Pro Tips for Buying Vinyl Records on Discogs | Talking About Records

Discogs is the #1 online marketplace for vinyl record sales, with over 15 million listings, and thousands of sellers across the world. That can make it an overwhelming experience for a lot of potential buyers. Hopefully these tips will help you navigate the platform more easily and confidently make your next purchase.
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[@henrywaller4297]

I've probably bought a hundred records on Discogs the past 3 years, and I can count the number of times I've been disappointed on one hand, and fortunately these were less expensive records that were easily replaceable. If anything most sellers grade rather conservatively, and I'm usually surprised for the better.

[@NTXVinyl]

Appreciate the feedback. It's funny how some people say the exact opposite. My experience is mostly like yours...very positive.

[@t3dewys]

I just shipped out my first Discogs sale today. It was easier than I thought it would be.

[@NTXVinyl]

Awesome!

[@mcbefey]

Always make sure the seller has the correct version listed. So many either by accident or to be purposely deceptive list their copy for sale under the rarest pressing. If you're going to drop $$$ on a rare press, make sure the seller verifies matrix info, jacket identifiers, whatever it takes to make sure they actually have the version they listed.

[@NTXVinyl]

Great tip!

[@toniputin1096]

Can you do a similar video on selling, especially the best way to cash in on your whole collection?

[@NTXVinyl]

Absolutely! Selling on Discogs for sure Entire collections? Much harder unless you’re willing to take the time and piece it out. Otherwise a bulk sell would likely have to be to a local buyer/shop - depending on quantity of course. But that won’t be “cashing out” at full market value This video might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmPVZ4eEeJyAZ80 Let me know what ya think

[@robertbyington7715]

The issue is the disparity when it comes to grading the actual LP. I have found that by contacting the seller I can get a better idea by asking the seller for an actual picture of the album and the cover. Looking at the reviews is an excellent way to get additional info. Great info

[@NTXVinyl]

Yup! Requesting photos is a great tip. I try to only do it on albums above a certain value.

[@robertbyington7715]

@@NTXVinyl Agreed. I have to admit I only use DC for albums that I really want and can’t find elsewhere but I have to admit I have had pretty good luck with one exception. I also liked the point of only buying from Europe if it’s not available in the US based on shipping a point I never thought about. Thanks

[@fts81]

@@NTXVinyl best way is contacting, and asking for pictures, besides the info, we can see how knowledgeable/willing to help the vendor is

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

Some assholes are made when I ask for pictures, most sellers over grade and list wrong (different versions) so I need pictures first.

[@robertbyington7715]

@@JohnSmith-zl8rz Agreed but if they give you shit for requesting pictures then just find another vendor. If it’s an album I really want then I don’t have a problem paying more but by the same token I want what’s advertised not an over graded substitute.

[@nickshepherd5394]

Great topic. You throw out some great pointers. I always look for the sellers that allow you to “make an offer”. Not that I lowball people but if I can knock a couple bucks off that just adds to the purchase.

[@NTXVinyl]

For sure. That Offer button is always nice to see.

[@dgross2009]

@@NTXVinyl I don't buy much on discogs but record stores have not had a great selection lately. One thing that is important, and was mentioned, is going to the sellers store to see other offerings. If you buy a few records they are usually more likely to make a deal and you can usually save on shipping

[@mberg1956]

On the seller ratings, I always check the dates on the negative ratings. If they seem to be a while back and there are more recent positive ratings, I usually finish the purchase. If the negative ratings are more recent, I'm less likely to follow through. But, that said, if I really want the record, I'll check the buyers ratings on the people complaining. Sometimes it becomes obvious that it doesn't take much to make them unhappy so I can discount their negative impact. For the most part, I've been happy with my purchases. The only two problems I can remember, one guy gave me a full refund (that I didn't ask for and wasn't expecting) and the other gave me a partial refund and had me keep the record. Both of them got positive reviews from me because they wanted me to be happy with my purchase.

[@Drexlspivey78]

Great video. Been using discogs for a few years and never thought to check notes. Everything else you said was also spot on and stuff I learned the hard way. I recommend your discogs videos to any newbies I convert to this hobby.

[@NTXVinyl]

That’s amazing Chris! Really appreciate it

[@mercurialmagictrees]

What I notice on discogs is that typically the valuable records will be even more inflated on discogs if the seller has great reviews. I guess I would consider it another "finders fee " because they are reliable.

[@AMEHOELA]

Love to watch your video’s. Every time again.

[@AlexM-dv3yl]

Extremely informative video GI! I’ve had nothing but great experiences so far on Discogs. Overall it is such a great tool to have as a collector, keep the Discogs videos coming!

[@orus68]

Thank you for the tips as I have just started exploring Discogs.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Your channel is great. You're so informative. Thank you! 🤗

[@NTXVinyl]

You are so welcome! Really appreciate you watching

[@jahfehkah]

When I restarted collecting vinyl I went a little crazy and became a little caught up in trying to purchase first pressings of albums I really wanted. I've now become more patient in waiting for the albums of bands I love. Being a big nineties rock fan Grunge, alternate, punk, nu metal etc. I've learnt that waiting for reissues that are remastered can be the better sounding and financially better option, especially when it comes to 90s albums that generally have a poor reputation for quality sound. Keeping in mind I'm buying these albums because I want to listen to them, not to keep them shrink wrapped and watch the value go up for resale. I really hope reissuing of albums grows. There are some pop punk groups whose best albums were never released on vinyl or very limited numbers that I would love to own. Yellowcard, sugarcult and neck deep to name a few.

[@NTXVinyl]

Patience is huge in this hobby. Reissues will come for most popular titles. I hope. 🤞🏻

[@Valnoten]

Thank you very much for this video! Lovely info. Out of 1000 deals on Discogs, I think I only been having three "bad" ones where the seller been "lying" about the pressing and such - and those three times it was the same album/pressing, but from three different sellers. One seller said he didnt have time to look for the real pressing, so he just put something in. The other one assumed it was the first pressing since he bought it from another seller that assured it was the first pressing. The third one sold the first pressing...but in the third pressings package. All the sellers had above 98% seller rating. But all of them made a partial refund when I proved everything, no harm done, just time consuming

[@NTXVinyl]

Yeah that’s a pain indeed.

[@sandyfader4649]

My friend, been buying records from Discogs for well over two years and never thought to look at reviews other buyers write about that specific release. Now I will, so thanks for the tip. Right on for all your other tips as well. And always try to use a buyer with a 99 or higher rating when I have a choice. Another nice job.

[@NTXVinyl]

Thanks so much Sandy! Really appreciate the comment

[@arzabael]

Gazwoz - eBay, is the man.

[@mercurialmagictrees]

If there's an item you really want and it's being sold by a new seller, it could be worth sending a message to confirm pressing, grading and packaging. However time is of the essence on discogs and that delay can allow someone else to buy it.

[@rdmccabe4811]

Great video! Been collecting vinyl for years and have stayed away from Discogs for no particular reason. But after watching your videos, I love the app and logged all my vinyl. There is just so many great records I want to buy now, my wife hates it! You should look into Popshop Live, Revolver Magazine just did one a couple a days ago and sold some awesome vinyl, super fun!! Shuga Records on this video is a great store in my neck of the woods. Keep up the great work!!

[@NTXVinyl]

Thanks Rick! Great to hear. ✌🏻

[@PieterKleij]

Yes, that email concerning want stuff is great. Scored a few wanted ones that way.

[@NTXVinyl]

Same!

[@brandongill9568]

Shuga is my local record shop. They are a great shop here in Chicago. Highly recommend them.

[@NTXVinyl]

That’s awesome! I chose that completely randomly.

[@adrianf2368]

Read comments and ask the seller whether these records are still available and in condition listed. Ex. Without writing on label or dj stamp

[@jacknjill3000]

I just got on discogs for the first time and it’s overwhelming with so many sellers and what their policies are and comparing the prices. So I did my first order and took me like 3 hours checking of each record I was getting the best deal. I tried to buy from the same dealer bc they were offering free shipping on order $50. or more. So I ended up getting about 18 records and when I got, like only 16 came with the inner sleeve. I was like how could you be a seller on discogs and not have inner sleeves. Bc I was already taking a chance on their VG+ and some hit that grade and some not. Just taking the records out without the inner sleeve can make marks on the vinyl. If I didn’t get them with free shipping and the records being cheap, o would’ve complained. Yeah, discogs makes it very easy to collect and everything is the at an abundance. But if you’re an older collector, it takes the fun away on how easy others can get it.

[@jacknjill3000]

Coming from eBay for buying records not for that long, I felt like discogs was just a place to buy and sell, but don’t really get involved as tho eBay would of something was defective or not in the condition. It’s kind of like Craigslist for records. Plus many say they only take PayPal, but I was able to use my credit card. I guess it would be easier to use PayPal to make disputes. Plus o haven’t used PayPal since they were still connected with eBay and would transfer what you sold on ebay. Meaning I have no idea to load money in PayPal.

[@jacknjill3000]

Meaning buying from discogs feels very risky on getting what the seller claims to get your money back. Oh and why don’t they show a photo of the vinyl condition and only show the label and cover and they also look like stock.

[@jacknjill3000]

I’m also reluctant to leave negative reviews on eBay and and also on newer for me discogs. I feel that would ruin any relationship that could be firm or if I need them to buy off in the future.

[@yanivshef992]

I missed the notes part in my last purchase. Only after I submitted the record (graded mint - ) I saw the notes stating there are scratches with random pops 🥶. I see the disk state once I receive it.

[@sampoernaquatrain1710]

I know Discogs is in the midst of making some improvements, and one thing I hope they do is make it possible to select multiple items from your Want List and locate sellers who have those (instead of only one item at a time). It would be a big money--and shipping--saver for the customer. Also, they should require sellers to show or describe their packing methods. I recently got an order where the LPs were loose (no plastic sleeves to protect them), and the seller left the records in their sleeves in their jackets, and they both split the spine of their respective sleeves in transit. Never should have happened!

[@NTXVinyl]

Those would be excellent improvements.

[@billsmit9141]

DTX, a very good video learned some items I did not know about right under my nose. I have 2 issues, 1) I wish they had a place to find a description of some of the Staff notes made on the page, IAF, NUV, etc. What?, 2) I have given several stores Medium Ratings and they immediately Blacklist me and will not allow me to buy anymore.

[@NTXVinyl]

Blacklist? Weird….

[@ummagumma7826]

Mercari is another online seller you can find gems on. Had good luck there

[@NTXVinyl]

Good call!

[@festuswilliams654]

biggest issue I have with the website is the utoob videos do not auto-play...Do you or anyone have any solutions?

[@lockpickingparamedic2136]

Could you make a Episode about grading?

[@NTXVinyl]

On the looooooong list! 😀

[@BellTunnel]

I’ve had some bad experiences buying through Discogs. For a while I was trying to collect mint sealed copies of my favorite bands - all recent releases. Of 20 + records I bought in a three month span (which were all described as sealed NM or M-) 14 of them arrived with seem splits or banged up corners. I get that shipping a record inside of the sleeve means there’s chance it will split the sleeve if it can move around a lot, but I have almost never had any issues with the records shipped to me directly from online stores or music labels. Almost never. And all records have been shipped to me in proper LP mailers. Which leads me to believe that individuals using Discogs are willing to lie about grades to get records out the door. When I contacted one seller, we agreed that I’d return the disc for a refund minus both shipping charges. I didn’t want to escalate to PayPal, as I can empathize with being an amateur seller, and I knew he would get screwed out of all costs, shipping included, and that didn’t seem fare. So I thought I was being the good guy. I returned the record, lost almost $20 in shipping fees, and got my refund - minus about $5 in taxes. So the seller (or Discogs) kept the taxes that I paid, apparently as a tip? Discogs refused to help. They said go deal with PayPal. It’s only $5, but it’s the principle of it. As a buyer and seller on Reverb, I’ve had only good experiences. Can’t imagine something like this would have happened there. Discogs is somewhere between eBay and Craigslist in terms of UI/UX quality of service and customer service.

[@NTXVinyl]

That's unfortunate to hear.

[@garyharper2943]

I had better luck on eBay, always look for mint minus and for someone that play graded vs visual. Never been burned and eBay has a great buyer protection plan.

[@hermaneduarte265]

Is there a way on Discogs to add photos of my actual Vinyl record that I have added to my collection.? As I see the current photo of the Album Jacket, someone else has uploaded, I can`t now go and upload my photos as then everyone else will now see my photos and not their own?

[@NTXVinyl]

Unfortunately no. The photos you see per release are the ones uploaded by the individual that submitted the listing. No photos are allowed otherwise. They are only for reference - not to reflect your personal copy

[@hermaneduarte265]

@@NTXVinyl I thought so, it would be so much better if we could , it would make it more personalized. Thanks for the quick reply.

[@davesworld7688]

I have a quick question for anyone who is kind enough to answer. If a seller scams or rips off a buyer on Discogs, is there any kind of ramifications for them? The reason I ask is that I had a seller give me a hard time on EBay (after they received my money). Once I filed a case against them (on eBay) their entire disposition changed from argumentative to "how can we work this out" and more apologetic. I was curious if Discogs has anything in place to protect buyers and sellers? Any info is greatly appreciated.

[@Jamko1970]

I’ve had good and some bad experiences with Discogs when buying. Some Sellers are bad, the worst is they list a VG record as VG+ or even as NM.

[@NTXVinyl]

Yup…gotta find some sellers you trust.

[@henrys3629]

Why would a seller post an album for 50c? What's the point of that? I found an album I wanted for $8 and it was listed as "Cover only" in the comments. Shop for another copy? There were zero available anywhere on Discos and EBAY.

[@kristoffer5771]

Dailly email is junk imho. Always the same records popping up. Do stores relist every single day or why is that?

[@NTXVinyl]

It can be stagnant for sure. I try to add/swap items frequently so it refreshes. Really depends on how rare the albums are on your list, because (like mine) stuff is high end and doesn't sell quick, and/or no new listings added that often.

[@CC-fi3pp]

It's better than ebay, better prices, better quality records on average.

[@johnholmes912]

I find Musicstack better for buying

[@NTXVinyl]

Man I haven't used Musicstack in years! Need to revisit that

[@popacapinurfoot]

playback speed set to 1.25. way better

[@popacapinurfoot]

Nevermind. 1.5x is the way.

[@popacapinurfoot]

Actually, 2x speed is the best.

[@NTXVinyl]

So you’re saying I talk slow? 😂

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

Most sellers overgrade on Discogs.

[@henrywaller4297]

I just stated I think it works the other way. The different perceptions and outcomes are amazing.