Guides for record collectors and sellers: identifying the exact vinyl pressing, grading, pricing and listing records on Discogs, eBay and Etsy.
Most CDs sell for a few dollars, but Japanese imports, promos, out-of-print and audiophile discs can be worth far more. Here's how to tell which you have.
Discogs, eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace or a local shop? Compare 2026 fees, buyers and what sells best where, plus listing and shipping tips.
How to price vinyl records to sell: use Discogs sales history and eBay sold listings, adjust for condition, fees and shipping, and price per marketplace.
Check the runout matrix, label design, catalogue number, barcode, rights society and sleeve details to tell a first pressing from a reissue. With real examples.
What the matrix number in the runout groove means: lacquer, mother and stamper codes, engineer marks, plant codes, and CD IFPI mastering and mould codes.
Which vinyl records are actually rare and worth money: first pressings, withdrawn covers, promos, test pressings and small runs, plus how to check yours.
A plain-English guide to vinyl grading: the Goldmine scale (M, NM, VG+, VG, G, P) for records, sleeves and CDs, and how each grade affects price.
Find out what your vinyl is worth: identify the exact pressing, grade it honestly and compare real sold prices. Step-by-step guide with a quick checklist.