Double Dare Records

Double Dare Records in Burien is a listener-first shop with local tapes, international sections, value bins, vintage shirts, toys, and a strong DIY streak. John's answers give a clear view of how the store thinks about local music, fair pricing, condition, and why records should move into people's hands rather than sit like museum pieces.

Interview with Double Dare Records

Double Dare carries locally-made cassettes and tapes alongside vinyl and CDs — how did the local cassette scene become part of the shop?

Our local cassettes and records are sourced a few different ways. I have played in bands since my teens.

Being from Denver and living in both Portland and Seattle, I've made a few friends that have small record labels. Some do multiple formats and some focus on a specific format, be it vinyl or cassette (some also do CD but none that I know focus on that format these days).

Before even opening the store I reached out to folks to offer another place for people to find their music. Since opening I've had several people with small labels or self-released projects just walk in. Local bands, touring bands, solo artists on the road, DJs with mixtapes and local labels — mostly consignment if I'm not familiar with their music, but I have bought some stuff outright to help with gas money while on tour.

I always ask for a play copy so I can turn people on to the music. Sometimes it works and sometimes people just buy something because the cover or description intrigues them. I've always been a strong supporter of local music and DIY culture.

You keep an international genre selection with value bins — what draws you to music from outside the usual American catalog?

I love all kinds of music. Some people say that and then you play them some harsh noise or western swing and then they start shrinking what they mean by "all kinds of music". Afrobeat, gamelan, Turkish, classical Indian, Irish & British folk, koto music, traditional Greek, flamenco and chanson are some of my favorites.

The "world" or "international" sections of a record store can be the most exciting when cared for. The local neighborhood will bring you the most amazing stuff if you are willing to be open and explore all kinds of music.

What's the most valuable or unexpected record that's come through the door in Burien?

I have a couple that cleans out houses and abandoned apartments, not collectors or particularly knowledgeable of music. The first time they came in there wasn't much there, but on their third try they brought in a stack of old jazz records. In that stack was an original John Coltrane Giant Steps in stereo (sold it for $550.00). They were quite happy with the payout, around $600 total, I believe.

They've been back a few times since, nothing like that but they keep looking. I had another lady bring in the last box of her dad's records that she wasn't going to keep and was excited to get $1,000 for it, quite a bit rare and hard to find stuff in there. Many more stories like this in just the first year of being open.

Burien is a smaller city south of Seattle; who finds their way to Double Dare, and how's the local scene?

Since moving to Seattle in 2004 I've always liked the south end the most. From SODO all the way to Tacoma, the people, the communities and their music I've found to be the most eclectic.

Burien isn't too far from Seattle (it's closer than the airport) and easy to get to from Renton, Tukwila, Kent, Des Moines, Rainier Beach, etc. I heard someone say Burien is the new Ballard, not sure about that but it is considerably less expensive so more than a few folks have relocated.

Punk, soul, country, jazz, folk, electronic and lots of rock bands, Burien has a lot to offer but we do need more live music venues.

Alongside records you curate vintage shirts and memorabilia — how does that mix shape the store's feel?

Band T-shirts and music books fit right in. What changes the vibe is the toy section. New and vintage action figures from Star Wars, DC, Marvel and music action figures as well as random others (Robin Hood, Dark Crystal, The Tick, Doctor Who, Star Trek, Beetlejuice, etc.). There are even toys up front by the little yellow couch for kids to play with while Mom and Dad are shopping for music (sometimes it's the other way around).

Do you buy records, CDs and tapes from the public, and how do you approach valuing them?

We're always buying. Condition and title are equally important but pricing is what I call fluid market value.

Since we don't sell online, our market is only the greater Seattle area. Titles have value more or less based on supply and demand. Discogs has sort of become the standard for buying and selling but generally matches up with current in-print price guide books, but this must always be tempered with an understanding of the market you are in.

Things are always priced to move, Double Dare is not a museum. I want to get records into the hands of people who want them and I want them to feel good about the price. I believe we have the best prices in the Seattle area. We also pay well. We will never low-ball people. That makes for thin margins, but this is a labor of love, not a get rich scheme. Buy high and sell low may seem counterintuitive but I just see it as fair.

Roughly what does a common record fetch versus something you're excited to see?

Common records at Double Dare are between $5–$10, newer used titles are around $20. I don't get excited so much about a high dollar amount but the rarity of a record (which may or may not result in a higher value). We always try to have the lowest price available.

Do you buy 45s and 78s, and is there demand for them among your crowd?

45s are not a big seller but they do sell. We have quite a few but they take the same time to process as LPs and the return is usually lower so they fall further down the priority list.

78s are pretty much a dead market. I say pretty much because we do have a few customers that are interested in very select titles (blues, jazz & early rock n' roll).

Should sellers clean records before bringing them, and what condition problems hurt value most?

We like clean records; less work for us means we'll pay more but every record in our regular inventory is inspected and cleaned before it goes out. We also have "Dirt Cheap" sections for most genres. Those are generally not cleaned but are still in playable condition, and we have a large selection of 50-cent records where either the jacket or record is in poor condition, or they are less desirable titles (think standard goodwill records).

Any condition flaws start to bring down the price of a record. Minor paper scuffs that won't affect play but are visible and minor shelf wear on the covers affect value the least. These days there are grading services for records like those traditionally for comic books or trading cards, so original pressings in excellent condition can fetch high prices. We are less interested in the area of record collecting and mainly interested in providing quality records to listeners.

What do people most often misjudge about what their records are worth?

There is a wide range of people's understanding of the vinyl market. There are those who think Beatles or Elvis equal big money until they are reminded of how many were made, to those who are surprised that people still listen to records and their value, but eBay and Google Lens are probably the biggest culprits in the misunderstanding of value.

It's like any niche, there are nuances that aren't understood unless you are interested and educated. We'll happily and honestly explain the ins and outs of a given collection.

FAQ

Does Double Dare Records buy records, CDs, and tapes?

Yes. John says the shop is always buying, with condition and title both important.

What is Double Dare Records known for?

The shop mixes used records, local cassette and record releases, international music, value bins, vintage shirts, memorabilia, and toys.

Should sellers clean records before bringing them in?

Clean records help, but Double Dare inspects and cleans regular inventory before it goes out.

Last updated: 2026-08-21

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