How to Sell Vinyl Records Online (and Why Local Buyers Pay More)
Selling Records Online Sounds Easy… Until You Try It
At first glance, selling vinyl online seems simple. You take some photos, list them on eBay or Discogs, and wait for buyers to roll in. But nearly everyone who tries it hits the same wall: it’s not easy at all.
Most sellers quickly realize they don’t know how to grade records accurately, can’t tell which pressing or label variation they have, and—without any seller feedback—buyers simply won’t trust them.
That’s where the frustration begins.
The Hidden Problems with Selling Records Online
I hear the same story hundreds of times a year. Someone lists a few albums or 45s online, finally makes a few sales, and then everything gets returned because a buyer claims the grading was wrong.
Even experienced collectors find that online selling comes with endless labor:
Cleaning, photographing, and describing each record
Packaging safely to prevent damage
Dealing with platform fees, returns, and buyer messages
And in the end, the “sold” price you see online isn’t what you actually get—you’ll lose a big cut to platform and payment fees.
The biggest myth out there is that “anyone can sell records online.”
The truth is: it takes years of experience grading, identifying pressings, and building a reputation before anyone trusts your listings.
Why Selling to Local Buyers Is Often a Better Option
When someone asks me whether they should sell online or to We Buy Records, my answer is simple:
“Unless it’s a small number of truly valuable records and you’re an expert with strong seller feedback, it’s not going to end well online.”
Selling to a local buyer like us is fast, transparent, and fair. We tell you what your records could sell for, explain what percentage we can pay in cash, and you get a straightforward offer on the spot.
No grading disputes. No fees. No boxes to ship.
How Our Cash Offer Process Works
Our process is simple:
Call, text, or email a few details or photos of your collection.
We’ll let you know quickly whether it’s something we’re interested in.
You can bring the records in, or we’ll travel to you if it’s a large collection.
We evaluate them in person and make a clear, cash offer right then and there.
We’re very open about pricing—we tell sellers what certain titles will resell for and what share we can pay.
We Travel Across Illinois (and Beyond)
We regularly buy collections throughout Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and Southwest Michigan.
We’ve also had sellers from further away mail in high-value rarities, and in those cases we’ll occasionally cover shipping when the items are special enough.
We’re a small, friendly team—relatively young and energetic—and we know the history behind many of the records people bring us. It’s not unusual for us to recognize the pressing plant, the studio, or even the band’s hometown label from the 1970s.
That personal touch puts sellers at ease. We’re collectors and musicians ourselves, not just resellers.
What Most Sellers Really Want
After thousands of buys, one truth stands out:
“Folks want a nice round number—as big as possible—and they want you to take it all.”
That’s exactly what we do. We buy full collections, handle all the heavy lifting, and make the process quick and transparent.
Records We Love to Buy
We’re especially interested in:
Rare regional and private-press records
Soul and funk 45s
Local rock and hip-hop
Jazz LPs
And unusual, collectible titles of any genre
Whether it’s 20 records or 2,000, we can make an immediate offer.
Before You Try to Sell Records Online
If you do want to try selling online, a few quick tips:
Clean and visually grade each record carefully
Research pressing details before pricing
Pack securely with cardboard stiffeners and poly sleeves
Expect to answer buyer questions and possibly handle returns
Or—you can skip all that and call us instead.
Call or Text to Sell Your Records for Cash
If you’re in Illinois, Northwest Indiana, or Southwest Michigan, selling your records doesn’t have to be a project.
📞 Call Brian at (312) 500-4546 , text to (630)544-9733 or contact us here.
We’ll make the process fast, fair, and easy—and you’ll walk away with cash in hand.
FAQ
Is it better to sell records online or locally?
If you only have a few rare items and know how to grade precisely, online can work. But for most people, local buyers are faster, simpler, and safer.
Do people still buy records on eBay or Discogs?
Yes—but only from sellers with strong feedback and experience. Most new sellers struggle to make consistent sales.
Do you pay cash on the spot?
Always. Our offers are transparent, and we pay cash immediately after evaluating your records.
What if I’m outside Illinois?
We occasionally buy by mail for valuable collections—contact us first and we’ll let you know if it’s a fit.