I'm Selling My Record Collection

by 145 replies
175
Well, I never thought this day would ever come but I'm selling my record
collection. I'm broke and need the money to put into my business. Hometown
Records from NY is coming to the house on Friday. I'm hoping to get at least
$300 to $500 for everything. I have a lot of rare 45s and albums. Hopefully,
they'll be worth something.

I don't know what I'm more upset about. That I'm selling them, that I have to
sell them or that I don't care that I'm selling them.
#off topic forum
  • Why is it a given that you are "upset"?

    Shouldn't you be happy to have something you can sell to finance your business?

    It's trading stuff...for stuff. Priorities change and your choice to keep the records in past years will help you now. That's a good thing.
    • [1] reply
    • There is a lot of sentimental value in those records, especially the ones that I
      bought when I first started collecting them back in 1970. That I haven't listened
      to them in 20 years doesn't take away from the memories.

      But yes, I am grateful (happy is not the word) that I have items in my home
      that I can sell to finance my business. My TMNT collection went for $2,400.

      I just wish I didn't have to do it. That in itself is nothing to be happy about.
      • [1] reply
  • Banned
    Isn't that telling you there's something else that's broke.

    It's often unwise to chuck good money after bad. Maybe a change of business or direction?
  • Steven,

    You might be in a hurry for funds, but you'd get far more for your records if you sold them individually. For your own sake, just run the titles through the "items sold" section in your eBay account to get an idea of the value. I think you'll be surprised.

    Even if you end up listing just 20 or 30, you'll probably get a lot more for those than some dealer will offer you for the whole collection.

    Frank
    • [1] reply
    • I am starting a new business and chucking the one that didn't work. This
      business WILL work. But I need funds for the software I need for it.

      I have no time to list things on Ebay. I need to just dump these and get on
      with my life.
      • [1] reply
  • Steve, do you have a WSO up for making musical scores for videos?

    Could do a fiverr gig as well for a 30-second or 60-second jingle...they pay by the 30-second chunk.

    Think of some more ways of earning $$ that you would like to do.
  • Is this a metamorphosis process that you have to undergo?
    Dragonfly Metamorphosis - YouTube
  • Get creative, Steve! When times are tough and you need cash ASAP, it's time to be different!

    Partner with someone who's familiar with ebay listing, and give them a % of sales for them doing the work.

    You'll make more selling individually as said above (think about junkyards parting out cars rather than crushing the whole thing and sending it to a shredder), even with the profit share.

    Could put up a Warrior want ad to find someone. If you need assistance with that let me know.

    But I can hear the frustration even through these posts, and if there is a way around selling your records that would be best.

    BTW how much $$ is the software you want?
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • I still need to sink in another $1,000 to $2,000 into my business. I currently
      have $596 in my business account and about $60 in my PayPal account.

      I could send an email to my list to sell some PLR or whatever but my list
      doesn't buy anything from me anymore, thus why I'm dumping "how to make
      money" IM and moving onto the Royalty Free Music Biz. I feel I have a shot
      there if the site I put up is top notch. I have a partner who is going in with
      me. In fact, he just emailed me and I have to get back to him as soon as I
      get back from the dentist.

      I have no doubt this business will take off. I have already laid down 278
      tracks of music since September 4. I work morning, noon and night, just like
      in the old days. But at least now I'm doing something I love.

      I will make this work or I will DIE TRYING.

      Failure is not an option.
      • [1] reply
  • Steve,

    If you expect to get $300 - $400 for the records, but still need 1 - 2 K for your business, what's your plan for raising the rest?

    Why not a business loan? Home equity line of credit (assuming you own a home)? Another partner, but a money guy/gal? Family member who can loan you the rest?

    Will the money you raise selling the records get you started where you can at least start making money so you can perhaps self-fund?

    Obviously, some of these questions are quite personal and no need to answer them. Just wanted to throw around some ideas in case you have not thought that far ahead yet

    Mike
    • [1] reply
    • I'm probably getting another $500 to $1,000 from selling my Magic the Gathering
      collection of cards I have no use for anymore.

      I also have a coin that is worth $200. I know I can get $100 for that easily.

      I have plenty of stuff around the house to sell. It's the record collection
      that has the most sentimental value which is why I posted it here. KimW
      knows how much my records mean to me.

      Thanks for the suggestions.
  • You're funny. You start this thread with a message that sounds like you're sad to be selling your huge record collection for a pittance. Others say, hey you don't have to do that, but your responses are to the effect that you're intent on selling it all in one lump sum at a huge loss. The way you compose music shows that you're a true genius. But you're not acting like a genius here. Sorry.
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
  • You probably don't want to make a business of selling $3 records on eBay that would take years to sell. If there are some you know will sell closer to $50-$100 or whatever then go for it on those.

    I do a lot of treasure hunting at garage sales and estate sales and stuff like that. I see a lot of people (I assume resellers) out looking for records to buy. The sales are pricing them at $1 to $3, so that's the price that's getting the buyers out on the street looking. Your .10-.15 average asking price may be low if it's good stuff.
  • My feeling is that you're going to do super well with your new royalty free music business. The sooner the better, so I can boast about knowing you.
  • Good luck with your sale Steven. Before the record company comes to buy your records, make sure you look some of them up on ebay to see what they are going for. You'll be able to negotiate a higher price doing that. - And don't be afraid to set a high price, so that you'll have room to negotiate.
  • Hey... how about them Packers?
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
  • Not to get down on anyone here, but Steven's original post had no questions or queries for any help. This is the off topic forum and he was just telling us how he felt about selling his albums.

    I know what he's going through - it wasn't that long ago that I had to sell a lot of my prized toys to get my business kick-started again in a new direction. It makes you sad and excited at the same time. You're sad to be letting go of great memories, but you're excited for the future.

    Steven I hope you have a future filled with new happiness and a cabinet filled w/ new albums.
    • [2] replies
    • Thank you. That's what burns me up about some of the people here. Yes folks,
      read my original post. Where was I asking for advice or criticism. I was
      simply relaying my feelings about selling my records.

      But some people here just can't help but criticize you for whatever you say
      because it gives them great joy.

      Those are the days that I truly detest the Warrior Forum.
      • [2] replies
    • A couple points if I may:

      1. Even if you didn't ask for advice or sympathy or empathy or anything, once you do post in a public forum, other people can add to (or take away) from the conversation at will. You gave them a chance, an invitation, so to speak by posting here. And regardless of what you did or didn't want to hear, they have the same right to express their feelings (within the rules) as you do. Once you give the "go ahead" by making the post, you give up control over what the next guy may say.

      2. The point a couple people made here, for whatever motivation like they want to help you, they like you, you helped them before so they feel like they owe you, they feel you are part of the "family" or just being a jerk is true. You are coming at this from a point of total desperation. You're willing to sell something that MAY be worth much more and hope you can get $300 out of it because you can do this now and you need the money for your business.

      But if you get what you expect from the record buyer, you've already admitted that's not enough. So then what?

      Yes it's a crap shoot. You may not get an extra dime and have wasted a lot of time and money by putting them on Ebay. Or you may could get what you need PLUS some and then you wouldn't be coming at this from such a desperate spot.

      I know desperation from my past. I know that many times it feels that it's better to get a dollar today than to hope for two tomorrow. I can empathize.

      My main point, and I don't know you really (we've never corresponded, etc.) is that I hope you can get out of your desperate times but not being willing to listen to anybody with a different view makes it that much more difficult to leave the difficult place. I know from experience.

      Best of luck to you.

      Mark
      • [ 5 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • Steve, I know you're dead set to sell your collection to the dealer and to avoid eBay like the plague. Have you considered, however, cherry picking your collection and selling a few of the higher value items on eBay for a better margin? Surely, five or ten albums wouldn't be a massive amount of time.

    You don't need to respond, just something to think about.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Banned
      [DELETED]
    • The problem is, I don't have any one record that's worth more than $20. It's
      the bulk that's going to bring me money. If I had some real collectors items,
      like a first pressing of a rare obscure LP, hell, I'd just sell that and be done with
      it.

      In order to make the $300 to $500 I need, I'd have to sell at least 50 of
      the records I have. The amount of time it's going to take me to list, mail
      and then even collect the money from each individual buyer simply makes it
      not a feasible alternative. Believe me, I've done that math. I know what I
      have. I don't have those "OMG, I gotta have this" records. But a collection
      of thousands of 45s and hundreds of albums combined is going to bring me
      enough cash to finance most of what I need. My Magic cards and rare coins
      will take care of the rest and it'll do it without me having to spend more than
      maybe a total of 6 hours combined on all 3.

      I am not going to make $1,000 for 6 hours work anywhere else.

      At least I am taking action. I have a plan. I know what I need to do and am
      going to do it.

      And yet, nobody wants to give me credit for that. All they want to do is
      call me a noob and tell me I have a bad attitude because they get some
      perverse pleasure out of doing so.

      Well screw that.
      • [1] reply
  • I wish you all the best. Glad you followed my advice - LOL - from the
    other thread and are doing something with your passion.

    Of course you don't have to write more about your personal
    finances here. But, I think some people don't have enough information,
    and are coming from the perspective that a few hundred, or a
    couple of grand, may not be enough to carry you until your
    business cash flows. Although it's a blank, we don't know,
    or need to know, what your wife makes or how many other
    assets you have or don't have. I'm just sayin' all thread participants
    should be aware of this information gap.

    Many, myself included, have been there and done that.
    Started a business with little cash or savings and assumed
    it would cash flow when we needed it to cash flow. Recklessly
    disregarding when, if ever it would actually start making money.

    Again, good luck.

    Dan
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Banned
    I have no idea what an average 45 sells for these days, I'm thinking at least $1 for each record If they buy the whole lot. Surely a retro record store could double their money & at least average $2 per record when they're ready to sell.

    I wouldn't sell out a large record collection for pennies on the dollar.

    Sell the lawnmower then you won't have to mow the yard, lol.
    • [1] reply
    • The value depends on the disk. If it's in very good to mint condition and in demand, upwards of $10 would be the average and more for certain artists. Wish I knew some of the titles. One thing I do know, whatever the offer, the buyer will be getting at least 10x that much retail.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • Note to mods: Please leave the thread open until we at least hear how much the records sold for.
  • Hey thanks, TB. You just shredded all my girl dreams.

    Guess I better hope someone loves my personality, huh?
    • [2] replies
    • Update: This is exactly why I don't want to sell individual records on Ebay

      I just spent 6 hours going through a portion of my Magic card collection. I came
      up with 220 cards worth a total of about $2,100.

      If I tried to sell them individually on Ebay, it would take me months. Forget
      about all the postage and trips to the post office.

      Tomorrow, I can take the whole bunch of 220 cards to my friend Steve (he
      owns a card store) and he'll give me 50% of the book value or about $1,000.

      I'll take $1,000 for 6 hours of work. I will NOT take $2,100 for months of work.

      I truly don't understand how people can't see that this is not a productive
      use of my time. But whatever. My cards alone will pay for my software and I
      won't even have to sell my records if I don't want to. So if the guy doesn't
      give me an offer I can live with I'll simply show him the door.

      As far as I'm concerned, it's a win-win.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • With most creatures, the colorful ones are the dudes. With humans, colorful straight males tend to be limited to rock stars and sucklike.
      • [1] reply
  • I understand what you are saying, Steve. My perspective was totally been there, done that, got the t-shirt - and really messed me up in the long run. Do what you feel is right - but I can't agree, because that's the SAME thing that threw me off the horse. Maybe you'll have better luck than I did.
    • [1] reply
    • But you never ever were down and out. You always jumped right back up in the saddle and rode again. Sure it was a bucking bronco at times, but never, ever, did it keep you down! Ever!!

      Terra
  • Steven,
    I have only scanned the thread,but I understand your situation. Did you sell them yet?
    • [1] reply
    • The guy is coming on Friday. In the meantime I should be getting about a grand
      for my Magic cards tomorrow so that'll help a lot.
      • [1] reply
  • Do you have a record store like Wax Trax that buys?

    Wax Trax Records
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • I bet I got 3/4ths of my record collection from Wax Trax.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Steven - have you thought about converting your favorites to mp3 before you sell them? I'm not sure of the legality of it, but my uncle gave me his entire record collection on a hard-drive one year for Christmas.
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
  • I haven't been on the Warrior Forum for a while but its odd to see very senior and respected warriors having it out online. Steve i have followed you on here for a long time and i have even bought some of your products.

    Your a wiser and more respected warrior than me but this is a public forum and everyone here is entitled to voice there opinion. If we all worried about what people thought about us we wouldn't get out of bed in the morning.

    I feel sorry that you have hit on hard times and need to sell your collections. I wish you all the best but i do agree with others on here. You shouldn't sell what you love in haste.

    But in fairness you seem to have the situation analysed so whatever your gut tells you. Its your decision. Hope your new venture works out.
  • All I can say is......



    Where is the old Steven at? Don't let a few spoilers get you upset and give it right back at them.
    • [1] reply
    • Banned
      Jesus, I think I've seen it all now. A homeless guy who looks like he hasn't touched soap in a year trying to be a comedian.

      How about you stop boozing it up and add something to the community by writing a few informational threads.

      Some subjects you could probably contribute.

      How to spot the good garbage dumps.
      How to get rid of mold in those unsightly places.
      How your moustache can catch food for later days (ie... Saying no to naptkins can save your life).
      How to clean your teeth with recyclable cans (my favorite because you can also promote something good for the environment).
      Say no to tanning beds and yes to dirt!
      • [3] replies
  • Well, she is a smart girl. It might be for the better.
    • [1] reply
    • Banned
      I've been telling my dog he is old enough to start working and helping out. He just sits there with his head cocked to the side looking like he doesn't understand me. Then plays dead until I leave the room.

      I can't help but feel I have been played.
      • [1] reply
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
    • [1] reply
    • I'm done with that stuff. You don't just get copywriting gigs. I'm a no name in
      the copywriting field. When I quote people $300 for a sales page they don't
      even bother getting back to me.

      I'm making a royalty free music site and I'm going to make it work. I will
      eventually be one of the biggest names in the field and marketers will come to
      ME for custom scores.

      THAT is my goal. THAT is what WILL happen.

      Failure is not an option at all.

      I will succeed or die trying.
      • [1] reply
  • I suspect your collection should be worth much more than $300 - $500.

    I'm sure mine was much smaller and I priced 4 on eBay that would have fetched $25 - $30 each.
    Unfortunately, my entire collection spent a night under 18 in. of water when my basement flooded.
    I still have the vinyl, but the jackets were ruined.
    The vinyl is virtually worthless without them.

    At any rate, I would have expected at least $2,000+ for the collection.
    • [1] reply
    • Well the guy took about a dozen records and gave me $60 so I still have almost
      my whole collection. I've given up trying to sell them because I just don't
      have the time to sell them individually.
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