Bidding on those breakable 78 rpm records! : eBay Guides

This is always not to easy as 78 rpm's are so very breakable. It is therefore recommended first to communicate with the seller how he will package the records. When the records are packaged well there will be a minimal chance that they break so buyer is dependant on seller in this respect. The records should be packaged between sturdy carton which has to be wrapped in bubble wrap and than put in a sturdy carton boxed padded with nuggets or more bubble wrap so that  the inner package can not swing or move inside the box when the package is in transit. Insurance might be a good idea but depends on the sale/auction amount in question.. Always discuss with seller the amount and way of shipping in advance when not clearly mentioned in the auction. Usually in the USA media mail is fineand also the cheapest.Most of the time just as fast as the other options is my experience.. You should at least see some scans of the record.for grading. . Usually grading is done by a seller in accordance with certain record guides and very subjective. As far as pricing the record guides are just what they say: a guide. Good means most of the times barely playable. Watch out for cracks, chips, pops etc. which makes the records not resellable or not much worth to anybody but than to the purchaser.  In general the purchase price is what you want to pay for it!!  Not what the record guide says. If  the record breaks during its journey you should discuss that with seller. If the records break and they are well packed it is a buyers risk however reputable sellers might give you something, i.e. a discount for future purchases. If you have a problem be polite, but clear when you inform seller what has happened. 78 rpms are old and used therefor  expect that they might not  play, optimal unless they are mint or near mint. i have bought many  78 rpm records on ebay with hardly any problems but remenber communicate before (and after if needed) with seller. Good Luck!! and enjoys the oldies.