Buying guide
Find a copy you’ll be glad to own.
A few details will help you choose copies you’ll enjoy and make sense of their prices.
Decide how you want to listen
Choose vinyl or CD as your default in Unrip, then change the format for any single record if you like. Not sure which? Hear the difference on your own music in the format simulator.
Check the edition
An album can have different pressings, track lists, packaging and bonus material. If you want a particular version, compare the release details and catalog number before buying.
Read both condition grades
Used vinyl is commonly described using these grades:
| Grade | What it generally means |
|---|---|
| Near Mint (NM) | Nearly perfect, with no obvious signs of wear. |
| Very Good Plus (VG+) | Some signs of use, but minor flaws should not affect the listening experience. |
| Very Good (VG) | More noticeable wear and surface noise, especially in quieter passages. |
| Good / Good Plus (G / G+) | Significant noise and wear; the record should still play through without skipping. |
The record and its sleeve can have different grades. Read both and check the seller’s notes. These summaries follow the grading standard used by Discogs.
For CDs, check the disc’s condition as well as the case, booklet and any inserts that matter to you.
Set a minimum you’ll be happy with
Set the lowest record and sleeve condition you’d be comfortable buying. If a better copy costs only a little more, Unrip can show you it and the extra cost. You choose whether to upgrade.
Compare the whole order
The same goes for your whole list. Buying several records from one seller can lower the total even when some single prices are higher. Compare the records and the shipping together.
Set a price limit, or wait for a low
Set the most you’ll pay for any one record, and Unrip leaves pricier copies out.
If you’re happy to wait, turn on a watch for a record. Unrip checks every day and tells you when it is at its lowest delivered price in 30 days, once it has at least 14 days of prices to judge by. There’s no price target to guess.
Check before you buy
Read the seller’s description, feedback, delivery information and return terms. Confirm the format, edition, condition and final total at checkout.