The Best Places to Find Vinyl Records: Thrift Stores

Okay, let’s talk about thrift stores. Back in the day, going to thrift stores was like shooting fish in a barrel. It was easy, there was plenty of merchandise, it was priced cheap, and the people who ran the stores were willing to wheel and deal if you wanted to take a lot of product off their hands.

Those days are over, and things have changed in 2024. Thrift stores have become a booming business, and with inexpensive technology like Google search and dozens of apps to help people check the values of merchandise, most thrift stores now price their items a little closer to what you would pay online. While that might sound discouraging at first, don’t let it throw you off. There are still plenty of good deals to be found, and there are strategies that can help you succeed in your vinyl record hunt.

The best way to make thrift stores work for you is by following the law of averages. What do I mean by this? Well, think of it this way: you don’t need to expect instant success. The key is consistency. By regularly visiting thrift stores in your area, you increase your chances of finding that great box of vinyl. It’s all about patience, and with a little dedication, you will eventually strike gold. Don’t worry too much about finding albums each time. Focus on showing up regularly, even if it’s just once or twice a week, and before you know it, you’ll start to notice the fresh arrivals and occasional surprise finds.

I have a few stores I visit religiously each week, and over time, I’ve gotten to know their inventory and rhythms. When I walk in, I know exactly where to look first. Usually, the vinyl section remains the same, but every now and then, something changes. A fresh batch of records will appear on the shelves, and I get the excitement of sifting through them. Sometimes I walk out empty-handed, but other times, I find a nice stack of albums to take home.

When it comes to thrift stores, you never know what will turn up. The variety is part of the fun, and while some places may have an endless supply of vintage classics, other stores may have just a handful of poorly organized records. Over time, though, you develop a certain sense of intuition for what each store has to offer. Familiarizing yourself with the layout, understanding when they restock, and getting to know the staff can all give you an edge in spotting records before someone else does.

Now, I know some people go into thrift stores with high hopes, expecting to find pristine, rare records. But before you get too excited, let’s take a moment to talk about the most important rule when it comes to buying vinyl: condition, condition, condition. Before you walk out with any record, you need to thoroughly inspect it. Thrift stores are known for offering everything from pristine vintage albums to records that have been well-loved (or, in some cases, mistreated). So, don’t just grab any record that catches your eye. Take a few moments to check for warpage, scratches, or water stains. These can be huge red flags, signaling that the album might not play well or could be severely damaged.

Even the slightest warp can affect sound quality, and scratches might be permanent defects that can’t be cleaned away. Water stains can often lead to mold or mildew growth, which can make the album unplayable. I know it might sound like a lot of work to thoroughly inspect every record, but the investment of time will pay off in the long run. There’s nothing worse than buying a vinyl only to find out it skips, warps, or doesn’t play at all once you get it home.

Another important tip I’ve learned over the years is to give the album a sniff before buying it. Yes, you read that right: smell it. Thrift store records often come from estates or people cleaning out their homes, and if the records were stored in a smoker’s house, they might have a lingering smell that can be impossible to get rid of. If you’re sensitive to that smell or don’t want to take on the challenge of trying to clean it away, it’s best to pass on that record.

That said, thrift stores can still be incredible places to hunt for vinyl if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. While the process may seem a little more challenging today than it was years ago, there are still ways to find records that are priced far below their actual market value. You just have to have patience and keep coming back for more. And when you do find something great—whether it’s a classic album from your favorite band or an obscure gem that you’ve never heard of before—it makes it all worth it.

What about pricing? It’s true that in 2024, thrift stores are becoming a little more savvy about pricing their inventory, especially with the ease of online research. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to get a great deal. For example, while a well-known album might still be priced higher, lesser-known records by obscure artists may be sitting there for a fraction of their true worth. Being knowledgeable about vinyl prices can give you an advantage.

One thing to keep in mind is that some stores are more vinyl-friendly than others. You might find a thrift store that has a huge section dedicated to records and others that only have a few scattered amongst the shelves. This is where being familiar with your local spots can really pay off. You’ll know which stores are worth the time and which ones to skip. And if you’re willing to travel to neighboring towns, or to neighborhoods that are not located in Beverly Hills,  you could find even better selections at places that get fewer customers.

Lastly, don’t forget the hidden potential of thrift stores’ discount days or clearance sections. Many thrift stores run regular promotions, where items are marked down, sometimes drastically. Make sure to ask about sale events or check if they have a specific day when records go on sale. You never know when you might find a pristine copy of a rare album for a fraction of the normal price.

In conclusion, while the thrill of finding great vinyl in a thrift store might not be as easy as it once was, it’s far from impossible. By visiting regularly, knowing how to check the condition, and taking a little time to research prices, you can still uncover amazing records for your collection. Keep your expectations realistic, stay consistent, and most importantly—enjoy the hunt. $$$