How to Evaluate the Value of Old Vinyl Records and Sell for a Profit

Estimate Popularity

• Estimating the popularity of the records you wish to sell can be beneficial. Vinyl recordings by small bands and obscure musical artists may not generate sales as effectively as those by well-loved artists. Determine which are highly collectible by making inquiries at a record store or by consulting books published on the topic.

Inspect for Imperfections

• Vinyl records increase in value when they remain in great condition. When you consider buying a vinyl record for possible resale, inspect it thoroughly for scratches across the surface and for chips along the outer edge. Look for a sticker with no rips and tears and a cover that does not have excessive wear and tear. When the sticker and cover coloration have remained bright and clear, this also increases the value of the record.

Research Rarity

• Although some vinyl records may look valuable, millions of copies could actually be available at any given time in used record stores, meaning that the record would be of little value. Conversely, an ordinary-looking, seemingly worthless vinyl record may be a rare recording. Such rarity drastically increases the value of the record. Rare records may be hard to find, but finding and selling one could result in hefty profit.

Buy in Bulk

• You can sometimes find boxes filled with vinyl records at flea markets or garage sales because people often sell record collections in bulk when trying to declutter. The records may not look sorted, priced or valued. Any large lot of vinyl records at a garage sale is worth hauling home to look through and research.

Sell Smart

• Locating a place to sell your records can become just as important as finding and buying the right records. Start by contacting your local record store to find out how much they would pay for the records you have. Compare that price with what you paid to determine potential profit from selling to a record store. You can repeat this process using estimates from antique stores and novelty shops. Some people find that selling vinyl records online generates higher profits than selling to a brick and mortar store. Look for online auction websites, such as eBay, or start your own website listing all of the vinyl records you have for sale.