Sell to Bop Shop Records

Please be prepared to tell us everything you can about the records you have, including:

• the album titles & artists

• where they were bought

• how they have been stored

• the condition of the records and covers

Appointments aren't required, but we strongly recommend contacting us before bringing your records to our store. Click here to schedule an appointment online, or call us at 585-271-3354.

Yes, occasionally we're able to make house calls to view large collections. To book a house call, contact Tom Kohn at 585-271-3354 or send us an email.

Yes, but very selectively. Please contact Tom Kohn at 585-271-3354, or send us an email and let us know what titles you have.

No, we're not buying record players or stereo equipment at this time. For all stereo equipment-related inquiries, please contact our neighbors over at Hi-Fi Lounge.

Every used record that enters our store goes through the same process. We...

1. Thoroughly inspect the cover for any defects, holes, cuts, stickers, writing, or wear.

2. Examine inserts to determine that they are complete and look for defects.

3. Inspect the record for wear and/or defects.

4. Note any markings on or any unusual characteristics of the label.

5. Thoroughly clean the vinyl.

6. Replace the record in its original sleeve and cover. Where the original inner sleeve is missing or damaged, we replace it.

7. Place the package in a form-fitted plastic protective sleeve.

In general, we look for vinyl records that are in good shape. In some cases, we improve the record, insert, or cover by cleaning and where possible we remove any “stickers” that were not original to the record.

These are absolutely perfect in every way. Often rumored but rarely seen, Mint should never be used as a grade unless more than one person agrees that the record or sleeve truly is in this condition.

A good description of a NM record is “it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time.” In other words, it’s nearly perfect.

Near mint records are shiny and free of visible defects. No writing, stickers, other markings or spindle marks appear on the label. No major factory defects are present; a record and label obviously pressed off center is not Near Mint.

If played, an NM record will do so without surface noise. Near Mint records don’t have to be “never played”; a record used on an excellent turntable can remain NM after many plays if the disc is properly cared for.

NM covers have no creases, ring wear or seam splits of any kind.

A good description of a M- Record is “except for a couple of minor things, this would be Near Mint.”

Most collectors, especially those who want to play their records, will be happy with a M- record, especially if it is toward the high end of the grade.

M- records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that don’t affect the sound are OK. Minor signs of handling are OK, too, such as telltale marks around the center hole, so long as repeated playing has not misshapen the hole. There may be some very light ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable.

M- Covers should have only minor wear. A M- cover might have some very minor seam wear or a split (less than one inch long) at the bottom, the most vulnerable location. Also, M- cover may have some defacing, such as a cut-out marking. Covers with cut-out markings can never be considered Near Mint.

VG+ Records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in better shape. They lack most of the original gloss found on factory-fresh records. Groove wear is evident on sight, as are light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail.

When played, a VG+ record has surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages and during a song’s intro and ending. But the noise won’t overpower the music otherwise. Minor writing, tape or a sticker can detract from the label. They remain a fine listening experience, just not the same as if it were in better shape.

VG+ covers will have many signs on human handling. Ring wear in the middle or along the edges of the cover, where the edge of a record would reside, is obvious; it may appear on all three sides, thought it won’t be obvious upon looking. Someone might have written on it or stamped a price tag on it, too.

The record still plays through without skipping, so it can serve as filler until something better comes along. But it has significant surface noise and groove wear. The label is worn and exhibits significant ring wear, heavy writing or obvious damage caused by trying remove tape or stickers and failing miserably.

A VG+ cover has heavy ring wear, has seam splits obvious on sight and may have even heavier writing, such as huge radio station letters written across the front to deter theft.

Still in its shrink wrap from the manufacturer.

Still in its shrink wrap from the manufacturer, but with wear on the cover from a long shelf life. Often with ring wear and loose shrink.