Have you ever wondered about the meaning of “OOP” in an auction or advertisement for a movie?
Almost everyone is aware that books go out of print (OOP) and become desirable as collector’s items, but few of us ever stop to consider that the same is also true for movies in VHS and DVD format.
Collectors are very familiar with OOP, and frequently use this term to advertise their products. They realize that space in the title bars of products is usually limited to 30-60 characters, so they use the “OOP” abbreviation to save space.
The OOP expression is often used in conjunction with a date and the word “cover.” Collectively, these terms mean the product and the package artwork are no longer being produced.
When distributors sell out their stock of a particular item they become difficult to find. Hard-core collectors and sellers usually know where to find items, but it’s more difficult for the average collector. Brand new and factory sealed OOP movies can quickly become highly prized collectibles, just as OOP books and music.
Lately, there has been a real boon in auctions and e-stores offering...