Record Store Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
The unwritten rules of record store etiquette. How to dig through bins, talk to staff, and not be that person everyone hates.
Every record store has unwritten rules. Break them and you're the person everyone's silently judging. Follow them and you're part of the community.
The Golden Rules
1. Put Records Back Where You Found Them
This is rule zero. Absolute. Non-negotiable.
When you pull a record to inspect it, remember where it came from. Return it to the exact spot. Don't leave it on top of the bin. Don't shove it in randomly.
Misfiled records are lost records. That album someone's been hunting for years? It's behind the wrong divider because someone was lazy.
If you can't remember where it goes: Hand it to staff. They'll file it correctly.
2. Handle Records Properly
- Hold by edges and label only
- Never touch the grooves
- Don't bend or flex the vinyl
- Support the whole record when removing from sleeve
You're handling someone else's future purchase. Treat it better than your own.
3. Don't Hog the Bins
Crate-digging is meditative, but the bins are shared space. If you've been camped in the "R" section for 45 minutes and someone's hovering, wrap it up or shift over.
Busy shop protocol: Flip quickly, pull what interests you, step away to inspect.
4. Ask Before You Play
Most shops have a turntable for listening. Always ask before using it:
- "Mind if I give this a spin?"
- "Can I hear this before buying?"
Never assume. And don't play a record you're not seriously considering buying.
Communicating with Staff
Do: Ask for Recommendations
"I'm into [genre/artist]. What should I check out?"
This is literally why they're there. Good staff love turning people onto new music.
Do: Mention What You're Hunting
"Looking for any Blue Note originals if you get them in."
Shops get collections constantly. If they know you're looking, they'll think of you.
Don't: Demand Discounts
The price is the price. Shops price fairly to stay in business.
Don't: Compare to Discogs Prices
"This is $5 cheaper on Discogs."
Cool. Buy it there. Discogs doesn't let you inspect condition, talk to humans, or support your local scene.
Red Flags: Things That Make You "That Guy"
- Leaving records on top of bins
- Touching grooves
- Haggling aggressively
- Comparing every price to Discogs
- Camping bins for hours
- Giving unsolicited advice
- Being on your phone loudly
- Showing up 5 minutes before close
Green Flags: Things That Make You a Regular
- Filing records back correctly
- Asking staff for recommendations
- Buying something, even if small
- Learning employees' names
- Spreading the word about the shop
- Being patient during busy times
- Saying "thank you" like you mean it
The Bottom Line
Record stores are communities, not vending machines. The staff, the regulars, the vibe—it's all part of the experience.
Treat the space with respect. Buy what you love. Come back often.
And put the records back where you found them.