💿 Vinyl Record Reselling
Reseller Guide
Condition Grading (Goldmine Standard)
| Grade | Record Condition | Sleeve Condition |
|---|---|---|
| M (Mint) | Unplayed, perfect | Perfect, no wear |
| NM (Near Mint) | Near perfect, minimal signs of handling | Near perfect, minimal wear |
| VG+ (Very Good Plus) | Light surface noise, plays well | Minor wear, no major defects |
| VG (Very Good) | Noticeable surface noise | Obvious wear, ring wear, seam splits |
| G+ (Good Plus) | Significant noise, still playable | Heavy wear |
| G (Good) | Lots of noise, distortion possible | Major damage |
Format: VG+/VG means Record is VG+, Sleeve is VG
What Makes Records Valuable
- First pressings: Original release, not reissue
- Limited editions: Colored vinyl, numbered releases
- Genre: Psych rock, punk, jazz, soul, hip-hop originals
- Artist collectibility: Beatles, Pink Floyd, Bowie, Sabbath
- Condition: NM commands 3-5x VG prices
- Completeness: Inserts, posters, stickers add value
- Label variants: Different pressings on same label
Identifying First Pressings
- Matrix numbers: Etchings in dead wax near label
- Label variations: Logo changes, address changes
- Catalog numbers: Match to discography databases
- Cover variations: Early covers sometimes different
- Country of pressing: UK vs US vs Japan pressings differ
💡 Pro Tip: Use Discogs to identify pressings. Match matrix numbers to database entries. Same album can have dozens of variations with vastly different values.
Where to Source
- Thrift stores: Hit or miss, check condition carefully
- Estate sales: Entire collections, often underpriced
- Garage sales: "Old records" = potential goldmine
- Record stores: Buy underpriced, sell higher online
- Flea markets: Negotiate for lots
- Craigslist/FB: Collections for sale locally
What to Skip
- Common classic rock (unless NM first pressing)
- 80s pop that was mass produced
- Compilations and K-Tel records
- Severely warped or scratched records
- Anything that smells musty (mold)
Where to Sell
| Platform | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Discogs | 8% + PayPal | Best for records, collector audience |
| eBay | ~13% | Rare items, auctions for unknowns |
| Local record stores | 30-50% of resale | Quick cash, bulk sales |
| Record fairs | Table fee | Bulk selling, networking |
Shipping Records
- Mailers: Use proper vinyl mailers (cardboard stiffeners)
- Protection: Record outside sleeve to prevent seam splits
- Poly sleeves: Outer poly protects covers
- Media Mail: Cheapest option, can be inspected
- Insurance: For valuable records, always
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