10 Easy Steps for Selling Your Second Hand Record Collection
Posted on 01. Sep, 2010 by Harrison Flannery in Business
I have sold records for over ten years now and so feel able to pass on some useful advice to those just starting out. And my advice is downright simple; EBay! Yes, that dreaded word that seems to play an uncanny part in life these days; it is for exactly that reason it is so successful and useful. More importantly, it is also enjoying more recognition as a serious site for vinyl collectors.
I have been a seller on EBay for over 5 years now, and have simply just sold vinyl. The range has been diverse, (from the Orb to Mindfunk and from white labels, to double A-side promos). I recently calculated that, on average, I have made more per item with eBay than with any other means I have researched and used in the past. Around three or four times more, to be specific!
I do not need to bang on about the specifics of operating an EBay account, but there are a few simple rules to follow if you want to maximize success. Not rocket science by any means, but here we go.
1. The best thing to realise initially is that the majority of pieces will sell; no matter how obscure. There are lots of buyers out there who now see EBay as a serious site to collect mail order vinyl; in fact many people’s knowledge of the collecting world may be better than yours. The one thing they do need to be sure of is that the information you give them about your vinyl is reliable.
Instilling confidence in buyers about your honesty is a problem when starting out; many unscrupulous sellers have given the site a bad name for vinyl in the past, with misleading descriptions and poor shipment, etc. Therefore, you need to gain a good positive feedback rating quickly. With vinyl this is easy; simply market your more desirable pieces first, in one or two larger auctions. This will then carry on working to your favor in all future transactions, particularly when auctioning more obscure pieces.
2. Although you may think you know your collection inside out, you will be surprised at the varying different ways in which people collect vinyl; so do your research thoroughly. Some collectors may pay more for an item because of a detail which, to you, may seem insignificant. Inaccurate descriptions, or questions that you may reply to with misleading information, can also damage your reputation badly with EBay’s vinyl community; particularly those repeat buyers who are so handy in pushing up final auction amounts if they know the seller is a good one!
It may seem obvious, but useful research can be done by searching the listings, as though you are a buyer, and then tracking items in your account. It is surprising how many apparent run of the mill pieces will fetch quite large amounts, particularly overseas.
3. When listing pieces for sale, always target the broadest search category available. The list is vast, but only a few categories attract a wholesale of buyers regularly. The rule here – keep it simple; the fact you know your Ninja Tune release is Hip Hop/Acid Jazz does not matter, it will still sell more widely listed just simply under, Hip Hop. Across the many differing styles of music in my collection I still only use 4 main categories in the EBay listings, ninety percent of the time.
The simple theory can be applied to the listing price as well; do not get bogged down with 10 Day Listings and Buy It Now – I assure you that in the scrutinized world of vinyl collecting, buyers will find what they want if it is there. The majority of my listings cost me 15 pence, and the majority of my listings sell well!
4. With your description and photos, again keep it basic but factual – make sure the photo is clear, showing the vinyl and sleeve. Buyers pay particular attention to formats, limited pressings and marks to confirm them as such, differing run-off matrix’, differing pressings of the same recordings etc. The description is not the place to start showing off run of the mill info about the band and their effect on your life; buyers do not care! If you want to waste your time with these lengthy diatribes fine, but I assure you that I have sold items for higher prices with basic, punchy and factual listings over other sellers who have gone for the more flamboyant approach!
5. Networking with the buying community you have available to you is always a good way to attract loyalty, gain info and search out buyers for less marketable pieces you may have. Some people are not up for chat, but most will happily discuss their experiences, pass on knowledge, and the like. A word of warning though – do not accept offers of settlements half way through any one auction, nine times out of ten you will get more by letting the auction run its course – and I do speak from experience!
6. You must make sure your shipping charges are realistic; it can be the difference between your item selling or not. Buyers notice sellers who are over inflating their shipping charges and they simply will not bid in many cases. You have to remember that there may be two or three other people selling the same piece as you at the same time.
7. Packaging needs to be secure as well. Sounds obvious, but postie’s do not care if they are holding a, limited edition flekked blue vinyl or not, however, their carelessness can easily lead to buyers requesting to return items, leaving you with a piece that is not saleable. I once sold a UK release of Sebadoh’s, ‘Bakesale’ for £30, twice the stated value in Record Collector – two weeks later I had to refund the cash because of my poor packaging. I learnt that lesson quickly and now make my own packaging, particularly for overseas stuff.
8. Clearly state your returns policy in each listing as well, you’d be surprised how many people do not. I personally do not make refunds on items lost in transit and require e-mailed pictures of any supposed damages. It is also worth befriending your local post office as they can provide tracking numbers etc, in the event of any disputes you may have raised against you.
9. A few general pointers. I find it beneficial to list auctions of mixed style and artist types; this seems to build up more regular interest from collectors of certain styles as some people will watch your activity and only bid on certain bands, labels etc, so by auctioning in mixed bags you can keep them guessing!
Only give the items condition if it is Excellent or Mint; if the piece is in a lower classification then simply tell prospective buyers that both the vinyl and sleeve are fine. Disagreements over the conditioning of vinyl can easily raise their ugly head, so it is best to avoid this unless you are entirely sure and able to argue your case if challenged.
10. Finally, if I do experiment with the listing template described above, it is only to try and gain more mileage from a pieces worth by say, listing it on the US Site as opposed to the UK Site, for example. If you are clever, this sort of tactic can sell run of the mill items for impressive amounts!
Although it is basic advice, I do hope I have given some useful pointers on how to sell consistently and with good return without getting too technical. If you are genuinely just looking to sell an old collection of vinyl pieces that you believe may be worth a bit of cash, then the above template will work and at the same time will make it an enjoyable pastime, giving you satisfaction as the auctions role on.
