Classical LP & CD Collection - How do You Sell When Record Stores Don't Want?

In the UK at least, there are a number of on line dealers for classical LPs, not CDs. They will buy large numbers. Inevitably, if you let them choose what they want, you'll get more than if you insist they take everything.

Everyone thank you for the great ideas. I'll select the very best and put them on eBay or Craig's List to see what happens and the rest will go to the hospital street fair if that ever comes back after Covid. 

jcbach

seek out a Record Show in your locale. Another +vote for Craigslist.

Here in Austin Texas they have a record convention (the largest in north america) every year sometimes twice a year,they have tables of Vinyl, cassettes, 8-tracks, 45's, CD's anything physical, hopefully these will continue after the Covid epedemic subsides or we have a vaccine. anyway, I would look for a record gathering of some type in your area or come to Austin. These events attract the type of buyers your looking for.


Matt M

Sad but true. What I would do, cull through them looking for what are most likely the 20 or so of the very best. Look up those select few on discogs to make sure they are valuable. There are bound to be a few. Because while its true the vast majority aren't worth zip its also true some have actually gone up in value.  

Then you have a choice. You can put the really valuable ones up on discogs and toss, donate, or Craigs list the rest. Or you can combine the good ones along with five or ten pretty good ones and offer the lot on eBay. This way people who know will be willing to pay more for the one that's actually worth something, on the chance they get some of the others are good too. I bought some in lots just like this one time. Pretty good deal for both parties.  

Otherwise, if you try and dump them all at once, I can just about guarantee there's a few in there you would get more for selling just the one or two than anyone will pay for the whole pile. Doesn't sound logical but just try and see.

The record store owner was telling you the truth, there is virtually no market for classical lp recordings.  Notice he didn't even offer you ten cents per record?  No market at all for opera lp's. Not easy to even give them away, but you can try. 

Try Letgo or Craig's list.Have bought and sold on bought. 

I use Craigslist successfully for large lots like that.
Sure you might have to deal with ten idiots or more before you find a buyer but to move all at once not too many other options.

I have sold large lots of CD (300+), vinyl (80+) and even cassette tapes (50+) this way.

And it's free so not too much to lose really.
Good luck.

I know that Mystery Train in Gloucester Ma has a large classical section so they may be worth a call. Great used music store with every category of music you could want and a nice area to visit.(this maybe a tough time to sell as many of these stores have been closed and I'm sure their income is way down)

Yes I know those but would prefer to sell the entire lot and either deliver or have it picked up. Piecemeal on these sites would take me forever. Any suggestions on record stores that take classical in the Northeast?

agon, e-bay, discogs, etc