Selling Music To Dusty Groove

We're always on the lookout for new music to buy at Dusty Groove® -- both new CDs and LPs, and older used vinyl. Here's instructions on how to contact us (dg@dustygroove.com) for both:

New CDs & LPs

As a policy, we tend to only stock music we love, and music that we feel fits into our rather narrow format -- best summed up by the types of music you'll find on this website. We've got a policy here that if we don't like the music, we don't feel that we can sell it -- mostly on principle, but also because we review each item for the website -- and if we don't like a record, we can't write a good review!

That having been said, we've always got open ears for new titles -- and make it a point to listen to each and every promotional CD or LP we receive. If you have a title you think we would like -- please feel free to send it to the following address:

Dusty Groove
Attn: Buyer
1120 N Ashland
Chicago, IL 60622 -- USA

If you are sending us a package, please note the following:

Include as much contact information as you can -- phone, fax, and email especially.
Include any pricing information with the title.
Include any promotional details -- such as a bio or one-sheet for the release.

Once received, the title will be listened to by one of our buyers, and if we like it, we'll contact you to arrange the direct purchase of copies for sale on the website. Please note that we receive dozens of promotional titles every week, and unfortunately, we don't have time to write to everyone -- and only make contact if we decide to stock a title. It sometimes takes us a few weeks to give a full analysis to a title -- after which point, we will contact the supplier or artist if we decide to stock it. At that point, we will purchase copies upfront, and will do whatever we can to support it on the website.

Additionally, please note that Dusty Groove does not accept CDs for consignment. To us, if a CD isn't worth paying for directly, it's probably not worth stocking -- so we do not handle any titles on consignment at all. Please do not send us unsolicited consignment shipments -- because they will not be handled at all.

Also note that if you send us a promotional copy of a title, that does not mean that we are obligated to stock the item -- nor does it mean that we are obligated to send it back to you.

Used Vinyl & CDs

Dusty Groove regularly purchases used LPs, 12", and 7" singles -- plus Used CDs -- from our customers -- and we've got a great reputation for paying top dollar for items in the genres we stock on this website.

If you are in Chicago, you can visit our store at 1120 N Ashland Ave -- where we usually have a buyer on call during the hours 11am to 6pm, 7 days a week. However, if you are coming from out of town, or have a large collection to sell, then it's usually a good idea to call ahead so that we can make sure that we're ready for you. Also, if you want to sell to us at hours other than these regular buying hours, please phone us a few days in advance, so that we may schedule a buyer at a different time. Our number is 773-342-5800.

Additionally, we also make house calls and trips across the country for very large collections. Obviously, the cost of such a trip is not cheap -- so we really only do so for large or valuable collections -- but we'd be happy to discuss that with you if you feel that you have such a collection.

Also, we do purchase vinyl and CDs through the mail -- but it's kind of a tricky business, so pay attention to these details!

First off, the records have to be in tip-top condition -- as it's usually not worth dealing through the mail for dirty or scratched up records.
Secondly, the records have to be somewhat valuable -- as the cost of shipping can be high, so it's usually not worth dealing with records that are only worth a dollar or two.
Thirdly, we do not accept unsolicited shipments of used vinyl -- and any vinyl shipped to us must be proposed and negotiated in advance, so that we can be fair to all parties involved.

We make quotes in advance for any proposed records sold to us via the mail -- in a series of email exchanges that can serve as a record for both parties involved. However, in order for us to make the most accurate quotes on your items, it is important that we have as much information on hand as possible.

If you are serious about selling records to us through the mail -- you must first send us a list of the titles you have available, with the following details:

Format (LP, CD, 12", 7", etc)
Artist/title/label details
Accurate condition grades of the items, based on those listed on our conditions page. It is important that the grades are as accurate as possible, as they will affect the prices we pay for each item. A VG+ album is always worth more than an album in VG- condition -- and we pay accordingly for the items. When grading, please use a bright incandescent (not florescent) light -- of very direct beam and high wattage. A desk lamp with a regular light bulb usually works best.
With used CDs, we require a disc to be scratch-free, and the booklet to be in very good shape (no rips, tears, grime, or missing pages.) Please check the back of all CDs carefully under a bright light -- and look for any scratches or marks before submitting a title.
As much information as you can regarding the pressing details for the items -- reissue, original pressing, special package, and so on. For example, if you are selling us an older jazz album on Blue Note, let us know if the album is a New York pressing, a Liberty pressing, a 63rd street pressing, etc. This is a complicated matter, and it affects the price we can offer for a record.
Note any major defects to the item -- particularly cosmetic ones -- please let us know about these in detail.

We will then respond to your list with a series of quotes on the items -- which you are free to accept or dismiss. If you agree to our offers, you must then send the records to us at your own expense for final confirmation of the stated conditions and pressing details. At that point, if all the items meet with your proposed grades and pressing details, we will pay you for the items -- either in the form of a check, a credit to your credit card, or a store credit at Dusty Groove. The choice is up to you, and we want to be as fair as possible -- the main thing is that we work out all details in advance, so that there's no surprises at the end of the transaction.