Haul of Records

Haul of Records in Cumming is built around used bins, frequent new arrivals, and the kind of sealed-record surprises that keep collectors digging. The interview gets into condition, house-call options, listening before buying, and why the new-arrivals bins move fast.

Interview with Haul of Records

Haul of Records leans heavily into used vinyl. What's the appeal of digging through used bins versus stocking new releases?

The appeal of digging through used bins is varied. A-You never know what you may find!. B-Many collectors like finding original or early pressings of vinyl that are as close to the source material as possible. C-Typically used vinyl is less expensive than new vinyl. D-There are literally millions of old records that have been released versus a very limited number of new and newly re-released albums. E-The fun of digging through crates and rediscovering forgotten gems/discovering new material makes it fun! F-We have a vinyl listening station to try out anything that may catch your eye.

You mentioned occasionally finding sealed records in collections — how often does that actually happen, and what's it like when it does?

Finding original or vintage sealed records is exciting because the assumption is that the vinyl should be in pristine condition and never been played. It's like opening a time vault from 40, 50, 60+ years ago! Finding sought after vintage sealed vinyl is pretty rare but I do find a decent number of unopened ones from, say, the '80s...a disproportional # of Columbia House pressings where someone apparently needed to fill there quota of 1-cent records but never got around to playing a few of them maybe?

What tells you a used collection is worth a closer look versus a quick pass?

When I see a collection that has desirable titles AND appear to be in well-cared for condition...that is when it is worth investigating more closely. But, to be honest, I'll look through most anything. I'm often surprised at finding a hidden gem among dross.

What should someone in the Cumming area know before reaching out about selling records?

If you are interested in selling records here in Cumming, Georgia...I am always looking for good, desirable records in good condition. I am happy to come to you (especially if you have a large collection that is difficult to transport) or meet at the store if preferred.

Are there genres or eras that move especially well with your regulars?

I find that the records that are difficult to keep on the shelf include classics that everyone wants but aren't overly plentiful, especially if in great shape...Certain genres such as metal, Punk/Alternative albums from bands that were edgy back in the '70's/'80s but still known like The Smiths, The Cure, R.E.M, Modern Lovers, Ramones, The Clash; Great Jazz records-especially any old Blue Note or well known titles...and the best obscure stuff from respected artists...Really, there is stuff in most genres that is hard to keep on the shelves if in demand and in great shape.

What condition issues do sellers most often overlook?

When people are selling their records, they often don't notice problems with the records such as bad scratches, covers that are water-damaged and probably the most common, warped records due to being improperly stored (in heat or on their sides).

What's the best sealed-record find you've come across?

I love finding old Beatles albums still sealed but more often I find more recent records that are now out of print that are still sealed and have some value. One that comes to mind recently was a 1987 metal record by an obscure South Carolina band called Mainiax. That was a fun sealed find.

What would you want a first-time visitor to expect walking into Haul of Records?

If you were to visit The Haul Of Records for the first time, you can expect to find a wide variety of vinyl, CDs, cassettes and other media that are cleaned, priced fairly and something for everyone. I would say that the store is defined by having new records brought in 2-3x/week on average with a mix of desired staples and rarities. The majority of the store is Rock/Pop records alphabetized A-Z with additional sections for Jazz, R&B/Soul, Country, a large selection of Psych/Garage, Soundtracks, Blues, Children's, Comedy, Oddball on the shelves above and thousands of $1-$3 "cheapos" in the shelves/boxes below. After those have been explored if you come more regularly, the New Arrivals bins always hold treasures, many of which leave on the day they are brought in. When I bring in new records I make a flip-through video that I release on my Haul Of Records Facebook page so you can see if that record you've been waiting for arrives.

Last updated: 2026-08-09