Frequency asked questions

1. Is it free to use epicswap?
2. Is it free to register?
3. How do I swap DVDs?
4. Will my details be available to other members?
5. How do I rate other members?
6. What do the different conditions of DVDs mean?
7. What does BBFC stand for? What do the different categories mean?
8. What does 'region' mean? How do I know which region my DVD is from?
9. I've had an email saying that I have been offered a swap, but I have logged in and I can't find any offer. Why?
10. Do I need to send the DVD back after I've swapped?
11. How does the site make money?

1. Is it free to use epicswap?
Yes, it is free to use the epicswap website. All you need is one DVD that you are prepared to swap and enough money to post it (about 68p first class).

2. Is it free to register?
Yes, it is free to register. It doesn't cost a penny.

3. How do I swap DVDs?
Here are the steps you need to follow once you are registered:

• Add the DVD you want to get rid of to your list.
• Browse or search for a DVD you want.
• Offer a swap.
• An email will be sent to the other member, telling them you have offered a swap.
• The other member logs in and accepts the swap.
• An email of who and where to send your DVD to is sent to you. A similar email is sent to the other member.
• Carefully package the DVD, preferably in a padded envelope.
• Pop down to the post office, have the package weighed and sent first class (should be 68p for a normal DVD, but could be more if heavy booklets inside case).
  IMPORTANT: Ask the post office to fill out a 'certificate of posting' form for you (this is free and you can claim compensation of up to £28 for loss or damage).
• A day or so later you receive your swapped DVD.

4. Will my details be available to other members?
No. Only when you agree to swap a DVD will your details be sent (via email) to the other swapper. Other members will only know you by your alias.

5. How do I rate other members?
Once you have swapped a DVD, you can leave a rating (1 to 5 stars) and comments via your swap history page. You can view the ratings for a particular member by clicking on their alias.

6. What do the different conditions of DVDs mean?

• New: a brand-new, unused, unopened DVD in perfect condition in its original packaging.
• Like new: an apparently unopened DVD in perfect condition (although it may be out of its original wrapping). The case is clean with no signs of wear.
• Very good: a well-cared-for DVD that has been watched, but plays perfectly. The case may show limited signs of wear.
• Good: a DVD with clear external signs of wear, but plays perfectly.
• Acceptable: a DVD with extensive external signs of wear, but plays perfectly. The case may be damaged.

Note that all DVDs swapped through epicswap should play perfectly! Unacceptable offerings include DVD recordings not created by the copyright holder, including recopied media in any form and DVDs in which any aspect of the film is missing or obscured.

7. What does BBFC stand for? What do the different categories mean?
BBFC stands for British Board of Film Classification. They are an independent, non-governmental body, which censors and classifies films in the UK.
The classification for a film can be found on the case of the DVD. The most common classifications of films are U, PG, 12, 15 and 18:

• U: Films suitable for audiences aged four years and over. They should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.
• PG (parental guidance): Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A 'PG' film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.
• 12: No-one younger than 12 may see a '12A' film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a '12' rated video or DVD. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult. To swap a DVD classified as '12' on epicswap you must confirm that you are 12 or older.
• 15: No-one younger than 15 may see a '15' film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a '15' rated video or DVD. To swap a DVD classified as '15' on epicswap you must confirm that you are 15 or older.
• 18: No-one younger than 18 may see a '18' film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy a '18' rated video or DVD. To swap a DVD classified as '18' on epicswap you must confirm that you are 18 or older.

8. What does 'region' mean? How do I know which region my DVD is from?
The DVD region code identifies a DVD's compatibility with the players typically sold in a particular region of the world. If you bought your DVD in the UK it is probably a 'region 2' DVD. You can check this by looking at case of your DVD (there will be a number inside a small picture of the world). Here is a general guide to the regions:

• Region 0: Region free, compatible with DVD players from any region
• Region 1: US, US territories and Canada
• Region 2: UK, Europe, Japan, South Africa and Middle East
• Region 3: Southeast and East Asia
• Region 4: Australia, New Zealand, Central and South America
• Region 5: Former Soviet Union, Indian sub-continent, Africa, North Korea and Mongolia
• Region 6: China
• Region 7: Reserved for future use
• Region 8: International Territories (ships, planes etc)

9. I've had an email saying that I have been offered a swap, but I have logged in and I can't find any offer. Why?
There could be one of two reasons for this. Either 72 hours have passed and the offer has automatically been withdrawn, or the member who offered the swap has withdrawn the offer themself.

10. Do I need to send the DVD back after I've swapped?
No. After you have swapped, the DVD is yours to keep (or swap again).

11. How does the site make money?
This site receives revenue from associate schemes with Amazon.co.uk and several other leading brands. We receive roughly 5 per cent of anything you buy from Amazon.co.uk after you click on a link from the epicswap website. We do not receive any revenue from Amazon.co.uk if you click on a link but do not buy anything. We do NOT receive any revenue from IMDb.com (Internet Movie Database). Links to other sites, e.g. Majestic Wine, gain revenue in a similar way to the arrangement with Amazon.co.uk.
Of course, the short answer to this question is that the site loses money, but hopefully this will change as more members join the site and occasionally buy something through a link. I promise never to charge members anything directly!