Where to Source Vinyl Records to Sell Online

For sellers on Discogs, sourcing vinyl records efficiently and economically is crucial to maintaining a diverse inventory and growing their online selling businesses. If you’re just starting out, you may not know where to look for your shop’s stock. This article explores the best ways to find vinyl, from visiting record fairs and estate sales to using social media to your advantage. With these tips, you’ll uncover unique collections, get great deals, and build an inventory that keeps buyers coming back.

Attend record fairs and flea markets

Local record fairs and flea markets can be a goldmine for sellers looking to source vinyl records. These events have a high concentration of good finds in one place and offer the opportunity to load up on a diverse selection of in-demand titles. You might even find rare pressings and other unique records to add to your inventory and differentiate your online shop. Additionally, record fair vendors are knowledgeable — chatting with them as you browse their stand can help you learn more about the music you’re buying, as well as allow you to establish a rapport with them and potentially build a long-term sourcing relationship.

The opportunity to buy records in bulk is another benefit of sourcing your stock from flea markets and record fairs. Vendors may offer discounts for bulk purchases, reducing the cost per record to your shop.

Attend auctions and estate sales

Sellers can also source records by attending auctions and estate sales. These sales often feature well-maintained personal collections that may hold rare or vintage items. You can purchase an entire collection from an estate sale or auction for a fraction of each record’s individual resale value, quickly increasing and diversifying your shop’s inventory.

Utilize websites such as estatesales.net and estatesales.org to find estate sales in the United States. You also have the opportunity to build relationships with estate sale organizers and auctioneers who can inform you about future sales and may offer you first dibs on valuable collections.

Browse classifieds and marketplaces

Online marketplaces and classifieds on Wallapop, Gumtree, Craigslist, and similar websites present another avenue for vinyl sourcing. The volume and variety of listings made by individual sellers and small businesses on these platforms make them prime hunting grounds for records to add to your inventory.

Sellers on classifieds sites and online marketplaces typically price their items lower than brick-and-mortar stores, making it possible to secure valuable titles below their retail price. Additionally, these platforms offer the convenience of browsing and purchasing from anywhere, saving you time and effort when compared to in-person sourcing methods.

The ability to purchase items in lots is another benefit to sourcing vinyl through marketplaces and classifieds. Sellers frequently list entire collections or bundles of records at a discounted price. Buying lots can quickly increase the volume of your inventory while also adding variety to your stock, allowing your shop to appeal to a broader range of buyers.

Search Second Hand stores like Goodwill

You can source affordable vinyl records for your shop at Goodwill and other thrift stores. Second Hand stores receive donations from all types of people and organizations, including families clearing out a relative’s estate or individuals who are downsizing their collections, resulting in a rotating stock of hidden gems that can broaden your shop’s appeal. Records sold at thrift stores are priced lower than they would be by a dealer or at a specialty shop, allowing you to procure them for your inventory at a fraction of their resale value.

Network with other sellers

You can source vinyl simply by connecting with other sellers. Experienced sellers can help you navigate the competitive landscape by sharing insights on sourcing strategies, market trends, and pricing tactics. Additionally, they can provide recommendations for reputable suppliers and inform you of upcoming events like record fairs. Building relationships with fellow sellers may also open the door for partnership or trade opportunities, allowing you to swap unsold titles in your inventory for those that better match your buyers’ preferences.

Leverage social media

Use social media to bring the records to you. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X offer sellers the chance to join niche groups and forums dedicated to vinyl enthusiasts where users buy, sell, and trade records. You can secure new inventory for your shop and attract individuals looking to downsize or offload their collections by posting in relevant communities and using hashtags.