What goes wrong buying vinyl & cds used
Surface noise that a photograph cannot show, and warps. On decks, perished belts and worn styli — both cheap, but worth knowing about.
Misrepresentation and fakes
Later repressings sold as original pressings. The matrix number in the run-out groove settles it and is checkable.
How to verify before you pay
Ask for the catalogue and matrix numbers, and ask whether the record has been play-graded rather than eyeballed. Ask for a photograph of the vinyl under a lamp.
WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or grade anything, and does not hold funds. You are buying on the seller’s description and photographs, so ask directly — a seller who has the item will answer in minutes.
What you should expect to pay
Across this category, guide prices run from about £3 to £300 (approximately $4 to $400) depending on the item and its condition. Grades run New with Tags, Like New, Good, Fair and For Parts — what each one means.
Sterling guide ranges with an approximate US dollar equivalent at £1 ≈ $1.33 (July 2026).
What each one typically costs
The most-searched items in this category, with the guide range a buyer should expect:
| Item | Good condition | Full range |
|---|---|---|
| Rare Vinyl | £13–£195 | £20–£300 (~$27–$400) |
| Turntable | £32–£195 | £50–£300 (~$67–$400) |
| Record Player | £26–£143 | £40–£220 (~$53–$293) |
| Vinyl Records | £2–£26 | £3–£40 (~$4–$53) |
| Vinyl Box Set | £13–£78 | £20–£120 (~$27–$160) |
| Cassette Player | £10–£52 | £15–£80 (~$20–$107) |
| CD Collection | £3–£26 | £5–£40 (~$7–$53) |
| Cassette Tapes | £2–£16 | £3–£25 (~$4–$33) |
Every vinyl & cds buying guide
- CD Collection
- Cassette Player
- Cassette Tapes
- Rare Vinyl
- Record Player
- Turntable
- Vinyl Box Set
- Vinyl Records
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before buying vinyl & cds second hand?
Ask for the catalogue and matrix numbers, and ask whether the record has been play-graded rather than eyeballed. Ask for a photograph of the vinyl under a lamp.
What goes wrong most often?
Surface noise that a photograph cannot show, and warps. On decks, perished belts and worn styli — both cheap, but worth knowing about.
Does WishThrift check the item for me?
No. WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or grade anything, and does not hold funds or offer buyer protection. Condition is described by the seller against five grades and the photographs are what you are buying on — which is why these 8 guides exist.
See also: all buying guides · Vinyl & CDs listed now · selling guides · condition grades.