Anyone know how to sell a record collection?

You got it for nothing, but you don’t want it, and it’s a nuisance. Yet “you don’t want to be ripped off”.

So if someone said “Give me $20, and I’ll haul it away”, that wouldn’t do, eh?

Go to Books A Million, the collectible section, and check out the value of your record collection, before you do anything.

Some records are very rare and valuable. i have an album by The Beatles, thats worth $10,000.00. the Butcher Block Album was recalled by the factory, because of public complaint of its album cover. most all were recovered, except a few.

As a disc jockey in Nashvile in the early 60s, i collected mostly DJ copies of the origiinal songs. today, i am thankful. my collection is my retirement.

Check out the book stores before you make a move. it could mean money left out of your pockets and into someone else’s, if you do not.

If you need more information, advise me online and i will email you direct. john

@frdelrosario Here is how I’d counter that argument. Say you were left a house, you already own a house that you prefer, would you just give away the house you got for nothing or would you sell it for what it’s worth? I’d sell it for what it’s worth and possibly donate some of the proceeds. Others might donate it entirely but I doubt many would just put an ad up that says $1,000 for the house first come takes it.

@john65pennington Thank you for your answer I’ll check out the resource you listed. I know I have a few Beatles albums but from what I saw they’re more in the $15–20 range. Thanks!

Learn the proper value of each item and sell to the highest bidder. I have hundreds of 78s and vinyls that I don’t listen to (having them recorded onto CD) but I’m glad that I have the storage space to keep them for sentimental reasons. The large format allowed such beautifil artwork on the covers which is no longer possible.

When my husband was out of work, we lived for almost two years off of his record collection, by selling it piece by piece on eBay. It is crucial that you know what you have, and how to describe and grade the records.

@Seek_Kolinahr how did you know what you had and how to grade the records? Thanks!

Ebay!

@limeaide

Well, my hubby collected them for 30 years, religiously. He could tell by looking at something who the artist was, the album, the year of release, which edition of release that particular album was, which country it was released in, what other countries it was released in, the names of all the other bands the members of that band had ever played for… All of that information ensures the buyer is getting exactly what he’s looking for, and attracts buyers that might not necessarily be looking for that album, but impulsively bid on it anyway (“Zomg! I didn’t know Phil Anselmo from Pantera was the lead singer of Down! I must have it!!1!).

“Grading” records is the method of describing the condition of the album. There are two parts: condition of the vinyl itself, and the condition of the cover. A vinyl is only “New” if it is still shrink-wrapped. It is “like new” if the wrapping is open, but everything is in perfect condition, record unplayed, no scratches, no wear, no nothing. When grading and describing the album, all flaws must be described, or the buyer can call “foul” and get his money back.

I am not against selling records on ebay. my wife does this all the time. my only two concerns are the mailing costs and the safety of the records, especially the old 78s, which are very brittle. if you live in a big city and have a record shop that buys old records, this is your best bet. check the yellow pages. john

@Seek_Kolinahr Awesome, thank you!

@john65pennington you can take out insurance, but shipping is a problem. Sold golf clubs on Ebay for a while, but the shipping causes me to quit…you add insurance and shipping…not to mention the work and it was not worth it!

@Cotton101 That’s why I usually have the buyer pay shipping and insurance. The work is something to consider. I usually don’t sell anything on ebay unless I can clear at least $30—$50.

New eBay rules state you can only charge a maximum of $3 for domestic shipping on vinyl records. I have no idea why, especially when the boxes we buy to ship them in cost $1.17 a piece when you buy them by the hundred. On the upside, you can ship them via USPS Media Mail, which (though it takes longer) is cheaper, and safer as it goes by truck the entire way. In my experience, Media Mail with Delivery Confirmation is the best way to ship vinyl. Always get Delivery Confirmation. That way, if the buyer claims the item didn’t arrive, you have trackable evidence that you did ship the item, and they will automagically lose the paypal dispute.

@limeaide very good point..thought about that, but had a bunch of clubs that were only collecting rust…so, got something out of them. If i were to do it full-time, your approach is much better.

I leave insurance up to the buyer, unless the item sells for more than $50, or is sold to certain countries outside the US.

I don’t even deal with most of Asia – their postal system sucks. Japan is good, most of India is good. No China, no Thailand. Awful. Just awful. I have horror stories.

Canadians, Australians and the UK are great eBay customers. Always happy as long as the item arrives, and they always give positive feedback.

@Everyone so much great advice, thank you!!!!

@Seek_Kolinahr very good answers!

Heard of ebay?

take it to a flea market, vintage store, local hippie (;