Vinyl Stuff We Get Asked a Lot (and Our Honest Answers)

We’re a proudly independent record shop in South Australia, and we love vinyl records; both the freshly pressed and the long-loved. This post isn’t a formal FAQ. It’s more like us chatting at the counter, answering the kinds of things customers ask (or wonder but never say out loud) about buying vinyl records online and in-store.

Do you stock second-hand vinyl?

Yes, we do, but only in-store.

We stock a curated selection of second-hand vinyl in-store that we’ve personally cleaned, played, re-sleeved, and priced. We aim for a premium experience, even with pre-loved records. There might be slight scratches but only if it doesn't affect the play in anyway, nothing warped, just great albums with a bit of history and soul.

We don’t offer these online because we think second-hand deserves to be browsed in person. Every copy has quirks, and we'd rather you see (and hear) them before you buy.

So what’s online then?

Online, we stock brand-new vinyl records only. Everything is clearly listed with availability (in-stock or pre-order) and we ship fast, same day if you order before 1pm ACST. We always use express shipping and there is ABSOLUTELY NO dropshipping. If it says in stock... we can see it in our warehouse. 

Why are some records so expensive?

Short answer? Import costs. Long answer? We import some directly from US, UK, and European distributors because many titles aren’t always available through Australian channels, even for Aussie artists. It depends on the label and where the pressing is done.

We also pay attention to freight, currency changes, and stock scarcity. It all adds up.

A little price comparison for fun:

• A CD in 1993? Around $32 (AUD).  Average hourly wage in 1993? Roughly $11–$13.
• A vinyl record in 2025? Around $60–$70. Average hourly wage in 2025? Around $30–$35.

So no, vinyl isn’t cheap, but it’s not outrageously more than what music cost back in the day either.

Why don’t you always have what I’m looking for?

Sometimes records sell out fast. Other times, they’re not being repressed, especially if the label has done a limited run or the artist wants exclusivity. Distributors don’t always restock, and we don’t always get notice.

Can’t find something? Get in touch and we’ll do our best to hunt it down.

Do you curate your vinyl selection?

Yes, everything is handpicked.

We’re not bulk buyers. We choose what we stock with a lot of thought (and a fair bit of heart). That includes new releases, limited pressings, indie reissues, local legends, and Aussie classics. We consider:

• What we love and listen to ourselves
• What customers ask for (and we really do listen). A lot of what we have has been shaped from requests from our email members. 
• What’s trending in stores, on socials, and through music communities
• What our kids, friends, and fellow collectors are raving about

Neil’s background in radio and DJing also influences our selection. His crate-digging instincts and decades of music knowledge help shape what goes on the shelves, especially for Australian music.

What’s the deal with pre-orders?

Pre-orders mean you can secure a copy before release day. We dispatch as soon as they arrive, and you’ll find expected dates on product pages. Occasionally things get delayed, but we always communicate.

Why books and records?

Because honestly, it just makes sense. One of us collects vinyl, the other devours books. We realised early on that people like us often like both.

In-store, we see it all the time: one half of a couple browsing records while the other wanders the bookshelves. Online? Same thing. If you love the feel of a record in your hands, chances are you love the smell of a new book too.

Books and vinyl are both collectible, physical, and nostalgic. And we wanted a space that celebrated both without the snobbery.

Anything else?

Probably heaps. But we’ll save that for Volume 2.

PS: We talk a lot about music.

If you love deep dives into vinyl, curated collections, and the occasional ramble from the counter, we’ve got a blog for that. It’s where we let ourselves go long — way too long — without overwhelming the main shop.
Read our vinyl thoughts blog →

We’re not a warehouse. We’re not a chain. We’re a couple of collectors running an indie record shop and bookstore from coastal South Australia, and we’re doing our best to help you find the music you love.