So you've decided to start (or grow) your vinyl and CD collection. Smart move. But where do you actually buy this stuff in 2025? The good news: there are more options than ever. The better news: we've done the homework for you.
This guide covers everything from the big online marketplaces to local record shops, thrift stores, and even some secret spots collectors don't like to share. Let's dive in.
Online Marketplaces: The Heavy Hitters
These are the go-to platforms for most collectors. Huge selection, competitive prices, and the ability to find almost anything if you're patient enough.
CD&LP — Our Top Pick
CD&LP has been around since 2002 and has quietly become one of the best places to buy physical music online. Here's why we love it:
- Massive Selection: Over 40 million items from thousands of professional sellers worldwide
- Price Range: Everything from $1 bargain bin CDs to rare $500+ pressings
- Condition Grading: Standardized grading system so you know what you're getting
- Global Shipping: Sellers from US, Europe, Japan, and beyond
- Buyer Protection: Solid dispute resolution if something goes wrong
- No Fees for Buyers: Unlike some platforms, you just pay the listed price + shipping
Pro tip: Use GoOffline to convert your Spotify playlists, then search the albums on CD&LP. It's the fastest way to find your favorite music on physical formats.
→ Browse CD&LP's vinyl & CD collection
Discogs
The database + marketplace combo. Discogs has incredibly detailed release information (down to pressing plant codes) which is great for collectors who care about specific pressings.
- Best for: Rare pressings, collectible variants, detailed version tracking
- Downside: 8% seller fee means slightly higher prices than CD&LP
- Vibe: More collector-focused, less casual buyer friendly
eBay
The wild west. Amazing deals if you know what you're doing, but also lots of overpriced junk and questionable sellers.
- Best for: Auctions on rare items, bulk lots, local pickup deals
- Watch out for: Bootlegs, misleading condition descriptions, shipping damage
- Pro tip: Filter by "Buy It Now" and check seller ratings religiously
Amazon
Convenient but not the best for collectors. New releases are fine, but used/collectible sections are a mess and often overpriced.
- Best for: New releases, pre-orders, Prime shipping convenience
- Avoid: "Used - Acceptable" listings (usually destroyed)
Specialty Online Stores
Beyond the big marketplaces, there are dedicated stores that focus on specific genres or formats.
For New Vinyl
- Vinyl Me, Please: Curated monthly subscription boxes with exclusive pressings
- Rough Trade: Indie-focused, great exclusive variants
- Turntable Lab: Hip-hop, electronic, DJ culture focused
- Light in the Attic: Reissues of rare/forgotten albums
For Japanese Imports
Japanese CDs are legendary — they often have bonus tracks, superior mastering, and gorgeous packaging.
- CD Japan: Huge selection, ships worldwide
- HMV Japan: Department store quality, premium editions
- Amazon Japan: Good prices, can ship internationally
For Classical & Jazz
- Presto Music: Classical specialist, detailed recording information
- Acoustic Sounds: Audiophile pressings, SACD, high-res
- Jazz Messengers: European jazz specialist
Local Record Stores: Don't Sleep on These
Online is convenient, but local record stores offer something you can't get from a website: the experience. Flipping through bins, discovering something unexpected, chatting with people who actually know music.
How to Find Them
- Record Store Day website: Has a store locator for participating shops
- Google Maps: Search "record store" or "vinyl shop" near you
- Yelp/TripAdvisor: Reviews help find the gems vs. tourist traps
- Reddit r/vinyl: Ask for recommendations in your city
Tips for Shopping Local
- Bring cash: Some small shops prefer it or offer discounts
- Check the dollar bins: Seriously, treasures hide there
- Talk to staff: They know what just came in and can pull stuff from the back
- Visit on new stock days: Usually mid-week, ask when they restock
- Record Store Day (April/November): Exclusive releases, but expect crowds
Thrift Stores & Charity Shops
The ultimate treasure hunt. Goodwill, Salvation Army, local thrift stores — these places can yield incredible finds for pennies. Or they can be full of André Rieu and Christmas compilations. That's the gamble.
Success Strategies
- Go often: Stock rotates constantly, the good stuff gets grabbed fast
- Check everything: Wrong disc in wrong case is common — verify contents
- Know your prices: Use Discogs app to scan barcodes on the spot
- Inspect condition: Scratches, warps, mold — all common in thrift finds
- Don't be picky: You're paying $1-3, embrace the chaos
Best Finds We've Heard About
- Original pressing of Fleetwood Mac "Rumours" for $2
- Japanese import Beatles CDs for $0.99 each
- Sealed vinyl of a now-$200 pressing for $15
- Complete box sets missing from collections
The thrill of the hunt is real. Even if you don't find gold, you'll spend $10 and go home with a stack of stuff to explore.
Estate Sales & Garage Sales
This is where serious collectors score their best deals. Someone's lifelong collection goes on sale, often priced by people who don't know what they have.
Finding Estate Sales
- EstateSales.net: Searchable database with photos (look for record players = usually records too)
- Facebook Marketplace: Search "vinyl collection" or "record collection"
- Craigslist: Old school but still works
- Local newspaper classifieds: Yes, really
Pro Moves
- Arrive early: The best stuff goes first
- Bring a want list: Know what you're hunting so you can move fast
- Negotiate on bulk: "I'll take all 50 for $100" works more than you'd think
- Check the basement/garage: Where collections often hide
Library Sales & Book Fairs
Libraries often sell donated media, including CDs and sometimes vinyl. The annual Friends of the Library book sale is a hidden gem for music hunters.
- Timing: Usually annual, sometimes quarterly
- Prices: Typically $0.50-$2 per disc
- Quality: Surprisingly good — library donations tend to be well-cared for
- Downside: Mostly classical and easy listening, but gems pop up
Buying Direct from Artists & Labels
Want to support artists directly? Many sell physical media through their own websites or Bandcamp.
- Bandcamp: Artists keep ~85% of sales, often exclusive pressings
- Artist websites: Direct merch stores, signed copies available
- Label stores: Sub Pop, Merge, 4AD, etc. have their own shops with exclusives
- Kickstarter/Patreon: Some artists crowdfund vinyl pressings
International Buying: Worth It?
Different pressings from different countries can sound different. Some collectors specifically hunt Japanese, German, or UK pressings.
Japanese Pressings
- Often include bonus tracks
- Historically superior quality control
- Beautiful packaging with OBI strips
- Premium price but worth it for serious albums
European Pressings
- Different mastering than US versions
- Sometimes cheaper than domestic
- Watch shipping costs — can kill the deal
CD&LP is great for international finds since sellers ship globally.
What to Avoid
Not everything is a deal. Watch out for:
- Bootlegs: Especially on eBay. If the price is too good, it's probably fake
- "Sealed" vinyl from unknown sellers: Resealing is trivially easy
- No-return sellers: Red flag for condition issues
- 180g vinyl hype: Weight doesn't equal quality — mastering matters more
- Picture discs: Look cool, sound mediocre
Quick Start: Your First Purchase
Ready to buy? Here's the fastest path:
- Head to GoOffline and paste a Spotify playlist
- See which albums are available on vinyl/CD
- Click through to CD&LP
- Compare prices from different sellers
- Check condition ratings and seller reviews
- Buy, wait for shipping, enjoy
Your first vinyl or CD hitting the mailbox is a special feeling. Welcome to ownership.