How To Avoid Getting Scammed Or Screwed Buying Vinyl Records On Discogs | Talking About Records

If you are new to Discogs this is probably the most informative record buying video you will ever see! Well done G.I.!

One of the main points that needs to be put out there is that if there is any item that has a good amount of demand, and there is a price on it that is too good to be true, you need to start drilling the seller with questions…lots and lots of them. Photos are a near must. With a good chunk of Rock and R&B especially, certain discs were played and played and went to lots of parties. “Near Mint” or even “Very Good Plus” should be proven by the seller.

Everybody has to start somewhere so I 'd take a chance on a newbie. If someone has a handful of records available, they may give more personal service as it is likely going from collector to collector. The real red flag is a newbie selling all rare expensive stuff.

I started selling on Discogs a few months ago and I appreciate that people took a chance on my shop. I am super communicative and love when customers asks me questions or ask for photos! Great video! Thanks for posting! Really enjoying the Discogs platform as a seller and buyer!

Giving a new seller a chance is important though. How else should one get reviews. You have to start somewhere right?

Finally caught you live. Thanks for all the information.

Great video GI! I sell 4x as many records as I buy and I’m rarely very happy with my purchases, unfortunately. Returns are a major hassle, so I rarely buy. Honestly, anyone with under 100% rating is suspect and you need to dive into that. It shouldn’t be a deal breaker because there can be unfair ratings, but it’s a red flag. 4 stars (80%) is a subpar seller. I would probably never buy a record from a seller with a rating under 95%.

:goat-turquoise-white-horns:💙Cool vid. Here's a good newbie tip. Look up the variant you want & put it in your want list. That way, when you get notified that it's for sale, you don't have to research it from scratch.

As a buyer and seller on Discogs I have a love hate relationship with them. Hate the seller interface to print labels, no one there has ever sold on eBay. I have a Wishlist but continue to reduce my list due to sellers unlisting their inventory and then immediately reposting their inventory so it shows up as a new listing. Then the same sellers/albums constantly appear in my want list feed. And my #1 complaint. There is no way to communicate with them. They are the 800lb gorilla in vinyl sales. If eBay had their interface to use generic pictures I would switch in a heartbeat. Love the wonderful sellers that grade well and package professionally.

Thank you I’m new to Discogs good stuff to know

With Discogs it's quite simple. If I'm not happy with the grading of the album then it gets sent back and my return post costs are also refunded.

Personally, when it comes to the Jacket, a clean cover (nm-) is more important then lets say, edge-ware or shelf-ware on the back side. So when there is no description, I will ask a seller "You graded the jacket VG+, how is the cover?" or ask what is important to you. PS I would never buy from someone who took a couple of days to reply to an inventory question. They certainly will not reply if I have a problem.

Well done !!

It's hard for me to imagine that I am the only seller (2000 listings) who has run into crooked buyers. As the buyer you can determine who you choose to do business with. As the Seller, I don't have that option. I am reluctant to say the various manners in which buyers have scammed me. This includes reviews. I exercise integrity as a seller. My name and reputation is important to me. My desire to operate with honor also makes me vulnerable to buyers who don't.

I rarely buy records that cost more than $100 but recently paid $200 for a first pressing of a hip hop record. The record was VG+/VG+ and the guy said the vinyl is a STRONG VG+, and he has 100% positive feedback. I get the record and it’s barely a G+ visually and is literally covered in scratches and sounds horrendous. I honestly don’t get people like that. Do you think I’d be ok with that? “VG+” is too risky a grade to buy anymore. NM isn’t much better but I find you’re more likely to get at least a VG+

Honestly, anyone with under 100% rating is suspect and you need to dive into that. It shouldn’t be a deal breaker because there can be unfair ratings, but it’s a red flag. 4 stars (80%) is a subpar seller. I would probably never buy a record from a seller with a rating under 95%.

Hey just wondering, which distributors do you buy wholesale from? This question seems to be a touchy topic and not shared within the record shops I shop from. Maybe perhaps my record friend see me getting ready for my first pop, idk??

Just out of curiosity NTX, if your a new person on Discogs and to the vinyl community, then is what your saying discourage people to buy from new sellers that are really maybe trying to make a couple extra bucks by posting on Discogs? Hope to hear from you soon

I like eBay better, not perfect, but refunds are handled properly. Had a couple problems with ratings and received mutually acceptable discounts. My favorite seller listens to every record he sells 100%. Sometimes someone with one record to sell is great. How about a store in Durant!

Looks like if I want to sell on Discogs, I'll have to get a few dozen friends to buy my stuff so I won't set off any red flags.