How to Use Keywords to Sell More Records

Maximize your 500 characters in the comments section of your marketplace listing. They can do more than just note condition.

When a customer finds your record for sale in Discogs’ Marketplace, the condition comment is one of the first things they scan. It’s not just a grading label — it’s a trust-building moment. Discogs gives you up to 500 characters. Use them.

A simple VG+ won’t close the sale. The comment field is your chance to explain why you’ve graded something the way you have, highlight anything special, and give customers confidence in what they’re about to order. A clear, honest comment helps manage expectations and cut down on returns.

Great sellers use this space to share playback details like “Plays clean throughout, light surface noise on quiet parts.” They clarify grading nuances such a, “Vinyl NM, sleeve closer to VG+ due to edge wear.” They point out packaging extras — “Includes original inner sleeve, hype sticker intact ”— and care details like “Professionally cleaned, stored in poly sleeve.” A soft note like “Buy with confidence from a trusted seller” helps, too.

Clear and sincere overcommunication builds trust. And trust converts better than any markdown ever will.

Keywords That Sell Records

To help your listings stand out and reassure customers, it pays to work in the right language. For condition clarity, consider phrases like “Plays clean throughout,” “No skips or jumps,” or “Hairline marks, play-tested with no impact.” Grading nuance can be shown with lines like “Vinyl NM, sleeve closer to VG+ due to edge wear” or “Labels clean, no spindle wear.”

Packaging extras should be called out: “Includes original inner sleeve,” “Gatefold fully intact,” or “Comes with obi strip.” If your record is still in shrink or has no barcode as an early pressing, that’s worth saying.

Collectors also look for edition info. Be specific — “UK 1st press,” “1997 reissue on black vinyl,” or “Limited edition, hand-numbered.” If you can add “Matching matrix numbers” or the catalog code, even better.

Don’t forget the reassurance factor. Phrases like “Professionally cleaned,” “From personal collection,” or “Packed with care for safe shipping” help set expectations. For customer confidence, comments like “Top copy,” “Great player’s copy,” or “No surprises—buy with confidence” make a real difference.

Want to Improve Your Listings?

Head to your inventory and start using your 500 characters to full effect.

This space is where your listing can truly shine. It tells the customer you’ve taken care, that you know your records, and that they can trust what turns up in the post. If you’re only using a sentence or two, you’re leaving confidence—and likely sales—on the table.