Collectors prize 45s for their rarity and cultural significance. Unlike LPs, which were often repressed many times, 45s were frequently issued once and never again. Original labels, condition, and regional ties all affect value. A scratched common pop single might only be worth a dollar, but an obscure funk 45 in excellent shape could fetch hundreds or even thousands. For many collectors, 45s offer a chance to hold a unique piece of music history.

We get dozens of calls every week from folks all over the country looking to sell their vinyl records. While we’re based in Milwaukee, we understand that not everyone is local—and not every collection justifies a long-distance house call.

That’s why we’ve put together this referral list: a guide to record shops we personally recommend in other cities and regions. Whether you're downsizing a classic rock LP collection, inherited some jazz albums, or want to cash out on rare 45s, these shops are reputable, knowledgeable, and actively buying.

Wondering if your records are worth money? A Milwaukee record buyer shares what genres, pressings, and local records tend to have value—and what doesn’t.

If you’ve got old vinyl records collecting dust, you might be sitting on more value than you realize. At We Buy Records, we’ve helped thousands of collectors and casual sellers across the U.S. figure out what their records are worth — and turn them into cash quickly. Here’s exactly how to value your records and the best way to sell them in 2025.

While the format may seem obsolete to some, certain tapes are now sought after by collectors, DJs, and genre completists—especially as the nostalgia wave keeps rising. From limited hip-hop pressings to DIY indie labels and obscure international editions, the right cassette can sell for hundreds of dollars in 2025.

In the era of streaming, many people assume CDs are worthless. But for serious collectors, certain box sets, imports, audiophile pressings, and even early 2000s titles still have real market value.

If you're wondering how to sell your vinyl records or looking for the best way to sell records in Milwaukee, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve inherited a collection, are downsizing, or just want to make space, there’s a smart, easy way to turn those LPs and 45s into cash — without the stress of selling online.

For me and my brother Tom, those weird discoveries often came with hilarious missteps. A British DJ once told us about “Library music”—those haunting, funky instrumentals from labels like KPM or DeWolfe. But his accent was so thick, we spent years asking shops if they had any “lively music” instead. Nobody knew what we were talking about, but we kept digging anyway. Eventually we figured it out—and found one of the deepest rabbit holes in crate-digging history.

If you're trying to figure out how to sell your records online, you're not alone. Many people start with what seems easiest—Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. But soon they find themselves frustrated, dealing with no-shows, low offers, cherry-picking buyers, or worse—damaged records during shipping and drawn-out payouts.

2. Air – Moon Safari – Live & Demos

• Genre: Electronic​

• Pressing Quantity: 2,000 copies​

• Description: Experience Air's seminal album through rare live performances and demos, offering a fresh perspective on their classic sound.​

In an age where nearly everything can be purchased online with a few clicks, there’s something truly special about walking into a local vinyl record store. It’s more than just a shopping trip—it’s an experience. For music lovers, vinyl collectors, and curious newcomers, visiting a vinyl records store near you offers unique benefits that online shopping just can’t replicate.

RSD’s Black Friday 2024 list is out! These drops are not supposed to be as large as the April RSD lists but are fun way to get some exciting limited edition holiday products on the shelves of your favorite local record stores.

If you’re thinking about parting with your record collection, whether it’s a cherished family heirloom or a trove of rare finds you’ve accumulated over the years, you might be overwhelmed by the thought of selling it. You might be asking, “How can I sell my record collection efficiently?” As an avid collector and a seasoned expert in the field, I’m here to tell you why choosing a local brick-and-mortar record shop like We Buy Records in Milwaukee is the easiest and most effective way to handle this process in one simple action.

This guide will provide insights into the key factors that affect the value of vinyl records, helping you determine the potential worth of your collection. Plus, we will introduce you to our Vinyl Record Appraisal Tool, which can help you get a quick estimate of your collection's value.

Any questions about the record game? Comment on the YouTube video and we will custom make future videos answering your questions!

Vinyl records have made a remarkable comeback in recent years, appealing to both nostalgic audiophiles and new generations of music lovers. I have been running vinyl record shops since 2000, first at Lotus Land Records (Milwaukee) and now with We Buy Records

Vinyl records continue to charm music lovers, providing a sensory-rich musical experience that digital formats cannot replicate. From Millennials to Boomers, the appeal of vinyl is a testament to its enduring legacy in the music world.

Whether you’re a long-time collector in Milwaukee, a hobbyist in Racine, a DJ in Kenosha, or a casual listener in Waukesha, you might be wondering where you can sell your vinyl records. While there are several options available, from local record shops to online marketplaces, WE BUY RECORDS stands out as the premier choice for selling your vinyl collections.