Adding to Your Record Collection

Whether you’re searching for one specific LP or several, you’ll find hundreds of places that sell used vinyl. From your neighborhood rummage sales to the Internet, to that record store down the street, used records abound. Depending on where you look, they can range in price from ten cents to thousands of dollars.
 
 
But how do you know if what you’re buying is worth the money? Where should you look to ensure you’re getting a good deal?
 
Because there are so many places to look, it’s helpful to consider them in two main categories: Professional and Non-Professional.

Professional

Examples

record shops (on the Internet or close to home), professional record dealers

What you get
rare records, excellent product knowledge, high quality

Someone knowledgeable has chosen these particular records to sell and has spent time grading them accurately for quality and condition.

Cost

can be pricey, but you’re paying for knowledge and quality

Non-Professional

Important note: If you’re buying over the internet or sight unseen (especially at an on-line auction), make sure the seller has a 100% money-back guarantee.
 
Remember, typically you get what you pay for. So if you don’t spend a lot of time looking or you plan to purchase from non-knowledgeable sources, you probably won’t be making a valuable investment.