How To Buy Records At "We Buy Music"
~ Overview
The venue has a large selection of LPs, mostly in uncategorized boxes marked "New Arrivals". The owner is nice enough, but I don't chat. Other reviewers say he knows things, or use other descriptions. My preference is rare jazz instrumentals or rare Americana on a defunct record label that is not on the internet. I need to research thoroughly before I buy. After several visits I finally bought some rare albums. I was very curious about pricing.
~How To Deal With No Price Tags
"New Arrivals" are not tagged. It's a tough way to shop. To the store's credit, prices fluctuate and these LPs might stay on the shelves for several years, and it's a one-man operation. Connect to Discogs.com, find your record, and look at the "Median" price, or seller "total" price that includes shipping. Now you're armed with pricing knowledge.
~ Procurement Procedure You Should Know
Take the LPs to the desk, then browse some more because it takes several minutes per album to price it. The owner checks the disc, adds sleeves if missing, then goes online (perhaps Discogs or some other database) for pricing info, then places a red price tag on the cover. His rates hover around the median on Discogs, but We Buy Music is not cheap per se. However, you already did your research and you know what is a good price or not. Some LPs are already tagged and returned to the bins unsold. Some of these returns are overpriced.
~ Make The Acquisition
You'll get a store stamp card that accrues $10 credit for every $100 spent. You'll spend a lot on rarities. You might not get a receipt.
~ Open Seven Days Morning To Dusk
The store is open often with hardly any customers. It's an apparent warehouse as storefront. With the owner's knowledge and large collection, he probably sells online through several portals although the business card has no web address.
~ We Buy Music Has The Largest Selection, But No Prices Or Sales
The vendor is tops for selection, but no true bargains. Sometimes Nob Hill Music, Mecca, and Antiques and Things have sales, and albums are tagged. If you're lucky, you might find a rare LP at a flea market or thrift store, but don't count on it.
~ I'm Not A Vinyl Collector Or Audiophile
My priority is the music, not the medium. I buy rare LPs, digitize them to wav on good gear, then resell them. If it's on Spotify/Tunepat, I'll download it there and add it to my collection. I'm not an audiophile, I don't sit in front of fabulous speakers and listen to every nuance. MP3 is fine: at home, on the bus, low riding, etc. read more
