How to Sell Your Vinyl Record Collection

With CDs on the scene, vinyl records seem to be going the way of cassettes and eight-track tapes. But there are still plenty of collectors out there interested in your Louis Armstrong albums.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand supply and demand of selling records. Owning a chart-topping Elvis record is like owning a first-edition Harry Potter book. Because there were so many printed, they're easy to find and the value goes down. That's why Baby It's You by the Beatles is listed in price guides at $5 while Ragtime Cowboy Joe by David Seville and the Chipmunks is $20.

2. Check for damage. To fetch top dollar, the record itself can't be scratched or warped. The album jacket should have sharp corners and few signs of wear.

3. Go to a local used-record store to find a buyer, or look in the back of price guides and collector magazines for advertisements.

4. Scrutinize the cover, which can often be even more valuable than the record inside. Collectors frame them as works of art. Especially popular are album covers with portraits of the singer like Frank Sinatra or Doris Day.

Tips & Warnings

• An out-of-town buyer may want to judge the condition of your collection. Send only a few albums or you might pay more in shipping than the whole collection is worth.
• Don't stack your records-- the weight leaves a ring on the album cover.

[mistabluesman]

on 5/16/2009 About 8 years ago I bought a 20,000 record collection that was stored in the bottom section of a two level basement downtown Paris, Texas. I paid workers to bring the collection up two flights of stairs and load them in my trucks. Over a course of approx. two years I went thru this collection several times sorted out the ones I wanted for my collection and sold the rest.I am a Blues Artist, most of what I kept was, Blues and Country Blues but not limited to, ok!I have most any label you could be looking for and most likely any artist or title. Now don't go thinking you are going to get any Robert Johnson in this collection because you're not but, you will get some that I'm sure are very rare and unobtainable at other places.I need to sell my collection to help my kids with a project so if you are interested, I am looking to get shed of them.Email me from my web site listed below or c...

[sellingqueen]

on 4/27/2009 I have hundreds of vinyls lp records as far as early 50's, stored in a sealed box in closet under AC (not used for over 20 years). I also have a turn table (not used for 20 years). I would love to make room and sell them, if anyone interested email me at: "asma(at)moroccanbiscotti(.)com". Thks!SC

[billco122]

on 12/18/2008 FOR SALE. Jazz. 373 vinyl LPs.. Jazz lovers take good care of their collections, but these records have been played and enjoyed immensely, so they’re not new. All the greats are here—vocalists Dinah, Sarah and Ella; King Pleasure and Eddie Jefferson, groups like Lambert Hendricks & Ross and The Four Freshmen. Pianists include Oscar Peterson, Monk and Bud Powell; trumpets by Clifford Brown, Fats Navarro and more, sax greats Charley Parker, Cannonball Adderly, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims and Gerry Mulligan. The Ellington, Basie, Kenton and Herman bands. That gives you the flavor. Best offer of $1,200.or more. Contact me at [e-mail]

[revolveraz]

on 12/7/2008 We buy records!! Phoenix Arizona record shop is looking to expand its inventory!! Top prices paid for collectible records! No collection too large!! Check our website for more details - www.revolveraz.com

[revolveraz]

on 12/7/2008 We buy Records!! Phoenix Arizona record shop is looking to purchase your LP collection! Top prices paid in the state! No collection too large!! www.revolveraz.com for more info!