As a veteran of 3 Record Store Days (One Spent at Coachella), here are a few tips that I've learned to maximize your fun:
Plan, plan, plan!
Plan ahead! Know what stores you want to hit, when they open (if they have special RSD hours), what RSD releases you want, where you are going to park (yes the streets will get packed). The more prepared you are for this great, yet hectic event, the more fun you'll have discovering new music.
Save Up!
RSD doesn't mean Record Sale Day. RSD releases are rare vinyl, some reissues, some never before pressed! It's going to cost you a pretty penny, so be sure to save up ahead of time. If you want to walk away with 15+ records to your collection, you'll probably be spending around $500. Know your limit and don't let this day break your wallet. I personally like to pull out my cash allowance before hand and leave the credit cards at home, because I know I don't have control. You'll have to make some tough calls, but that's fine if it means paying rent on time.
Check Your Stores Websites for Their RSD List
RSD is unique that all stores won't carry the same things. Some of the pressing are as low as 100 total, split amongst all of the US. You'll find out that most stores carry 1 or 2 copies of a certain vinyl, or maybe none if they didn't get it. What record stores do, is they send in their wish list of what vinyl they want to receive. Then, a few days before RSD, they get a box with random vinyl from their list, in a random amount (all geared to the popularity and size of their store, so places like Amoeba usually get a good majority, where as High Fidelity will get a good, but more modest size). Some stores post their list online so you know what they have ahead of time. Try and make getting your RSD picks as quick as possible, but spend some extra time cruising the shop for any finds they have.
Prepare for a Line and Your Mental Sanity
I've never camped out, I am not that hardcore. If you are like me and more of a casual collector, your going to be standing in a line. It's not bad, just prepare yourself for a few hours of waiting and hearing what records are now sold out. The earlier you get their the better, but honestly, unless you plan to camp out in the wee hours (or overnight if your store allows it), your going to miss out on the big hitters. Don't get discourage, they put out way more of an effort then you did. Applaud them. There will be plenty more great picks. I recommend trying to get there at least 2 hours before the store opens. You'll still get some goodies. Wear layers, bring a book, or make friends! We're all in this together! Check the weather because you'll most likely be waiting in line outside, so bring a re-usable water bottle if it's hot or a raincoat if it rains.
Don't Forget The Point of This Day
With all the reissues, new pressings, picture discs, colored vinyl, compilations, it's hard not to get lost in all the excitement of the day. But never forget the purpose of the day, to visit your local Record Store and show your support! It's easy to try and go from shop to shop in hope to find those rare finds, but take some time to appreciate your local shops selections. A lot of shops will have shows during the day, BBQs, meet and greets, prize wheels and more, so don't forget to spend sometime appreciating a lot of the Mom and Pop shops and labels.
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