If you've ever tried to sell a record to someone overseas, you already know the pain. What should be a simple transaction—sending a piece of wax from your shelf to someone else's—turns into a logistical and financial headache that often makes you wonder: Was it even worth it?
Let's break down the real costs of selling vinyl internationally, and then explore a better way: swapping.
The True Cost of International Vinyl Sales
Shipping: The Silent Profit Killer
Sending a single LP internationally can cost anywhere from $15 to $40+, depending on where you're shipping from and to. That's often more than the record itself is worth. And if you're trying to sell a $20 record? Say goodbye to your margins.
Even "budget" shipping options come with trade-offs: longer delivery times, no tracking, and a higher risk of damage or loss.
Customs, Duties, and Surprise Fees
Cross-border sales come with a maze of customs regulations. Buyers may get hit with unexpected import duties or taxes, which can sour the deal—even if it's not your fault. And if you're the seller? You might be asked to fill out customs forms, deal with returns, or handle complaints about fees you had no control over.
Packaging for Survival
Shipping vinyl isn't like shipping a t-shirt. Records are fragile, and international shipping is brutal. You'll need:
- Stiffeners or record mailers
- Outer cardboard protection
- Bubble wrap or foam
- Tape. Lots of tape.
All of this adds to your costs and time.
Currency Conversion and Payment Fees
If you're using platforms like PayPal or international bank transfers, expect to lose another 3–5% in fees and unfavorable exchange rates. That $25 sale just became $22. Then subtract shipping, and you're left wondering why you bothered.
Why Swapping Just Makes More Sense
Here's where it gets interesting. What if, instead of selling your records, you swapped them?
No Money, No Problem
When you swap records, there's no need to worry about payment processing fees or exchange rates. You're not selling—you're trading. One record for another, value for value.
Shared Shipping Costs
In a swap, both parties ship. That means you're not eating the full cost of international postage—you're splitting the effort. And when both sides are invested, there's more motivation to pack carefully and ship promptly.
A Fairer Deal for Everyone
Selling internationally often favors buyers in stronger currencies. But swapping levels the playing field. A record collector in Buenos Aires and one in Berlin can trade on equal footing, based on the music—not the money.
Building a Community, Not Just a Transaction
Swapping isn't just about logistics. It's about connection. You're not a faceless seller—you're a fellow collector. And the person on the other end isn't a "customer." They're someone who loves the same weird B-sides and obscure pressings you do.
CrateMate: Built for Swapping
That's exactly why we built CrateMate. It's a platform designed for vinyl lovers who want to grow their collections without draining their wallets.
- Browse records from collectors around the world
- Propose swaps based on mutual interest
- Chat, negotiate, and finalize trades seamlessly
- Leave feedback and build your reputation as a trustworthy trader
No listing fees. No payment processors. Just records, community, and the thrill of finding your next favorite album.
Final Thoughts
Selling records internationally can work—but it's rarely worth the hassle unless you're moving high-value items. For most of us, the fees, logistics, and risks just don't add up.
Swapping offers a smarter alternative: a way to refresh your collection, connect with other collectors, and sidestep the financial mess of cross-border sales.
So next time you're thinking of listing that record online, ask yourself: Would I rather sell it... or swap it?
Ready to start swapping? Create your CrateMate profile