrendonSnyder]

Hey don’t knock it, lots have found this helpful. I make all kinds of videos for all types of music fans.

[@davidkornblatt851]

Ive been accused of being an audiophile… but I listen to music through a stereo 70s style hardly Audiophile grade!

[@BrendonSnyder]

Ok, but what does that have to do with ordering music from Amazon?? 🤷‍♂️

[@user-nu4uk8cw5u]

Surprised you don't order early doors to get the guaranteed price? Box sets often go up in price before release date, but if already ordered, Amazon refund the difference.

[@BrendonSnyder]

With Prime as long as you pre-order before the album is released you are guaranteed the lowest price. So I don’t need to pre-order weeks in advance to get the lowest price.

[@user-nu4uk8cw5u]

@@BrendonSnyder I don't think it goes in reverse, so if it was 9.99 four weeks ago and is now 15.99 and out next week, and you ordered it today, you'd be charged 15.99.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I promise you is does work that way. No matter when you pre-order, even one day before and you get the lowest price before release day. I see the refund hit my account all the time. Ignore it if you want but it’s your lose.

[@sandyfader4649]

You are absolutely correct about returns. In fact, quite often I will receive my replacement vinyl the next day after I request a replacement, less than 24 hours. I never hesitate to ask for a replacement from m Amazon and they have never denied my requests. Also, often they have Amazon exclusives, for instance the new Rolling Stones LP Hackney Diamonds, not only do they have it in green vinyl, but with an alternate (and cooler) cover for pre-order. In my case I can say about 90% of my vinyl arrives undamaged, although I do occasionally get damaged vinyl due to pressing issues and those I do replace. But that is not Amazon’s fault. When my favorite on-line indie store sells out of a new release in a day or two, I then go to Amazon with great results. Good topic for a video.

[@mumu-ib5vk]

Amazon, no way, lot of dreamer, I order only from Japan 👍

[@briandick21]

If only Amazon's packaging matched its customer service. What a waste of time, energy and cardboard having to return all the damaged items they send me.

[@movielove587]

I live on Amazon 😂😂😂😂

[@BrendonSnyder]

You and me both! 😂

[@drummusicinc4027]

I’ve ordered and received hundreds of CDs from Amazon. My complaint is out of all those CDs, maybe 5 Yes I said 5, arrived without cracked jewel cases. Even the ones not visibly cracked, have the spindle teeth that holds the disc in place,cracked, broken off etc. This indicates heavy material stacked on top of my cd. They use flimsy plastic envelopes and they suck.

[@neilbower9052]

I never use the world's largest tax dodgers for anything.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Your loss!

[@SgtPepperlll]

You want advice for ordering CDs from Amazon? My advice would be to order them from somewhere else. Amazon is not good for America.

[@BrendonSnyder]

🤦‍♂️