Where would I stand, legally speaking, on this idea?

[DvlsAdvct]

Just make your terms of business meticulously clear, and keep records of everything. I'd use a separate drive for all of this so you can show you have them and then delete them.

Keep in mind that this is really murky legal waters. technically, the person sending you the songs might be violating the fair use of the data as they are copying and distributing them. I'm not a legaltician (I love making up words) but you should be okay.

Keep in mind, though, that just cause other people are offering the service doesn't mean it's inherently legal.

[djhipnotikk]

it's perfectly legal for someone to make copies (aka "backups") of things they own. i'd get them to mail you a cd, or have a private directory somewhere on the web that they can upload to, but not everyone can have access to. something that makes it so it's just you and them that can access the files, and isn't considered a popular method of illegal file sharing.

[DvlsAdvct]

It's perfectly legal to make copies for personal use, it is not to share it, technically. Now, I doubt he's going to have any problems whatsoever, it's just something he's gotta be concerned with.

[JesC]

you are providing a service, as long you keep record of all you customers and dont keep backup copies you should be fine.