Comprehensive Walkthrough on Appraising and Dispensing Vinyl Records for Maximum Profit
Ready to discover the value of your vinyl records? Let's dive in!
Thankfully, this handy guide will take you through all you need to know for appraising your dusty crates and pristine shrines of auditory art. From identifying pressing variants to finding the perfect platform to peddle those precious gems, this post serves as your go-to resource for transforming those vinyl wonders into some cold, hard cash!
Peeping Those Pressings
First things first: it's essential to determine the pressing variant of your records. Pressing variants can drastically impact market value, as there might be unique variations linked to specific editions or releases. To achieve this, inspect your record's label, matrix/runout codes, and other distinguishing marks. Consulting online resources, discography databases, and reference books that cater to the artist or record label can also help in separating the pressings.
The crowning jewel of resources – Discogs. Begin by executing a search employing the catalogue number and matrix information on Discogs. For instance, take a gander at this Meddle vinyl by Pink Floyd: a search like SHVL795A-7 HTM SHVLB-6 will bring up a smaller pool of results rather than the multitude discovered with just the catalogue number, making the task of pinpointing your pressing much smoother.
Hot Tip: Did you know the ‘HTM’ in this matrix engraving represents Harry T Moss, the mastering engineer who groomed this pressing of this record? Find more about him in our writeup about HTM – the tale of the mastering legend.*
Limited Edition Goodies & Extras
Some records come with added bonuses, such as posters, signed prints, or various collectible items. Other releases may be limited in number (you might even find the numbers printed on them) or offered on heavyweight vinyl. These perks play a significant role in the overall value, making the records more coveted. Key tidbits like the presence of posters, prints, or even the original hype sticker will send the value skyrocketing, provided they are in decent nick.
It's also crucial to keep tabs on when a record is missing an item that would initially have been included. For example, a first pressing of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles boasts significantly greater value when packaged with its original psychedelic inner sleeve and green 'cut-outs' insert. Ever thrilled to explore even deeper? Dive into our article about spotting the first presses of The Beatles.
Appraising Condition – The Grading Game
Assessing a record’s condition, or grading, is another crucial aspect of determining its value. Commonly used grading systems include Goldmine Standard and Record Collector Grading System, factors like record shine, surface noise, scratches, warping, and sleeve condition, are all put under the microscope. With the ability to assign a grade ranging from Mint to Poor, buyers will be armed with accurate knowledge of the record’s condition before the transaction takes place,
Remember, buyers might only be after records deemed Very Good and above. Getting grading right is crucial during selling records. Master the technique with our dedicated Grading Guide.
Research Sales – The Market Insights
Now that you've unraveled which record you're sitting on, it's time to establish a listing price. Begin by investigating recent sales of similar records on platforms such as Discogs, eBay, and Popsike. Be vigilant to notice selling prices – there's often a significant gap between sellers' listed prices and actual selling prices.
By examining recent sales of similarly graded and fashioned records, you'll be able to gauge overall demand and net a fair and affordable selling price. As a supplement, consulting price guides and auction results can corroborate your findings regarding specific records.
One well-renowned price guide is Record Collector's Rare Record Price Guide. However, beware that this book only bargains for Mint copies of records, a rarity in real-life scenarios. While it sounds enticing to value your records on the basis of print, real online sales data tends to yield much more accurate results.
Recognizing Demand – What's In Demand?
Considering demand is vital as it directly shapes a record's market value. Check current trends, observe bidding activity on online marketplaces, and gather intel from other collectors and experts to acquire a satisfying understanding of demand for specific records. Factors such as rarity, popularity, and cultural relevance of a record can all impact its demand.
Remember the music scene ebbs and flows; at the end of November, list some spooky Christmas records for a nice sales spike!
The Wide World of Selling Vinyl Records
Thrilled about selling your records yourself online or at record fairs? Brilliant!
Popular online platforms for selling records include eBay, Discogs, and Vinted. Each platform boasts unique features, fees, and userbases – dig around and choose the one that best aligns with your needs.
Prefer a one-stop solution? Contact us and let us take one for the team!
Prepping Your Listings
When crafting listings for your vinyl records, pay attention to intricate details like the artist, album title, release year, record label, genre, and catalogue number. Be sure to detail any additional items or features that accompany (or are absent from) the record.
Grab a slice of the visual cake by supplementing your listings with high-quality photographs – they'll guarantee a more enticing presence to potential buyers, enhancing their appetite for your records.
The Power of Grades
Once you’ve thoughtfully crafted your listings, include precise descriptions of your record's condition using recognized grading standards such as Record Collector's.
This is the perfect moment to boast about how you've preserved and maintained the record. Have you given it a playtest? Has it been cleaned? What noticeable scratches or damages lurk beneath the surface?
Check out our Grading Guide for a more thorough breakdown.
Snapping Some Stunning Shots
To substantiate your listings with eye-catching visuals, heed this advice from eBay:
- Photograph your records in a well-lit environment.
- Employ a flat, solid background to minimize distractions.
- Attempt using several angles and close-ups to highlight notable features.
- Ensure your camera is in focus and Every. Single. Detail. is crystal clear.
Setting the Price – Pricing Strategies
Proper pricing is of paramount importance and could vary drastically based on the release and condition. Thoroughly analyze marketplace data to set reasonable and competitive prices.
Remember the fact that sellers list their items for hopeful prices and actual selling prices could deviate significantly, so finding a fair and realistic price point is essential.
If you're peddling on eBay, contemplate utilizing auctions – they allow your records to sell for their 'true' worth. However, exercise caution – auctions can come with the risk of selling for less than desired.
Tending to Your Stock – Managing Your Collection
Posting your items online is only the beginning of the process – managing your inventory is vital. Set aside time to keep track of your listings and update them regularly to ensure their accuracy and relevance.
Consider removing listings for items that haven't sold after a predetermined period or readjusting prices based on market trends.
Sorting storage is equally important; decide on an organized system to protect your records from any possible damage before or after an order has been placed. Learn more with our In-Depth Guide on Storing Your Records.
Communicating with Buyers – Building Rapport
Prompt and helpful communication with potential buyers plays a crucial role in fostering trust and confidence in your listings, encouraging successful transactions.
Shipping & Packaging – Expert Mailing Techniques
When packing records for shipping, employ sturdy frames designed specifically for vinyl, and consider adding extra padding or bubble wrap for added protection.
Ship your records swiftly – we suggest shipping within one business day – and provide tracking information to keep buyers in the loop. Unwrap more about packaging techniques in our post on the Art of Packing & Shipping Records.
Cruising the Feedback Highway – Fostering a Positive Reputation
A stellar reputation as a seller is invaluable in attracting new buyers, so be sure to offer exceptional service, accurately describe your records, and maintain a timely shipping schedule to earn positive feedback.
A Helping Hand – Selling Made Easy
If you've concluded that selling your records individually by utilizing online marketplaces or record fairs is less than your cup of tea, get in touch – we'd be more than happy to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do collectors buy 78 RPM (shellac) records?
Although the demand for 78 RPM records is significantly lower than vinyl, collectors and aficionados of vintage music do still buy shellac records. Niche collectors might seek out specific genres, artists, or labels.
How can I determine the value of my vinyl records?
Determining the value of vinyl records involves investigating recent sales on online marketplaces, assessing the condition of your records, and considering factors like rarity, demand, and pressing variants. Consult online resources, price guides, and industry experts to obtain a clear understanding of a record’s worth.
Is selling vinyl records worth it?
Selling vinyl records can be worthwhile if you possess records that are in demand, rare, and boast meaningful value. Researching your records' worth, considering factors like rarity, condition, and demand, can help you determine whether selling your vinyl records is a worthwhile endeavor.
Does any app help me find the value of vinyl records?
Yes, there are several apps for both iOS and Android platforms, such as Discogs and Popsike, which help you discover the value of vinyl records by analyzing recent sales data and grading systems.
What should I reasonably expect when pricing my vinyl records?
The price of vinyl records depends on their rarity, condition, popularity, and demand. Generally, common albums with good condition tend to sell for £5 to £30, while rare or collectable records can fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars. Investigate recent sales on online marketplaces, price guides, and auction results to establish a fair price for selling or buying vinyl records.
What’s the best way to sell vinyl records?
The simplest way to sell vinyl records is to sell them to a local record store all at once. To maximize your profit, sell through online marketplaces like eBay, Discogs, or Etsy, which allows you to create listings and reach a wider audience of potential buyers. Consider our proposition to become our next seller if you wish to streamline the process even further.
Who Will Buy My Record Collection? Your Guide To Selling To Atlas Records
Where to Sell Vinyl Records? Tips From Pros
1) Investigating unique packaging extras can significantly impact the market value of records. Look for posters, signed prints, limited edition pressings, or heavyweight vinyl records since they often boost a record's worth.
2) To determine the overall demand for a specific record, examine current trends, observe bidding activity on online marketplaces, and gather intel from fellow collectors and experts. Rarity, popularity, and cultural relevance all influence market value.
