RSD: OMG

As a regular visitor to independent record stores and a vinyl collector for over 40 years (strictly 45s!), I am delighted to see the impact Record Store Day has had in promoting the independent record store and in highlighting the vinyl format. That’s where my enthusiasm stops. Having visited my closest record store this morning (an hour’s drive) perhaps I should not have been surprised to be disappointed by not being able to acquire any of the 45s I would have enjoyed adding to my collection. Similarly I should not have been surprised to return home and find on eBay over 2,000 items listed for auction and securing hugely inflated prices. My conclusion – I will continue to visit independent record stores on a regular basis, but I will certainly boycott Record Store Day 2013 unless something is done to prevent profiteering.

What can be done? For a start, if the demand clearly exists for new releases from established artists (as well as new artists) why not issue in much larger quantities? Many collectors (I am one) collect for the enjoyment of owning a new mint copy or coloured vinyl copy, it does not have to be a limited edition and I have little interest in its value, but I object strongly to having to bid on eBay 10 times the retail price of a few hours earlier. This practice undermines Record Store Day.

by Geoff Davies
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