Going into 2024, we have recently seen more and more online advertisements from large platforms like Discogs, eBay, and Amazon encouraging used vinyl record sellers to consider selling their collections online, using their websites, as opposed to the traditional methods of selling records to local stores, At We Buy Records we think this proposition makes very little sense for the vast majority of used record sellers.

I know what you may be thinking, of course the local record store owner wants me to sell to him instead of the internet, but hear me out a second. These online platforms are advertising to you for a reason. They want to make a commission off of your sales, and this commission is not small! As a local record store owner, we stand to make a profit from re-selling records as well, but there is a big difference… eBay and Discogs are offloading all of the labor to you!

Learning how to grade record conditions and identifying the correct pressings of albums are skills that take years to master. Better start cracking now, because if you sell on eBay or Discogs, this is now your job! Speaking of jobs, handling customer service and returns is also on your plate now. And trust me, vinyl buyers have a lot of questions and problems with just about every record you’ll ever sell!

In my 24 years of record experience, these tasks are just not something your average record seller wants to deal with. And even if you do feel up for this, consider that after all this work you stand to make about the same price per record after their fees as a trusted local record shop like mine would pay you upfront in cash.

So without further ado, let me introduce you to the top six reasons to sell your old records to a local store vs. selling online.

1. You Save Time and Hassle

Selling your records online can be a time-consuming and tedious process. You have to take photos, write descriptions, set prices, pack and ship each record, and deal with customer service issues. On the other hand, selling your records to a local store can be done in one visit. You just bring your records, get an offer, and walk away with cash.

2.You Get a Fair Price.

Selling your records online can be risky and unpredictable. You never know if you are pricing your records too high or too low, or if you will find a buyer at all. You also have to compete with thousands of other sellers who might undercut your prices. On the other hand, selling your records to local records store can be more reliable and consistent. You can trust that the store owner knows the market value of your records and will offer you a reasonable price based on their condition and demand.

3. You Avoid Fees and Scams

Selling your records online can be expensive and unsafe. You have to pay fees to the platform you use, such as eBay or Discogs, as well as shipping and handling costs. You also have to deal with potential scams, such as buyers who claim they never received the record, or who return it damaged or swapped. On the other hand, selling your records to a local store can be more secure and economical. You don't have to pay any fees or shipping costs, and you don't have to worry about fraud or disputes.

4. You Support Your Local Community

Selling your records online can be impersonal and detached. You don't get to interact with your buyers or know where your records end up. You also contribute to the environmental impact of online shopping, such as carbon emissions and packaging waste. On the other hand, selling your records to a local store can be more personal and meaningful. You get to meet and chat with the store owner and other vinyl enthusiasts, and know that your records will find a good home in your area. You also support your local economy and culture and help keep the vinyl scene alive and thriving.

5. You Clear Up Space and Declutter

Selling your records online can be cluttering and overwhelming. You have to store your records until they sell, which can take up a lot of space and create a mess. You also have to deal with the stress and anxiety of having too many things, and not knowing what to do with them. On the other hand, selling your records to a local store can be liberating and refreshing. You get to free up space and simplify your life. You also get to enjoy the benefits of minimalism, such as more focus, creativity, and happiness.

6. You Don’t Have to Move Heavy Records

Local record buyers such as We Buy Records Chicago will drive to your house and haul away these heavy LPs and 45s for you. Heavy record boxes located in basements, garages and attics can be extremely difficult to handle and cause strains, pulls and other injuries when attempting to move.

Those are reasons why we strongly believe that selling records to a local shop like ours is the better fit for most sellers. Contact us anytime and we’ll get you a fair cash offer within minutes!