Instructions
Buy a price guide. Books can be purchased online and at local book stores. Guides will list the value of various 45 rpm records based on their condition and recording artist. The number of records made will also affect their worth.
Visit antique shops. Albums of different sizes including the 45 rpm may be found at antique shops. The condition of the records may vary. Because a shop owner may not be an expert in record collecting take your pricing guide along to determine what you are willing to spend.
Keep in mind the price of a record is not the only thing that matters when adding to your collection. Collect 45 rpms from your favorite recording artists of the past. The condition of the record also matters. If the record is too worn it may not play and the value will also be decreased.
Look for records at garage and estate sales. The saying one man's junk is another man's treasure is true. A neighbor may clean out his closets and have 45 rpms that may be just what you are looking for. Also check out thrift shops and swap meets which may have records for sale. Ask other collectors where they have found records.
Shop online. Bidding sites are an excellent source for rare 45 records. Catalogs from online record sellers are also available.
Store your 45 rpm record collection in a waterproof container where they will not be exposed to excess heat. If possible buy the record and keep it in the original sleeve to prevent it from getting damaged.