For record enthusiasts, much of the thrill is in the hunt. There are rare finds to discover, beautiful covers to admire, and incredible songs to appreciate. Sometimes a music junkie doesn’t know what they want until they stumble across something and feel a sort of magic. So it’s no surprise that both physical record shops and online retailers enjoy plenty of business. Yet there’s a huge difference between purchasing vinyl records in person versus ordering them from a website. Here are some points to consider.

Buying Records in Person vs. Online

Is It Risky to Purchase Records Online?

It can be difficult for buyers to know exactly what they’re getting when they order a vinyl album online unless it’s a brand-new release that‘s widely available. If you’re more interested in vintage vinyl records, however, or tracking down collectors’ items, you may be disappointed to discover that what you receive isn’t quite what you had in mind. It may not be in the stated condition, for example, or it may have so many surface imperfections that all you can focus on are scratchy and crackling sounds. Like with books and clothes in online shops, you never know what you’re going to get until you’re holding it in your hands.

What Are the Benefits of Buying in a Store?

Purchasing your vinyl in a record shop removes all doubt from the experience. In a store, you can browse at your leisure and take the time to go over the quality of each album. You’ll have a good chance of finding that rare copy you’ve coveted for so long in a physical store, too, because they have seemingly endless racks of treasures just waiting to be discovered. That can be appealing to those on the hunt for vintage LPs and collectibles. You can also tap into the knowledge of a skilled salesperson who will take the time to answer your questions. If you’re completely new to the record world, they can even help you select a turntable and advise you on vinyl care.

How Can You Be Sure You’re Buying Quality Records?

Many record shops allow customers to listen before they purchase. Look for scratches and other surface faults, but don’t let those prevent you from buying—older records are bound to have some wear, but for many collectors, there’s a certain charm involved in purchasing a well-loved piece of vinyl that’s impossible to replicate in the digital age. Remember that records provide one of the best existing catalogs of music from different eras—and for music lovers, that’s a priceless investment.

It’s a unique sensation when you place a vinyl album on the turntable and listen for that telltale crackling before the music starts. That deep appreciation for music is alive at Alison’s Record Shop, the leading source for hard-to-find, vintage, and collectible records in Nashville, TN. They cater to every genre, including classic rock, metal, R&B, soundtracks, jazz, soul, punk, and so many more. Listen to records before you buy them right in the store, and you can even bring in your own LP records if you want to sell anything from your own collection. Visit the record shop’s website to learn more or give them a call at (615) 356-0180.