Complete Guide to Reselling Vinyl Records Online

Is Reselling Vinyl Records Profitable?

Reselling vinyl records can be a lucrative venture if you know where to source them and how to sell them effectively. For casual resellers, you might make an extra $500 to $1,000 a month by flipping records found at estate sales or charity shops. Serious resellers with time and strategy can earn $3,000 to $5,000 monthly, especially if sourcing high-value records from house clearances or record store clearances.

Where to Source Vinyl Records

Estate Sales and House Clearances

These are gold mines for vinyl collectors. Elderly estates often house entire collections, sometimes worth thousands. Offer a flat price for the whole batch, then cherry-pick the valuable ones. Look for original pressings, especially from popular bands or rare labels.

Charity Shops

Many charity shops price all records at $1-3, regardless of actual value. Use the Discogs app to scan barcodes while browsing. This can help you identify records worth $20 or more, providing an excellent return on investment.

Car Boot Sales and Flea Markets

Arrive early with a portable record bag. Quickly sift through boxes, targeting first pressings, colored vinyl, and limited editions. Build rapport with regular sellers for potential early access to new stock.

Record Store Clearance

Independent record stores occasionally clear surplus stock at a discount. Establish relationships with the owners to get first dibs on interesting items, especially during clearance sales.

Platform Comparison for Selling Vinyl Records

eBay

With over 135 million active buyers, eBay is excellent for rare finds over $100. Its global audience can drive competitive bidding, pushing prices higher. However, keep in mind the 13% fee.

Discogs

Discogs is ideal for records in the $30-100 range. It's a platform built by and for vinyl enthusiasts, making it perfect for niche genres and specific pressings. The fees here are often lower than eBay.

Facebook Marketplace

This platform is best for local sales of common albums under $30. There are no fees, but sales can be slower. It's a good way to avoid shipping costs and fees, offering a straightforward transaction process.

Vinted

For everyday items under $30, Vinted is gaining popularity. With no selling fees and a growing community, it's a cost-effective platform for selling lower-priced vinyl quickly.

Pricing Strategy

Pricing your vinyl correctly is key. Common represses usually sell for $5-15, while popular classic rock first pressings can fetch $15-40. Jazz and blues originals might go for $20-100+. Keep an eye out for rare pressings; these can range from $30-200, and grail records can command $200-10,000 or more.

Photography and Listing Optimization

When photographing vinyl, capture the front and back of the sleeve, the record's surface at an angle, and the label on both sides which shows pressing info and catalogue numbers. Include any inserts or extras like lyric sheets or obi strips for Japanese pressings, as these can add significant value.

Optimize your listings with detailed descriptions including condition grades for both the record and sleeve, using the Goldmine standard. Use ListingGenie to generate optimized listings that attract more buyers.

Shipping Tips

Ship records outside their sleeves to prevent seam splits, using a poly-lined record mailer with stiffener inserts. For valuable records over $50, double-box them with corner protectors and always mark "DO NOT BEND" on the package.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I determine the value of a vinyl record? Use Discogs to check past sale prices and compare condition grades to estimate value.
• What is the best way to clean vinyl records before selling? Use a microfiber cloth and a vinyl record cleaning solution to remove dust and dirt.
• How can I identify a first pressing? Look for specific identifiers like catalogue numbers and matrix/runout details on the label.
• Should I invest in a record player to test records? Yes, play-grading can reveal groove damage not visible to the eye, ensuring accurate grading.
• Is it worth selling scratched records? Generally, scratched records are best avoided unless they are extremely rare or valuable editions.