The Best Places to Find Vinyl Records: Estate Sales
Now let’s talk about finding vinyl records at estate sales. Every year there are thousands of estate sales where folks like you and I have decided to get rid of most, or in some cases all their stuff.
Lots of record buyers attend estate sales looking for vinyl records. Estate sales can be an excellent opportunity to score rare, vintage, or hard-to-find albums at a fraction of their market value. Often, the collections you’ll come across have been assembled over decades.
Pros of Buying Vinyl Records at Estate Sales:
- Unique Finds: Estate sales often feature records that are no longer in circulation. These can include limited editions, early pressings, or albums from niche genres.
- Affordable Prices: Unlike record stores or online marketplaces, estate sale prices are often set to sell quickly.
- Condition: Many sellers at estate sales take good care of their belongings, and records are no exception. You may find albums in excellent condition, complete with original sleeves and artwork.
- Bulk Buys: Estate sales sometimes offer collections as a lot, giving you the chance to acquire multiple records at once, often at a lower per-item cost.
- Unexpected Discoveries: Browsing through an estate sale can lead to serendipitous finds, such as obscure albums or artists you’ve never heard of before.
Cons of Buying Vinyl Records at Estate Sales:
- Limited Selection: The inventory is often a one-time deal and may not include the artists or genres you’re looking for.
- Condition Risks: While some collections are well-maintained, others might have been stored improperly, leading to scratches, warping, or mildew damage.
- Competition: Estate sales are popular among vinyl collectors, so arriving late could mean missing out on the best items.
- Time Investment: Researching and attending estate sales can be time-consuming, with no guarantee of finding quality records.
- Unpredictable Pricing: While many estate sales are affordable, some sellers may overestimate the value of their records, leading to higher prices.
Tips for Success:
- Arrive Early: The best records are often snapped up quickly, so plan to arrive as soon as the sale starts, if you’re gonna go, get there early..
- Inspect Carefully: Check for scratches, warping, and other signs of wear before purchasing.
- Bring Cash: Many estate sales operate on a cash-only basis, so come prepared.
- Do Your Homework: Research the value of records beforehand to spot a good deal.
- Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to ask for a better price, especially if you’re buying multiple items.
Just remember to have fun.