We eat alot of dust so you don't have to. Once we get a collection back to the warehouse we give each record an initial clean on an VPI vacuum cleaner. To clean used records we use our own cleaning solution or distilled water for more delicate records. We replace the inner sleeve, if necessary, and lightly restore the sleeves including removal of stickers where possible. For collectibles, we clean each record ultrasonically and place the record into a new polylined inner sleeve.
Discogs is our primary tool to identify the specific release of each record and CD we hold in stock. Every product listing will correspond to a specific release on discogs and you will find a link back to the discogs listing from each product page here on carbootsoul.com. If in doubt or to double-check a release before buying just drop us a line.
We also use a number of specialist publications and also rely on years' of experience looking for those little details that can make the difference between one release and another.
For grading we use the Goldmine Grading Standards. Every single record and CD available on our site has been play-tested. We play-test a sample and assign a final grading based on the visual and the audio. When a record has a mark or light scratch on the playing surface, we'll make sure to play over that section. Once we have a release and a grading we value the records based on live Discogs data, other publications including The Rare Record Price Guide and our own historic data.
All of our grading definitions are in our Grading Guide.
Most products listed on carbootsoul.com correspond to a listing on our discogs shop. There is a link at the bottom of each product page ("Data provided by Discogs") which takes you back to the discogs listing and its corresponding release page.
We've created our own API (application programming interface) that connects our Discogs shop to carbootsoul.com. That means that we have live stock information in both shops enabling you to buy with confidence. It also means that the pricing information is synched between both shops. So you are always paying the bet available price.
The way records are stored is very important for maintaining their condition. We regularly check our shelves to ensure that the records are kept upright and secure. We operate from a temperature controlled warehouse.
We use Royal Mail and UPS to send your records and CDs. We aim to send orders out within one working day. Our records are packed very carefully using Lil (plastic free) corrugated cardboard mailers and a cardboard stiffener with the vinyl always separated from the outer sleeve. A new inner sleeve and clear outer plastic sleeve is provided with every record as standard. CDs are sent using buble wrap padded envelopes inside a harder outer cardboard mailer. A double whammy to ensure they reach you without cracks.
We hope you enjoy your records (and CDs)!
