Your Ultimate Guide for Record Store Day

Record Store Day (RSD) is an annual event that celebrates the culture of the independently owned record store. It is a day when fans, artists, and record stores come together to enjoy the music and the vinyl format. RSD is also a day when many exclusive and limited edition releases are available only at participating stores.

If you are a vinyl lover, you probably look forward to RSD every year. But how can you make the most of record store day and avoid disappointment? Here are some tips from a record store owner who has been participating in RSD since 2007.

Tip 1: Do Your Research

Before you head to your local record store, it is a good idea to do some research on what releases you are interested in. You can check out the official RSD website for the full list of releases, or browse the RSD MRKT for some previews and recommendations. You can also follow your favorite artists and labels on social media to see if they have any RSD announcements.

However, keep in mind that not all releases are available at all stores. Each store orders their own stock based on their customer base and preferences. You cannot custom order RSD releases from shops, but you can enquire whether they may be stocking certain releases. You can also use the store locator on the RSD website to find out which stores are participating in your area and contact them directly. Most stores do appreciate you enquiring about certain titles you are interested in, as it helps them to decide what to order. 

Tip 2: Buy for Pleasure, Not for Profit

Record Store Day is a great opportunity to discover new music and add some rare gems to your collection. But it is also a very competitive and unpredictable day. Many RSD releases are not as limited as they have been in the past, so it is not a guarantee that they will all go up in value. In fact, many titles in recent years have gone down in value after RSD as the supply and demand balance out.

My advice is buy records you actually like and want to listen to. The “flipper” era of the past is over, as most RSD store have one-copy-per-person type policies in place to discourage hoarding and profiteering.

Tip 3: Be Early

If you want to have a better chance of getting the releases you want, you need to be early. RSD is a very popular event and many stores have long lines of customers waiting outside before they open. Some stores even have special events, such as live performances, giveaways, or discounts, to attract more customers.

The earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to get in before the stock runs out. However, do not camp outside the store overnight or cut in line. Be respectful of the store staff and other customers, and follow the rules and guidelines of the store and the RSD organization.

Tip 4: Be Flexible

Even if you are early and prepared, you may not get everything you want on RSD. Some releases may sell out quickly, some may not arrive on time, some may be damaged or defective, and some may not live up to your expectations. That is why you need to be flexible and open-minded on RSD.

Instead of focusing on what you missed, focus on what you got. You may find some unexpected surprises or hidden treasures that you did not know about. You may also discover some new artists or genres that you never heard before. RSD is a great opportunity to expand your musical horizons and support independent music.

Tip 5: Be Wise

Record Store Day is not the only day when you can buy vinyl records. Remember to not spend what you can’t afford. Prioritize which titles are most important to you, and take into consideration how many copies are being pressed. This is a really important factor as records with smaller pressings (less than 1000 or so) may be very difficult to buy after RSD. Titles pressed in larger quantities (5000+) most likely will be available on Discogs starting the day after, many times at a lower price! This isn’t always the case, though - some titles notoriously go up in value. The art here is to find the balance between your personal desire for a title and your informed guess on whether more copies will be available after RSD.

Digest these basics, and you’ll have a big head start. Remember, Record Store Day is about music and community first and foremost!

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