An issue that is becoming all to real in everyday life, not just on Record Store Day.
The main subject that has provoked this post, was the immediate sighting of the new Cherry Glazerr 7″ on Discogs. On the day, of it’s release! (October 28th). Not even sold out yet, noahgreen and gwierzalis are the first individuals to make the move on over-pricing vinyl to those unfortunate enough to have missed out, first time round. Even though it isn’t sold out yet. I cannot stress this point enough.
Sold by Suicide Squeeze currently for $4.99 (£3.09), both Discogs users are already attempting a 900% and 1100% price hike, ($39.00 from noahgreen and $49.99 from gwierzalis), while the record is still regularly available elsewhere.
The sadistic nature of vinyl hoarding is one that nearly everyone involved with records, from simply being the consumer, to the distributor of a record store, or an independent record label, are frankly getting sick off.
Vinyl re-selling, several years after a record is released, either because you didn’t enjoy the record or have financial issues, will leave no sour taste in my mouth ever. Immediate re-selling, when other potential fans, willing to purchase the record for their enjoyment are succumb to paying sky high prices, will leave nothing but anger and hate in the 99%.
Record Store Day is the best example, an unfortunate villain in the issue of vinyl hoarding. An aim of encouraging music lovers, to venture out to their local record stores, whether in your local town, or local city. Record Store Day set out with the aim, to help independent record stores, find some financial standing, against corporate mega houses.
But now, Record Store Day has become lost in translation. A fad of new vinyl fans who care more about the scarceness of these records, rather than the record itself, and those who queue before anyone else, to capitalise on actual fans, destroy the aim that this somewhat, sacred day implements. Queuing for hours to only be told the record you waited for has sold out, then finding it moments later on Ebay or Discogs for ten times the price, is saddening, and fucking irritating.
At my local store, the amazing Piccadilly Records, in 2013 (my first RSD), a kid, no older than 8, had queued up with his dad and grandad, for around four hours for the David Bowie 7″. Instantly sold out, and up on Ebay, the disappointment in his eyes was heartbreaking to say the least. Awaiting rare, or popular records, to then immediately sell to the highest bidder is purely emotionless.
The closer to the release of a record that is limited, the more crazy buyers get. Arctic Monkeys are the best example, with their RSD12 release, the purple R U Mine? 7″, selling for (I shit you not) over £1,000 ($1,616) on the day on Ebay. Now selling for a mere in comparison £145 ($234), consumerist mentalities of needing a record, rather than simply wanting a record (and waiting until availability to get the record), is what diminishes the value of Vinyl entirely.
If you’re willing to spend an absurd sum of money on a record, rather than dedicating your time to queuing for a record, or just waiting for the release date if it’s not RSD, then you’re head needs screwing on tighter and you should get a grip on reality. If you’re someone who sells records with the purpose of profiting on the desperate need of some fans, to acquire a physical copy of a track, EP or LP, then steer clear of this site. While my photo editing work may not be great (^) my point is still valid.
velvetindependent.com 