Your thoughts on selling

I think it is a bad idea and inviting more work for yourself. These days even a local record store will cull through and pick what they can resell. That is what happened to me at 3 different stores. I am 67 been collecting since I was 15. Rock and jazz, with a focus on guitar. Lots of ECM and instrumental music that fits no category. So I started culling my collection and started selling as a vendor at record shows. Not play graded at all, but if I knew an lp had an issue, I would not sell it. Never sold something I would not keep myself. Did 4 shows in and out-of-state. Lots of fun. I want my lps to be appreciated by music lovers, and not sitting in some storage for a relative that knows not what they got. Another show coming up in the fall. Price em slightly below Discogs median, box em’ up, and sign up for a vinyl convention. That right there is plenty of work. Plus the decision to buy or not buy is totally up to the face-to-face buyer. I would never do play grade, package and sell. The transaction even then is not complete as it can come back if your VG+ is a buyer’s VG-! I also give customers my card with my email so they can contact me for a full refund if not satisfied.

I don't think this is a good idea. You're assuming MOST people are honest and will do the right thing.  If you are willing to take the risks then I say fine, however it's not something I would do.

I’ve yet to cull my collection.  Not sure of the numbers, but I’ve got 24 IKEA Lack slots filled with audiophile, imports and WLPs, 30 IKEA Lack of domestic vinyl and 20 1x1.5 feet small boxes filled with vinyl.  How many thousands that ends up being, I haven’t a clue.  The collection is not catalogued as there were way too many to do that with.  I’ve probably gotten rid of about 30 boxes or so over the last 15 years.  

I’ve tried selling to a record store in the past but if I took a box in I’d literally get $.05 to $.10 per record.  If I took in four or five records, they’d give me a buck or two each.  I think they figure if you’re bringing in boxes at a time you’re just trying to dump the vinyl and they pay you accordingly.

If I go through with this, I’d have my teen son do all the listing and pay him 10% or so of the profits.  He’s not employed so it might be a way for him to earn a few dollars.

I’d like to reduce the number of records I have in my collection to a reasonable number, which for me I’m leaning toward less than 500 for now and reduce those numbers even further at some point in the future to my favorite 100 or so.  

I bought many thousands in the late 90’s/early 00’s while recruiting in the Los Angeles area.  Back then, the selections were still pretty good and prices were ok.  I was there for three years and from year one to year three, I noticed the selections available (all used vinyl, BTW) were diminishing and prices were starting to go up.  I have no idea what used records in record stores go for nowadays as I’ve not bought used vinyl in many years.  

Back then, I thought I’d have the time to listen to all the records once I retired.  But now that I’m closer to retirement age, I’m thinking I don’t want to spend my days listening to that many records.  Weird how that happened.  

Plus, and most importantly for me, is the fact that although I have a pretty nice rig (VPI Aries extended with AR PH3SE) I’ve listened to, like, only a few records this year.  I’m 99.9% streaming.  So nice rig and lots of great records that goes pretty much unplayed.  Hence, my thoughts of getting rid of them.

Thanks all for your thoughts and suggestions.

I would rethink this idea. If it was me, I would take the time to grade. When you find the time, just do a few at a time so it is not a choir, but one last listening session. Let buyer know you did your best at grading. If buyer is not satisfied they can return, but are responsible for shipping both ways. 

I get the angst here…

Discogs makes sense as they have a solid rating system for vinyl and sleeves. 
however, mistakes happen…

I purchased and received a 2LP recording rates at VG+,
and one disc was nearly unlistenable, and had hard skips on one side. 
Rhe seller is offering to refund and pay return shipping. 
I know the condition but of my own collection as I have taken gear care of them in storage, handling, and cleaning. 
 

however, selling as a broker would be a greater challenge.