Still looking for perfect games and movies trade site
Getting closer all the time
from 
JoeUser Forums
JoeUser Forums
I think I've written a short blurb on this before, but since I've completed several trades now, it's time for an update anyway...
As the link in the sidebar may indicate, I've tried Peerflix as a (legitimate and legal) DVD trading site and have to say at this point the verdict is still out on them. A 5 second summary on them would probably be something like:
- not enough of in demand titles (especially TV series sets)
- values offered for popular titles and TV series sets too low to inspire members to supply them
- mailer system is cheap, cheesy and not protective of discs sent to members
Meanwhile, I explored around a bit and was referred over to a similar site called Switchdiscs.com (referral came via a nice forums for discussion of the various DVD/game trading systems that can be found here: DVDTradeTalk).
Switchdiscs is an interesting site and I'm finding myself pleased with them over-all, though there are things that need improvement sooner, rather than later. (They have promised serious changes coming soon that should help with most of the issues that customers have spoken up about).
On the positive side, Switchdiscs is far more upscale compared to Peerflix. Where Peerflix has members trade "discs only", Switchdiscs has members provide (in most cases) all original materials (disc, case, artwork, etc.). Switchdiscs permits trades of "discs only" if desired, but typically the persons that make such trades are left to charge fewer Switchbucks (the currency for their trading market) for those items.
On the negative side, members of Switchdiscs set the pricing for their items currently, using "suggested values" to get an idea what to charge. The values are not inline (in most cases) with the real value of the items being traded. As an example, a new release movie that you could get used on eBay, from Amazon, or buy cheap in a place like Blockbuster may be listed with a value of 20 Switchbucks. If you really desperately wanted that movie from the Switchdiscs member and had no credits earned up from trading away other items you could buy the Switchbucks at a $1 = 1 Switchbuck ratio (directly from Switchdiscs). If you did that, you'd realize that you are probably over-paying to get the movie at that price. (Though you don't have to pay tax, and don't pay shipping and handling charges as those are built into the price, you also don't pay fees to Switchdiscs.com, except to buy the Switchbucks if necessary).
TV series sets can appear to be over-priced as well, with most season sets priced around 60 Switchbucks. If you were paying cash for those bucks, then the prices are easily seen as too high, though if you used a simpler exchange rate, then things aren't that far off. As an example, if you traded away 3 single DVD titles (movies) and got 20 Switchbucks each, then you're really trading 3 single titles to get that one 60 Switchbucks series set.
A huge advantage (in my mind) with Switchdiscs is that they allow you to trade things from various platforms and then use the currency you earn to get any item they have in their system. Their system includes console games, handheld games (PSP and Gameboy), DVD movies (including TV series sets and such), and music CDs. So, if you have a music CD you want to get rid of, you list it as available, pick a price for it (or accept the recommended value) and when someone trades for it and receives it, you'll get that value in Switchbucks you can use to help you get another music CD, or a DVD, or even a video game.
Personally I've so far found that video game trading, or at least trading away, to be the most useful item for me, though I also made use of the cross platform trading feature. I traded away a few PSP movie titles, earned some Switchbucks from those, and then requested a copy of Smallville Season 3 series set. After watching that set I've now put the set back into the system and made it available for others to request if they want. After I trade that set away, I'll have some Switchbucks that I can spend to get another video game, another series set, some music or whatever I want. That feature I like a lot.
Another nice feature at Switchdiscs is their feedback system and comment system. You can contact other 'switchers' as you browse available items and see that they have something you might want. You can check their feedback and see how others have rated them as traders, and read comments left about them. It gives you a good idea of who you'd be requesting discs from or supplying them to.
A few negatives (besides the seemingly screwey pricing for items) from Switchdiscs:
- their system for allowing you to list items for trades works based on UPC codes for items. Their database is far from complete and doesn't allow for adding unaccounted for titles at all.
- there are no exchange fees or other fees to be paid to Switchdiscs, but their site does use and include Google ads and such. You'll see the ads as you browse the site, and I think you get them in notification e-mails also
- their search system is currently broken, it works ok I guess, but often requires you to refresh to see results, and then refresh again to really see results of changed options (such as "list only available" titles)
Again, Switchdiscs has promised changes "RSN" (Real Soon Now) that will bring a new version of their site online. When it hits, pricing is supposed to be closer to correct on items (and users apparently won't be able to set their own price values for items).
I'm hoping to make more and more use of Switchdiscs as time goes on. I have a few more TV series sets coming, and a few more Xbox 360 games I'll wind up trading away. It sure beats the heck out of getting ripped of by EB Games or Gamestop on the poor values they offer for used items
As the link in the sidebar may indicate, I've tried Peerflix as a (legitimate and legal) DVD trading site and have to say at this point the verdict is still out on them. A 5 second summary on them would probably be something like:
- not enough of in demand titles (especially TV series sets)
- values offered for popular titles and TV series sets too low to inspire members to supply them
- mailer system is cheap, cheesy and not protective of discs sent to members
Meanwhile, I explored around a bit and was referred over to a similar site called Switchdiscs.com (referral came via a nice forums for discussion of the various DVD/game trading systems that can be found here: DVDTradeTalk).
Switchdiscs is an interesting site and I'm finding myself pleased with them over-all, though there are things that need improvement sooner, rather than later. (They have promised serious changes coming soon that should help with most of the issues that customers have spoken up about).
On the positive side, Switchdiscs is far more upscale compared to Peerflix. Where Peerflix has members trade "discs only", Switchdiscs has members provide (in most cases) all original materials (disc, case, artwork, etc.). Switchdiscs permits trades of "discs only" if desired, but typically the persons that make such trades are left to charge fewer Switchbucks (the currency for their trading market) for those items.
On the negative side, members of Switchdiscs set the pricing for their items currently, using "suggested values" to get an idea what to charge. The values are not inline (in most cases) with the real value of the items being traded. As an example, a new release movie that you could get used on eBay, from Amazon, or buy cheap in a place like Blockbuster may be listed with a value of 20 Switchbucks. If you really desperately wanted that movie from the Switchdiscs member and had no credits earned up from trading away other items you could buy the Switchbucks at a $1 = 1 Switchbuck ratio (directly from Switchdiscs). If you did that, you'd realize that you are probably over-paying to get the movie at that price. (Though you don't have to pay tax, and don't pay shipping and handling charges as those are built into the price, you also don't pay fees to Switchdiscs.com, except to buy the Switchbucks if necessary).
TV series sets can appear to be over-priced as well, with most season sets priced around 60 Switchbucks. If you were paying cash for those bucks, then the prices are easily seen as too high, though if you used a simpler exchange rate, then things aren't that far off. As an example, if you traded away 3 single DVD titles (movies) and got 20 Switchbucks each, then you're really trading 3 single titles to get that one 60 Switchbucks series set.
A huge advantage (in my mind) with Switchdiscs is that they allow you to trade things from various platforms and then use the currency you earn to get any item they have in their system. Their system includes console games, handheld games (PSP and Gameboy), DVD movies (including TV series sets and such), and music CDs. So, if you have a music CD you want to get rid of, you list it as available, pick a price for it (or accept the recommended value) and when someone trades for it and receives it, you'll get that value in Switchbucks you can use to help you get another music CD, or a DVD, or even a video game.
Personally I've so far found that video game trading, or at least trading away, to be the most useful item for me, though I also made use of the cross platform trading feature. I traded away a few PSP movie titles, earned some Switchbucks from those, and then requested a copy of Smallville Season 3 series set. After watching that set I've now put the set back into the system and made it available for others to request if they want. After I trade that set away, I'll have some Switchbucks that I can spend to get another video game, another series set, some music or whatever I want. That feature I like a lot.
Another nice feature at Switchdiscs is their feedback system and comment system. You can contact other 'switchers' as you browse available items and see that they have something you might want. You can check their feedback and see how others have rated them as traders, and read comments left about them. It gives you a good idea of who you'd be requesting discs from or supplying them to.
A few negatives (besides the seemingly screwey pricing for items) from Switchdiscs:
- their system for allowing you to list items for trades works based on UPC codes for items. Their database is far from complete and doesn't allow for adding unaccounted for titles at all.
- there are no exchange fees or other fees to be paid to Switchdiscs, but their site does use and include Google ads and such. You'll see the ads as you browse the site, and I think you get them in notification e-mails also
- their search system is currently broken, it works ok I guess, but often requires you to refresh to see results, and then refresh again to really see results of changed options (such as "list only available" titles)
Again, Switchdiscs has promised changes "RSN" (Real Soon Now) that will bring a new version of their site online. When it hits, pricing is supposed to be closer to correct on items (and users apparently won't be able to set their own price values for items).
I'm hoping to make more and more use of Switchdiscs as time goes on. I have a few more TV series sets coming, and a few more Xbox 360 games I'll wind up trading away. It sure beats the heck out of getting ripped of by EB Games or Gamestop on the poor values they offer for used items
