Selling Vinyl Records

[Rydell Relics]

Last week, Mike at MDC Galleries asked me a few questions about selling vinyl records. So I figured I would answer them, and also provide some broader, more general guidelines. I hope some will find this useful, as selling records can be very intimidating.

First off, most records are not as rare and valuable as most people think. When I was a buyer at the record store, I had to disappoint many people who thought they were bringing me gold, when in fact they had a box of scratched up dirty records. Many people forget how ubiquitous records were. Millions and millions of records have been pressed, and for decades, most people had a record player in their house. They were everywhere. That said, there are definitely records that are worth money, some worth really big bucks. But there are some factors that go into that, factors that must be considered when selling them.

First is condition. Vinyl records aren’t like CDs; you scratch it, and that scratch is permanent. That scratch will also affect playback. Buyers need to know the condition the record is in. The most universal way of grading records is the Goldmine Grading Guide. This guide explains the system very well. Easy to follow, too. This is important because the condition determines the value of the record. With the exception of a thrashed Elvis Sun Records 78 or a Beatles butcher cover, a beat up record isn’t going to be worth much, if anything. Play testing the record on a turntable is ideal, but once you get good at grading, that isn’t always necessary. As with most things, the better the condition, the higher the price.

Condition also applies to the outer sleeve. Mike, you mentioned that your records has frayed bottoms and round scuffs (that’s called ring wear). The artists that you listed are pretty common and plentiful. Unless they’re in fantastic condition, those records usually don’t go for much. And in the condition you described, they probably won’t sell at all. Sorry to sound harsh! You mentioned inserts and posters. Perhaps you could sell them on their own. Most people hung up the posters, so finding them is much harder than finding the record itself.

[Rydell Relics]

As far as pricing goes, well, we all know how to research on eBay with completed listings. This applies to records as well. Check completed listings, but be sure to factor in things like condition, original or reissue, domestic or import, etc. An original Japanese press of Jethro Tull “Stand Up” with the obi in Near Mint condition will fetch much more than a late 70s domestic press with scratches and a worn cover.

Selling in lots is definitely an option. Last year, I bought an 80s metal collection. Most were worth selling alone, but some were selling for less than $10 bucks. So I lotted them up, and off they went.

Rarity and demand are also factors. The reason why Brian of Treasures From Grandmas can get close to $100 bucks for an Iggy Pop record is because not a lot of people were into Iggy back in the 70s, so not as many records were pressed in comparison to huge artists like Elton John. Last week, I sold the Netherlands cast version of My Fair Lady for $20 bucks (paid 50 cents!). It was the only one on eBay, so I took a chance and it sold overnight.

As far as cleaning goes, I keep it simple: a microfiber cloth and a soft touch. There are many ways to clean records. A quick Google search will provide many options. As for cleaning the covers, well, it depends on what you’re trying to clean off. They’re just printed paperboard, so you’ll need to be gentle.

[MDC Galleries & Fine Art]

Thank you so much for taking the time to create a detailed reply. I know from my own experience that detailed replies to some questions here on SL can really take away from one’s listing time.
Your comments hit home and I am not going to spend the time to pull out an old turntable and play each record. So I think I will create numerous listings with 12 albums per. I will show 2 albums per photo. One shot of the 2 fronts and the next shot of the back, then repeat for the remaining 10. Then list that group of 12. We still have many nice, higher end items from our antique booths we closed dwon to spend much time on this, but we figured you would have the answer as to how much energy we should put into this. It is only about 3 or 4 boxes, about 50 records from the late 60’s and 70’s. We were not into music that much. Was an artist so art books was more my line.

We also have about 100 CD’s about 100 DVD’s that we bought years ago. I guess we will just do the same with all of those. 12 per listing, lot price and move on.

I have a beautiful Fenton Silvercrest compote, a brass Asian Buddhist Monk statue and a large Asian Cloisonne’ Jar and lid that each will be listed for over $75 each that I would much rather get listed than records, CD’s and DVD’s. Jay talks about love, deep interest and passion for what we buy, list and research. Well records “Ain’t It”!!! LOL 🙂

Again really appreciate the time you invested into the community with your answer. Will save it in my archive of tips for future reference.

Mike at MDC Galleries in Atlanta and Hurray for Atlanta, we got our collapsed I-85 highway put back together and it is open and traffic flowing. What a mess that was.

[Rydell Relics]

Happy to help, Mike. I hear you about the passion; I recently sold a bunch of coins in lots. I could have researched each and every one, but I find coins so BORING. And if the buyer made some money reselling some of them, I’m happy for them. Lot ’em up, sell ’em on!

*Paul*

[Amatino]

Thanks for posting this, RR.

I have a question too. I’ve got batches of the Columbia Records subscription copies, which were records in inner sleeves only, no outer cover. I’ve been told these are worthless, irrespective of who/what they are. Some of them are in album books. Should I sell the books filled with the records, or just batch up the records and sell them to crafters and the like? I’ve seen the album books go for a decent amount.

[Rydell Relics]

Amantino, I think you’re spot on. Records without sleeves are generally worthless, the exception being 12″ singles that never had a picture sleeve. Even then, they usually came in a generic record label sleeve with logos and artwork. Get rid of them, and then list those books.

*Paul*

[Gompers]

I have some vinyl to sell. How are you shipping vinyl records? I see on ebay vinyl record mailers that run about $20 for 25. Is this the best option ?

[Rydell Relics]

Gompers, apologies for the late response.

Yep, those mailers are pretty much standard. I’ve bought records on eBay where the buyer simply sandwiched it between two pieces of cardboard, then sent it off. When it arrived, it had snapped in two. I was so bummed! But I’ve never received a damaged record using those specific mailers, nor have I ever shipped one and had it arrive damaged. They do cost a bit more, but I work that into the shipping price. I charge around $4.50 for Media Mail.

*Paul*

[Amatino]

Thanks RR. I’ll do that.

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