The persistent popularity of vinyl records has transformed what might be collecting dust in your attic into a potential source of income. Driven by a desire for tangible media and a deeper connection to music, a new generation of listeners and seasoned collectors alike are paying top dollar for vinyl. You may be looking to downsize a personal collection, sell an inherited stack of LPs, or simply start a small side business. The renewed interest in vinyl has been growing for over a decade, with sales reaching levels not seen since the 1980s. This resurgence means your old records might be more in demand than you think, making now an opportune time to explore their potential value.
Determining the Value of Your Records
The first step in selling a record is to identify exactly what you have. Every record has a catalog number, typically printed on the spine of the jacket and on the record’s center label. For a more definitive identification, especially for early or rare editions, you must inspect the “matrix” or “runout” etchings. These are faint inscriptions in the blank space between the end of the final song and the label, revealing details about the specific pressing plant and mastering version.
Once you have the catalog number and any matrix details, online databases are your most powerful tool for valuation. Discogs is the most comprehensive resource, a user-built database of vinyl releases. By entering your record’s information, you can pinpoint the exact version you own and see its sales history. This data shows what buyers have actually paid for the record in various conditions, providing a realistic market value.
Beyond the specific pressing, a record’s value is driven by artist, rarity, and condition. Rarity is a major factor; first pressings are often the most sought-after. Limited editions, records with alternate cover art, or promotional copies are also highly valued by collectors.
To get a broader view of the market, you can also consult eBay. The key is to filter your search results to show only “sold” listings. This gives you a practical look at what people are willing to pay. Comparing prices between these platforms for the same record can help you establish a competitive and fair asking price. Be mindful that a sealed, unplayed copy of a common album might still be less valuable than a slightly used, but very rare, first pressing.
How to Grade Your Records
After determining your record’s pressing and market value, you must accurately assess its physical condition. The industry standard for this is the Goldmine Grading Guide, which provides a universal language for buyers and sellers. This system is based on a top-down scale, with ratings like Mint (M), Near Mint (NM), Very Good Plus (VG+), and Very Good (VG). Accurate grading is important, as an inaccurate grade can lead to disputes.
Grading involves two separate evaluations: one for the vinyl disc and one for its outer sleeve. For the vinyl, you must conduct a visual inspection under a bright light. A Mint record is perfect and likely unplayed, while Near Mint allows for only the faintest of imperfections, like a wispy paper scuff that doesn’t affect sound. A VG+ record may have a few more noticeable scuffs or light scratches, but it should still provide a listening experience with minimal surface noise. Warping must also be noted and will significantly lower the grade.
The album’s cover, or sleeve, is graded on a similar scale. Look for common defects such as ring wear, a faint circular impression on the front or back cover. Other issues include seam splits, as well as any writing, stickers, or corner dings. A Near Mint sleeve should look almost new, while a VG+ cover might have slight ring wear or a minor seam split at the bottom.
A record and its sleeve can have different grades. For example, you might have a pristine, Near Mint vinyl disc inside a Very Good sleeve that has noticeable ring wear. When listing a record for sale, you must provide both grades clearly (e.g., Sleeve: VG, Vinyl: NM). This transparency allows potential buyers to make an informed decision and builds trust.
Preparing Your Records for Sale
The first step in preparation is a thorough but gentle cleaning. For simple dust and static, a carbon fiber record brush is an effective tool. Hold the bristles lightly on the spinning record for a few rotations to lift the dust off the surface.
For more significant grime or fingerprints, a dedicated vinyl cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth are recommended. Always spray the solution onto the cloth, not directly onto the record. Wipe the record in a circular motion, following the direction of the grooves. Never use household cleaners or tap water, as these can leave behind residue that permanently damages the vinyl.
High-quality photographs are just as important as the cleaning process. Use bright, indirect lighting to avoid glare. Take clear shots of the album’s front and back cover, the record’s center labels, and the vinyl itself. If there are any specific flaws, such as a scratch on the disc or a seam split on the jacket, photograph them up close.
Where to Sell Your Records
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces let you reach a global audience. Discogs is a specialized platform for buying and selling music with a vast database that makes listing items straightforward and has serious buyers. eBay offers access to a broader audience. Both platforms charge seller fees, which are a percentage of the final sale price.
Social Media Platforms
To sell locally and avoid fees, use social media. Facebook Marketplace allows you to list items for local pickup. Instagram can also be a sales platform; create posts with high-quality photos and use relevant hashtags like #vinylforsale or #recordcollection.
Local Record Stores
For a quick sale of a large collection, try a local record store. Store owners are experts who can assess your collection and make a bulk offer. This is the fastest way to sell many records without individual listings. The trade-off is that the store needs to make a profit, so the offer will be a wholesale price, lower than selling directly to collectors.
Flea Markets and Garage Sales
Flea markets and garage sales are good for common, lower-value records. These venues attract casual buyers browsing for familiar titles. It is an ideal way to offload records that are not valuable enough to warrant individual online listings. Pricing should be set to encourage impulse buys.
Shipping Vinyl Records Safely
Properly shipping a vinyl record is important to ensuring it arrives safely. The standard practice begins with removing the record and its inner sleeve from the outer jacket. Placing them side-by-side prevents the record from shifting during transit and splitting the seams of the cardboard cover, a common form of damage. This simple step is a hallmark of a knowledgeable seller.
To protect the items, they should be sandwiched between two cardboard stiffeners, which are square pads slightly larger than the 12-inch jacket. This “sandwich” is then placed inside a layer of bubble wrap for additional cushioning. The bundle should fit snugly inside a purpose-built cardboard record mailer. These mailers minimize movement and protect corners.
Once the record is securely packed inside the mailer, tape it shut firmly along all open seams. Clearly label the package and consider adding “Fragile” or “Do Not Bend” stickers as an extra precaution. Using a shipping service that provides tracking allows both you and the buyer to monitor the package’s journey.