How Record Values Are Determined
Vinyl records have two basic factors that determine their value: the title and the condition. Every record has a different value, sometimes VERY different - based on these two factors.
Record Title
What record is it? Who is the artist? What is the album title and which pressing is it? Many times earlier pressings will be more valuable. Famous artists' records sold in the millions and therefore are not rare. The super expensive Beatles/Prince/etc records you see on dumb TV shows are extremely rare titles by these artists, not the one your brother bought in High School most likely! (Although maybe! haha)
Record Condition
For LPs (The big ones) there are two main factors, condition of the cover and the record itself. For 45s (the smaller ones) it's more about the condition of the playing surface itself only, unless there is bad damage to the labels. The cleaner records are, the more value they will have.
Rules of thumb…
The rarer the titles are, the more they will be worth - provided there are buyers looking for it. Like all markets, record values are based on supply and demand. Many collectors looking for a title, very few of them to go around = high prices. Million selling artists' records (think Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, etc) are often the LOWER value items (with some big exceptions) and lesser known artists whose records were made in smaller quantities are often more valuable.
Many times the record we will prize the most from a collection will be something the previous owner had because they were related to or friends with the artist - and privy to a product that few people at the time knew about or wanted. These titles are now very rare decades later.
EVERYONE bought "Thriller" - it is a very common record. Even clean copies typically sell around $10.
We will pay a percentage of the record’s value.
If the record is worth less than $2, either because it is a common title or because the condition has lessened its value - we typically will pass on it.
BY THE WAY!!! Please don't attempt to clean records before we see them. No offense, but you probably don't know how to do it right and it’s very possible to make them worse! I have some horror stories, trust me.
When you’re ready to get a nice offer from We Buy Records Milwaukee Call, Text, or Email me HERE to get started!
Check Out Another Article on the Subject Here!
Flipsy Guide To Selling Old Records
- Andy
Record Condition Guide
When trying to sell your vinyl record collection, learning some basics of vinyl condition grading can be a helpful tool. Record condition grading involves both an assessment of the record itself, and the jacket. It is generally understood that the jacket condition is fifty percent of the value and the vinyl condition is the other fifty percent. Some would argue that the vinyl condition is possibly a bit more important, though. First off, here are the actual grades with short descriptions. Below this we will go into how grade affects your collection’s value.
Mint (M) – Absolutely perfect. Never been played and usually sealed.
Near Mint (NM) – Not sealed, but as close to new as possible. No scuffs or scratches whatsoever, an NM record is glossy and plays with no noise. An NM jacket is crisp with no flaws.
Excellent (E) – Very light marks where the vinyl has been in and out of the inner sleeve a few times, or tiny signs of use.
Very Good Plus (VG+) – A few further faults are acceptable, but nothing that really compromises the record visually or audibly. A little rub, light inaudible marks, a little background crackle. A VG+ jacket can have light general wear but is still very attractive.
Very Good (VG) – Worn but still usable. Light pops and clicks, an edge split, light visible scratches. You can still listen to it and enjoy looking at it, but it is obviously used.
Good (G) – Good and the sometimes used “Good + / G+” is a very misleading grade as it actually refers to a record that is very, very used. Lots of scuffs, noise and generally fairly ugly.
Poor (P), Fair (F) Attempting to listen will be a disturbing experience. Expect major noise issues, skipping or repeating. The record itself is cracked, badly warped and has deep scratches. Poor or Fair covers will be extremely flawed.
Vinyl Record Conditions Versus Value
A record can only possess its full value if the condition is close to flawless (Mint, Excellent or Near Mint). Any drop in either vinyl or cover condition below this will typically take a percentage away from it’s worth. In general a good rule of thumb would be a 20-25% reduction in value for each grade you drop. More severe flaws like warping, deep scratching or heavy water damage can easily make even a valuable title worthless, sadly.
If you’d like us to evaluate the condition of your records we will need to see them in person. You can sell your vinyl records for cash locally by bringing them into our shop or if it’s a larger collection we can easily come to you. Andy can get you a fair cash offer within minutes!