Digging into Vinyl Values: An Expert Guide to Determining Price in 2023
All records have different values based on the title/condition of the record and supply and demand. A certain record may be in almost new condition and be 80 years old, but if no one wants to buy it, it can still have little or no value at all. On the flip side, a record could be in fairly rough shape and be only ten or twenty years old and still have a really nice value if many collectors are after it. And most records would fall somewhere between these extremes. Here are some quick answers to common questions about determining prices for records:
Are my records even worth anything?
The quick answer is “it depends”. Clean copies of most rock, soul, jazz, rap, heavy metal, or punk records will usually have some value. If you are by any chance looking to sell one of these records, feel free to give us a call, we might be interested in buying those! If you want to check what records we are buying, check it out by clicking here! Many genres like easy listening, classical, country, polka, Broadway, or kids' records will usually have little or no value, with some exceptions.
How do I find out what my vinyl records are worth?
You have a few options here. If it’s a small number of records, it should be possible to try and find "completed" online sales of the titles you have (be careful to make sure these will be the same pressings and general conditions as yours). "Completed" sales are important because many people have records with low or no value for sale at really high prices online that will never sell for that price. You need to find copies that have actually sold and been paid for. This can be difficult for non-experts. Of course, the easier way is to have us take a quick look, tell you how much your records are worth, and make an offer, which will be reflective of the values of your actual records, considering pressings and conditions - and can be done very quickly.
Which records have value and which don’t, and why?
Here are some genres where clean condition records will usually have some value, and some of these will have mid to high value. Rock, Jazz, R&B, New Wave, Punk, Heavy Metal, Dance, Electronic, Indie Rock, Reggae, Salsa, African, Experimental, New Age, Progressive Rock, Garage Rock, and Rockabilly. Let’s say definition of “some” equals $2 or more - Most shops will pass on records that you can’t even sell for $2 as we have limited space. Of course many desirable records will have value much higher than $2.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s delve deeper into how to set a record value and determine vinyl record value. The record valuation guide below will help you understand the vinyl record pricing methods and record worth assessment.
The first step in pricing records accurately is to understand the vinyl record value checklist. This includes the artist, the rarity of the record, the condition of both the vinyl and the cover, and the demand for it. A rare record from a popular artist in excellent condition will have a higher value. Conversely, a common record from an obscure artist in poor condition will have a lower value.
Next, consider the pressing of the vinyl. First pressings are typically more valuable than subsequent ones. Look for identifiers like matrix numbers in the record’s run-out groove to determine the pressing.
The condition of the vinyl is crucial in setting the record value. Records are usually graded on a scale from Mint (perfect) to Poor (significantly damaged). A record in Mint condition will fetch a higher price than one in Good or Fair condition.
The genre can also affect the value of a record. As mentioned earlier, genres like rock, jazz, soul, rap, heavy metal, and punk usually have more value. However, there are always exceptions, and rare records in other genres can also be valuable.
Finally, the market demand plays a significant role in determining vinyl record worth. A record that many collectors want will have a higher value, even if it’s not in perfect condition.
Remember, pricing records accurately is more of an art than a science. It requires knowledge, experience, and sometimes a bit of luck. But with these best practices for vinyl valuation and tips for vinyl valuation, you’ll be well on your way to understanding the worth of your vinyl records.
Here are some genres that likely WILL NOT have value (there are some exceptions, but these are genres where less than 10% of titles will break that $2 limit) - CLASSICAL, BROADWAY, SWING, CROONER, COUNTRY, POLKA, OPERA, KIDS, XMAS
If you’re looking to sell your vinyl collection, don’t hesitate to contact us at We Buy Records. Our team of experts will provide a fair and accurate appraisal of your records. We’re always on the lookout for new additions to our collection, and we’d love to hear from you. So why wait? Discover the true value of your records today! Contact us now!
When you decide you want to proceed with getting an offer for your records, don’t hesitate to give Brian a call.
