Purchasing anime

Hey, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post something like this, but it doesn’t say I can’t so here I go:

There are a lot of anime I want to watch (and manga I want to read), but I don’t want to download everything or watch everything online (like on crunchyroll.com). I know that not all anime have been domestically released in North America or Europe, but some retailers such as BestBuy stock a decent collection (despite anime being a niche genre in NA). I was wondering if anybody knows a good site or store (I’m in Montreal, if you’re going to suggest stores) that sells anime? I’m looking for actual domestic releases, not fan-subs or pirated home-made DVDs. I know there’s Amazon, but I was wondering if there’s any way to know if their products are actually new and from the original retailer/manufacturer (I don’t want any used products). Is there anyone here who’s experienced with Amazon and who can tell me the exact details with amazon? To me it seems mostly like Ebay, but with new products? I don’t want to buy from third-party sellers (people who bought the product, haven’t opened it and are reselling it) Also, is there any reliable site that sells anime directly from Japan (again, I’m looking for unused/unopened products that come directly from the original manufacturer)? I want to see Summer Wars and some other notable OVAs, but they haven’t been released with english subs.

Many thanks in advance.

I have bought quiet a few anime from Amazon directly, definitely not used. Unless you are buying from a user, but then they will always list it as used or new. Generally when it’s listed as new it is. I’ve never had a problem buying from Amazon.

As for other site the other one I sometimes search is www.rightstuf.com. They have a great list and sometimes have great deals. You should check them out, but only problem is I don’t really know if they ship to Montreal (They should though).

Ebay also bought a couple anime there, always got great service, and product always in condition that is posted.

Directly from japan or something (I forget where they stay), I guess you could try www.yesasia.com or www.play-asia.com, I’ve only bought games from them, reliable I say, never had a problem with them either.

Oh, thanks a lot! ^-^

I did a little research and it seems like most distributors sell their products through Amazon (Namco Bandai among others) plus I can also buy products directly from certain companies like VIZmedia.

Play-Asia… I can’t believe I forgot that. >.< I’ve seen the name many times on the internet. Seems like a pretty good place so I’ll check it out.

The other two sites you mentioned (yes-asia and rightstuff) are quite appealing, but their products are new, right? Both sites have cool stuff and rightstuff has quite a few products on sale.

Not a big fan of ebay, cause I just don’t like second-hand stuff (even if it has never been opened. No idea why, but whatever.) Unless the object of my desire is really a) rare b) out-of-print c) vintage d) unique in one way or the other e) all of the aforementioned

So I’ll check out the sites you mentioned and once again, thanks you sooooo much!!! Really, really appreciate your help. 🙂