Hold Tight

Read this thread with interest, there are some great points made by people who are and have been delivering in the vinyl market for a long time. I can understand the pre-order route, and as a small label set up only a few years ago, Des and I made the decision to not follow that, but wait until we had the releases ready. Gary and Dave nailed it, sometimes the feeding frenzy of receiving a couple of hundred orders in a matter of hours can be overwhelming - that's why we invested in an e-commerce system and Des handles all of our distribution now. It made more sense to kit one place out to get parcels sent as soon as possible. In terms of delays, yes the plants are getting busier and busier and the time frames have crept up, we have been with the same plant since the start and fortunately they try to minimise the delays as we have a good relationship with them. Most labels also manage the , digitisation, restoration of older tapes, mastering as well as the physical pressing queues. It can be a long chain of events let alone getting out and digging for things. For buyers, the vinyl market is incredibly vibrant with fantastic releases appearing pretty much weekly. I appreciate they don't want to miss out on releases but, personally as a buyer - I don't like the pre-order when it is weeks and months. But as I said, I can understand why some do it, and why some have fallen foul of serious delays at plants. I saw lots of crowdfunding type comments on another media platform, and I can see why it could be likened to that. We are fortunate that we started through self funding and carried on that ethos, like many of the comments above from other labels, we pay for the pressing and wait for it to spit out of the other end. We ask people to give us a week to get everything packaged and moving on release, and our systems issue a posted notice with tracking details once sent. We also try to support some other labels by buying on the pre-orders and then only advertising when we have stock. Is it the same price that you can buy the pre-order, No. Is it a scalping price, we don't think so. Also there tends to be a decrease in the scalpers prices when they no we are selling them. We just try to make sure others have a chance to get the releases, when they are physically available and keep our shop interesting. I think that the position is incredibly likely to get worse over the coming months and years, after all, how many new plants are opening up? Even if they do - and its a significant investment to set a plant up, where are the experienced staff, sound engineers etc required for a pressing plant. Its easy to open a vinyl broker and many have over the last few years with the boom in labels starting up, but the orders go to the same plants. With the major players also taking up order slots at plants for record days, Christmas and to fulfil the reissue LP market - I cannot see how it will get easier. all the best Mark n Des

Hi , can I take “ I want a chance” thanks.

Wanted for a mate, sold him my demo cheap, he played it once and then managed to snap it putting it in his playbox!!! Let me know what you’ve got and price& condition. Sensible prices please, he’s hurting! Cheers Mark

Johnie Mae please Des. Cheers

Pm sent

Cheers Andy, money sent.

Hi Des, can you put Innovations to one side. Will email you tonight. Cheers

Truth please Des.

Morning Des, little Eddie and a frank butler please.

Little Ben please Des.

Yep I'm up for that trade drop me a PM and I we can sort out the details.

If Jimmy doesn't want it please let me know as I will have it. Or if any one else has a copy?

Morning Des, I will take the sapphires and little Carl please. Cheers

Hi Des offbeats for me please young man!

Hi Des I'll take Shirley Caesar please.

Morning Des, innovations please. Last lot arrived safe and sound. Cheers

Hi Des, I'll take sister James and don covay please.

Hi Des, can you pop Barbara Lynne to one side for me please. Superb record.

Pm sent.

Hi Des can I have Jim Edgar, the professor and Eddy daye please.

I'll take the leftovers please Des.

Hi Des, I will take the Gloria b and willie g please. Cheers

Wow first one surprised me as been playing it uncovered for last few years. Was talking to a mate about it last Wednesday as he was looking for a copy for his mod/ garage sets. great record.

Tough to find slice of funky crossover soul. Big record for Mr Fish and Greg Belson amongst others and has a real cult following. Looks VG+ plays way better. Has slight warp to edge does not affect play ( see photo its a lift more than a warp and is fixable) There is one slight fingernail mark that cannot be felt and does not affect sound. Hear for yourself. £375 plus actual postage costs. Bank transfer preferred but can discuss other means of accepting payment. Let me know if you have any questions or need any more info. thanks Mark. Young_ideals_-_losing_you_-_Jeree.wav

Got a set this morning, top job Ian great packaging backed up with fantastic content. 2015 of to a superb start. thanks again for the heads up. Mark