How to Sell Old Phonograph Records

Last Updated: May 11, 2022 References

Do you have a stash of old records you'd like to sell? There are many collectors who are willing to deal with you to buy that stack of old records you've kept around for years. While not all of them are worth a lot of money, some are; read carefully and find out if you're a few steps away from getting some cash for them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Finding and Selling Your Records

1
Study your ABCs -- Attics, Basements and Closets. They could yield some extra money and free up some valuable space in your home for other uses. LPs (long-playing 10 and 12-inch discs, playing at 33 1/3 revolutions per minute), 78s (somewhat breakable discs, playing at 78 revolutions per minute with one tune on each side) and 45s (7-inch discs playing at 45 revolutions per minute) could prove valuable.
2
Gather together all the records you think you may want to get rid of.^{[1]
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3
Consider supply and demand. How available is the record? If millions were initially sold, it is likely that many will turn up in thrift shops, used record stores, and many homes. The scarcity factor must be present. There must be a demand for that record because of the artists performing (for example, a major talent who died young, before being able to make many records), the label on which it was recorded (the original recording as distinguished from a "reissue"), or an oddity concerning the record (for example, a V-disc, wartime government recording, an air-check taken from a radio broadcast, an original picture disc, or a 10-inch LP). The scarcity factor can also be affected by whether a record is "out-of-print" (no longer available from the manufacturer), thereby decreasing the supply. "Bootlegs" (records illegally produced from live concerts or broadcasts) are also valuable to collectors.
4
Check the condition of the record. If it is in "mint" condition (perfect) or "near mint" condition, it will have the highest possible value. A record in "very good" condition should not have any distorted sounds or loss of sound quality. "Good" means it may have some imperfections, but can be readily enjoyed. "Fair" means it can play, but it will have an obvious sound impairment and detract from your enjoyment and the value of the record. Those with surface noise and scratches will be of little or no value. Some dealers may have a slightly different grading scale.^{[2]
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5
Think about the content of the recording. Generally speaking, there is more interest in music than in spoken word or comedy records and the value would, therefore, be greater. Certain kinds of musical recordings bring high sales prices. Jazz records and original Broadway cast and movie soundtracks tend to provide a more active market and greater value. Also, early rhythm and blues records and the doo-wop sound are highly valued and collectible. Among classical records, the most valuable are orchestral performances, then solo instrumental, chamber music and concertos, solo vocal and operatic arias, and finally, complete operas. To some collectors, whether a record is mono or stereo affects the value. See the Tips below for emerging trends.
6
Find the right purchaser for your treasure. Records are purchased by collectors, mail order dealers, used records stores, and the general public (sometimes on a nostalgic impulse or because of a favorite artist. Also, some enthusiasts believe the sound quality produced by vinyl is greater than that of a CD or other media format). For truly rare records, the best prices will come from dealers who know the market and how much they can resell them for. Collectors are passionate about collecting their specialties. They may pay top prices for particular idiosyncrasies. It is unusual to get top dollar for a rare record from the "general public," where only the performance value is recognized, not the resale or trading value.
7
Do your research before initiating a transaction. Painstaking research along with knowledge of the record industry and its artists are required to determine the value of a particular recording. It may be possible to determine a value for a "rare" record once you have determined that it is truly rare. For more on pricing, check the tips below.^{[3]
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8
Catalog your records. List the artist, the title of the record, LP, 45 or 78rpm, the record catalog number, and its condition.
9
Find buyers. Take the list to a record librarian, a local record store or some used record stores for offers and indications as to rarity. Talk to friends and associates. Advertise in local classifieds or collectors' publications. Go to record shows, local used record stores, flea markets or bazaars, or garage sales. Use the internet; there are are many auction and classified sites such as eBay where you can sell your records.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Shipping and Payment for Online Sales

1
With the Internet, most sales will be conducted without either party having met each other in person. It is far more likely that you will pack and ship without ever having met the buyer. Using an online 'bank' such as PayPal is worth the small fee per transaction since you can then accept major credit cards or e-checks, and if you choose, shipping charges are included in the original electronically created and automatically emailed invoice. Shipment is not made until payment is received in full, which is normally only a matter of minutes.
2
Damages in transit can destroy records but vinyl is difficult to damage if packaged properly and high temperatures are avoided. By requiring that shipping insurance is purchased along with regular postal charges, the shipper is reimbursed for lost or damaged records and then can reimburse the buyer their payment. Sellers are not liable for damaged or lost freight if the item is properly packaged, insured and has delivery confirmation requested. Today, it's normal for buyers to pay for all actual postage costs and reasonable handling fees. Do not ever send any item by C.O.D. Today, many sellers do not offer refunds if they have completely and honestly described all flaws on the record and/or cover, and properly packaged and shipped the item. Some sellers offer 3 to 30 day refund periods, but may only offer a trade for like item or credit with seller.

Community Q&A

Question

I am cleaning out my cousin's house. Her husband collected lots of old records -- he has about 1,000 albums of every artist imaginable. How do I get estimate on their value?

Community Answer

Check the serial numbers on each (the little number scratched in the center of the record) and search them up individually on the internet. This will give you an idea of how much each record is worth. You can also send them off to record dealers to price them for you
Question

I have several albums of 5 or 6 records in each, that are really old, all classical, orchestras from the 40's. How can I sell them?

Community Answer

You would be best to price them using Goldmine American Records for pricing based on grade and catalogue number. Or consider donating them to your local resource center as a donation tax write off.
Question

Can you suggest a site that has information about what vinyl records are worth?

Community Answer

Goldmine is a printed publication that lists pricing based on value. Discogs.com is a marketplace that has statistics of actual sales available. Be sure to be true in grading your albums.