Vinyl has been popular again for years, and old records still turn up in lofts, charity shops and car boots. Most are common pressings worth a few pounds, but the right pressing of the right album can be worth far more.
Pressings matter
The same album can exist in dozens of versions: original pressings, later reissues, different countries and different labels. Collectors care which one they're getting. Look at:
- The label design and the catalogue number on the label and spine.
- The matrix number scratched or stamped into the run-out groove near the label. This often identifies the exact pressing.
- Inserts, posters and inner sleeves that came with the original release.
Online record databases list pressings in detail and are the best way to identify yours.
Genres that sell
Original pressings of classic rock, jazz, soul, punk, reggae, early electronic and rare local releases tend to do well. Easy listening, compilations and very common chart albums usually don't.
Grading
Records are usually graded on a standard scale (Mint, Near Mint, Very Good Plus, Very Good, Good). Grade the record and the sleeve separately, under a good light, and play-test if you can. Look for scratches you can feel with a fingernail, warps and sleeve damage like ring wear and split seams. Grade conservatively.
Cleaning
A gentle clean with a proper record brush or cleaning fluid can improve how a record plays and looks in photos. Never use household cleaners.
Bulk lots and singles
Records often come in boxes of 50 or 100. Go through every one: a single valuable pressing can pay for the box. Common LPs can be sold as genre bundles. Seven-inch singles are lighter to post and some punk, soul, northern soul and early pressings are sought after, so check those as carefully as albums.
Packing
Take the record out of the outer sleeve (so it can't split the seams in transit), put both in a proper LP mailer with card stiffeners, and mark it "Do not bend".