Buying used vinyl records: 7 things to check when you order online

If you want to buy used vinyl records online, check seven things above all: a condition grade on a fixed scale, real photos of the actual copy, exact pressing details, safe shipping in a proper LP mailer, a clear return policy, a fair price compared with other copies, and good seller reviews. If these points are covered, buying used records online is just as safe as buying them in a shop around the corner. Below we explain each point and show where to buy used vinyl.

In this article

• What should you check when buying online?
• Where is the best place to buy used records?
• How do you check a record after unpacking?
• FAQ

What should you check when buying used vinyl records online?

1. Condition on a fixed grading scale

A reputable seller grades every used record on a fixed scale, usually the Goldmine standard: from M (Mint) through NM (Near Mint) and VG+ (Very Good Plus) down to G and P. What matters is that vinyl (media) and sleeve are graded separately, for example "Media NM- / Sleeve VG+". A description like "good condition" without a scale tells you very little. We explain every grade on our vinyl grading page.

2. Real photos instead of catalogue images

With used records, the individual copy is what counts. Make sure the photos show exactly the record you will receive: front and back cover, the label and ideally details such as stickers, corners or wear. A catalogue image that looks the same at every shop tells you nothing about condition.

3. Exact pressing details

The same album often exists in many editions: first pressing, repress, different countries and labels. Good listings therefore state country, year, label and catalogue number, and for sought-after records the matrix number from the run-out groove. Only then do you know which edition you are buying and whether the price is right. Our guide First pressing or reissue? shows you how to tell the difference.

4. Safe shipping in an LP mailer

Records are sensitive to pressure and bending. Reputable sellers ship in sturdy LP mailer boxes, not padded envelopes. Also check how quickly orders are shipped and whether you get tracking. We ship every order within 1 to 2 working days; all prices are on our shipping information page.

5. A clear return policy

If you buy from a business in the EU, you have a legal right of withdrawal of at least 14 days. At Devinylhunter-Records it is 30 days. Private sellers, for example on classifieds sites or at flea markets, do not have to offer this right. That is the biggest difference between buying from a shop and buying privately.

6. Compare prices

The price of a used record depends mainly on the pressing and its condition. A VG copy costs much less than the same edition in NM. The sales history on Discogs, which shows what a specific edition recently sold for, is a good reference. Our guide How to spot valuable vinyl records explains which records are especially sought after.

7. Seller reviews

Genuine customer reviews show whether a seller sticks to their condition grades and packs records properly. Look at Google, Trustpilot or the seller ratings on Discogs, and pay particular attention to comments about condition and packaging.

Where is the best place to buy used vinyl records online?

There are four typical routes. Which one suits you depends on whether you are looking for a specific edition or prefer to browse.

Where	Pros	Cons	Best for
Online record shop	Consistent condition grading, real photos, right of withdrawal, one point of contact	Choice limited to one shop's stock	Browsing and safe buying
Discogs	Huge selection, exact editions searchable by catalogue and matrix number	Shipping costs per seller, grading quality varies	Hunting for a specific pressing
eBay and classifieds	Sometimes cheap collections, inspection possible on pickup	Often vague descriptions, no right of withdrawal for private sales	Bargains and whole collections
Flea markets and record fairs	Check records in your hands, negotiate prices	No returns, finds are down to luck	Crate digging in person

For most buyers, a specialist record shop is the most relaxed route: you see the actual copy, grading follows a standard, and if something is not right, you can send the record back.

How do you check a used record after unpacking it?

1. Look at the record under a bright lamp and compare it with the description.
2. Check the sleeve, inner sleeve and any inserts.
3. Clean it if needed, then play both sides all the way through once.
4. If something is wrong, contact the seller promptly with photos.

Buying used vinyl records at Devinylhunter-Records

We have been selling used and new records from Bonn, Germany, since 2013. The shop has over 6,000 records, and every used record is checked by hand, graded to the Goldmine standard and scanned by us. You get exactly the copy shown.

• Shipping within 1 to 2 working days, free within Germany from 99 euros
• 30-day right of withdrawal
• Pickup in Bonn-Bad Godesberg available, see our page Buy and sell vinyl records in Bonn
• New records every week under New arrivals

FAQ

Is it safe to buy used vinyl records online?

Yes, if the seller grades condition on a fixed scale, shows real photos and offers returns. When you buy from a business in the EU, you have a legal right of withdrawal of at least 14 days.

What does VG+ mean for vinyl records?

VG+ stands for Very Good Plus. The record shows light signs of use, such as fine scuffs, that are barely audible or not audible at all. For most listeners, VG+ is a very good condition at a fair price.

Can I return used vinyl records?

From businesses, yes: in the EU you have a right of withdrawal of at least 14 days, and at Devinylhunter-Records it is 30 days. Private sales come with no legal right of withdrawal.

Can used records damage my turntable?

A clean record in good condition will not harm your stylus. Very dirty records put more strain on it, so cleaning a record before its first play is worth it if needed.

How can I tell a first pressing?

By the label, catalogue number, country of manufacture and the matrix number in the run-out groove. Compare these details with databases such as Discogs. Our guide First pressing or reissue? explains it step by step.