What is Records By Mail (recordsbymail.com)?

Updated

Records By Mail is an online record store that sells collectible vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes, and it also buys collections from sellers. The site describes itself as "trusted music dealers since 1974" and says it ships worldwide, so it suits collectors looking for in-stock new arrivals and older pressings rather than a streaming or download service. Prices are listed per item on the site, and the listings shown are a sample of current stock, not a full catalog.

What you can do on the site

The homepage is organized around a few clear functions:

  • Shop recent arrivals. A "Recent Arrivals" section lists individual items with artist, title, label and catalog number, format and speed, and price. Examples from the page include a Canned Heat LP at $10, a Pretenders 7" single at $6, and a Spotlighter 45 at $75. Some entries show multiple copies, such as "2 listings from $10."
  • Browse by artist. A "Popular Artists" list links to names like James Brown, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and Elvis Presley, giving a starting point for browsing beyond the newest stock.
  • Browse the full inventory. A "Browse all" link leads to the wider stock, which the site describes as millions of in-stock records, CDs, and cassettes.
  • Subscribe to the newsletter. An email signup promises news on special offers and recent stock updates.
  • Sell a collection. A "Selling a Collection?" section states the store pays for high-quality vinyl and will travel for the right collection, with a contact link.

How the listings are presented

Each item follows a consistent format, which makes it easy to judge a copy before buying:

Field Example from the page
Artist and title CANNED HEAT, one more river to cross
Label and catalog number ATLANTIC 7289
Format and speed 12" LP, 33rpm
Price $10

Some entries add details such as "pic disc" or "gatefold," and multi-copy listings show a starting price. The page does not state condition grades in the excerpt shown, so if condition matters for a purchase, check the individual item page or contact the store before ordering.

Who it is for

This site fits collectors who want specific pressings, labels, or formats — including 7" singles at 45rpm and 12" LPs at 33rpm — and who value browsing curated new arrivals over algorithm-driven recommendations. The international shipping claim and the collection-buying service also make it relevant to sellers outside the United States. If you only want to stream music or buy new mass-market releases, a general retailer will be simpler; if you are hunting collectible stock and want a dealer with a long history, this is the kind of store to check.