Buy Used DVDs / Blu-Ray Discs in Singapore
Why are there no Used / Pre-Owned / Second-hand DVDs on Sale in Singapore?
The foremost answer as to why it is difficult to find shops / stores selling used / pre-owned / second-hand DVDs / Blu-Ray discs in Singapore - Government Regulation.
For entrepreneurs to start a business retailing used / pre-owned DVDs, they first need to apply for an annual film distribution license from the MDA (Media Development Authority). MDA's fees as quoted ad verbatim in their website are given below:
Applicants of the Film (General) Distribution Licence can either apply for a one-year or a three-year license. The license fees are S$600 for a one-year licence and S$1,500 for a three-year license. A security deposit of S$20,000 by cheque or a bank guarantee will have to be furnished.
Applicants of the Film (Restricted) Distribution Licence can either apply for a one-year or a three-year license. The license fees are S$1,200 for a one-year licence and S$3,000 for a three-year license. A security deposit of S$30,000 by cheque or a bank guarantee will have to be furnished. Applicants must also comply with the following conditions for the sale and marketing of restricted (i.e. NC16 and M18) videos:
In addition, such businesses cannot buy DVDs / Blu-Ray discs from customers directly if these DVDs / BluRay discs do not have the official MDA film rating stickers.
This smacks of bureaucratic overkill and prevents entrepreneurs from tapping new markets and increasing employment and economic wealth for the country. Such a policy encourages piracy, and supports big film companies at the expense of consumers and potential small Sg businesses.
While the easing of film censorship have come a long way since the dark days of the pre-quasi-liberalized Board of Film Censors (BFC), Singapore has still a long way to go before SG residents are given the freedom of personal choice which will enable them to stretch their limited dollars among other things. Businesses are also limited in their options to offer services that will benefit consumers.
At the moment, second-hand DvDs, BluRay, etc are only offered in limited range in the following type of Singapore stores:
For entrepreneurs to start a business retailing used / pre-owned DVDs, they first need to apply for an annual film distribution license from the MDA (Media Development Authority). MDA's fees as quoted ad verbatim in their website are given below:
Applicants of the Film (General) Distribution Licence can either apply for a one-year or a three-year license. The license fees are S$600 for a one-year licence and S$1,500 for a three-year license. A security deposit of S$20,000 by cheque or a bank guarantee will have to be furnished.Applicants of the Film (Restricted) Distribution Licence can either apply for a one-year or a three-year license. The license fees are S$1,200 for a one-year licence and S$3,000 for a three-year license. A security deposit of S$30,000 by cheque or a bank guarantee will have to be furnished. Applicants must also comply with the following conditions for the sale and marketing of restricted (i.e. NC16 and M18) videos:
- Ensure compliance with the stipulated age requirements;
- Ensure that films rated NC16 and M18 and selected PG videos carry the appropriate consumer advice issued by the Board of Film Censors;
- Ensure that the display of publicity materials conform to the guidelines issued by the Board of Film Censors.
In addition, such businesses cannot buy DVDs / Blu-Ray discs from customers directly if these DVDs / BluRay discs do not have the official MDA film rating stickers.
This smacks of bureaucratic overkill and prevents entrepreneurs from tapping new markets and increasing employment and economic wealth for the country. Such a policy encourages piracy, and supports big film companies at the expense of consumers and potential small Sg businesses.
While the easing of film censorship have come a long way since the dark days of the pre-quasi-liberalized Board of Film Censors (BFC), Singapore has still a long way to go before SG residents are given the freedom of personal choice which will enable them to stretch their limited dollars among other things. Businesses are also limited in their options to offer services that will benefit consumers.
At the moment, second-hand DvDs, BluRay, etc are only offered in limited range in the following type of Singapore stores:
- DVD rental stores which want to get rid of surplus ex-rental titles like Gramophone, Ezy Video
- Second hand shops like Cash Converters who have licenses to deal with second hand goods
Probably the best way to buy used / pre-owned / second hand DVDs or BluRay is by checking online for individuals wishing to sell their collections. Buying from these people can be risky as you don't know if there is something wrong with the discs or that it is pirated /self-burnt.
Buying from ebay
You don't see many second hand DVDs or Blu-Rays on www.ebay.com.sg because of the government regulations on such trades.
Buying Blu-ray, dvd discs from ebay sg singapore. Click to Read more here.
Purchasing from Amazon etc
So if you want to buy used / pre-owned / second hand DVDs or Blu-Ray discs, you will have to ask an overseas friend to buy and mail it to you. I am told that Sg Customs may close an eye if you bring in PG rated discs from the likes of Amazon but don't count of being lucky all the time. If caught, you have to pay for the MDA licensing fees before you can take receipt of the discs. Otherwise, you will have to send the discs back or have it destroyed under Customs sg supervision.
Of course, you could buy budget Code 3 DVDs but do not expect the quality to be similar to those full priced Region 1 discs from the USA. These are precisely the reason why people go underground and do lots of illegal things like ripping, downloading or buying pirated discs from surround countries. You won't find pirated DVDs discs at Sim Lim Square nowadays but there are lots of opportunities to buy contraband items if you look hard enough. Contraband items that may support terrorist / criminal activities. Why are we helping crooks when we can be supporting legitimate businesses, big and small, in Singapore?
What a terrible waste of Singapore taxpayer resources.
Related Article: Best DVD Video Rental Companies in Singapore
Buying from ebay
You don't see many second hand DVDs or Blu-Rays on www.ebay.com.sg because of the government regulations on such trades.
Buying Blu-ray, dvd discs from ebay sg singapore. Click to Read more here.
Purchasing from Amazon etc
So if you want to buy used / pre-owned / second hand DVDs or Blu-Ray discs, you will have to ask an overseas friend to buy and mail it to you. I am told that Sg Customs may close an eye if you bring in PG rated discs from the likes of Amazon but don't count of being lucky all the time. If caught, you have to pay for the MDA licensing fees before you can take receipt of the discs. Otherwise, you will have to send the discs back or have it destroyed under Customs sg supervision.
Of course, you could buy budget Code 3 DVDs but do not expect the quality to be similar to those full priced Region 1 discs from the USA. These are precisely the reason why people go underground and do lots of illegal things like ripping, downloading or buying pirated discs from surround countries. You won't find pirated DVDs discs at Sim Lim Square nowadays but there are lots of opportunities to buy contraband items if you look hard enough. Contraband items that may support terrorist / criminal activities. Why are we helping crooks when we can be supporting legitimate businesses, big and small, in Singapore?
What a terrible waste of Singapore taxpayer resources.
Related Article: Best DVD Video Rental Companies in Singapore
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