Save Money with DVD Swapping Networks

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Awhile back I posted about book trading sites such as Bookmooch and Paperbackswap. A couple of days ago, I read a Lifehacker post talking about DVD Borrowing networks, such as Zunafisih and Lendaround (Paperbackswap also allows you to trade DVD’s). While I am unfamiliar with such networks, Lendaround did look interesting as it is more of a social site and only allows you to share DVDs with friends. Some of these networks also allow you to trade video games, CDs and audiobooks.

I personally do not belong to any DVD borrowing/trading networks as I either get my DVD’s from Netflix or from the library. There are people however, who prefer to own movies rather than rent. In such a case, a DVD exchange program might be a good idea. That is one of the reasons that I belong to Bookmooch and Paperbackswap – while most of the books that I read come from the library, there are a few for which I would like to find a permanent place on my bookshelf. In such a case, I log onto Bookmooch or Paperbackswap, put it on my wishlist and wait until it becomes available.

If you are one who loves to own movies, DVD-trading networks could no doubt save you money, especially considering the $30 or more price tag for a new DVD. It might also be cheaper than paying Netflix $17 or more every month (depending on how many Netflix movies you watch through them).

I’m not sure that I would want to go that route personally though. I am not much of a collector (I habit I’ve gotten rid of over the years) and so far, there has never been a movie I’ve wanted to see that I could not find at either Netflix or the local Library. But if owning is important to you, these networks might be worth checking out.

Some DVD-trading sites that I’m aware of:

Paperbackswap
Lendaround
Zunafish (site is down for upgrade at the moment)
Stuffopolis
Swapadvd
dvdswap

You might also want to check out Meetup.com to see if there are any DVD swapping meetups in your area. Meetups allow you to trade in person and offers the possibility of making new friends as well.

Do any of you belong to DVD trading/swapping sites? If so, has your experience been positive?