Everyone likes a bargain, and there’s nothing better than stumbling across a cheap vinyl record that you’ve had your eye on for a while. With the rising prices of Vinyl due to its recent surge in popularity, it’s good to know there are still places out there you can hunt down cheap used records, and its easier than you think if you know where to look.
Have a bit of patience and try the 5 places I’ve listed below, and you’ll bag a bargain and have it spinning on your turntable in no time.
Car Boots
If you’re bored one Sunday, car boot sales can provide a wealth of hidden gems for you to get your grubby little mitts on, and all for a low low price. People wanting to de-clutter can be ruthless when throwing out stuff, so make sure you’re there to flick through any records they’re getting rid of. There are likely to only be a small selection per seller so don’t leave something behind and think you’ll come back for it later, as it’ll likely be gone. Make sure to check the actual vinyl by taking it out the sleeve before purchase as it may be scratched to death and not worth buying.
Record Fairs
These places are a treasure trove of music, all under one roof. If you’re willing to search for them, the bargains will come. You may have to sift, sweat, and beat off other prying hands with a stick, but cheap vinyl are there to be had. From 50p to £500, there’s everything and in-between at some of the bigger fairs, so make sure you give yourself enough time to find what you want and keep hunting!
Online
Trading sites like Discogs.com can be excellent for the money-pinching person if you know what you’re looking for. There are literally thousands of people buying and selling records on these sites, so get searching through the databases and pick up a cheap deal no problem. Unlike car boots or record fairs, you can have something specific in mind that you’re looking for, or you can just set the price range to search for anything under £5 and see if anything takes your fancy.
Charity Shops
Not only can they be a place to find some decent vinyl, but the money is also going to a good cause. I know someone that found a first edition of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon in a charity shop being sold for something like a fiver. In this case he did the right thing and notified them of it’s worth, even helping them sell it and making the charity a nice profit. What a saint.
Your Parents’ Loft
If you’re of a certain age, your ‘olds’ may have a stash of vinyl wasting away in the depths of a dusty loft, garage or spare room. Get in there, dig around and see what you can find. Usually you’ll come across some real classics, and you’re just as likely to find some embarrassing records that you can mock their musical taste with, which is a bonus.
So if you want a bargain, like anything, you’ve got to put the work in to reap the musical rewards. Delve deep, enjoy the chase and let me know what cheap vinyl you find!