How to Sell Your CDs and Vinyl at Local Record Stores

This is the 7th article in our series: 7 Effective Ways to Rock Your CD Sales

Record stores are normally run by passionate music lovers, and they often have loyal customers who want to support local music. Getting your CD or vinyl onto their shelves is one of the most authentic, boots-on-the-ground ways to grow your audience and make real-world sales.

Here's how to do it with professionalism, persistence, and purpose.

Start with Your Local Scene

The best place to begin is your town. Visit local stores in person. Owners are often much more likely to support musicians from their own community. If you’re a known face or name, even better. Buy a record, talk to the staff, and get a feel for their vibe. When you introduce yourself, do it as a fan first — and then as an artist.

When you're ready to pitch, bring:

• A professional-looking product (sealed CD or vinyl with a barcode)
• A printed one-sheet with your artist name, genre, streaming links, contact info, and press quotes if you have them.
• Be ready with a pitch that answers: “Why would a customer buy up?”

Even if they say no the first time, a positive interaction leaves the door open for the next release.

Find Stores That Support Indie Artists

Some record stores specialize in major label releases and reissues. Others pride themselves on discovering and promoting independent artists. You want the latter.

Start your outreach with:

• The Indie Bible includes directories of independent record stores, including contact info and whether they accept indie submissions.
  
• Record Store Day’s Participating Store List: recordstoreday.com keeps a list of independent retailers across the country — a great place to begin.
  
• Google Maps & Yelp: Search your city and nearby towns for “record stores” and scan reviews to find the right fit.

Consignment: The Most Common Route

Most record stores won’t buy your music upfront. Instead, they’ll likely offer a consignment deal.

That means:

• You leave a small number of copies (usually 3–5)
• The store only pays you when something sells
• Payment terms vary, but most stores pay out monthly or quarterly
• The standard split is 60/40 — you keep 60%, the store gets 40%

For example, if your CD sells for $15, you’ll take home $9. For a $25 vinyl, expect $15. It's not huge money per copy, but it adds up — and builds local exposure.

Be prepared to provide a basic consignment agreement (many templates are available online) or sign one provided by the store. Keep track of where your music is, how many copies you’ve left, and when to follow up.

Ask for a Counter Display

Most stores have a display area at the front counter or a section dedicated to local music. Ask if you can be featured there.

Even better: offer to supply your own small display stand (cardboard, acrylic, or wire). Keep it clean, simple, and on-brand. This kind of visibility dramatically increases the chances that someone will pick up your CD or vinyl on impulse.

Include a QR code linking to your website and an email sign-up form to encourage engagement. That way, even if they didn't buy your CD at the store, you can market to them later.

Offer an In-Store Performance

If you have an acoustic-friendly setup or a portable rig, consider offering an in-store performance. Many record stores love hosting live events, especially if you’re a local artist or touring through town. In-store performances are a win-win for you and the shop:

• You bring in foot traffic
• They get sales and exposure
• You connect directly with fans and sell merch on the spot

Even if playing live isn’t possible, you could organize a signing or meet-and-greet. Any in-store appearance is a great way to promote your next show in town.

Come prepared to cross-promote the event heavily on your socials. Tag the store, post photos, and invite your email list.

Touring? Don’t Miss This Opportunity

Every city on your tour is a chance to connect with a new scene — and local record stores are great bridges to those audiences.

Here’s how to integrate stores into your tour strategy:

• Plan ahead: Reach out to stores 3–4 weeks before arriving. Let them know you’ll be in town and would love to drop off a few CDs or vinyl.
• Propose a same-day event: Offer to play a short set or sign records the day of your show. Stores are often open to simple events that don’t require a lot of setup.
• Ask if you can send them a few show posters to promote your gig in town.
• Drop in even without an appointment: If you’re touring DIY-style, keep a few copies of your music in your trunk and stop by during business hours. A friendly pitch and professional presentation can go a long way.

Every store you connect with adds another city to your network — and plants the seeds for return visits, word-of-mouth, and organic growth.

What Should You Charge?

Here’s what most indie artists charge at retail:

• CDs: $10–15 (you keep around $6–9 after the store’s cut)
• Vinyl: $20–30 (you keep $12–18)

Don’t undercut yourself, but stay within the range of similar artists in the store. Keep it clean, consistent, and easy for the store to price and display. If your record comes with something special — colored vinyl, a lyric insert, or a download code — highlight that to justify the value.

Follow Up Like a Pro

Don’t vanish after you drop off your music. Check in with the store after 4–6 weeks to ask if anything sold, and whether they need more copies. If nothing moved, ask if there’s any feedback — pricing, placement, or even genre fit.

Even a polite follow-up can lead to better visibility in the store or an invitation to participate in future events.

Final Thoughts

Selling your CDs and vinyl through local record stores isn’t just about making a few bucks — it’s about connecting with music lovers, reaching new fans, and embedding yourself in the real-world music community. Think of each store as a partner, not just a sales channel — and treat every sale as a small milestone in your music career.

Photos by cottonbro studio, Darya Sannikova