I have bought probably less than 20 times here on Music Stack, however, I can honestly tell you that selling online, let alone doing any mail order can be quite tricky. This would also depend upon how long you have been already been buying, selling or trading records to begin with. Frankly, I will tell you up front that unless you know what you are doing, I wouldn't sell records at all online. Period......
Things you might want to ask yourself are:
1.) How much knowledge do you have of the grading system, or can you tell the difference between what a VG+ graded record looks like versus what a near mint record looks like?
2.) If you aren't acquainted with the grading system of records, would you be able to deal with consistent complaints from your customers if your grading accuracy might not be up to their expectations?
My suggestion? Get yourself acquainted with the grading system for both records & album covers. The Goldmine Price Guide to American Records is a great start. However, it is much more than that Glenn..........you need to have a trained eye to be able to tell a scratch from a scuff, or a hairline from a scratch, groovewear etc. etc.
Seriously, it isn't that easy to just post a record up, thinking that it can sell itself. You also have to be as descriptive in your listing to show your potential customers you not only know what you are talking about, but you also have to be able know how to answer your potential customers questions. Trust me Glenn, record collectors are some of the most anal retentive eccentrics you will ever stumble upon in life, and about 50% of them are crazy perfectionists, and the other 50% might not care. Although this may be a gamble of sorts, the buyers that care a lot are the ones you have to look out for, because if you ever sell to one of them, and you don't know what you are doing, they can make your life a living hell as a seller!
Honestly, selling anything online to begin with already has it's challenges, but selling records seems to be complicated for the most part, due to the fact that your customers can't see what you are selling before hand, so your descriptions need to be accurate!
So, are you ready to sell yet? I suggest unless you are 100% confident you can actually knowingly do this in a way that won't get you in the line of fire, then go for it, but if you don't have a clue, then proceed with caution. You have been warned!
Everyone else in here might have their opinions, but this is just my 2 cents..........
I started about 6 years ago by selling my own collection. I found I enjoyed what I was doing. However, it was a lot of trial and error-emphasis on error. Misgrading,experimenting with different packaging,learning the difference between various releases and a myriad of other things.
I definitely agree with VJ-get your hands on a copy of Goldmine. But remember, the prices are for M or NM copies. And if you don't own a turntable, now is the time to get one. I play grade everything I sell for over a certain price.
Hi Glenn:
Selling Records on line or in your own Store just as a collectectors view is a hard thing to do, Betsi and Vinyl Junkie have some really great points. So here is my short two cent.35 years in the music business and 15 years in the trades have been exciting but I have also had some hard hits from buyers and traders. As both the other two collectors say, LEARN A GOOD FAIR GRADING SYSTEM. Make it your bible, answer all question up front and at all cost be Honest. If there is a small smuge on the record, tell the buyer before you ship or sell. Don't let prople tell you you are to high, or you don't know what you are doing. and one more thing you got to have a Love for records to do this, Other wise if your in it for the big bucks you won't make it.
Thats my point.
Good luck to you:
Best
Olde Vinyl (lee)
I agree with everything that Betsi and Vinyl Junkie have said. I have found this is a great site to sell and there is a great support system of dealers (spelled mentors) that can help answer any and all questions. Dave Stack is a great mentor also.
Any suggestions , beside internet sales, as to how I could go about reducing the amount of 45's I have ? I have a relatively small collection but a large accumulation of records due to my buying boxes ( cheap ) of 45's at estate and garage/yard sales and having a small percentage of those being what I consider keepers.
Well, if you have such a small amount of records in the first place, I don't think it would have been worth your while to sell on Music Stack in the first place Glenn. Now, if you are not very experienced selling online, then why not try selling or advertising local? You can always try doing this by utilizing Craig's List, or perhaps you can try advertising in your local paper. This will give your customers a chance to see the condition ahead of time for the records you are selling. The last resort would be to take the records down to your local record shop and see if they might purchase them off of you for a reasonable price, however, don't expect to get top dollar value out of them. If anything, you will be just doing good to get them off of your hands, as most record shops just aren't going to give you much money. In the end, you might just be better off having a garage sale. The key is to advertise, advertise, advertise.
Thanks VJ I had thought of record shops/ craigslist/ pennysaver etc. and your suggestions convinced me that that might be the way to go. I had found music stack, recently, as well as a few other online marketplaces which is why I had considered selling here. My collection of 45's is in the 100 range ( the ones i'm keeping ) whereas the accumulation is at 2500 +. I know music stack suggested no less than 500 if you were going to sell so I thought hmm... I think your's and everyone else input has put me on the right track.
You could sell on ebay.
Anyone can and does and sometimes the grading is hysterical.
I think some of the people that sell on their have played their records with a bent rusty nail.
Gosh I am being so contentious, but I message as a stung buyer [over and over infact]
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