Vinyl Collectors Aren’t ATMs: Treat Them Like a Community, Not a Revenue Stream warns Discogs Vice President

Vinyl records have been on an upward trajectory in popularity for nearly two decades, but that rise has come with a cost—literally. According to Discogs, the price of an average vinyl record has increased by 24% over the past five years. Inflation, supply chain disruptions, and industry-driven pricing strategies are reshaping the way collectors approach their passion.

A combination of inflation and changes within the record industry have pushed vinyl prices higher than ever. Manufacturing costs have risen, from raw materials like PVC to labor wages at pressing plants. Supply chain issues that started during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, and even as supply routes recovered, prices remained elevated.

Beyond production costs, record labels have increasingly leaned into the vinyl resurgence, recognizing collectors’ willingness to pay premium prices for special editions, reissues, and color variants. While some releases feel like curated experiences for fans, others seem designed primarily to extract revenue, pushing collectors to be more selective in their purchases. “Fans will pay for records that feel intentional—ones that respect their passion, loyalty, and desire to own something special,” said Jeffrey Smith, Discogs’ Vice President of Marketing. “But flooding the market with color-swapped variants and bloated reissues with no real purpose? That’s how you lose them. Collectors aren’t ATMs. They know when they’re being sold an experience versus when they’re just being sold to. Keep treating them like a revenue stream instead of a community, and they’ll remember. The future of vinyl belongs to those who get this right.”

How Inflation Affects New and Used Vinyl

Discogs data shows that both new and secondhand records have seen similar price increases. In 2020, a mint-condition vinyl averaged $29.82, which equates to $36.48 in 2025 dollars due to inflation. That figure closely aligns with today’s $37.22 average price, revealing that while inflation is a factor, industry pricing also plays a major role.

For longtime collectors, prices for classic albums like Thriller or Dark Side of the Moon have risen significantly. What might have been a $6-$10 purchase 15 years ago now often falls within the $15-$30 range. Demand remains high, but higher price tags mean casual buyers are thinking twice before adding to their collections.

With rising costs, many collectors are adopting a more deliberate approach. Surveys show that a majority of millennial and Gen X collectors are buying fewer records than they’d like, prioritizing must-have albums over impulse purchases. Gen Z collectors, a crucial demographic for the vinyl market’s future, are also scaling back due to cost concerns.

Frank Landry of Channel 33 RPM surveyed his audience, revealing that 70% of vinyl enthusiasts are purchasing fewer records because of rising prices. The days of grabbing multiple records per shopping trip are giving way to a more calculated selection process.

Despite economic pressures, vinyl collectors remain dedicated. Sales on Discogs increased by 51% from 2020 to 2023, and users cataloged a record-breaking 105.7 million items in 2024. Collecting habits may shift, but the passion for vinyl remains strong. As one collector put it, “Record collecting is a marathon, not a sprint.” While prices may not drop significantly anytime soon, collectors are adapting by prioritizing quality, seeking out used vinyl, and being more strategic with their purchases. The vinyl market is evolving, but the love for records isn’t fading—it’s just becoming more intentional.

Read the complete report by Discogs here.