Where to buy vinyl?

Discogs.

Of all the bigtime vendors that sell used vinyl, the stringency that used vinyl people demand of their sellers is most likely to be observed and respected by the Discogs seller. Buying new vinyl is fine, and there are plenty of options for that, but finding quality pressings at reasonable prices for vintage pressings (I’d recommend not only choosing only those sellers with 99.8%-100% rating, but ones with comprehensive descriptions of the items in question, and don’t be afraid to ask for pictures if you’re curious, and don’t suffer the fools that show unresponsive/late/sloppy/irresponsible correspondence with you, the customer) is relatively easy and hassle-free on Discogs.  The ability as a buyer to purchase with exact specificity a particular vinyl pressing one has on Discogs is also a big plus if one knows exactly which pressing they want.

I find Discogs, like any third-party vendor, is not perfect (I’ve had a few dud sellers I’ve dealt with) but all of the things I mentioned about it remain true, and the number of perfect transactions I’ve had vastly outweigh the number of bad transactions.

I find being very informed before purchasing music on vinyl is very helpful, and the ability to know exactly the right pressing FOR YOU and then being able to purchase that very pressing with ease, reliability and (with some sleuthing and perhaps some luck) at a reasonable price is where Discogs is advantageous.

Discogs. What Jason said plus ultrasonic clean before first play

If you don’t do that buying new is a waste. I too hate LP noise

Try this: https://www.ebay.com/str/Audio-Archives-LLC-Cleveland-Vinyl

Here is his other site: http://www.clevelandvinyl.com/cleaning-process.html

The records are graded and steam cleaned. If you are buying 30, give him a call before ordering.

Good luck!

Excellent thank you all. Yes he is near by and I do have a record store within 10 miles that I’ll probably visit first and check it out. 
‘maybe buy 1 online one on discogs for the experience then if the store is good take him afterwards and hook him up. I’ll check out the other links as well, equal opportunity patronage !

thanks!

craigslist sometimes has bulk sales. E.g. there was a guy in LA, a few weeks ago selling 1000s for $5 a piece, incredible selection. There are a lot of collections up for sale, some only sell to one buyer, some willing to sell one by one.

I go to a record store once a week and buy from ebay. I always have a plan, look for a certain artist and go for the lowest price. Worst case scenario I buy it again, I'd spend 5-10 dollars twice rather than 35. 

For some albums, new may be best, you would need to know about the specific copy, who/when/where, I had a post about that with great insight provided in the comments. 

I have three new LPs in the original wrap, I have not opened them. I just look at them from time to time and feel like I need the right moment to remove the nylon. For me vinyl is all about the time travel and I want that original sleeve with the 70s ads on it.