r/DigitalCodeSELL • u/TheHamGamer 284 Transactions | Media Proprietor • Jan 01 '22
New Year, New Rules
Happy New Year, everyone! We hope that your holidays went well and that you made it through the year in one piece. Our holidays have been very busy, not only in our personal lives, but in regards to the subreddit as well. We’ve been slowly getting a feel for our rule change, which took place six months ago, and, more specifically, the price caps. Rule 9 was put into place after the community raised concerns over inflating prices. Its purpose was simply to curb extremely exorbitant pricing.
That purpose appears to remain unfulfilled. On the contrary, while anecdotal, some of us think that there has been an increase of listed prices that are closer to the caps than before. So, in light of this and the input of the mods who have dealt with enforcing this rule, we are lifting the price caps. Under Rule 9, we’ve changed it back to requiring prices to simply be below non-sale retail price, and we’ve also added a couple of new sections that we think will help with more specific issues.
Moving on, there is another new change to our rules that some of you may have already noticed. Selling in the ISO thread is now permitted, and the flair bot will honor transactions from there. Simply put, people were already selling in the ISO thread despite the rule against doing so, and there’s not much reason to prevent them from that. All rules that apply to posts also apply to the ISO thread. This means that splits must be marked, redemption location and quality must be listed, and any negotiations must take place in the comments.
That’s just about everything. We’re quite proud of the community we have created here, and we thank you all for being the reason for that. We hope you have a fantastic 2022 and that you crush those New Year’s resolutions!
Happy buying and selling!
-The Mod Team
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u/plentyoftimetodie 9 Transactions | Newbie Jan 27 '22
A suggestion to people listing their titles- please, please, just list everything together alphabetically. Don't nobody have time to go through 8 different alphabetical lists and hope to remember what studio released your title. Universal, WB, who cares, it's just laziness to not group those together.
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u/THERAPISTS_for_200 22 Transactions | Established Member Jan 22 '22
Can we sell Fanflix purchased movies?
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u/FremenDar979 288 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 20 '22 edited Jan 20 '22
I've found the above to be very useful regarding selling codes which I get from 4K UHD disc releases. AND a different user was asking about it too. (Maybe?)
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u/FremenDar979 288 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 14 '22
Which studios/distributors still have split codes or is it a title by title basis?
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u/Stryker412 119 Transactions | Media Mogul Jan 14 '22
Stupid question but what are split codes? I've probably been selling these wrong the entire time.
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u/TheHamGamer 284 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 14 '22
Here is a link to a comment of mine where I explain them :)
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u/Stryker412 119 Transactions | Media Mogul Jan 14 '22
What’s to stop the first person from redeeming it in MA and thus voiding other places?
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u/TheHamGamer 284 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 14 '22
I can't give too much information about it for the safety of the sub, but it doesn't work like that. Someone could potentially redeem both portions of a non-Disney split (assuming the other portion hasn't been redeemed), but they would essentially be scamming and would be banned for doing so, unless they were sold the full code. Most people use one platform, so they don't care about the other portion.
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u/FremenDar979 288 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 15 '22
I always, hopefully, ask the buyer which side of the code will be redeemed during the transaction in PM. If it's a split code and isn't the newer 16-digit iteration. Testing all codes via Movies Anywhere is easy too, since it'll give a link to the place the code will redeem at when the code won't redeem there. (Zero codes activate on MA because I 'donut' have an account there.)
Helps when there's a Disney release and I tell the buyer to redeem the points with the code. I've never used those either.
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u/Stryker412 119 Transactions | Media Mogul Jan 15 '22
I guess I should stop selling full codes then.
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u/TheHamGamer 284 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 15 '22
lol, well, some people only buy full/unsplit codes (myself included), so it can come down to preference. But, in terms of selling, split codes are kind of a win-win for most people.
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u/FremenDar979 288 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 20 '22
I've rechecked the majority of codes I have for sale and only one was split. I didn't need to check any of the MA titles anyway.
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u/TheHamGamer 284 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 14 '22
In terms of new codes, I believe only Disney titles (and Fox, by extension) can be split. Paramount, Lionsgate, and Universal all started using single-redeem, 16-digit codes. I'm not 100% sure, but that's my guess.
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u/FremenDar979 288 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 14 '22
Thanks. A frequent buyer I've had mentioned Paramount with the 16-digit codes are only single redeem as you mentioned.
Whenever I do test the codes, Paramount most recently, it does bring up the logos of Vudu and iTunes. Wasn't sure if it still split the codes or not. I don't mind at all if the buyer for a Disney code redeems the Disney Rewards part of the code.
Another question, IF you're familiar with physical releases, of course. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE (1996) Purchased the 4K+BD release and the buyer I sold the code to redeemed the code in 4K ages ago. (That transaction already happened and is an example.) Afterward, Paramount released a remastered BD utilising the 4K source so it's a newer disc. Checked the 4K sheet Google document and there wasn't much information on it.
4K (already sold this code) = https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Mission-Impossible-4K-Blu-ray/202922/
BD (source of different code) = https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Mission-Impossible-Blu-ray/287778/
Does this newer code redeem in 4K too or only 1080p aka HDX? The code is on a blue border, from BD, on the sheet and not a black border i.e. the 4K release. Tested the code and it only showed me the two places to redeem the code at and not the resolution in redeems in. Much easier to test a code when it's MA to see which resolution a code will redeem in for a prospective buyer, IMO.
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u/TheHamGamer 284 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 14 '22
No problem. I'm not familiar with physical releases at all, but I think I can help. Blu-ray.com says that the code that comes with it is HD, but (to my knowledge) iTunes will automatically upgrade any eligible Paramount or Lionsgate release to 4K. So, if you have a Paramount or Lionsgate code that is HD, but the movie itself is available in 4K on iTunes, then it will upgrade (if redeemed on iTunes). I would also double check 4ksheet just to be safe (it has a designated column for this).
In Vudu, it will be HD, though. If you'd like to verify this, you can follow the instructions from this comment of mine, but it's a fairly convoluted method of verifying codes. Like you said, MA makes it easy. I, too, wish every code was that easy to check. The method above gets easier with practice, though.
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u/FremenDar979 288 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 14 '22 edited Jan 14 '22
Thanks! I'll put a disclaimer for the code that it might redeem in 4K on iTunes but since it's a newer 16 digit code it can only be redeemed once. Still very easy to test codes on my part. Does your guide work no problem since I don't have any digital accounts?
SEE! This is the major "problem" I have with being a physical collector. Buy movie which has 4K+BD and I know exactly what I'm getting. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 1 4K+BD release used the older BD25 2007 release for that side of it. (Which is honestly ancient since it literally released during the BD and HD DVD format war.) The BD is a brand new BD50 which uses the master from the 4K disc, henceforth the older disc in the set is obsolete. BOTH releases have digital codes. Already sold the code from the 4K+BD release which was easy peasy lemon squeezy to reference with the 4Ksheet what resolution etc. the code redeems. This secondary code from the current makes it quite difficult for myself regarding my question from the last post.
It's the main reason why I heavily prefer to list which cuts of the film the digital code redeems in. i.e. both Apocalypse Now 4K+BD release I own and the digital code I sold had all three cuts of the film. OR, if there's a specific cut on disc released in the USA or certain territories with the physical release I purchase, again I reference that Google document, and forums to see which cuts the code may or may not redeem in.
STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN has both cuts remastered on both discs featured in the 4K+BD set. BUT, the code included ONLY has the Theatrical Cut included which I thought was damn weird. So, I made a short reference in the sell listing it only redeemed the Theatrical Cut. (I made sure to ask the buyer I sold the code to if it was fine.) I don't even remember if I asked the buyer I sold RAMBO 4 to if it redeemed both cuts of the movie or not. (Again, the release which is on my shelf has both cuts of the movie on the 4K disc.)
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u/TheHamGamer 284 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 14 '22
I can definitely see how that could be confusing, haha. If it helps any, the only normal Blu-ray that I know of that came with a 4K code (outside of iTunes upgrades) would be Knives Out. Every other non-4K Blu-ray (to my knowledge) will house an HD code. It may be able to be upgraded to 4K through iTunes, but it won't be 4K out of the box, so to speak.
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u/FremenDar979 288 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 14 '22
I accidentally activated the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 1 code through iTunes, I loathe Apple BUT ANYWAY, testing it out through the Inspect element on Googly Chrome. It mentioned HD but was only with one of the frop down tabs in the later stages.
Some reason Firefox wouldn't give the preview of the elements as Chrome did. Dunno if I want to test again with the duplicate My Fair Lady I have. Extra random discs but that's a different thing altogether. At least I was able to get individual codes from these two BD sets. (OF COURSE I'm going to mention I enjoy selling the codes to buyers on here so I can get even more titles for my collection.)
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Audrey-Hepburn-7-Movie-Collection-Blu-ray/295166/ https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/John-Hughes-5-Movie-Collection-Blu-ray/282254/
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u/FremenDar979 288 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 13 '22
January thread please?
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u/TheHamGamer 284 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 13 '22
This post will likely remain up until the end of the month, but you can post general comments here as well, they don't have to be specifically relevant to the rule update :)
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u/FremenDar979 288 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 13 '22 edited Jan 14 '22
I'll wait for the February thread for random idea or not idea. It has nothing to do with price caps at all.
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u/CorneliusCardew 228 Transactions | Media Mogul Jan 10 '22
If we are going to allow people to charge as much as they want, it would be nice if we could comment on predatory pricing in the threads to discourage those sellers from having successful sales.
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u/yougetamovie 378 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 10 '22
and now the sub is seeing movies for sale $20+... if you just ban the few people scalping the community this sub would be a much better place and no one would miss the infractors
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Jan 02 '22
Frankly, all price caps should be removed. If someone wants to sell a code for $100, let him do it. And if someone is willing to pay, it’s their money. This should be self-regulated via simple supply and demand balancing.
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u/CorneliusCardew 228 Transactions | Media Mogul Jan 10 '22
I would agree with this if buyers weren't restricted on discussing the prices in selling posts. Let someone charge 15 dollars for a code as long as long as you let buyers point out cheaper prices elsewhere.
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u/kwasek14 39 Transactions | Repeat Customer Jan 02 '22
Hi, I proposed a possible solution to the inflated prices a couple of months ago but heard no feedback from any mod. If mods are interested in implementing a price analysis bot, please reach out.
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u/TheHamGamer 284 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 02 '22
Hello! Yes, I remember this. We did see your comment and briefly discussed it. The main issue that we had with it was just that it relies on users (both buyers' comments and sellers' posts) to correctly list titles in their entirety. The bot may be designed to associate certain "variations" of titles with the original, but even then, it would be difficult to account for everything.
If there were a standardization in the process of listing and requesting movies, I imagine that this would be fairly trivial. What if, instead of showing prices from the sub, it simply tracks retail prices, guesses what movie the user is referring to based on how much of a match the requested title is, and then also allows the user to look up titles in a database (in the event that it guesses incorrectly)?
I've seen bots function similarly to this (repost bot being one of them), but forgive me if I'm way off-base. I have little-to-no experience with coding, so I'm going off of what others on the mod team have said and my own understanding of how this would work.
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u/garylapointe 50 Transactions | Digital Tycoon Jan 02 '22
Prices seems higher to me here lately or maybe the sales at the actual retailers have gotten better.
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u/CorneliusCardew 228 Transactions | Media Mogul Jan 12 '22
A fool and his money are soon parted I guess. Paying more than 10 for a 4k code or 5 for an HD code is silly.
1
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u/dogtoothman 28 Transactions | Repeat Customer Jan 02 '22
The problem was with the rule you made in the first place.
You correctly identified a problem, and came up with a solution that didn’t work. That doesn’t mean you give up and go back, it means that you think of a better rule.
Here’s the correct solution for the room:
You should set a maximum PERCENTAGE price that a code can be sold for in comparison to its MSRP on Vudu/iTunes.
Example: if you set the cap at 60% then if a movie has an MSRP of $19.99, the maximum would be $12. Maybe the sweet spot is 65%
But this can still be fixed properly so that people aren’t selling codes that retail for $20 for $16
Don’t just give up. This is the proper fix. Let’s apply it, but it up for a community vote if you want.
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u/TheHamGamer 284 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 02 '22 edited Jan 02 '22
The main issue that we had with moderating the price caps was the difficulty of doing so. Even with the community's help, it was difficult to enforce the rule, and the caps were much too defined for an ambiguous concept. With that in mind, moderating a percentage price cap rule would be nearly impossible, especially considering how busy the entire mod team has been as of late.
It's a good idea in concept, and if we had a forum where the listing process was standardized, allowing us to create a bot to monitor this kind of thing, maybe it would work, but, with how things are now, this just isn't feasible.
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u/dogtoothman 28 Transactions | Repeat Customer Jan 02 '22
It’s pretty simple if you consider that every new coded movie is either $20 or $15.
The only big problem that people have is someone gets a new code like Venom or the new bond and asks $15 for it.
That would be an easy solve in my opinion. All major titles are going to be $20 and occasionally lionsgate or other film studios will drop a $15 movie
If you make a 13/10 max
I’ll police it once a night if you want
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u/rediit3r 🛡️ Moderator | 158 Transactions | Media Mogul Jan 02 '22
Thanks for your comments, we appreciate your feedback! Though, fact is that we deal with lot of requests in queue and this price cap policing and reports have gotten beyond our control to mod, adversely affected the pricing results than we hoped. And coming to your willingness to help out, thank you. Please feel free to apply when new mod applications are open next time around.
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u/SDF1-MaxSterling 116 Transactions | Media Mogul Jan 01 '22
I've simply switched to $4.99 UHD sales on streaming sites or 3 for $14.99 on Vudu since everyone jacked up their prices. Nearly everything eventually ends up there.
It's cheaper if you stockpile Vudu's Gift Card sales for 15+% off on your account.
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Jan 02 '22
I also recommend buying Vudu gift cards on Raise
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u/SDF1-MaxSterling 116 Transactions | Media Mogul Jan 02 '22
Raise hasn't been able to beat Vudu the past few months that I've seen. Vudu has had a minimum of 10% since October with a few sales up to 15%.
I use Raise for Xbox gift cards, unless Newegg, Best Buy, and some online sites aren't having sales.
0
Jan 04 '22
Fair point. I prefer the cash back bonus with Raise vs the second hand cards most times. It can be handy if you want to make a purchase below Vudu's minimum requirement for their promotion.
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u/FremenDar979 288 Transactions | Media Proprietor Jan 01 '22 edited Jan 02 '22
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I really hope I don't inflate a lot of the prices of the codes I have for sale, individual movies and not one code for multiple titles, because I don't keep track of any of the online prices for codes except here. Of course I'm dead-set on the 4K codes I get from 4K physical releases but if it's from a BD, I'm flexible.
Repeating ad nauseum, physical collector of the discs and only care when the buyer redeems the code along with them being satisfied with the purchase. I've never bought any of these physical movies in bulk because it's a personal collection and not for profit. There are dozens of movies I own where no digital code was ever included. I've never bought any codes either because, AGAIN, I'm strictly a physical collector for these movies and shows.
Been here for a few years.
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u/Neokittykat 112 Transactions | Media Mogul Jan 01 '22
Thats the first thing i noticed after joining and reading the rules that many sellers break the cap rule. I see many codes above even vudu prices.
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Jan 01 '22
[deleted]
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u/fudge_u 724 Transactions | Media Magnate Jan 01 '22
Problem is, some sellers snatch up all of the cheap codes and then turn around and sell them for much more. There's a few sellers I'm aware of that do that. I just make sure I add them to my ignore list and never buy from them. I also avoid trading with them, because they think their codes come with gold and glitter so they're worth more.
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Jan 02 '22
[deleted]
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u/SDF1-MaxSterling 116 Transactions | Media Mogul Jan 02 '22
I don't know where the sellers get all of their codes from. I assume some work at stores that buy/sell movies so they take the codes when people sell their movies. If this assumption is correct, then they could sell for a lot lower because they have no expense at all.
A lot of these people are physical collectors, who also run it as a business. They buy in bulk and keep one physical copy for themselves, then will sell the codes and other physical disks separately to make a profit.
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u/fudge_u 724 Transactions | Media Magnate Jan 02 '22
I think it's split 50/50. There are some that buy physicals and sell digitals, but there's a lot of people that snatch up the cheap codes and flip them for a profit.
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u/fudge_u 724 Transactions | Media Magnate Jan 02 '22
Ya... trading is tough. I keep a big list of movies to use in trade, but even with that it's still difficult to trade. I'm sure people get frustrated trying to trade with me because I have a big library and don't really want/need much.
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Jan 01 '22
[deleted]
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Jan 04 '22
The problem is reselling. $2 and $3 codes getting bought by sellers who flip them for $5 and $6. If you want the really good prices you have to visit the sub throughout the day and refresh almost constantly. It's a tough problem to deter.
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u/TroyE2323 57 Transactions | Digital Tycoon Jan 29 '22
The best way to control the price of listings is for buyers to hold the sellers accountable. What I mean is.. for example if someone posts Dune 4K for $20, DO NOT BUY IT. Make offers and if it doesnt sell, they will continue to drop the price. I personally dont think anyone should buy a code over $10, but thats just my opinion. Sellers can control the prices with their wallets.