Online Record Stores

The size of a vinyl LP is simultaneously its major advantage and its major disadvantage. Big LPs are great for mixing and have great sound quality, but they are heavy and they simply take up a lot of space. For this reason, even the best record shops are unable to carry all the records you'd like them to have. Special ordering is almost always a necessity if you're looking for something old or slightly obscure.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Records Online

Online record stores immediately improve upon traditional stores in that they don't have any space limits. They can have enormous warehouses filled with records (or no records at all if they drop ship directly from the production warehouses) that are incredibly easy to search using a simple web-based catalogue. This allows online record retailers to carry all the latest hits as well as a wide range of old and obscure titles.

Not having to pay rent on a storefront also usually allows online record retailers to sell their wares at a much better price. While you do have to pay for shipping and handling, these fees are often waived for large orders. In addition, buying online gives you the convenience of shopping when you want to shop, without even having to leave your house.

There are, of course, disadvantages to buying records online. Shipping costs are one, and the dangers of receiving poor quality or damaged vinyl are another. For these reasons, always look for a trusted retailer with a good return and exchange policy.