How to sell vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and record players

Physical media hasn't gone away. Vinyl has enjoyed a strong revival, collectors still seek out certain CDs, and film fans love 4K Blu-ray box sets. Meanwhile, plenty of homes have shelves of discs that haven't been played since streaming arrived. Here's how to work out what's worth selling.

Vinyl records

What makes a record valuable:

Artist and pressing. Original pressings of classic albums, limited editions and coloured vinyl can be sought after. Reissues are usually worth less than originals.
Condition. Vinyl is graded on both the record and the sleeve. Scratches, warping and surface noise reduce value; a clean, glossy record with a crisp sleeve is ideal.
Inserts. Original posters, lyric sheets and inner sleeves add value.

Community databases like Discogs let you identify the exact pressing using the catalogue number and the matrix numbers etched into the run-out groove.

Record players and hi-fi

Turntables from Technics, Rega, Pro-Ject, Audio-Technica and others have a strong second-hand market, as do amplifiers and speakers. Make sure everything works, including speed accuracy and both channels. See also our audio gear guide.

CDs

Most mainstream CDs are low value individually. Box sets, limited editions, rare releases and some genres can be worth more. A large, well-kept collection can add up.

DVDs and Blu-rays

4K Blu-ray and steelbook editions tend to be the most sellable.
TV box sets — complete series in good condition.
Collector's editions with extras.
Standard DVDs are generally low value individually.

Preparing your collection

Check discs for scratches. Light marks are often fine; deep scratches or cracks aren't.
Make sure each disc is in its correct case.
Clean vinyl with a carbon fibre brush or a proper record cleaning solution.
Group together box sets and series.

Selling options

Record shops and fairs buy collections, and online marketplaces are popular for individual records. Listing a large collection item by item is a big job.

With SendForCash, describe your records, discs or turntable — notable titles, editions, condition — and get an instant cash offer. Accept and we email a free postage label. We pay the same day we inspect. Our minimum offer is £15.

Packing vinyl and discs

Vinyl: remove records from the outer sleeve and put them behind the sleeve in a plastic outer — this stops seam splits. Use a proper record mailer or a sturdy box, packed tightly upright.
Turntables: remove the platter and counterweight, secure the tonearm, remove the cartridge stylus or fit its guard. Original box if possible.
Discs: pack tightly in a box so cases can't crack.

FAQ

Do you buy common CDs and DVDs?

Individually, they're unlikely to meet our £15 minimum. A large collection or a set of collectible editions may.

How do I know if my records are original pressings?

Check the catalogue number on the label and the matrix numbers in the run-out groove against a database like Discogs.

Can I sell a turntable without a cartridge?

Yes, just tell us.

Are scratched records worth selling?

Light marks that don't affect play are usually fine. Deep scratches that cause skips aren't.