Soul Source - Record Sales

The Vinyl record sales forum

Welcome to the Sales Guidelines, Grading and Best Practices

1. Locking threads
Technical difficulty with the lock feature so if anybody wishes to lock their ads in Sales or Wants please PM me Rod via @modernsoulsucks

2. Do Not Comment On Sales Ads - Use Look At Your Box Section Please

Hopefully that is self-explanatory. From now on any comments not directly relating to the actual sale or purchase will be removed.

Intro
The aim of the sales sections is to offer all members a place where they can buy sell or trade soul related items.

In order to try and offer all members equal and fair billing of items and to try and ensure that the sections work to best effect do have guidelines that all members are expected to read and follow, these are below

Guidelines

Posting items
1.It is highly recommended that new members post a personal introduction in "Members Shouts" section when listing an ad. Buyers would feel more comfortable in responding to sales ads where the identity of the seller is known.
Existing members are advised to proceed with all due caution before entering into any trasnsactions [see tip #5] should personal information be lacking.
2. Ads are limited to two per day per member (but note point 5)
3. No reposting of ads within 3 days, then 7 days for further reposts
4 . Ads featuring external links to sales sites should be posted in the Ebay and Website Section
5. No unnecessary splitting of ads where one will do. Formatting and spacing can be used to draw attention to items of special interest.
6. Members asked to refrain from removing any details from the ads after selling [or obtaining a want]. You can edit to show "SOLD" but better to leave the ad intact please, as the information therein contributes to a database other members can refer to when looking up current prices, availability etc

Editing/Replying/Media
7. Please edit original ad when updating sales status to avoid accusations of bumping. Advice can be given if you're not that sure how to do it. Mint Minus members have 4 days to edit their post
8. Similarly "PM sent" and such one-liners are discouraged to avoid unecessary bumping.
9. MP3s are to be no more than max size of 3mb and scans no more than 1mb

Feedback
10. Any feedback concerns - please report the profile on which feedback appears and state clearly concerns

Disputes
11. The site considers all sales between members as private matters and it is up to the members involved to amicably resolve any issues. The site cannot act as final arbiter in disputes but can only suggest resolutions. There is always the Report Button feature should you wish to bring it to the attention of the site in the event that there are fears of fraudulent dealings.

Actions
12. Sanctions available to the site in the event of ignoring warnings or persistent rule breaking can include removing adverts and if felt needed withdrawal of use of site features as per site terms of use

13 All normal soul source site terms of use do apply as always (link at bottom of every page)

Tips

When posting ads it is suggested that:-

1. TOPIC TITLE is as specific as possible. For example, "A Few Sales" does not give a flavour of the ad attached. This is easily done by including a few titles in the Topic box or adding a small description such as 70's, R&B, modern etc

2. Records for sale are graded or at least an overall grade is given for the entire batch. A site recommended grading system is available further down this page

If members so wish they can use this system and mark their ad "graded as per site guidelines"

3. Details of artist,title and label are clear and accurate particularly where there may be doubt as to second pressings or boots. Where records have been altered so that original format is not immediately apparent this should be stated. Examples of such would be overlaying original labels on boots/re-issues or adding any detail not included previously such as A for promo copy.

4. Postage costs are stated and whether special postage rates are preferred when shipping overseas or within the UK. Hopefully this will be some protection for the seller if the buyer claims such services were not available in the event of a dispute.

5. The location of the records for sale is clearly stated, particularly those originating from outside the UK.

6. Although this site is hopefully a safe environment for all parties involved it is strongly recommended that buyers are aware of the sellers' refund policy and that sellers state their refund policy to avoid unnecessary disputes. Time limits for returning faulty goods where appropriate.

7. It is also suggested that sellers state their policy as to reserving records. For instance giving a time limit after which it will be assumed that the buyer is no longer interested. Buyers are requested not to reserve records that they do not fully intend to buy or if a change of mind occurs to notify the seller at the earliest opportunity.

8. It's also recommended that the Feedback system is utilised more and that buyers do check out profiles and previous sales where the seller is perhaps not that well known on here.

9. Where Paypal is used it may be a good idea for members to be aware of any drawbacks in using the "Gift" system, particularly concerning the lack of protection available should a dispute arise. If agreeing to use this method it is advised that Paypal payments are via a credit card which will give members some protection through their credit card company. More secure would be not to use Gift/Friends and Family but to inform seller that fees at 3-4% have been added to total cost.

10. Where members feel they have to comment on price or description it may be better to open a new topic in LAYB rather than personalise any issues. And sellers can always lock the ad to prevent any comments appearing which may derail the ad.

Site Record Grading System Plus Common Abbreviations

M- As good as it gets, practically an untouched record that plays as if it were brand new store stock

VG++The odd barely discernible surface mark or minor blemish, nothing that will affect play in any way.

VG+ A few more marks or light scuffs than a VG++ record but still sounds fine for listening and/or DJing. No scratches.Light surface wear. A used but far from abused copy.

VG Scuffs and light scratches throughout, most can't be felt. Expect some surface wear throughout the record with light surface noise and possibly a few pops in places. Should still serve as a suitable player copy for listening & DJing.

VG- The record may have some scratches that will be deep enough to feel. Audible clicks and pops are likely consistent throughout the grooves.Expect noticeable noise throughout, NO SKIPS though.

G A record that has been played and not taken care of. Constant background noise will be present. NO SKIPS but such records are the lowest grade likely to still serve as a cheap filler copy for those in need

In addition it is recommended that any label blemishes such as tears, stickers,writing are also listed alongside vinyl condition and where appropriate a play grade is stated if it does not correspond with the visual grade, such as cue burn or styrene hiss.

And of course that both sides of the record are taken into consideration.