Hey earth muffins! Vinyl has been growing in popularity these past few years, and I’m definitely part of that bandwagon. Secondhand shopping is a great way to reduce your impact on the planet… And you can find some great used records too! All of the best vinyl in my collection has been purcased secondhand; keep reading for a list of the best places to buy used records & vinyl.
1. Local record shops
If you’re lucky, you might have a record shop (or multiple!) in your city. These are a great place to find awesome secondhand records. While many of them also sell new vinyl, there is something special about sifting through stacks of records until you find an absolute gem. A lot of local shops also ensure that the records are of good quality and without scratches… Super helpful (and reduces the risk of wasting money on ones that don’t play)!
2. Secondhand stores
While secondhand shopping requires a bit more work and elbow grease, you can often find some great steals at thrift and antique stores. People often don’t know what to do with records if they don’t have a player. Once they are donated, there is usually a shelf just full of used vinyl. Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty and dusty as you sort through them! Be careful to look at each record before you purchase – huge scratches are a no-go for sure.
3. People’s basements!
Again, people sometimes don’t know what to do with a bunch of records if they don’t have a record player. This is your chance to build a great collection (often for free!). Let your family, friends, and acquaintances know that you are looking for some good vinyl; you might be surprised how many people offer you to come look through their collection. This ensures the records are getting some love too! Much better than just collecting dust.
4. Etsy (and other online sites)
It’s surprising that a good place to buy used records is actually online. While this isn’t as good for the planet (because it introduces shipping into the picture), it is a good option if you don’t have any choices nearby. Etsy has some good choices as well as places like Ebay and Facebook Marketplace… While online shopping will never be as fun as sifting through physical vinyl, you can still find some great stuff.
There you have it – all the best places to buy used records! My record collection has slowly been growing ever since I got my record player… And nothing beats listening to music after a long day at work. Finding awesome vinyl secondhand is a way to support this passion while also reducing your impact on the planet. Do you have a record player? Comment below and let me know who your favorite artists are!
Love,
Jenna ♥
I have a record player and somehow kept all of the LP’s from the 80’s. I love listening to them.