2nd & Charles: Where to Buy and Sell Used Books, Music, Movies, and Games in South Carolina

What 2nd & Charles Is and Where to Find It

2nd & Charles is a chain of used media stores that buys and sells books, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, and gaming consoles. The company operates locations across multiple states, and South Carolina has stores in several cities. You can walk in to browse inventory, sell items you no longer want, or both in the same visit.

The store model is straightforward: customers bring in media they own, staff evaluate it on the spot, and if 2nd & Charles wants it, you receive cash or store credit. The store then resells those items at a fraction of new retail prices. This makes it useful both if you're clearing out shelves at home and if you're looking to build a collection without paying full price.

To find the nearest location, visit the 2nd & Charles website and use their store locator. Enter your city or zip code to see which South Carolina locations are open, their hours, and their phone numbers. Hours vary by location, so confirm before you go.

Key Takeaways

• 2nd & Charles buys used books, music, movies, games, and gaming hardware directly from customers for cash or store credit on the spot.
• You can sell items without an appointment at most locations, though calling ahead during busy seasons can save time.
• Store credit typically pays more than cash for the same item, so choose based on whether you plan to shop there.
• The store accepts items in good condition with original cases and artwork; damaged or incomplete items may be declined or offered less money.
• Prices paid vary by item rarity, condition, and current demand, so the same book or game may be worth different amounts at different times.

How to Sell Items to 2nd & Charles

Bring your items to any 2nd & Charles location during business hours. You do not need to call ahead for most sales, though during peak seasons (back-to-school, holidays) a quick call can tell you how busy the store is. Staff will examine each item for condition, completeness, and market demand.

For books, they look at binding, pages, spine condition, and whether the dust jacket is present and intact. For music and movies, they check the disc surface for scratches, whether the case is original, and if artwork and liner notes are included. For games and consoles, they test functionality and assess whether all original components and documentation are present.

If the store wants your items, you'll receive an offer. You can take it as cash or as store credit, which typically pays 10 to 20 percent more than cash. The transaction happens immediately. If they decline an item, you can take it with you or ask if they have a donation option.

What Items 2nd & Charles Accepts and Declines

2nd & Charles generally accepts hardcover and paperback books in readable condition, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, video games for major consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo), and gaming hardware. Textbooks are sometimes accepted depending on edition and condition. Magazines are typically not purchased.

Items in poor condition—water-damaged books, scratched discs that skip, games with missing cases or manuals, consoles that don't power on—are usually declined. Extremely common or outdated items may also be rejected if the store already has excess inventory. Prices reflect condition and demand, so a first edition in fine condition will pay more than a worn mass-market copy of the same title.

If you're unsure whether an item will be accepted, bring it in and ask. Staff can tell you on the spot whether it's worth money and roughly how much.

Browsing and Buying at 2nd & Charles

The store layout is organized by category: fiction, nonfiction, biography, science fiction and fantasy, mystery, local interest, music by genre, movies by genre, and games by console. Prices are marked on each item or case. Because inventory is used and constantly changing, you may find different stock each visit.

Prices are generally 30 to 60 percent below new retail for the same title or item. A new hardcover novel might cost $28; the used copy at 2nd & Charles might be $8 to $12. A new video game at $60 might be $20 to $35 used. Rare or collectible items—out-of-print books, limited vinyl pressings, older console games—can command higher prices because they're harder to find elsewhere.

You can return items within a set period if they don't work or if you change your mind, though return policies vary by location. Ask staff about the specific return window when you purchase.

Store Credit Versus Cash Payments

When you sell items, you have two payment options. Cash is immediate and spendable anywhere. Store credit is a balance you use only at that 2nd & Charles location to buy other items. Store credit typically pays 10 to 20 percent more than the cash offer for the same item.

If you regularly shop at 2nd & Charles and know you'll spend the credit, store credit is the better deal. If you're selling items as a one-time purge and don't plan to return, cash makes more sense. Some locations offer a loyalty program or rewards card that gives additional discounts on purchases, which can make store credit even more valuable over time.

Seasonal Buying Patterns and Inventory

2nd & Charles sees higher volume of donations and sales during back-to-school season (July and August), after the winter holidays (January), and during spring cleaning (April and May). During these periods, stores may be busier, and they may be more selective about what they buy because inventory is high. Off-season, they may pay slightly more for items because they have more shelf space to fill.

Video game inventory shifts with new console releases and major game launches. Older console games become harder to find and may command higher prices as they become collectible. Books by local South Carolina authors or about South Carolina history may be in higher demand at stores in the state and may pay more than the same title by a national author.

What to Know Before You Go

Bring items in a bag or box for easy transport. If you're selling a large quantity, call ahead so staff can set aside time to evaluate everything. Have realistic expectations about price: stores buy items at wholesale value, not at what you paid or what you think they're worth. A book you paid $25 for five years ago might be worth $2 to $4 used, depending on demand.

Check the store's website or call to confirm current hours, as they vary by location and may change seasonally. Some locations are in shopping centers with limited parking; arriving during off-peak hours (weekday mornings or early afternoons) can make the experience faster and less crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment to sell items?

No. Most 2nd & Charles locations accept walk-ins during business hours. However, during busy seasons or if you have a very large quantity, calling ahead can help the staff prepare and reduce your wait time.

How long does it take to sell items?

For a small stack of books or a few games, evaluation usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Larger quantities can take 30 minutes to an hour. Staff work through items one by one, so patience is part of the process.

Can I return something I bought if it doesn't work?

Yes, but return windows vary by location. Ask staff about the specific policy when you purchase. Most stores allow returns within 7 to 30 days if the item is defective or doesn't work as described.

What happens if 2nd & Charles declines my items?

You take them with you. Some locations may offer to donate items on your behalf to a local charity, but this varies. Ask staff what options are available at your store.

Are prices the same at every 2nd & Charles location?

Prices can vary slightly by location based on local demand and inventory levels. A book that's in high demand in one city might be overstocked in another, affecting what the store will pay for it.