How to Price Rare Records

Evaluate the Price of Rare Records

• 1

  Survey the available literature on pricing rare records. There are plenty of books like 'The Official Price Guide to Records' by Jerry Osborne, available at Amazon.com, that have current rates for rare records in every genre (see Resources below).

• 2

  Look through online auctions of rare records and other music memorabilia. Collectors who have a specific record in mind can use online auctions of other records as a comparison tool. Online auctions can also demonstrate the financial return that a collector can get for a rare record.

• 3

  Converse with record store owners and dealers about their rare record collections. Collectors like to talk about the prize pieces in their collections and can speak about the price they paid for a particular item. As well, experienced collectors can point a newcomer to resources on how to price records.

• 4

  Attend local music festivals, concerts and other events where fans get an opportunity to meet other fans. These events sometimes have booths or displays of a particular band's memorabilia with information on the value of the memorabilia. Collectors can speak with their colleagues about places to find good records and the costs they pay for their collection.

• 5

  Take your rare records to a local record dealer with experience in appraisal. Larger cities and urban areas often have at least one store owned by an experienced collector with some experience in pricing records. Informal pricing by a record store owner can help you gauge what to expect when selling your rare records.

• 6

  Gain definitive knowledge about the worth of your rare records from a professional appraiser. Auction houses and appraisal businesses can determine the worth of your rare records based on the present market. Appraisers look for the quality of the product and any enhancements, like autographs, that can add value.