Why Are Record Stores Selling “New” Scratched Vinyl Records?

I was at my local mall’s record store and was shocked to see brand-new vinyl records with stickers pointing out scratches at specific spots on the record. It’s one thing to occasionally come across a defective pressing, but seeing damaged records being sold at almost full price—sometimes at outrageous prices—is beyond frustrating. If this is becoming a standard practice to recoup losses, then there’s a serious problem with the industry.

Unfortunately, many vinyl buyers have noticed this disturbing trend—brand-new records arriving scratched, scuffed, or otherwise damaged straight out of the sleeve. For collectors and audiophiles, this is downright infuriating. If you’re paying a premium price for a new record, you expect it to be in flawless condition, not already marked with defects.

Between rushed production at pressing plants, poor packaging, rough shipping, and the possibility of stores reselling returned or mishandled stock, quality control in modern vinyl production seems to be at an all-time low. It’s unacceptable to see retailers openly selling damaged goods while charging top dollar for them.

Honestly, I refuse to put up with this nonsense. I’ll be sticking to my compact discs—at least with those, I never have to deal with this issue.

So why is this happening?

1. Declining Quality Control at Pressing Plants

The surge in vinyl demand has put immense pressure on pressing plants, leading to rushed production and quality control issues. Many plants are overwhelmed, pushing out records as fast as possible without a thorough inspection. This results in:

• Surface scratches from mishandling during pressing and packaging.
• Scuff marks due to poor-quality materials or rushed processing.
• Warped records from improper cooling or stacking during manufacturing.

Smaller or newer pressing plants, particularly those trying to cut costs, are often the worst offenders. Even major labels sometimes use inconsistent pressing facilities, meaning a highly anticipated album could arrive in subpar condition.

2. Poor Packaging and Handling

Another major culprit is how records are packaged and handled before they even reach the store:

• Many records are stuffed into tight paper sleeves, which can cause light scuffs just from removing the vinyl.
• Some pressings come with static buildup, making the record cling to the sleeve, increasing the chance of damage when pulled out.
• Mishandling at the factory, distributor, or even in retail stores can result in visible scratches before the record is ever played.

3. Damage During Shipping and Storage

Even if a record leaves the pressing plant in perfect condition, it can still get damaged along the way:

• Careless shipping can lead to records jostling inside their jackets, causing friction and light scratches.
• Improper storage in warehouses or retail locations (stacking records horizontally or in tight spaces) can cause warping and wear.
• Some retailers repackage returned or opened records as new, meaning you could be buying a previously handled or played copy.

4. The “Resealed and Resold” Problem

Many frustrated buyers suspect that some stores—whether knowingly or not—are selling returned or damaged records as new. In some cases:

• A customer returns a record, and rather than marking it as “used” or “open box,” the store reseals it and puts it back on the shelf.
• Some retailers receive stock that has been mishandled, but instead of discarding the damaged copies, they still sell them at full price.
• Budget or big-box stores may not inspect records before sale, leading to a higher chance of receiving a flawed copy.

What Can Buyers Do?

If you’re tired of spending good money on records that arrive scratched or damaged, here are some ways to protect yourself:
✅ Inspect Before Buying – If possible, check the record under bright light before leaving the store. Look for surface marks or imperfections.
✅ Buy From Reputable Sellers – Stick to record stores with solid return policies. Independent shops often do a better job of curating quality stock.
✅ Avoid Paper Sleeves – If your record comes in a cheap paper sleeve, switch to anti-static inner sleeves to prevent further wear.
✅ Return Defective Pressings – Don’t settle for a scratched or scuffed record. If it’s defective, return it for a replacement or refund.