Buying Records

For new pressings, I frequent MusicDirect, Elusive Disc, and Acoustic Sounds. I will only buy MOFI from MusicDirect and only buy Analogue Productions from Acoustic Sounds, as each are the respective manufacturers as well.  If there is a problem, returns aren't an issue.  I have found that if a MOFI disc is defective, MusicDirect will frequently just send a replacement disc without having to go through the return process. I will send a photo of the defect and that is usually enough.  The same is true with Analogue Productions and Acoustic sounds.  If you buy a defective MOFI from AP, you will certainly have to return the entire package, but they will make it right.  

Discogs is my vendor of choice for used vinyl.  If you know the exact pressing you want-(hint-not all pressing plants are created equal. There can be a significant sound quality difference between plants on a given release)-it can be easily found on the website.  I will also check from time to time to see if my favorite CD only releases have been remastered to vinyl.  Lot's of stuff in Europe that we don't see here in the states.  I only buy mint, or near mint, and choose the sellers carefully as some sellers are less than stellar with grading. The sellers are star ranked and their volume of sales is also listed. I used to buy from Ebay, but you cannot verify deadwax indices and the grading was awful.

In recent years I have bought mostly from Discogs and Music Direct.  I only buy NM or Mint LPs when buying used.  The large-volume sellers on Discogs use visual grading, and--even when accurate--that doesn't always indicate how the record sounds.

Like another member mentioned used records stores often have classical LPs in better condition than pop LPs, and I've had mostly good luck buying there if a record and its cover look pristine.

I buy most of my used records from local shops where I can inspect them before I buy. I also like to help out brick and mortar stores. I buy some used from Discogs usually with good results. Most of my new records come from Amazon and Analog Productions. The easy return is necessary due to the crap shoot with new vinyl. 

I have been getting an unbelievable amount of brand-new vinyl that is warped right out of the package. I have an Orb DF-01iA Record Flattener for any used items I pick up, but I hate to resort to flattening a brand-new record...

LOL, I purchased the first on my pre Xmas Hol's Vinyl Albums from BandCamp, which turned out to be a Digital Download.

Too Eager to press the Buy Now.    

UPDATE on record prices between 1970 to 2025 in real value.

The typical £2 record price l quoted in 1970 would today retail for £39.54

This represents an averaged inflation rate of 5.58% per year in that time period.

CONCLUSION… Records produced today (in real terms) do not significantly have any price difference with those sold in 1970