The point made in another thread about buying records at venues is worth exploring a little more I think. Rather than blister onto someone-elses thread I thought it best to start a separate one.
I buy records, like most I presume, from every source. Contacts, Dealers, Internet, and Venues. I have to say that over the years the most disappointing avenue has actually become venues. Here's why I think why...
Many people who source records to DJ with use the easiest method. They need records NOW. This in turn leads to them paying the top price in order to secure that 2.5 mins of Technics time every Saturday night during their spots. Most of these 'DJs' collect for the DJing aspect and once they no longer play a certain 45 they look to move it on and replace it with another. Of course, they bought it a year ago at top whack and now want to add a little on top. These records I avoid like the plague. They've been battered every week, usually on poor equipment, are overpriced to start with and to be honest are readily available at much lower prices if you are patient enough and put a little legwork in.
Another 'dealer' I avoid like the lurgy is the Ebay buyer/seller. (In my experience this type of sales box has become the norm now). Guys who buy off ebay, add 25% and try selling them on. I've often asked these dealers "where did you get that from" to be answered "The Bay" (as though using some sort of cringeworthy lingo gives it more steetcred). So my next question would be ..."why would I pay you more than I can find them for myself?"
I've been to venues that are full of record collectors but have seen sales boxes shunned, and the talk has been of 'shyte", "overpriced", "Nothing of interest", "poor conditions", "Ebay rubbish".
I've found that records at the cheaper end are also a problem. I collect label runs so when I see a missing #s I'll enquire. A lot of these are, in my experience, 10-20 pound records and so that's what I'll offer. Often the seller is trying to squeeze 30 out of it. I stand at say.. 15. I'm often told "F00kin' Ell Dave it's only 15 quid!". But the point is if every record I buy was 100% MORE than I thought they were worth I'd end up paying double what I think my collection should have cost me. Hence I don't mess about. That's what I'll pay - unless it's the final # or some such and that's it.
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I miss buying off guys like Baz Atkinson, guys who knew what they were doing, guys who could banter and knew the real value of 45s, rather than constantly quoting "Seen at", "Sold on Manship for", "Such and such had one for..." between playing their oldies sets. I've asked for 45s on here even, only to be offered stuff at FIVE times what I eventually paid. Crazy!
Here's the bottom line....In my opinion, it's not collectors that will instigate a 'race to the bottom' as quoted above. It's daft dealers who really don't know what they're doing and are alienating buyers/collectors who are NOT DJs but are in this for the long haul. When the Saturday Night DJ has once again sold his 300 box of oldies and ridden off into the sunset there's only us dusty ole farts left. Best keep us happy guys!
All personal opinions obviously but would be interested in other long time collectors opinions about buying face to face nowadays. The art of the record bar seems to have disappeared somewhat.....thoughts anyone?
Regards,
Dave