We do alot of record shopping to keep our collection fresh and exciting. Here are some tips and tricks that we've learned along the way.
Where to Start - Since I'm almost never searching for the newest release of anything there are alot of options.
Record Stores - The best selection and variety of genres can usually be found at your local record store. You will probably pay more here than anywhere else but there is generally a level of quality to be expected where scratching and warping is concerned.
In addition, alot of record stores will buy records that you no longer want in exchange for store credit. This is a great way to refine your record collection.
Goodwill/ Thrift Store - As with anything else at a Goodwill or similar thrift stores, records can be really hit or miss. The good news is that records here are usually priced at $.50 cents to $1.00.
Often they appear to be your grandma's castoffs (Christmas music, lots of classical, musical theater). The selection is largely dependent on the neighborhood surrounding the store so keep that in mind. There is the opportunity to find something great here, our copy of J.J. Cale Troubador came from a Goodwill.
Flea Market - Flea markets are pretty big here in LA, the Rose Bowl and Melrose Trading Post both have quite alot of records. The selection at these flea markets is pretty hip, obviously the type of music likely depends quite a bit on the other types of things being sold at the market.
At the flea markets here they stock alot of the usual suspects (Beatles, Rolling Stones, Zepplin), often at prices above what they would be asking at your local record store. The good thing about flea markets however is your ability to haggle, and you can buy so many other fun things while you are there!
Ebay - Ebay is best when you really know what you are looking for. Sometimes I use it as a method to price check something before I buy it. I have been burned before ending up with records that are so warped or scratched that they would barely play. As with all things on Ebay it's fun to browse but I generally only buy if it is something that I cannot find anywhere else or if I kind find it for cheap enough that I'm willing to take a chance.
Craigslist - Craigslist may sound like an odd place to look for records but it is very useful for two reasons. We keep an eye on our local Craigslist for people giving away or selling big collections of records. If you are just starting your record collection this is a great place to start.
The second great use for Craigslist is to check the listings for local yard sales that are selling records.
Yard Sales - Last but certainly not least, the yard sale. The best way to search for records this way is to set aside an entire day of your weekend. We make a list, trying to stay within a neighborhood or a few nearby neighborhoods.
You really never know what you will find at a yard sale but sometimes what people are selling will surprise you and it will generally only run you about $1.00 a record. Alot of times if you grab a big stack you can get a really good deal and it gives you the opportunity to take a chance on an unknown album. We've discovered that yard sales are also a pretty great way to meet other vinyl enthusiasts.
Where do you find your records?
