How to sell vinyl records and CDs on eBay and Vinted

• Which pressing it is: country, label, catalogue number and the matrix or runout etching in the run-out groove.
• Grading of the record and the sleeve, given separately.
• Whether it has been play-tested, and whether any marks cause clicks, pops or skips.
• Inserts, inner sleeves, posters, lyric sheets and hype stickers.
• Warping, seam splits, ring wear and writing on the sleeve.
• For CDs: scratches on the playing side, a cracked case, and whether the booklet and back insert are original.

1. Front and back of the sleeve, straight on and in good light.
2. The labels on both sides of the record.
3. The matrix or runout etching, photographed at an angle so the writing shows.
4. The record surface under a light source, so scuffs and scratches are honest.
5. Inner sleeves, inserts and any stickers.
6. Sleeve flaws: seam splits, ring wear, writing, price stickers.
7. For CDs: the disc's playing side, the booklet, the back insert and the case.

• Artist and album title first.
• Format: LP, 12", 7" single, CD, box set.
• Pressing details: year of the pressing, country, label and catalogue number.
• First pressing only if the matrix proves it.
• Your grade for media and sleeve, for example VG+/VG.

Example title

David Bowie Hunky Dory LP 1971 UK RCA SF 8244 Vinyl VG+/VG Play Tested

Words buyers search for

• vinyl
• LP
• 12 inch
• 7 inch
• first press
• original pressing
• reissue
• matrix
• play tested
• CD
• box set
• limited edition

• Format and speed: 33 or 45 rpm, LP, 12" or 7".
• Weight if marketed as heavyweight vinyl, for example 180g, only if stated on the record or sleeve.
• Catalogue number and matrix or runout numbers for each side.
• Number of discs in a set.
• For CDs: number of discs and the edition (standard, deluxe, remastered).

• Use a recognised grading scale such as Goldmine: Mint (M), Near Mint (NM or M-), Very Good Plus (VG+), Very Good (VG), Good (G), Poor (P).
• Grade the record and the sleeve separately, for example "Media VG+, sleeve VG".
• Grade by playing it, not just by looking. A record that looks scuffed may play cleanly, and the reverse.
• Describe surface noise, clicks or skips and which track they are on.
• Mint means unplayed and perfect. Be conservative: most second-hand records are VG+ or lower.
• Mention whether a sealed record is the original shrink wrap or resealed if you can tell.

eBay tends to suit records and CDs where the pressing matters: buyers search by catalogue number and pressing, and the music item specifics let you record format and grading.

Vinted can work for popular albums, CDs and records bought as gifts or decoration, where buyers care less about pressing details. Keep descriptions short and clear.

Bundles of CDs by genre or artist can be easier to sell than single common CDs on either platform.

• Take the record out of the outer sleeve and pack it in its inner sleeve next to the outer sleeve. This prevents seam splits in transit.
• Use a proper record mailer with stiffening card, or two pieces of corrugated card larger than the sleeve.
• Never post vinyl in a padded bag: it will bend or crack.
• CDs travel well in a padded envelope with the case wrapped in bubble wrap; jewel cases crack easily.
• LPs need a parcel size rather than a large letter. Check the dimensions on the postage guide before you set postage.

Not sure which parcel size you need? Check the postage size guide.

• Claiming "first pressing" without checking the matrix.
• Grading by eye without playing the record.
• Giving one grade for the record and sleeve together.
• Posting the record inside its outer sleeve, which splits the seams.
• Leaving out the catalogue number, which is how collectors search.
• Calling a record mint when it has been played.

What is the matrix or runout?

It is the writing etched or stamped into the smooth area between the last track and the label. It identifies the pressing, and collectors use it to tell originals from reissues.

What does VG+ mean?

Very Good Plus: the record shows some signs that it was played and handled but plays well with little surface noise. It is one of the most common grades for well-kept used records.

Should I clean records before selling?

A careful clean with a proper record brush or cleaning fluid can help, but never use household cleaners. Grade after cleaning and playing.