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Vinyl Record Guide

Vinyl is experiencing a massive resurgence. First pressings, rare variants, and obscure genres can sell for hundreds or thousands.

Condition Grading (Goldmine Standard)

Grade	Record Condition	Sleeve Condition
M (Mint)	Unplayed, perfect	Perfect, no wear
NM (Near Mint)	Near perfect, minimal signs of handling	Near perfect, minimal wear
VG+ (Very Good Plus)	Light surface noise, plays well	Minor wear, no major defects
VG (Very Good)	Noticeable surface noise	Obvious wear, ring wear, seam splits
G+ (Good Plus)	Significant noise, still playable	Heavy wear
G (Good)	Lots of noise, distortion possible	Major damage

Format: VG+/VG means Record is VG+, Sleeve is VG

What Makes Records Valuable

First pressings: Original release, not reissue
Limited editions: Colored vinyl, numbered releases
Genre: Psych rock, punk, jazz, soul, hip-hop originals
Artist collectibility: Beatles, Pink Floyd, Bowie, Sabbath
Condition: NM commands 3-5x VG prices
Completeness: Inserts, posters, stickers add value
Label variants: Different pressings on same label

Identifying First Pressings

Matrix numbers: Etchings in dead wax near label
Label variations: Logo changes, address changes
Catalog numbers: Match to discography databases
Cover variations: Early covers sometimes different
Country of pressing: UK vs US vs Japan pressings differ

💡 Pro Tip: Use Discogs to identify pressings. Match matrix numbers to database entries. Same album can have dozens of variations with vastly different values.

Where to Source

Thrift stores: Hit or miss, check condition carefully
Estate sales: Entire collections, often underpriced
Garage sales: "Old records" = potential goldmine
Record stores: Buy underpriced, sell higher online
Flea markets: Negotiate for lots
Craigslist/FB: Collections for sale locally

What to Skip

Common classic rock (unless NM first pressing)
80s pop that was mass produced
Compilations and K-Tel records
Severely warped or scratched records
Anything that smells musty (mold)

Where to Sell

Platform	Fees	Best For
Discogs	8% + PayPal	Best for records, collector audience
eBay	~13%	Rare items, auctions for unknowns
Local record stores	30-50% of resale	Quick cash, bulk sales
Record fairs	Table fee	Bulk selling, networking

Shipping Records

Mailers: Use proper vinyl mailers (cardboard stiffeners)
Protection: Record outside sleeve to prevent seam splits
Poly sleeves: Outer poly protects covers
Media Mail: Cheapest option, can be inspected
Insurance: For valuable records, always