What Does Out Of Print (OOP) Mean On eBay?

When making a purchase on eBay, it’s highly likely that you’ll encounter the abbreviation “OOP”. But to those who are unfamiliar, OOP stands for Out Of Print, which is used to describe publications that are no longer being produced. 

These items are usually found in a few categories on the website, including “Brand New”, “Pre-Owned”, and “New (Other)”. It’s easy to spot OOP items, as the abbreviation is generally inserted into the listing title at the end, and even in the description. 

In this article, we’ll discuss why sellers list OOP items and how you can identify authentic Out Of Print listings. 

Why Do Sellers List Out of Print Items?

Now that you know what out-of-print items are, we’ll share a few reasons why some sellers list these items on eBay.

• To Make Profit On Rarity: When an item is out of print, it becomes harder to find, and its value can increase significantly. Savvy sellers recognize this and take advantage of the opportunity to sell these items at a higher price point.

• They No Longer Use Them: Another reason why sellers list out-of-print items is that they no longer have any use for them. These items may have served their purpose for the sellers, whether for personal enjoyment or professional use. Since they are no longer needed, sellers see the opportunity to monetize these items and make room for new ones that they may find more useful.

• To Appeal to Collectors: Sellers also understand the appeal that out-of-print items have to collectors. There is a certain allure to owning something that is rare and difficult to come by. Collectors are willing to pay a premium price for these items to add them to their collections or simply to have a piece of history in their possession. Sellers recognize this demand and strategically list out-of-print items to cater to this specific market.

What Items Are Commonly Listed as OOP?

As its name suggests, Out Of Print listed are typically publications, such as comics, books, and magazines, but can also include video games and more. Physical DVDs and CDs are amongst the most popular types of OOPs on eBay, with exclusive editions that are no longer in production. 

Such examples include popular films like “Mean Girls” in an OOP Blu-Ray pink case version, alongside “Manhunter”, the 1986 film in a collector’s edition. Though there are many other films, books, and video games you can find throughout the platform. 

Why Do Buyers Seek OOP Items?

Buyers flock to eBay for several compelling reasons in search of out-of-print (OOP) items. Let’s explore some of these reasons in more detail.

• Rare & Exclusive: One of the main reasons is the fact that OOP items are rare and exclusive. Due to the fact that they are no longer in production, these items hold a higher value as you will no longer be able to find them elsewhere. Therefore, buyers who are keen on collecting the rare and exclusive would seek such OOP items.

• To Own a Nostalgic Item: Another reason why buyers seek out-of-print items is because they’re nostalgic. Many of the items found on eBay listed as OOP were produced in the 1980s to 2000s, which evokes nostalgia for people born during those eras. Owning such an item may have sentimental value for some buyers.

• For Investment: Lastly, owning an out-of-print item can be an investment as well. With the ongoing trend of nostalgic items coming back in style, an OOP item may sell for more in the upcoming years than when the buyer bought it.

How To Identify Authentic Out Of Print Items?

It’s not uncommon that out-of-print items are popular on eBay, and because of this, there may be many counterfeit items. In order to ensure you are getting real and authentic products, there are ways to identify them. Here are some ways you can do so:

• Research The Item: Firstly, you should always look up the item online. You can do this to find certain details that you can use to compare the product listed on eBay. For example, look at the placement of the fonts and designs to ensure the one listed is the authentic item. 

• Request for Photos: The seller should have already uploaded the photos of the listed OOP item on the platform. However, if you feel like those photos aren’t clear enough, you should request more, especially up close or specific photos. For example, you may request a picture of the serial number.

• Check Seller’s Reviews: Next, you’ll want to scan through the seller’s reviews. Reading through feedback provided by previous buyers can help you make a proper decision and ensure that you’re getting the genuine item. If you see any bad reviews that specifically talk about other OOP items then you might want to avoid buying from this particular seller. 

• Compare The Item’s Price: Lastly, a great way to tell if the item is real or fake is to compare the listed item’s price to others listed on eBay or even at other reselling websites. Oftentimes, OOP items are generally priced in the same range and those that are extremely cheap may not be authentic. 

How to Find OOP Items on eBay?

Out-of-print listings aren’t an official classification on eBay and can be found in three categories across the platform. Due to the fact that it’s widely spread out between the various categories, the best way to find OOP items is to search for the abbreviation directly. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find listings on eBay that are out-of-print: 

1. Locate the search bar at the top of the platform’s homepage.
2. Then, key in your desired search term and add the abbreviation “OOP” at the end of it. Then click the “search” button.
3. You should be able to browse through a wide range of OOP-listed items until you find what you’re searching for. If you need help narrowing it down, use some of the filters that eBay provides.
4. After choosing the item you would like to purchase, add it to your cart and proceed to the checkout page.
5. Proceed with the payment and enter your details before completing the process.