How to Sell Your Old Vinyl Records Online: An Actionable Guide

Selling vinyl records online has become an increasingly popular way to declutter your collection, make some extra cash, or even turn your hobby into a profitable side business. Whether you're looking to downsize your personal collection or take advantage of the vinyl resurgence, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to successfully sell your old vinyl records online.

Assess the Value of Your Vinyl Records

Before you start listing your vinyl records for sale, it's essential to understand their potential value. Vinyl records are not all created equal, and several factors can influence how much a record is worth in the market.

1.1 Condition of the Vinyl and Cover

The most significant factor in determining the value of your record is its condition. Both the vinyl itself and the cover (often referred to as the "album sleeve") will be evaluated. Here's how to grade the condition of your records:

• Mint (M): The record is in perfect condition, has never been played, and is in its original packaging.
• Near Mint (NM): The record has been well cared for and shows no obvious signs of wear. It may have been played a few times but still looks and sounds great.
• Very Good Plus (VG+): The record shows some signs of wear, such as slight scuffs or light surface noise, but still plays well.
• Very Good (VG): The record is well-worn but still plays without skips or major issues.
• Good (G): The record has visible scratches or significant wear but still plays, though there may be considerable noise.
• Poor (P): The record is damaged and plays with significant skips or distortion.

Similarly, the album cover should also be graded:

• Near Mint: Almost perfect, no creases, bends, or ring wear.
• Very Good Plus: Slight wear, but no major damage.
• Good: Noticeable wear, including ring wear, creases, or small tears.

1.2 Rarity and Demand

Some records are more valuable due to their rarity or high demand. Limited edition releases, first pressings, or albums by famous artists can fetch higher prices. To determine if your record is rare, research its pressing, edition, and release history.

1.3 Research the Market

Look at how similar records are priced on online marketplaces such as Discogs, eBay, or Vinyl Me, Please. Pay attention to sold listings, as these reflect actual sale prices rather than asking prices. This will give you a good idea of what buyers are willing to pay for records in similar condition.

Choose the Right Platform to Sell Your Vinyl Records

Once you have a sense of what your records are worth, it's time to choose the best online platform to sell them. Different platforms cater to various types of buyers, so selecting the right one will help you get the best price and make the process as smooth as possible.

2.1 Discogs

Discogs is one of the largest and most reputable platforms for selling vinyl records. It is designed specifically for vinyl collectors and has a vast database of records, which makes it easy to price and list your items.

Pros:

• Dedicated to vinyl, ensuring a more niche audience of collectors.
• Allows you to list items at a fixed price or auction.
• Extensive community of record enthusiasts.
• You can track the sales history of specific records to get a better sense of market trends.

Cons:

• Requires a seller account.
• Transaction fees apply (around 8%).
• Shipping costs are not included in the listing price.

2.2 eBay

eBay is one of the most well-known online marketplaces and has a massive reach. Selling vinyl on eBay is an excellent choice if you want to tap into a broader market, including international buyers.

Pros:

• High volume of traffic.
• Auction or fixed-price options.
• Global audience.
• Buyer protection program.

Cons:

• eBay charges seller fees (about 10%).
• Listings may get lost among the vast number of items.
• International shipping may add complexity.

2.3 Facebook Marketplace

If you're looking to sell locally and avoid shipping hassles, Facebook Marketplace is an excellent platform. You can list your records and negotiate directly with buyers in your area.

Pros:

• No seller fees.
• Direct, local transactions.
• Simple interface for listing items.

Cons:

• Limited to local buyers.
• Risk of scams or fraud.

2.4 Vinyl Shops and Online Retailers

Some online retailers or vinyl shops (such as Vinyl Me, Please) allow individuals to sell their records through their platforms. These stores often have strict requirements, especially for the condition and rarity of the records they accept.

Pros:

• Guaranteed exposure to a niche market.
• Less hassle with listing and pricing.

Cons:

• These platforms often take a larger cut of the sale price.
• Limited to specific genres or rarities.

2.5 Other Niche Platforms

Other niche platforms that specialize in vinyl sales include:

• Reverb LP: Primarily focused on music gear and vinyl records.
• PopMarket: Specializes in vinyl reissues and limited editions.
• The Vinyl Factory: Curates premium vinyl sales and rare editions.

2.6 Social Media and Online Communities

If you have a niche audience or are part of a vinyl collectors' group, social media platforms like Instagram, Reddit (r/vinyl), or dedicated Facebook groups can be an excellent way to sell records directly to buyers.

Pros:

• Direct connection with potential buyers.
• No platform fees if selling through social media.

Cons:

• Requires social media presence or niche audience.
• Risk of fraud or unreliable buyers.

Create Effective Listings

Once you've chosen a platform, it's time to list your records for sale. An effective listing can make a huge difference in how quickly and successfully you sell your items.

3.1 Write Detailed Descriptions

Provide as much information as possible about the record in your listing. This includes:

• Artist and album name.
• Pressing details, such as the label, catalog number, and release year.
• Condition of the vinyl and album cover (be honest).
• Any specific notes about the record, such as special editions, limited pressings, or notable defects.

Use terms that buyers on that platform will understand. For instance, terms like "first pressing," "limited edition," or "audiophile pressing" can make your listing stand out.

3.2 Take High-Quality Photos

Visuals matter when selling vinyl records. Take clear, high-resolution photos of:

• The vinyl (front and back).
• The album cover (front, back, and spine).
• Any special inserts or posters that come with the album.

Be sure to highlight any imperfections, such as scratches or seam splits, so buyers know exactly what they are getting. A good photo can make a record much more desirable.

3.3 Be Transparent with Pricing

Set a competitive price based on your research. If you want to attract buyers quickly, consider pricing your records slightly below the average sale price on platforms like Discogs or eBay. If the item is rare, however, you might be able to price it higher.

3.4 Shipping and Packaging

One of the most crucial aspects of selling vinyl records is ensuring that they are packaged securely to avoid damage during transit. Use strong mailers designed for records, and consider using stiffeners to prevent bending. Ensure that the records are well-protected inside their sleeves, and use tracking and insurance for higher-value items.

Most platforms will give you an option to set shipping prices based on location, but you should also factor in the cost of packaging materials.

Build Trust with Buyers

Trust is key to online selling, and there are several ways to establish credibility with your potential buyers.

4.1 Be Honest

Honesty is critical when describing the condition of your records. If there are flaws or imperfections, point them out in your listing. Misleading buyers can result in negative feedback, returns, or disputes.

4.2 Offer Excellent Customer Service

Respond to inquiries promptly and be courteous in your communication with buyers. Provide any additional information they may need about the record. If there's an issue with the sale (e.g., the item was damaged during shipping), address it promptly and professionally.

4.3 Build a Reputation

If you're selling on platforms like Discogs or eBay, take the time to build a good reputation as a seller. A strong track record of positive reviews can increase your credibility and help you sell more records in the future.

Keep Track of Your Sales

Once you've sold a few records, track your sales to understand what types of records are most popular, how long they take to sell, and what price point works best. This information will help you refine your selling strategy moving forward.

Conclusion

Selling your old vinyl records online can be an enjoyable and profitable endeavor if done correctly. By properly assessing the value of your records, choosing the right selling platform, creating detailed and attractive listings, and providing excellent customer service, you can make the process seamless and successful. Whether you're decluttering your collection or starting a vinyl business, the demand for records is strong, and with the right strategy, you can turn your collection into cash. Happy selling!

View Product