Dos & Don'ts When Buying Used Vinyl Records

✅ 1. Inspect the Condition Thoroughly

• Look at the vinyl under good lighting – Tilt it to catch scratches, warps, scuffs, or hazing.

• Check the surface gloss – A shiny surface is often a sign of a well-preserved record.

• Feel for warps – Gently spin it flat on your fingers or a level surface to see if it wobbles.

• Smell for mold or smoke – Moldy records may look clean but carry long-term damage or odor; cigarette smoke is tough to remove.

✅ 2. Evaluate the Sleeve and Inner Packaging

• Bent corners, creases, water damage, mold spots, or ring wear reduce collectible value.

• A split spine or damaged inner sleeve may not ruin the sound but impacts the overall value.

✅ 3. Know the Pressing

• First pressings (especially from original countries and labels) are more collectible and often higher in value.

• Use Discogs to check matrix/runout etchings and catalog numbers to verify pressing information.

✅ 4. Use Price Guides and Marketplaces

• Discogs: Great for identifying pressings and gauging the market price based on condition.

• Popsike: Tracks auction prices from eBay and other sites—use it for rarer or collectible LPs.

• Goldmine Grading System: Learn this scale (Mint, NM, VG+, VG, etc.) and understand how even one grade lower can cut the value by half.

✅ 5. Clean Before You Play

• Even lightly dusty records should be cleaned with a carbon fiber brush or a proper cleaning system to avoid damaging your stylus.

• Wet-clean moldy records with a gentle cleaning solution and microfiber cloth. Let them dry fully before storing.

✅ 6. Store Properly

• Store vertically like books—not stacked!

• Use poly sleeves (not PVC) for outer protection, and anti-static inner sleeves for the vinyl.

• Avoid heat and humidity—keep them in a dry, temperature-stable space away from sunlight.

🚫 DON’Ts When Buying Used Vinyl Records

❌ 1. Don’t Trust Visual Grading Alone

• Just because it looks clean doesn’t mean it plays well—surface noise, groove wear, and skips aren’t always visible.

• If possible, listen before you buy, especially for higher-priced records.

❌ 2. Don’t Ignore Smells or Signs of Mold

• Mold can permanently embed in both jacket and vinyl grooves. Musty records can spread spores to others in your collection.

❌ 3. Don’t Overpay Without Research

• Just because something is labeled “rare” doesn’t mean it is.

• Cross-check multiple sales on Discogs and Popsike to spot inflated prices. Some records are mass-produced and only seem rare in small shops or antique malls.

❌ 4. Don’t Confuse Reissues With First Pressings

• Many reissues look similar to first pressings. Always check the label design, matrix codes, country of origin, and release dates.

• A reissue in Near Mint condition may be worth less than a VG+ original.

❌ 5. Don’t Skip Checking for Storage Damage

• Look out for warping (from heat), edge wear, seam splits, or records stored outside of their jackets (prone to dust and scratches).

❌ 6. Don’t Assume All Used Vinyl Is Cheaper

• With the current vinyl boom, some sellers inflate prices, especially for popular artists or classic rock. Know your fair market value.

📝 Final Notes:

• Condition is Everything: A record graded NM (Near Mint) is often 2–3x the price of a VG (Very Good) copy.

• Buy from reputable sellers: Especially online, read reviews and avoid vague or “untested” listings unless the price justifies the risk.

• Keep a list: Track what you’re looking for and what you own. Discogs has a great collection management feature for this.