10 Vinyl LPs We Don’t Stock Because…Amazon Sucks | Talking About Records

Big box stores make it incredibly difficult for independent retailers to succeed. In the case of vinyl records, there are countless albums that it makes no sense to even stock unless we plan to charge 25% or more than Amazon, which obviously isn't a great look. In this episode of Talking About Records we highlight a few essential albums we simply don't carry locally because of this ongoing frustration - and how we attempt to combat the issue.
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[@BigPeng]

To be honest, if I can get the album from a local record store and I’m not paying a crazy amount above what I can get it on Amazon then I’ll make a trip to the record store. I really believe it’s important to support record stores. For an industry that almost disappeared it’s important to keep them going. I suffer from “have to have it now” complex so that’s where I’m coming from.

[@Licoricedisc]

I disagree......... I would say more people buy from Amazon because the state of vinyl pressing now SUCKS! I'm so tired of 1 out of 4 (or more) records I purchase have a serious defect that effects play... usually non-fill, but also scratches, warps etc. What you/Record Stores can't compete with is Amazons return policy.... that is why most buy from Amazon... I would rather purchase from a shop, but I won't put up with defective vinyl, especially, since I spend on the average at least $4K - $5K a year just on records, which includes online and physical shops. There are albums pressed at like say, Third Man, that if I couldn't get them at Amazon, I would not buy them... it might take 3 tries to get a keeper from lots of these albums pressed at low quality plants. I believe that is the real reason Amazon sells so much vinyl... most prices are not much different than in stores... often the same price, more often just a couple dollars difference, which means nothing to me... what I care about is whether I can get a decent copy, and with Amazons return policy, that is the only way to get a decent copy of say.. anything pressed by Third Man... there is so much crap being pressed now.

[@budsmoker4201120]

This is exactly why I use Amazon. I had to by my wife 4 Taylor swift Lovers album before I got one that was not warped!. And I actually had to split 2 records. I took disc1 from one album and then took disc 2 from the other. It was the only way to get a copy. I felt so bad for my wife, because I am trying to bring her into this hobby, and it was deflating. Fuck these record labels right now for charging 40 dollars for a warped LP in a paper innersleeve. They are shit heads!

[@Ireful]

This explains why I end up buying used records at stores. It's rare that I find new records at a fair price at stores.

[@NTXVinyl]

Yup….it’s very difficult to compete if trying to actually make money

[@essential993]

I find used records at new record prices in my local stores😂

[@dougreeder8155]

Economy of scale is a bitch for all small businesses. Thanks for being so transparent.

[@robonzo4817]

My LRS do a lot of instore performances, signed editions, dinked edition, discounts on other merch etc. I've bought the odd album from Amazon, but generally if the price is within £5 I'll go to my local store. What I enjoy about the local store is the albums playing, the staff picks, the racks to browse. I've found many more artists in a store, on Amazon you only get what the algorithm presents to you.

[@densitydad]

New record shop owner here and I carry about 90% new. You hit every point, what makes matters worse is being unable to explain this to every customer who sees the price difference. It's simply not worth the risk as first impressions are everything. I'm able to carry mostly new stock due to stocking niche genres (lofi) and exclusively indie labels you rarely see in most shops (Nubya Garcia, Monophonics). Thank you for breaking this down for buyers!

[@NTXVinyl]

My pleasure! And best of luck to you in the biz!

[@brianstalder4403]

Preach brother! Walmart drove my father out of the record business twenty years ago. I totally get what you are saying. Be glad you aren't in the liquor business where Walmart sell it at cost or less for a loss leader. By small, by local or we lose the ability to buy anywhere but a box store! I buy from my local record shop. And if it cost a few dollars more then I consider that a donation to help keep local shops alive.

[@deskpilot1856]

My nearest record stores are 40 to 50 miles away. I've spent $1000s ordering from independent record stores online, but if it weren't for Amazon those orders would have never happened. I wouldn't have got in the hobby without the ease of ordering from Amazon at the start.

[@Andersljungberg]

Don't you perhaps have a large grocery store that sells discs as well?

[@briankellogg2751]

Very well put, and kudos to you for doing the legwork to determine which titles fall into this category. When I shop independent stores, I never pull out my phone and check amazon or discogs. It's in my hand and, in that moment, it's worth the price to me or it isn't. There are not really many stores that stock new product in my area so I do shop Amazon but prefer to scan the "blowout" sections on Deep Discount and PopMarket too. Still doesn't beat the "in hand" approach. Take Care G.I. - Cheers!

[@TommysVinylnaut]

I totally understand you as ex business owner. Lucky that mostly customers did their purchasing decision of other things than price.

[@NTXVinyl]

Agreed. I think most hobbyists especially keep other things in mind besides price.

[@celtic-audiophile]

In the U.K. broadly Amazon is the same price as my small store. Our stores can buy direct from Universal as an example. You private guys should get together as a group to create more pressure on the labels

[@davidaughey2401]

the small stores have distribution to go through, the thing with these distributors is, in order for them to get discounts they need to be buying a lot (like in any business; say plumbers, buying from a warehouse the more u buy, the more u save) record distribution isn't much different. Amazon is (as of Sept '23) is reselling to recoup their shipping fees on almost every record unless it's a big seller. The record store business has never been about profits (ok they need to stay in operation) but we're talking 1-2$'s not $10per! sorry small guys, if you make $8-14 profit, you are charging to much. And, yes AMZN does go through the distribution channels. that's the point of distribution. WMT is doing the same thing. sure they are making deals, but the pressing plants are sending the records to distributors. Jeff sold books cheap, and so is music media. Amazon will sell at a loss and has, hoping you buy something else. multiple this times millions of transactions they'll make money. my local store is always having sales of 20% off records, which is basically cost or a smidge higher to recoup. because, they are getting autoshipped everything from distribution to get the highest discount. it's all a game. Amzn, WMT, are volume and it's unfortunate. Record store Day combats Amzn, WMT...but it's not enough. it's tough...i know. i wanted to get into being a record store, but I'm old, it's a loooong game.

[@slliks67]

Luckily i have plenty Record Stores in the area and i will travel to go dig for records. Recently Record riot had a Vinyl extravaganza 30 minutes away at a hotel conference room it was awesome.

[@joeyn5475]

I understand what your saying, but if someone goes into a store looking for those titles, your now driving them to look elsewhere anyway. Some items just have to make less on. It’s a self destroying prophecy otherwise. Used to work in the wine/liquor retail, we used to have to have some items dirt cheap, and make it up on something else to keep everyone happy.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks for pulling back the curtain... this was very interesting and informative.

[@NTXVinyl]

My pleasure buddy

[@Clipeuh]

very interesting video! here in canada amazon just doesnt have competitive prices on most records. like purple rain for example is 38 dollars CAD, my local record store has it for 31 when they have it in stock

[@cbr9914]

100% correct. honestly, the one shop i go to in my town can be a bit more pricy than online options, but i like the instant gratification aspect.

[@DreamstoRealityAutomotiveTV]

Almost every visit to any local record store I try to walk out with something. As a small businessman myself I get it. If it cost a few bucks more so what. I refuse to buy on walmart or Amazon type things, I make my purchases at shops or discogs which essentially is independent people. But I won’t lie, out of the almost 500 records I’ve bought in the last 2 years, I bought 2 on Amazon, because I simply couldn’t find them anywhere else and for a realistic price. But overall I prefer the local business transaction

[@NTXVinyl]

Great to hear!

[@valeriewoods6882]

I love record stores, and hope to visit yours one day! I live in Alabama, and the heat is brutal. I need my records sitting pretty in an air conditioned store right now, not being jostled around in the back of an Amazon van. Warped records all day long! Love your channel.

[@s.daniel9224]

Same here. I’m in Crestview Florida. I’ve been trying to get my mail person to stop leaving my packages in the sun.

[@DJWerkz]

I worked for many years in distribution, not vinyl but semi-conductors and high end audio. Policies were set in contracts by the manufacturers to protect their retail dealers so one dealer could damage the market for another. So I don’t see Amazon as the problem here I see this as a label issue in how they are allowing different sales outlets to set the RRP. I know big box shifters like Amazon demand low buy prices but labels should stand by those who are in the business of standing by the music and artists,…the traditional record store.

[@brunohebert1351]

I would usually buy "big" releases from Amazon. For at least 2 reasons, 1. of course price and 2. returns... some of those pressing sometimes have issues and that way it's easy return/exchange etc (I'm looking at you Pink Floyd - Animals 2018 Boxset... had to return it 3 times to get an "ok" vinyl...) The return process is something I'd rather not impose to a local/small store which might not be able to return the record to the distributor and therefore will take a loss on it. That's why I prefer Amazon to deal with it. What's great about local/small stores is they have record that big box stores don't carry. Remember, even if your local stores don't carry a record, they might still be able to order it for you. I've done that quite a few times and without issues.

[@troymouer6037]

@NTXVinyl Would love to hear your thoughts on this comment as Ive had to do the same.

[@xentakis]

For every one legitimate return due to a defect, I have a suspicion there are 3 or 4 people returning records for insanely nitpicky reasons (I am not a seller, just a customer, so I am just guessing based on discussions I’ve seen onlone). I am glad some people don’t impose that on local shops, but I fear some people do and I really feel bad for shops that have to deal with that.

[@garylaird4107]

I had the exact same issue with the Animals boxset and single LP, 3 Boxsets and 2 single LPs later I finally got one that didn't sound like I was playing it with steel wool. I spoke to my "local" record store guy about them and said I went through Amazon to save him any hassle, his reply was that it's no hassle whatsoever for him to return stuff to the labels and he's never lost out on anything, I have a feeling a lot of independent shops have created this fallacy that it's hard to return or they get stiffed to prevent folks returning defective items.

[@brunohebert1351]

@@garylaird4107 there might be several variables at play, the label, the distributor and of course the store. but it's an interesting point

[@DarrellS54]

Another problem with Amazon is you don't know what kind of condition your record will arrive in. They are not really noted for their packing practices when it comes to records.

[@msmmagnum]

Amazon has a simple free return policy, i don't see the issue myself

[@arnoldsbaltnegeris3962]

@@msmmagnum Maybe in America, Germany or UK it works so smoothly. For example, I live in Latvia. I already pay a considerable shipping fee + if, I get a bad item and even would use the "free return" option, Amazon refunds shipping costs only up to 10 euros or so, which is not enough to send the item anywhere from Latvia. The good thing is that Amazon items are usually decent.

[@msmmagnum]

⁠@@arnoldsbaltnegeris3962And Australia, any problems with records I buy are due QC at the pressing plant. You live in a beautiful place, if I lived in Latvia I would not be sitting in my lounge listening to music and forget about Amazon

[@hiluxjase6665]

Hi there GI. I really like your honesty in this video. I’ve missed these types of videos from you and am enjoying this one. Let me give you a recent example and an example to your subscribers on here. I saw a Motley Crüe limited edition box set the other day of all of their 80’s records. 5 of them. Crucial crue or something like that. Well, i looked online and saw the prices were around $330-$430 and thought that’s too much for even a late night purchase and then i noticed on Amazon it was $187 with free international delivery. That’s $120 USD… So I bought it. I feel for you man. How can the independent stores survive with these big monopolies. I’m in Australia, but if I was living in the U.S., then I’d buy from you. ;)

[@NTXVinyl]

Yeah....sometimes it's impossible to NOT buy when it's dirt cheap. Big boxes can afford to undercut and lose money left and right...a family run business cannot.

[@davewalker5706]

Amazon is wrecking our shops here in the UK too. Generally I'l never buy something from Amazon that I can get in a shop

[@NTXVinyl]

So defeating.

[@adrianmist6681]

I totally agree, I always buy products from other outlets even if they're a little dearer, Amazon will ruin everything given the chance!

[@louismartinez7387]

Didn't know that G.I....thanks for informing us!! However I'm of the mind that developing a good relationship with an independent dealer who gets to know me and my musical tastes, and can lend good advice or information on a 22:51 particular artist that I like, and or any info on a new release(s) is definitely worth the extra amount paid. For me customer service means a lot...Best of everything with NT Vinyl!!

[@DanielHog13]

You may literally lead the VC in useful & informative vinyl industry / vinyl life videos. From great guests like your recent, fantastic Hand Drawn Pressing owner interview w/ his day to day vinyl business info to this mea culpa vinyl reselling video. Kudos. Why fans of vinyl, old & new, should be following your channel & orher social media efforts. 👍

[@NTXVinyl]

Dude, thank you so much. 🤘🏻

[@DanielHog13]

@@NTXVinyl 👍Simply calling 'um like I see 'um.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

As a consumer the key win at independent stores is a) Customer Service; b) Staff recommendations/knowledge. A casual, fun loving, and personable staff makes you feel more confident and at home. Recommendations means you have someone who knows what the customer likes, and asks, "have you heard......" I've gotten great stuff this way. Second tiers wants are a) Some interesting music playing (not too loud!) I'm not talking already well known stuff either, I don't need to hear chart hits. b) Listening stations. Being about to sample stuff right there is great (used to love this in Tower Records back in the day, and again, I bought a lot of stuff through this method. Price? Will, I paid £7 over the odds for Talking Heads Stop Making Sense on Vinyl just yesterday. Constant nickel and dimeing can be really dull and boring. If I get excited about something, I want it there and then. I "overpaid" for the Talking Heads, but I won't be thinking about that when I play it.

[@kellythompson8363]

I wish I lived in an area where independent record stores were closer. The closest ones to me are around 60 miles and I'm going to try to make that a day out on the town before I commit to that. I have bought a few off Amazon and all have been in good shape when they came in. I guess it's a decent distribution center near me. I've done the Walmart thing, but usually just on the Black Friday sale. I've done a lot of Discogs and am always hoping for the best there - I do read their reviews extensively before ordering. My main deal is if I can get it used, I will. I scour thrift stores, but that's always a maybe, at best. Anytime I go on vacation, I research and find record stores in the area and visit. I hope one day to make it to your stores! Thanks for an enlightening video.

[@demeatloaf]

I pretty much only oder vinyl from Amazon if there's a pre-order that I am not sure a local store will carry. I've been burned too many times pre-ordering and waiting sometimes months for my LP and seeing friends have it delivered on or before release day by Amazon. A perfect example of this is the Stop Making Sense reissue. I didn't want to order from the band directly and I was eager to get it. Ordered in March and it was delivered on release date. Amazon sold out of it a while ago. I am not sure if any of the local shops have it. But I had to have it so I made a deal with the devil. I definitely avoid it as much as possible. Thanks for this video, it was fascinating. I'll make sure to hit up your shop if I find myself in the Dallas area

[@christopherrippel2463]

Not everyone is price checking. You have the advantage of immediate satisfaction, no waiting for delivery. If you do not carry it, you won't sell it for sure. (Add those titles to your store and see if it sells. I'll bet it does).

[@derwynpowell7689]

Thanks for venting your frustrations w/big box boys at Amazon. I have in the past purchased items from Amazon but never vinyl records. Over the last couple of years l have heard thru the vinyl community via you tube many customers displeasure w/Amazon. Another example of "to big for there britches" corporate attitude. Record collecting should be a pleasurable experience but since vinyl has made it's comeback, prices have continued to rise for the consumer. I have bought the odd album but cannot deal w/ over inflated prices. We here in Canada have to deal with a higher prices due to the value of our dollar being below the US. $. It almost seems like every major release is limited and goes out of print soon after. I have been going to used record stores far more since prices have gone thru the roof.

[@VitoC.]

New sub! thanks for the content

[@NTXVinyl]

Thanks for the sub!

[@topherg1935]

I think most people go to a record store for the experience and don't mind paying a couple bucks more than Amazon. You don't get to flip through the bins by hitting the buy button.

[@chrisrees7054]

Sounds like a good deal unless you bought Revolver and Pet Sounds in 1966 for $2.99

[@cluedart80]

I’ve never ordered any vinyl off Amazon. I’ve bought a few records from Target or Walmart but the bulk of mine come from brick and mortar stores or directly from a band store. I love used records! I have no problem buying from NTX and try to attend every Whatnot event. As a consumer I certainly appreciate your ironclad packaging. It’s piece of mind and that’s worth it.

[@NTXVinyl]

Thanks man!

[@billymuellerTikTok]

amazon usually has good packaging - better than ordering online from Walmart or Target who put it in a box it wasn't mean for - and the albums in the physical Walmart & Target have been banged around and oversqueezed into tight spaces - plus with amazon you get a free digital copy of most albums (just make sure you wait until the album arrives before you download it or they charge you for the download if you return a damaged album or the order gets cancelled)

[@semperfi-1918]

Im the same way.

[@bluecalix]

I’m choosing the small record store every time because I want record stores to exist but I understand I’m not the average customer. I’m curious, do indy labels offer you fairer terms between your cost and Amazon? Are albums from labels like Merge, Barsuk, Dead Oceans, Domino etc more profitable? What about the audiophile / repress labels like Intervention, Acoustic Sounds, MoFi, LightInTheAttic, etc - how do those compare?

[@NTXVinyl]

Indie stuff yes….but those are very niche and not what the majority shops for. Audiophile titles can have some good margin built in, but the price points are typically a bit higher, and only appeal to collectors that understand the product differences.

[@bretcoale7577]

This illuminates my view of new vinyl pricing at indy record stores. Great information! I’ll keep preordering at my indy store, buying used there, buying new, and enjoying the shopping experience. Amazon doesn’t provide and can’t provide the experience of shopping at a record store.

[@NTXVinyl]

Amen to that!

[@intolerant_left]

RATM's debut is a classic. 😋 Great video!

[@stevereckinger6411]

My main reason for shopping on Amazon is the bigger selection. I listen to a wide range of music and I typically don’t like getting the popular titles like the ones shown in this video, except Bowie who is my favorite artist. I do like most of them but I tend to find myself seeking out obscure artists or ones in niche genres. For example, I’m a big power metal fan and there was only one band my local store had for used in the many years I’ve been going to. Amazon always seems to carry them in stock. So it’s usually not an issue with pricing. It’s an issue of what’s available. Amazon has a vast diversity of vinyl records now which makes it much easier to obtain.

[@NTXVinyl]

I'd be curious to see if you can find these same titles from us. We stock the vast majority of the same titles as Amazon. Our webstore has over 40K LPs in stock.

[@edwardgonczy3170]

Great insights. I have been collecting for 50 years and have slowed considerably. Hard to forget the garage sales of the 80's and 90's where I scored the bulk of my collection for pennies on the dollar. Would spend an extra $3-4 to buy from someone like you or my local store, any day of the week. Yes, once in a while Walmart or Target but it's like 2-3 times a year. EBay about 6 times a year. Have not done Discogs yet.

[@NTXVinyl]

right on, thanks for watching! Love hearing from long time collectors.

[@monaural2.988]

I highly prefer digging through packed, somewhat crammed small shops filled to the brim with used music, over the sterile, spacey, scrubbed-clean hipster spot with the $35 dollar copies of “Queen Greatest Hits” and “Dark Side of the Moon” any time. If I can’t find “old”, I turn cold. Long Live the Used Shop!

[@geraldmartin7703]

If someone is an Amazon Prime member that record can be delivered within a day or two, free shipping. So along with price there is near instant gratification. And home delivery. My wife has ordered in the morning (not L.P.s) and received it that evening. Devastating for brick and mortar. Loyalty vs. price.

[@Crmsnraider]

Interesting and educational. Good to know thiss sstuff, specially as consumers good to know whats going on with a retailer. ...Im sure we are a minority saying always prefer Mom n Pop then big box.... Yet as you mention say, one is purchasing multiples, say 5, 10$ extra on the 5 is 50$ at a local joint which is another record or two lets say, many people would go an Amazon route, save the costs or even purchase something else with that difference as you mention eh. Im in a tricky location where local stores arent here so I have to search out smaller retailer that have what IM looking for or distract me with something that I end up purchasing. Suppose stores need to focus on more things that Amazon has no access to, cant get or have no willingness to get, let them deal with the Pop music for masses, which unfortunately is likely a large piece of the market.

[@kevinwysk7757]

When I go to an indie store to browse, I am honestly looking for indie releases. Not once have I gone to a smaller mom and pop to pickup anything that is mass produced in the hundreds of thousands. For that, I will hit up Walmart or Amazon. I have had good luck with purchasing from both. Have I had damaged products, yes? With Amazon however when something is damaged, they take it back no questions asked. Where I live, the smaller stores will often make a big deal out of returning a product, or will have a zero refund policy for even new releases. Because of the lack of stores in my area, they will still jack the prices up on some of the releases you mentioned to the point that they stay on their shelves due to the prices. The entire industry, all the way from the labels to the retailers need to change their practices immensely.

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

Really good video man you made valid points for sure. The people who don't know don't know and it's hard to explain it to them...LoL. I sell albums in an antique booth and people ask you the same thing, why is your led Zeppelin one selling for $30 when we can buy it for 19.99 at Walmart. And people like that don't care about original pressings and how it sounds they don't realize they might as well buy the CD. I'll plan a friend of mine and album by John Coltrane on wax time, then I played him the original issue of that and he could actually tell the difference and then he understood. ✌️

[@jabell2e]

I mostly buy vinyl on Amazon when I get gift cards. Does make me wonder if my small local record store ever complained about the Sam Goody store in the mall. I spent a lot of time at my local store but I did also shop at Sams and it was cheaper.

[@kurjan1]

I live in Australia. My favourite record store is about 1,500 km from where I live. I have an excellent relationship with them and as such they source for me records from all over the world. Records the would never come to Australia through normal distribution means. On top of that, they inspect the record and clean it through their ultrasonic cleaner, resleeve it in a proper sleeve and ship the record/s in the best packaging available. Is that level of service work the extra money for me? Damn straight it is. My entire collection purchased through this company is absolutely perfect and they now know my music taste and send me personalised recommentdations with links to Spotify to pre-listen if possible. There is also the standing offer to buy back the albums they have sold me. Amazon doesn't come close... and Amazon doesn't offer invitations to regular wine tasting nights or cocktail parties. I am happy to pay that little more for the white glove experience.

[@reinhardtgoetz6794]

I hate Amazon but sometimes you get it fast and if you don’t like it you return it.

[@timdog2714]

This just goes to show everyone that if anyione wants to start a small independent business, to know your competition andbe sure that the risk is going to be worth the reward. Just because vinyl records are the fad now, doesn't mean that it will be the in thing forever. People need to learn from the past and know what happened to vinyl records and record stores when CD's took over the world and when MP3's took over CD's. Businesses like Tower records and Sam Goody disappeared and they had no Big box stores competiting with them, so anyone that thinks opening an independent record store during these times and how the market is, better wake up and accept that their business isn't going to last very long.

[@NTXVinyl]

IMO the LP is pretty well established to sustain longevity as the primary physical format. It's a tiny niche for enthusiasts, but large enough of a market to be supported by artists (who also typically love it) and labels. The perfect pairing with the ultra-convenient world of streaming. I started NTX about 5 years ago, but only after collecting for 25 years. And agreed, in order to actually survive you have to know your competition, plus.........understand the market, know music backwards and front, be willing to hustle, understand the ins and outs and value of social media, be personable, willing to take risks, etc etc

[@timdog2714]

@@NTXVinyl I am a collector for over 23 years and I have seen the downside of this vinyl record hobby through the years. When I got into collecting vinyl records, there were about 15 to 20 record stores where I live and after about 10 years, half of those stores closed largely due to mp3's and streaming. Now only 2 stores from when I started collecting exist still. If this can happen during a time without such companies as Amazon and Walmart being major competitors, then why would anyone think that an independent record store can be sustainable or even profitable small business that can survive past when this popularity trend of collecting records ends? You're right as it is a risk, but it's also a risk that relies on people being able to spend even more money on already overly priced vinyl that is not a guarantee to hold or appreciate in value. What has happened now is people are turning vinyl records into more of a luxury item to own instead of a format to listen to music. Prices in most independent records stores have become so high, that they will soon price themselves out because the younger people that started this "resurgence" will not be able to afford to buy records from their stores and some will not even be able to afford to start collecting because they simply don't have the money to spend $30+ to buy their favorite album.

[@Philosophynut86]

The things I buy at record stores are usually albums that sell out online. Something to consider- I don’t drive so most of what I buy is online. However, find a copy of the “Purple Herb” variant of the Black Panther soundtrack from Mondo now… without paying $100 on discogs? Sometimes I can find that at my local store because I know they stock quite a few soundtracks in particular.

[@leed5980]

Consumer perspective: The real issue isn't paying a few bucks more. I'll gladly do that to support the shop. It's the atrocious quality control on new vinyl. I'll drive to a shop, but I'm not making a second 90 minute trip back to the shop to return a new album that I get home to find is horribly dish warped, gouged, off center, or has bubbles on the grooves or other pressing defects. And local shop return policies vary. And that's just not a conversation I really wanna have with a shop owner anyway, so I sidestep the whole issue. But I'm not shopping at Amazon either. I've just stopped buying new vinyl altogether. It's that bad.

[@NTXVinyl]

It's so crazy. I see plenty of comments along these lines, so I believe you...yet I see so few returns each month - and I sell a decent amount of new vinyl. Easily. 1-2K LPs per month. I bet we deal with maybe 5-10 per month on the high end.

[@sjbang5764]

I totally get where you're coming from. I told myself many years ago that I would never buy another cd from Amazon again. And I don't. I get everything I listen to from Downtown Music Gallery, and Squidco Records, both are independent record stores located in NY City and Wilmington NC, respectively. I've been buying from both for many years. It's like we're old friends. I like that I am able to ask questions, or comment on a title and get an answer from an actual human being! Anyway, best of luck, kind sir, and I do enjoy your You Tube channel.

[@NTXVinyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomaslytle5519]

One thing I have to strongly disagree with… when you’re holding a brand new record, you do Not know that it’s perfect. A Large quantity of new records are warped or have Off Center spindle holes! Record collectors have to pay Close attention to Which pressing plant pressed the record. Some plants are consistently good and some are consistently Bad

[@markdecker2112]

I love supporting the independent companies and i think the advantage you have Amazon doesnt is someone walking in, seeing the quality of the sleeve (not damaged in shipping), and buying something they had not intended to buy. Even if you make no money on some albums (loss leader is the phrase) its still worth having since you have foot traffic in your store. I worked for Sound Warehouse long long time ago, so appreciate the difference in the markets once Amazon came along. Owning a record store was an early dream of mine crushed by the realities of online purchases.

[@phwhitefly]

I'll always try to buy directly from the artist first then from the three local record shops near me. I see collecting vinyl as a hobby and part of the hobby is visiting record shops. Admittingly though, I will buy an album online if It's a must have and can't find it locally but I'm buying from an online record store and not a big box store. Support your local shops!

[@minorparedesx]

What’s your thoughts on stores like target carrying vinyl? I feel like a lot of these are in those kind of stores

[@recordhead]

I stopped buying new records from my local store for one reason only. Returns. Years ago I bought a new record and it was warped. When I tried to return it, the guy looked at me like I was nuts. Fast forward to this year, same record store, damaged record, different guy, same look.

[@TripleE76]

Grateful Dead boxsets Amazon are unable to do this, guessing because they are, largely, limited in release.

[@adamlemons7909]

Before my wife and I even bought a turntable, we set down some guidelines concerning our dive into vinyl. 1, we will never purchase online. We only buy when we can hold it in our hands and take it home with us 2, we will build relationships with two or three local record stores and they will be our primary vinyl sources 3, we will only price-check between those two or three stores 4, we will only ever buy used albums 5, unless an album has more than two songs that are unlistenable due to damage we won’t return or exchange them, simply purchase another album 6, we aren’t vinyl collectors we our music lovers that prefer vinyl and only buy the artists/albums that we love and that will be listened to over and over again We have one local shop that is our go to and first choice. We visit them at least once a week, sometimes twice. If they don’t have exactly what we are looking for then we have a second shop that we visit probably every two weeks and if they don’t have it, we have a third shop that we will try every so often. Other than that it is off to shows and expos for us and we wait :-)

[@NTXVinyl]

That is very unique! Love it

[@adamlemons7909]

@@NTXVinyl it’s just our own little quirky way of doing things :-) Thanks for your content!

[@ASTR0BURN]

I found it interesting when you mentioned the quality of buying an album in person, and how that's an advantage. Yes, to a degree. I have had numerous quality control issues with the albums themselves where buying in person would not matter. Maybe that could be a topic for another episode, quality control. Sucks to spend 30 or more on a brand new album to find defects and have to go swap it out. What's being done about it? I know you have replaced a couple bad records for me, but am I just an anomaly? Or does it happen to more and more people?

[@ericwong6531]

Hey GI the advantage that independent record stores have over Amazon is the used vinyl market and the older pressings that Amazon will never have.

[@NTXVinyl]

Well of course. But that is null and void when you’re talking about new vinyl - which is a big part of most record store’s business, mine included. I can sell all the pre-owned records in the world, but that doesn’t help the customer that walks in and wants to be the new album or reissue by XYZ.

[@erics2614]

I once bought an album from Amazon that was shipped to me with the shipping label stuck directly to the record....no box at all. You can imagine the condition that it arrived in. THAT is the difference in buying from a local store. They CARE!

[@benjaminsavage4204]

And they're not in a criminal arrangement with Mega banks like Amazon is.

[@Licoricedisc]

Have had that happen at least 5 times in the past few years... none survived.

[@NTXVinyl]

I’ve heard this a lot. Cannot even imagine. 🤦‍♂️

[@catscoffeeandvinyl]

Brick and mortar stores are more helpful than Amazon. When I started collecting vinyl, I started buying from Amazon. The record I purchased kept skipping. I exchanged it, kept skipping same spot, exchanged again, same problem. I went to my local store, turned out it wasn't the record, it was my turntable. I would never have known if it wasn't for a local record store. After that, I almost exclusively buy from my local store.

[@jdthompson5778]

I buy local on new vinyl unless the price difference is $8-10 or more. On used vinyl I’ll always buy local first when I can because I can examine for condition etc. I never ever buy used vinyl on Amazon! Just for fun I looked up Superunknown on Amazon and they don’t even carry it!! Is it out of print?

[@budsmoker4201120]

With QC the way it is, buying from major retailers is the only place to buy new records that I feel safe to return if I get a crappy pressings

[@hudon1973]

Amazon's shipping is so terrible I'll pay almost any price to make sure the record and cover aren't destroyed upon arrival.

[@zombieheadsyndicate]

I would hope that supporting your local record store would take precedence over price when it comes to buying a record. For me it’s not just buying a record, but more the experience of going to the record stores, thumbing through the records and buying them. I realize not everyone cares, but I’d rather have the option of a local store versus having to rely on big box/amazon. Used records are nice st stumble upon. It’s too bad networking with other stores nationally and buying in bulk isn’t an option to compete with Amazon. The shipping would be the complication. Better yet! It would be nice if the labels recognized their bread and butter and didn’t cut Amazon deals.

[@dtracy03ss]

Myself, I will pay a few bucks extra at a Local Shop, you are correct , Mainly the Big A is BS for Brick and Morter Stores.

[@laptopes1]

Think one of your final point hits the nail on the head on why so many shop at independent shops. It’s the service, recommendations and experience that the owners and staff have. unlike online, in store you can ask about titles, what they have come across and think you many like.

[@funtobuild9968]

Good video. Do you have to pay sales tax when you purchase wholesale?

[@NTXVinyl]

No you do not. But do have to pay shipping in many cases

[@davidoswell3079]

It's called competition.

[@oneweekfromwednesday]

Any vinyl I’ve ordered from Amazon comes straight from alliance entertainment. Says so on the shipping labels. And if I see an album on Amazon it’s also the same price on all the big box stores websites and those have come from alliance as well. I figure the distributors are selling them cheap because their cost is pennies on the dollar to begin with.

[@turbomustang84]

I'm willing to pay considerably more at a record store than buying from Amazon...

[@stevesanders6248]

As a business owner myself. I always use a moto we used in my military . Adapt and overcome . Find that niche . Bad mouthing your competition will never do you any good .

[@temporoboto]

My record store charges $5 to the penny over the Amazon price for new releases. I usually pick up new releases from my record store, if it's not in stock, I'll use Amazon (Prime only, not 3rd party sellers).

[@ericwong6531]

Also the advantage independent record store has over Amazon is the exclusive pressings that are only available to records stores only.

[@NTXVinyl]

yeah it's something

[@asaprabbit8305]

Good thing about Amazon, you can get the good records for super cheap....bad part, i have had 2 whole records arrive NOT warped! The rest of every single Amazon vinyl I've bought has been warped

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

@9:30 Pet sounds and stuff like that I only stock original 1st pressings . I don't really invest in reissues.

[@davidlynskey5399]

I buy from both. As both have their pros and cons. Here in Australia, cost of shipping and availability is the big issue that makes the decision for me. If the vinyl I'm after isn't in stock. My locally needs to contact his distributor. If he doesn't have it. Then he need to contact his overseas distributor . This process can take 5-6 weeks if not more. With Amazon I could have it here in a week or two. But i do love hanging out at my local store. having chats about vinyl. It's like supporting you local pub. Its home away from home.

[@NTXVinyl]

Makes sense. Thanks for the comment!

[@mattparker8747]

I like to buy local and I'll always expect to pay a £5 "store tax". I think that's fair. It's still a £5 profit. And most of my local record stores do only add around that much profit, especially on really popular records. It's not exactly a loss leader, but it's a low profit leader. When I've spoken to a couple of my local store owners, they'd rather stock these records at lower profit margins, as there's the perception that if you don't stock them, you're not a good store. Additionally, people who are interested in these will potentially also buy other records that have that £15 margin

[@aviulus2526]

Hi You can try buying the blue note's records.. The classics series and tone poet. They sell directly to the customer.. They might sell you as a distributor. Cheers!

[@NTXVinyl]

We absolutely stock some of those locally. Great titles

[@fmphotooffice5513]

In complete agreementt. Maybe you can keep 2 copies of what your walk-ins asked for but didn't find. Take the loss as marketing cost along with advertising, etc. I bet it works for getting more walk-ins and sales on other existing inventory you are sitting on already. Spitballin' but I hope you see the logic.

[@Andersljungberg]

This does not seem to apply in Sweden, here it is probably a company called Ginza that has better prices on physical media. Ginza is a company that sells music and movies by mail order plus a little more. The company apparently started back in 1969. Maybe they have a physical store in a city but otherwise mail order is valid

[@reinhardtgoetz6794]

Question where do I get the record dividers that look like a record that sticks out.

[@NTXVinyl]

How to Make DIY Record Dividers | Talking About Records kzbin.info/www/bejne/roWUkpqje5ycm8k

[@gdwlaw5549]

This year I stopped: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney +. Life is now avoiding monthly fees and when i want music let's go out or buy Vinyl. We can do it.

[@NTXVinyl]

I feel ya, our family has reduced all of those as well. I think we have one left at this stage, mainly for the kids

[@gdwlaw5549]

@@NTXVinyl I won most of what I like. I got lazy with spotify. What I really found annoying is how little the songwrtiters and performers receive financially!!!!! Same is happening to cinema. It's time to leave these loss laking machines.It's all about market share.

[@slliks67]

Some of the vendors in Discogs have the nerve to send you scratche skipping records then get mad and block you when you call them out...

[@philrob4468]

It's sad... Unfortunately nowadays i vuy used records from my local shop... whdn it comds to new re ords i buy from amazon because chances are i could be returning 1 or 2 copies of the record till i have 1 without defects... local shop will probably not have that .any copies of it .

[@bford71]

I am a small business owner and nothing pains me more than to hear a customer saying I found it on Amazon and got it there instead. I can only compete in level of personalized service but never in costs with a mega-giant corporation. I feel your frustration and pain.

[@NTXVinyl]

Yup…can totally defeat ya. What kind of biz are you in? And thanks for watching

[@bford71]

@@NTXVinyl I have a hair salon. In our industry even some of the manufacturers started selling direct to consumers (bypassing the distributors and salons). And like you and many other small business owners, we adapt, get creative, and rely on community relationships.

[@1verge1]

Ive only bought 1 double 7" record from amazon ever. Couldnt find a decent price anywhere else. Anyway, my question is, can you cut out the middleman yourself? Will major labels sell to small record stores? Or do they only sell in too large bulk for it to be worth it? Like maybe would a label only sell 100 copies of a title at a time but you as a store only need 10 copies?

[@budsmoker4201120]

Man 35 bucks for an lp it is just so crazy these days I feel your pain

[@aeoleaburwell7247]

When shopping in physical stores, I figure in the cost of driving or otherwise getting there and back, and for me that,s substantial. I’ve never bought from Amazon

[@markmedeiros3137]

I always buy from indies. That said, it’s frustrating to see them sell used records for $30-&40 that they paid people 75 cents for here in San Antonio.

[@NTXVinyl]

Used is a different topic. But honestly the purchase price of a collection has no impact on sell price. If I invest $10K on 10k albums ($1ea) I’m still in the hole $10K and have to immediately scrap and hustle to sell as much and as fast as I can to recoup that investment….to eventually start to make profit - weeks/months later. If I find one of those albums commands a $50 price tag then that’s the price, based on the market value, regardless if I paid $1 in the grand scheme of things. Because I know I working to recoup the total investment.

[@22soap14]

I’d say 90% of my records are right out of a record store. It’s so fun

[@NTXVinyl]

Great to hear!

[@doubled7330]

GI - sell these types of albums as "loss leaders" (in your brick & mortar stores) show customers value on some records to get them in the door and you know what - they will likely buy others in the store that are profitable - especially the used vinyl. Also stock music related merchandise - magazines / books, posters, art, bobbleheads, etc. Make it an experience that you can't get at Amazon. You may already be doing this, but thought I'd mention it. That is what I'm looking for and just don't have locally. I recall during your Seattle visit you went to several record stores - one had a bar, and you were playing DJ for a bit. That is what we need more of. Amazon could never replicate that. Vinyl collectors are already a market that wants the tangible experience - it isn't all about price.

[@NTXVinyl]

Absolutely, and yes...I do sometimes bite the bullet and stock titles that I basically don't make a dime on. But you have to be careful with that, as buyers only have so much expendable income. Totally agree on the experience. Cheers!

[@joelfrombethlehem]

One thing about Amazon that you did not mention, nor did I read it in the comments yet, is Amazon Prime. I remember when Prime was first introduced, it cost only $49 per year, and before the year was up, Prime's cost rose to $99+ local sales tax. Prime stayed at that $99 for years, and then it rose to the current $149. From what I heard from an Amazon insider, Prime will rise again to $200 annually sometime in late 2024. A few years ago, I read about the ratio of what monetary amount you have to buy from Amazon to make Prime really work for you, so it will appear that the hidden Prime charge amount doesn't matter.

[@Soundfreeek]

Great video illustrative of today's world... Mixed feelings here...

[@NTXVinyl]

Yeah....interesting, right?!?

[@arzabael]

My man trust me, there are more and more people like me being mentally born everyday which is I would pay 30$ more in order to support someone’s business the way I would wish to be supported and the convenience of having it in my hands now, and the personal interaction with a human. Supporting small business is going to be the biggest reason they survive going forward everyone knows Amazon is evil

[@THRASHORBETHRASHED851]

I never buy from Amazon i get my lps from my local store i do buy hard 2 get lps from the labels especially Metal vinyl

[@srbournival]

Is Amazon selling the same pressings that you get from the distributors? I ask because I know Wal-mart and Target pressings are different.

[@NTXVinyl]

Yes, unless it’s a unique “exclusive” but the vast majority of titles are all the same - for everyone, big boxes and indies

[@thomaslytle5519]

Yeah I get you from a record store owners POV. But as a customer, it Would be awesome that we have a cheaper way to get our records. I say “Would be” because Amazon isn’t consistent with their packaging! I cannot even tell you how many records I got from Amazon that were Ruined by shitty packaging. You’re right, they don’t care. I too have gotten Several records from them in a plastic bag with no stiffeners inside. After returning all these records I stopped buying records from them a couple years ago. I now buy from record stores or companies like Acoustic Sounds, etc. I’ll pay more for good quality. Besides they have a Very small selection of titles in stock anyway. It’s gone down A lot! Anyway, I’m glad I watched this… I now know exactly why brick and mortar record store prices are so Insane. Thanks for this. Btw, I Totally support record stores. I’d much rather give my $ to them.

[@Pkilla80]

I just started collecting vinyls and can't wait to go to real shops. I wouldn't consider getting any from Amazon. One question I have is the best record player to purchase for a noob that wants great value without breaking the bank (say $400 or less)

[@NTXVinyl]

Check out Fluance and U-Turn. They both make solid TTs in that price range. Good luck!

[@Matasky2010]

I feel any record store owner’s frustration with Amazon. As a buyer this hobby is so f-ing expensive I gotta save a few bucks whenever possible. Money saved on a stupid lp can be spent on more important things in life.

[@NTXVinyl]

What could possibly be more important?!?! 😜

[@Matasky2010]

@@NTXVinyl Clean OGs! 😆

[@metilaful]

I go to the record store for therapy. It’s restorative to browse and banter with the proprietor. I have two store choices in my area, and I got rushed once at one of them- so not going back. I don’t care about the cost of each item, I go in to spend $150-200 on my afternoon entertainment like someone going to a casino with a set amount of mad money. Record store owners are going to shoot themselves in the foot by not recognizing what they are actually selling. It’s not records.

[@NTXVinyl]

Love that!