8) The Experimental/Avant Garde Collector ??? Pseudo-Intellectual pursuits that make them appear hipper than hipster. ???I am so hip I listen to the unlistenable???.
The record store in 2007 is some hip shit. It ain't the hand over fist money of the 90s, before people got wise to prices and commodity (through the internet). But the records are still coming (oh boy are they ever) and the spot is cracking.
And this is all a testament to the fact that you know what you're doing and run things right.
What I've always wondered JP, especially for you in NYC, is how many people under 22 walk into your store and buy good records on a regular basis. Or when some of you guys go to WFMU or ARC, how you see the demographics are changing. I mean who is buying the records, and for what reasons? Impossible question to really answer, but everyone has a vague idea I think.
What I want to know, is who is buying CD's in 2007?
One of the big retail CD chains here in NZ 'Sounds' recently went into voluntary liquidation & cut all but 14 of it's stores nationwide, seems they cited that they can't compete with the current internet music market.
To anticipate this thread being left in the dust, let me just say that I personally think that serious record collectors are a huge anomaly for my generation (early 20s) and without new blood demand for records will shrink within the U.S., even if it surges elsewhere.
Really? I suppose this somewhat depends on your definition of "serious record collector", but it seems to me that the people into interesting records are younger than ever.
What I want to know, is who is buying CD's in 2007?
One of the big retail CD chains here in NZ 'Sounds' recently went into voluntary liquidation & cut all but 14 of it's stores nationwide, seems they cited that they can't compete with the current internet music market.
Jesus, i worked for them for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time.
What I want to know, is who is buying CD's in 2007?
One of the big retail CD chains here in NZ 'Sounds' recently went into voluntary liquidation & cut all but 14 of it's stores nationwide, seems they cited that they can't compete with the current internet music market.
Jesus, i worked for them for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time.
Damn, that was some good times.
I have to believe the Internet is having the same effect on Porn Stores....the jizz-mop will be obsolete in our lifetime!!!
Maybe we can market little miniature "Keyboard Jizz Mop".
What I want to know, is who is buying CD's in 2007?
One of the big retail CD chains here in NZ 'Sounds' recently went into voluntary liquidation & cut all but 14 of it's stores nationwide, seems they cited that they can't compete with the current internet music market.
Jesus, i worked for them for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time.
Damn, that was some good times.
I have to believe the Internet is having the same effect on Porn Stores....the jizz-mop will be obsolete in our lifetime!!!
Maybe we can market little miniature "Keyboard Jizz Mop".
List of the Top Ten types of collectors I???ve seen over the years???
1) The Beatles/Elvis collector ??? Completists in genre???s that can never be complete. Lots of female Beatles & Elvis collectors still living out the ???crush??? they had as a young girl, possibly in an attempt to stay young. Obligatory dress???.Sun Record T-Shirt???.poodle skirt???.Abbey Road T-Shirt.
2) The Soundtrack collector ??? Very rare breed and more anal retentive than most collectors. Known to wear white gloves while inspecting a disc. Wants everything cheap.
3) The 70???s & 80???s Gay Collector ??? At one time very prominent but began to be a dying breed in the 90???s. Created and sustained a market for Judy Garland, Lesley Gore and covers that featured Jayne Mansfield.
4) The Top 40 Guy ??? Not only collects records but collects radio Station Top 40 Lists and can tell you what was #36 on a local El Paso station Dec. 3rd 1959. tend to be social misfits and possibly mental Savants.
5) The Cheesecake Collector ??? Usually dudes who have either never had a date or their wives won???t let them collect normal porn.
6) The Unusual Cover Art Collector ??? Has no or little interest about the music but is into cover art for it???s ???Absurdity??? factor. Some collect specific artists like Jack Davis or R. Crumb. Tend to not be as weird as most record collectors.
7) Bootleg Dude ??? Collects bootlegs by any/everyone regardless of sound quality. I suspect most of them never listen to the disc.
8) The Experimental/Avant Garde Collector ??? Pseudo-Intellectual pursuits that make them appear hipper than hipster. ???I am so hip I listen to the unlistenable???.
9) The Pigeon-holed Demented Collector ??? My buddy Tune-Up told me about the ultimate dude in this genre???..Only collects LP???s with pictures of people looking out of windows on the cover???..I???ve met folks who collect covers with Dogs, Vespas, and Tooth Brushes!
10) The Unusual Media Collector ??? I???ve only met one of these, and there may only be one. Dude collected records made of unusual materials, glass, aluminum, cardboard.
You mean us new jack BRAEK collectro types didn't even make yer top 10?
"yo this Nancy Priddy got them ill moody loops, son!"
I have been buying records professionally for over 30 years so I've seen quite a few good (and bad) stores in my life. Over here in Amsterdam there's still one or two genuine stores left with people who are serious about their trade. And who are passionate about the music they sell.
BUT I stopped going to most record stores ever since eBay became the standard for trading rare records. What really annoys me is the fact that most dealers don't sell their rare records in their store anymore but on eBay. Or keep them for the record fairs. Or are ignorant about the 'real rare' stuff.
And if there's some good stock to go through then immediately some record price guide will pop up. Or the seller keeps the chosen record because he still has to check for value on the net !! How ridiculous is that?
Nowadays, I prefer buying on the net or at record fairs. It's much easier, the prices are clear and generally speaking, even with S&H from the States I pay less than what the local trader is asking.
So why keep a record store open?? Most dealers I know only keep their store open for that moment when some ignorant soul walks in to sell a record collection....
What really annoys me is the fact that most dealers don't sell their rare records in their store anymore but on eBay. Or keep them for the record fairs.
Nowadays, I prefer buying on the net or at record fairs. It's much easier, the prices are clear and generally speaking, even with S&H from the States I pay less than what the local trader is asking.
What really annoys me is the fact that most dealers don't sell their rare records in their store anymore but on eBay. Or keep them for the record fairs.
Nowadays, I prefer buying on the net or at record fairs. It's much easier, the prices are clear and generally speaking, even with S&H from the States I pay less than what the local trader is asking.
You are clearly not acquainted with "professional" tactics.
IMO a seller should check the value of a record BEFORE he sells it in a store not when you hold it in your hand... I do not regard this as ""professional" tactics.
a full-time DJ for radio and clubs who's getting paid can be regarded as professional I guess...next to the free review copies I receive I have always bought records that make up my collection to work with. I don't see my work as just a hobby
I'd put record shoppers into 5 genre and style spanning categories:
Hustlers:[/b] Dudes who are always trying to skim dollars off their total. Either use overt methods like, "There's a mark on the cover will you take 5 for it?" or subtle methods such as, "Hey I know my total is $32 but I only have a 20 on me. Is that cool, or like... I can maybe go find an ATM...". Generally tend to be more collector oriented, but not always. Max $$$ for 1 record: $20-25
Regular Folk:/B> Normal people. Probably watch Gray's Anatomy and talk about their jobs a lot. These people are by no means collectors, but like having some vinyl around the house. Tend to buy obvious stuff, but sometimes can surprise you by picking up something weird or random. Will never get their hands dirty to find records. Transactions are usually smooth due to the fact that they're not affected positively or negatively by the aura of a "record store". Max $$$ for 1 used record: $7-15
People on speed:[/b] Guys/gals who fly into shops, talk really fast, and usually tear through dollar bins. Generally nice, albeit a little crazy. Usually take home between 1 -2 feet of records (stacked up). Not really genre specific or quality discerning. Make you wonder why they need so many records and where do they put them all. Max $$$ on 1 used record: $4 (only if its reallllly good)
Scared People:/B> These are people who have bought into the whole notion of the Record Store being a temple of coolness. They come into the store and immediately start exhibiting defensive behavior. Avoid eye contact, talk very softly to their friends, etc... Usually nice, well meaning people, just a bit shy and akward. Most indie rock collectors would fit into this category. Max $$$ on 1 used record: $10
Good people:/B> By far the scarcest type of shopper, but the best one to know. Respectful of their tastes, and of your tastes, the notion of records and of record shops. And this is key: knowledgeable without being pompous or overbearing. Max $$$ on 1 used record:
I'd put record shoppers into 5 genre and style spanning categories:
Hustlers:[/b] Dudes who are always trying to skim dollars off their total. Either use overt methods like, "There's a mark on the cover will you take 5 for it?" or subtle methods such as, "Hey I know my total is $32 but I only have a 20 on me. Is that cool, or like... I can maybe go find an ATM...". Generally tend to be more collector oriented, but not always. Max $$$ for 1 record: $20-25
Regular Folk:/B> Normal people. Probably watch Gray's Anatomy and talk about their jobs a lot. These people are by no means collectors, but like having some vinyl around the house. Tend to buy obvious stuff, but sometimes can surprise you by picking up something weird or random. Will never get their hands dirty to find records. Transactions are usually smooth due to the fact that they're not affected positively or negatively by the aura of a "record store". Max $$$ for 1 used record: $7-15
People on speed:[/b] Guys/gals who fly into shops, talk really fast, and usually tear through dollar bins. Generally nice, albeit a little crazy. Usually take home between 1 -2 feet of records (stacked up). Not really genre specific or quality discerning. Make you wonder why they need so many records and where do they put them all. Max $$$ on 1 used record: $4 (only if its reallllly good)
Scared People:/B> These are people who have bought into the whole notion of the Record Store being a temple of coolness. They come into the store and immediately start exhibiting defensive behavior. Avoid eye contact, talk very softly to their friends, etc... Usually nice, well meaning people, just a bit shy and akward. Most indie rock collectors would fit into this category. Max $$$ on 1 used record: $10
Good people:/B> By far the scarcest type of shopper, but the best one to know. Respectful of their tastes, and of your tastes, the notion of records and of record shops. And this is key: knowledgeable without being pompous or overbearing. Max $$$ on 1 used record:
I miss going into record stores. A friend of mine used to own a store off court street in Brooklyn when I lived out there and it was always fun to hang out there. Unfortunately, because I am a "pigeon-holed-crazy-foreign genre-completest ..." collector, record stores don't have much for me. I also dont like to talk about records with anyone because I'm convinced I'm not pronouncing any of artists names correctly. And finally, the old record stores in the village, if they are even still around, are owned/run by complete freaks. How a 400 lb., out-of-shape, four-eyed, unwashed, old fuck, can have a snooty attitude about anything is beyond me?
I'd put record shoppers into 5 genre and style spanning categories:
Hustlers:[/b] Dudes who are always trying to skim dollars off their total. Either use overt methods like, "There's a mark on the cover will you take 5 for it?" or subtle methods such as, "Hey I know my total is $32 but I only have a 20 on me. Is that cool, or like... I can maybe go find an ATM...". Generally tend to be more collector oriented, but not always. Max $$$ for 1 record: $20-25
Dude, I am the least haggling individual you'll ever meet, and even I do that. There's a subtle give and take between buyer and seller (especially when you have a $50 - $150 stack of vinyl in your hands) in which it is expected for a certain amount of low level "negotian" to occur.
Comments
why you had to put waxidermy on blast like that?
Aaahhh!! I do it now.
Shots to the heart for me right there. Damn.
And this is all a testament to the fact that you know what you're doing and run things right.
What I've always wondered JP, especially for you in NYC, is how many people under 22 walk into your store and buy good records on a regular basis. Or when some of you guys go to WFMU or ARC, how you see the demographics are changing. I mean who is buying the records, and for what reasons? Impossible question to really answer, but everyone has a vague idea I think.
Aren't they all supposedly good records?
One of the big retail CD chains here in NZ 'Sounds' recently went into voluntary liquidation & cut all but 14 of it's stores nationwide, seems they cited that they can't compete with the current internet music market.
Really? I suppose this somewhat depends on your definition of "serious record collector", but it seems to me that the people into interesting records are younger than ever.
Jesus, i worked for them for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time.
Damn, that was some good times.
I have to believe the Internet is having the same effect on Porn Stores....the jizz-mop will be obsolete in our lifetime!!!
Maybe we can market little miniature "Keyboard Jizz Mop".
I want IT NOW
Keyboard and mouse splatter sheild
sue me
You mean us new jack BRAEK collectro types didn't even make yer top 10?
"yo this Nancy Priddy got them ill moody loops, son!"
well, its "LA times magazine" whose demographic is rich white folks so maybe its not making a comeback?
dont call it a comeback
Damn thrifty folkS!!!!
BUT I stopped going to most record stores ever since eBay became the standard for trading rare records. What really annoys me is the fact that most dealers don't sell their rare records in their store anymore but on eBay. Or keep them for the record fairs. Or are ignorant about the 'real rare' stuff.
And if there's some good stock to go through then immediately some record price guide will pop up. Or the seller keeps the chosen record because he still has to check for value on the net !! How ridiculous is that?
Nowadays, I prefer buying on the net or at record fairs. It's much easier, the prices are clear and generally speaking, even with S&H from the States I pay less than what the local trader is asking.
So why keep a record store open?? Most dealers I know only keep their store open for that moment when some ignorant soul walks in to sell a record collection....
AMATEURS!!!
You are clearly not acquainted with "professional" tactics.
Like getting angry when a seller wants to check the value of
records I want to buy ... and prices them accordingly??
They also featured a turntable that costs six figures. I think it's fair to say that they're not really talking to us folks in that article.
It was really cool to see articles on vinyls and turntables though.
Exactly.
I do not regard this as ""professional" tactics.
And I don't get angry, I just don't buy
I'm more curious about "professional" purchasing than selling.
How does one become a professional purchaser?
What is the pay like?
Cause you know I can't play the ponies on a narrow margin.
Professional enough??
Hustlers:[/b] Dudes who are always trying to skim dollars off their total. Either use overt methods like, "There's a mark on the cover will you take 5 for it?" or subtle methods such as, "Hey I know my total is $32 but I only have a 20 on me. Is that cool, or like... I can maybe go find an ATM...". Generally tend to be more collector oriented, but not always. Max $$$ for 1 record: $20-25
Regular Folk:/B> Normal people. Probably watch Gray's Anatomy and talk about their jobs a lot. These people are by no means collectors, but like having some vinyl around the house. Tend to buy obvious stuff, but sometimes can surprise you by picking up something weird or random. Will never get their hands dirty to find records. Transactions are usually smooth due to the fact that they're not affected positively or negatively by the aura of a "record store". Max $$$ for 1 used record: $7-15
People on speed:[/b] Guys/gals who fly into shops, talk really fast, and usually tear through dollar bins. Generally nice, albeit a little crazy. Usually take home between 1 -2 feet of records (stacked up). Not really genre specific or quality discerning. Make you wonder why they need so many records and where do they put them all. Max $$$ on 1 used record: $4 (only if its reallllly good)
Scared People:/B> These are people who have bought into the whole notion of the Record Store being a temple of coolness. They come into the store and immediately start exhibiting defensive behavior. Avoid eye contact, talk very softly to their friends, etc... Usually nice, well meaning people, just a bit shy and akward. Most indie rock collectors would fit into this category. Max $$$ on 1 used record: $10
Good people:/B> By far the scarcest type of shopper, but the best one to know. Respectful of their tastes, and of your tastes, the notion of records and of record shops. And this is key: knowledgeable without being pompous or overbearing. Max $$$ on 1 used record:
You left out PROFESSIONAL RECORD SHOPPERS
Dude, I am the least haggling individual you'll ever meet, and even I do that. There's a subtle give and take between buyer and seller (especially when you have a $50 - $150 stack of vinyl in your hands) in which it is expected for a certain amount of low level "negotian" to occur.