Why are some records more expensive than others?
Resale value is a hot topic among collectors and vinyl lovers, so here's an overview of the main factors you should look at if you want to sell at the best possible price
Records, like any other asset class, are subject to the law of supply and demand. Even experienced collectors sometimes overlook this very simple premise.
Supply and demand: the overriding principle
When it comes to resale value, nothing matters more than the number of people who want a specific record versus the number of exact copies available.
You may think you don’t need a reminder: you already know that an Andy Williams compilation in decent shape sells for much less than a trashed copy of the first pressing of Please Please Me.
I am talking about supply and demand on a slightly different level: stereo versus mono versions, Japanese or Korean pressings, German versus Dutch, hype stickers and colour variants. No record is ever the same.
Supply and demand should always be your anchor when hesitating between rare editions, your compass if you get carried away assessing sleeve damage, and your tranquiliser when fretting over the runout matrix number.
Artist and title
This is the most important factor to consider. Some artists or bands are simply more popular than others.
Some records by artists with frenzied fans a very loyal following can sell for exorbitant prices, particularly white labels, promos or rare editions.
Autographed records (especially when non-personalised, and once verified) are sought after.
Some artists are more “collectible” than others, depending on their prolificity in the studio and the iconic status of their discography.
Year of release
How popular was vinyl as a format when the record came out? This is key as it will inform potential scarcity.
Popular titles, if released when vinyl was the dominant format, will see their most widely distributed version sell for considerably less than obscure pressings of the same album, espcially if the fanbase in question has completist tendencies.
The first pressings of popular late nineties/early noughties records (where available) are highly coveted by collectors.
Condition
Wear and tear will always affect resale value. Sealed records are more expensive than their second-hand counterparts, all else being equal.
There are grades in between, and even grades within grades (less mint when sticker is missing or shrink is torn, for example).
Vinyl lovers are obsessive folk, so the tiniest mark or dent can significantly affect resale value.
Specific edition
This is another crucial factor. Coloured vinyl has become so popular nowadays that specific colour variants can sell for a lot more.
The hype is such that some general principles have been inverted. A common example is mint (new) records where the shrink has been torn, which would ordinarily be cheaper, end up being more expensive, as the exact colour can be verified.
This list is by no means exhaustive. Can you think of other factors? See you in the comments!
Thanks for reading/listening. Happy spinning!
“Autographed records (especially when non-personalised, and once verified) are sought after.” Maybe this can be a topic for a future post? I am curious as to how autographs are verified. Some sort of handwriting expert? Does the owner of a signed record need to provide details as to when and where? I had thought signed records might be worth less. Also, what is the thought around price stickers literally on the front or back cover? Best to leave them on at risk of damaging the cardboard? I would imagine there are special tools to remove them.
I wish I’d kept all my big sister’s albums including her collection of Beatles! Back in the 90’s I gave them all away! 🎶 🙈