VHS tapes, once the dominant format for home entertainment, might seem like a relic of the past to some. Yet, in recent years, there has been a noticeable resurgence of interest in these bulky cassettes, driven largely by the nostalgia of Millenials and a sense of retro charm for 90’s obsessed Gen-Z’ers. Many people who grew up in the '80s and '90s have fond memories of watching their favourite films on VHS, rewinding them to the right spot, and even dealing with the occasional tape jam. The grainy, analogue aesthetic of VHS tapes adds to their appeal for those who appreciate vintage media.

There’s also the fact that many titles released on VHS never made it to DVD or streaming platforms. For film enthusiasts or collectors, owning a VHS copy of a rare or forgotten film is sometimes the only way to watch it. This revival of interest has caused some VHS tapes to become sought-after collector’s items, and in some cases, they are worth a surprising amount of money.

Whether you’re looking to declutter or capitalise on a growing market, selling VHS tapes can be a rewarding endeavour. The real trick lies in figuring out which tapes have value and where to find the right buyers. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of selling VHS tapes in the UK, from evaluating their worth to navigating the best platforms for selling them.

Assessing the Value of Your VHS Tapes

Before you dive into selling your old VHS tapes, it’s important to understand their value. While many tapes might seem worthless, others could be surprisingly valuable, depending on certain factors. Here are some key aspects to consider when assessing the potential value of your collection.

Rarity

The rarer a VHS tape is, the more valuable it’s likely to be. Special edition releases, tapes from independent film producers, and movies that never transitioned to modern formats (like DVD or Blu-ray) tend to fetch higher prices. Certain horror films, for instance, are notoriously difficult to find, making them popular with collectors.

Condition

As with any collectible item, condition is crucial. Sealed or unopened VHS tapes will typically be worth more than tapes that have been used. If the packaging is in good shape, without any cracks or discolouration, that can also add to the value.

Demand

The demand for VHS tapes can fluctuate based on trends and nostalgia. Films from popular franchises, cult classics, or obscure genres often see an increase in value because they have a dedicated fanbase or because there’s simply no other way to view them. Fortunately, right now there has been an increase in interest - perhaps because more people that grew up with them have more disposable income now?

What Are Some Of The Rarest VHS Tapes?

Photo by Bruno Guerrero on Unsplash

Certain Disney VHS tapes, especially those marked with the "Black Diamond" logo, have become extremely valuable to collectors. While not all of them are worth a fortune, titles like Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid in mint condition can still sell for upwards of £50-£100.

Obscure or banned horror films are also highly sought after, as many of these were never re-released on DVD or streaming. Examples include rare versions of well-known films like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre first editions (which we’ve found for $850 on ebay USA!) and Evil Dead (here’s a never-opened version for $2200!), as well as more obscure B-movie horrors such as Death Spa (on ebay for $225!) and Black Devil Doll / Tales From The Quadead Zone ($1500 on ebay!).

How To Know What Your VHS Tapes Are Worth?

To get an accurate idea of what your VHS tapes are worth, you can start by checking online platforms like eBay. Search for completed listings to see what similar tapes have sold for recently. However, as with anything rare or collectable, this can be misleading as sometimes people will list things for ridiculous prices just to chance their arm at a big sale.

Another great resource is VHSCollector.com, a website dedicated to cataloguing and pricing VHS tapes. It hasn’t been updated in a couple of years, but that doesn’t matter a huge amount as there’s so much content on there about all the old films. 

Another potentially more accurate method is to join VHS collector groups on Reddit and Facebook where you can ask for estimates or learn more about what’s currently in demand. But be warned - you may open a can of worms and some very heated debates! There’s also the danger of people trying to lowball you with silly offers in the hope of bagging a bargain - so beware of DMs! We find that generally speaking, people will give good, honest advice in the comments sections, but anyone DMing you instantly tends to be either a scammer, or just someone hoping to get it for less than its worth. 

Where Can I Sell My VHS Tapes Online? 

Once you’ve figured out which tapes in your collection are valuable, it’s time to think about where to sell them. There are several online platforms where you can list VHS tapes for sale, each with its own pros and cons.

1. eBay

 The most obvious answer is eBay - one of the most popular platforms for selling VHS tapes. It’s user-friendly, and the global audience increases your chances of finding a buyer for rare or collectible tapes. Here are some tips for selling on eBay: 

• Write detailed descriptions of each tape, including the condition of both the tape and its packaging. If the tape is a rare edition, make sure to mention that as well.
• Check completed listings to get a sense of how much similar tapes have sold for and price yours accordingly. It’s best to start with a slightly higher price to allow for negotiation.
• Ensure you package VHS tapes securely to avoid damage in transit. You may also want to offer international shipping (eBay offer a free global shipping program which means you only pay the cost of sending it to their UK warehouse - they will then handle the rest), if you’re selling rare tapes that could attract overseas buyers. 

2. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a great option for selling VHS tapes locally, as you can reach buyers in your area without having to deal with shipping. This platform is ideal if you’re selling tapes in bulk or lower-value tapes that might not fetch much online. Since it’s local, you can also avoid postage fees and arrange to meet buyers in person. But beware.. Facebook Marketplace is the new wild west! It’s probably the #1 choice of the modern scammer. So beware any direct message, anyone offering to send you money via Western Union, anyone wanting to send their cousin with cash, and even anyone wanting to pay by PayPal ‘friends & family’.

3. Gumtree

Another popular UK-based platform, Gumtree used to be the king for bargain hunting but it has now been overtaken by FB Marketplace. As with Marketplace, it is great for selling VHS tapes locally. Like Facebook Marketplace, it allows you to target nearby buyers, and the process is simple. You list your items, negotiate prices via messaging, and arrange a pick-up or delivery. But it’s also where a lot of the same scams now happening on Facebook began their scammy lives, so be careful! 

4. Depop and Vinted 

Though traditionally associated with clothing and fashion, platforms like Depop and Vinted have gained traction in the vintage and retro community. Depop have a ‘film’ category, but it’s not immediately clear how to get to it. We find by searching for the film title, or even searching ‘VHS’ in the search bar, you can find it though. Vinted makes it easier by having a ‘Video’ link in the ‘Entertainment’ part of their menu, and within there, there is a category for VHS, and even Betamax and Laserdisc! 

If you have quirky, collectible VHS tapes, these platforms may attract niche audiences. You’ll want to use hashtags like #vintage and #retro to reach the right buyers.

5. TapeHead Forums 

Forums like TapeHeads.net are great for connecting with other collectors. While these forums aren’t traditional selling platforms, they offer a community space where you can discuss the value of tapes, learn about what’s in demand, and potentially strike up private sales or trades with other members.

6. Facebook VHS Groups 

Facebook has several VHS-specific groups where collectors gather to trade, buy, and sell tapes. Some popular UK-based groups include "UK VHS Collectors United, Sell, Trade, Wanted" and the snappily titled "UK British VHS Video Tapes BUY & SELL -Also DVDs, Vinyl Records & Cassettes" These groups are a great way to engage with dedicated buyers who are always on the lookout for rare finds.

7. Charity Shops 

The old-school, offline methods can still work too. Many charity shops in the UK still accept VHS tapes, particularly if they are in good condition and have potential resale value. Some of the larger charity shop chains, like Oxfam and British Heart Foundation, may take tapes, though it’s always best to check with your local shop first. They’re perhaps not the place to sell your rare £500 Black Diamond copy of Beauty & The Beast though, as you may find they disagree with your valuation! 

8. Car Boot Sales 

Car boot sales are an excellent way to sell VHS tapes directly to buyers without the hassle of shipping or online fees. Popular venues in the UK, such as Kempton Park or Denham Giant Car Boot, often attract vintage lovers and collectors who may be on the lookout for VHS tapes. You can set up a stall, display your collection, and engage with potential buyers in person. Again however, not the place to sell the most valuable tapes.

9. Record and Vintage Stores 

Certain independent record and vintage stores may be interested in buying VHS tapes, especially if you have a collection of rare or cult films. Stores in major cities like London, Manchester, and Bristol often have dedicated sections for retro media, including VHS tapes. Examples include Flashback Records in London or Empire Exchange in Manchester which is an incredible treasure trove of collectibles of all kinds. 

Tips for Successfully Selling VHS Tapes

Selling VHS tapes can be straightforward if you take a few key steps to prepare. Here are some tips to help you maximise your sales:

1. Prepare and Clean the Tapes 

Before listing your tapes for sale, ensure they’re clean and in the best condition possible. Wipe down the cases, remove any dust, and check that the tapes still play correctly if you have a VCR handy. Buyers will appreciate knowing that the tapes have been well cared for.

2. Take Clear, Attractive Photos 

Good photos are essential for online sales. Take clear, well-lit pictures of both the front and back of the tape’s case. If there’s any damage or wear, be honest about it and show it in the photos. If the tape is in excellent condition, highlight that with close-up images.

3. Bundle Collections 

If you have a lot of tapes to sell, consider bundling them into collections based on genre or theme. For example, you might create a bundle of Disney films, action movies, or horror tapes. Buyers are often willing to pay more for a well-curated collection.

4. Be Prepared to Negotiate! 

Don’t be afraid to negotiate with buyers, especially if you’re selling on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. Most buyers will try to haggle, so be prepared to discuss pricing, but know your bottom line. If a buyer seems particularly interested, they might be willing to pay more than the initial offer.

So there you have it - while you can make money off rare VHS tapes, it's not the easiest thing in the world! However, if you've got priceless old home movies on VHS that you can no longer watch due to not having a VCR anymore, and perhaps you're worried about losing them forever if the tape gets damaged or gets mouldy - then you should consider converting your VHS to digital with us, Digital Converters. We can convert your VHS to DVD, to USB, and even to digital files stored online.