What should my heirs do to dispose of my vinyl and CDs?

@richardmathes there are cheap bar code scanners that can be used with different software products.  I used a $20 one for a program called Readerware Music.  I found it much easier to scan into a queue and then let the program go find the listing on discogs or amazon, rather than manually enter them in discogs, which still has no bulk upload function as far as I have seen.  This program can export as well.  This does not guarantee a match though, as imported albums or cds will not always match upc codes and older records ('50's-'70s) generally don't have one but a publisher/label id instead.

I like the idea of selling to a dealer.  There are a couple channels on youtube that are store owners that sometimes report "good hauls" and actively buy and sell off collections.  But it would still be worth it to leave someone a rough estimate of value if we are talking collections with a built in value, limited audiophile releases and the like or rare pressings that were or became investments.  cheers

Easy pathway here. Enjoy it as long as you can. "Don't worry, be happy." Your kids don't want it. Fine. You can't keep it. So, fine again. Be useful with it after you can no longer use it your self.

My kid listens from his phone through cheap earbuds. He's happy with his apple music and spotify - and I'm happy to see him happy with it. And grateful when he wants to share a tune or two. He has other ways to spend his time for fun beyond fretting over what wire might sound better....that's MY kind of fun!

"It" (your collected goodies) can still be useful when it's no longer useful for your enjoyment even if transformed into something else.....like cash. Sounds like you probably have an estate executor (I'm guessing here). I've seen gear auctions as part of an estate plenty of times. Just leave directions in your will and have your lawyer or audiopal or whoever take care of it for whatever cut they want if you're in some other environment. Make a list of what you think they're worth - should be pretty quick and easy. Especially if you keep in mind it doesn't matter since you'll be dead and your kids don't care.

It seems pretty solvable and definitely not worth fretting over. It's just stuff afterall - BUT, it's stuff that can benefit somebody or organization.

Keep it simple - what's the beef here? Why not donate the music to a a school or library? Or a nursing home? They can keep what they believe others will enjoy and sell or discard the rest. Same with your 100K system - have the executor auction or sell it off and give the money to an organization or entity that is in need an desire and wants to (and will) make use of your unwanted things.

For crying out loud.

And, if nobody wants your guns, break them into little useless pieces. You never know, you might save a life.

@hifiman5 

One idea is to search your area for donation options.  Check out what a collection sparked here in Memphis.  They continue to accept donations. They keep new additions that are in good condition and have sales of the rest to help fund their operations.  Egglestonworks has their speakers in a dedicated listening room and the stations all have VPI turntables.  
 

https://memphislisteninglab.org/

@hifiman5 I’m intrigued by the fact that you are seeking some of the source material.  I part because I’ve been contemplating selling much of my cd collection because so much of it is accessible via streaming services. Even hiRes services (I use Qobuzz). There are, however a number of CDs that I can’t find on streaming services, such as Pale Fountains - Pacific Street or other parts of their catalog.  Therefore I have been ripping them onto my HiFi Rose streamer (and computer).  I love the accessibility and ability to create digital “mixed tapes”. 
 

Once ripped, other than perhaps a few collectibles I’m left staring at a wall full of discs that just gather dust.  
 

I had read that CDs are beginning to see a small uptick in sales as they are becoming nostalgic to a generation born in the mid to late 80s.  I just don’t see the demand for them becoming anything like early-print vinyl.  
 

Does anyone have first hand experience selling a CD collection and what people are getting on a avg price per disc?

I'm an audiophile and retired CFP(r), financial advisor.  I worked in an office that was mainly a trust and estate law.  Saw way too many families fight over inheritances, especially valuable collections/items.

My suggestion is to simplify as much as possible.  Being an executor of a will or successor trustee of a trust is a lot of work (and aggravation).  Give away or sell stuff now and give the money to your beneficiaries, family, friends, charities.  The benefit to you?  Seeing the joy it brings to others (See the book Happy Money).  

Idea.  Write your instructions out yourself and have it notarize.  

Another idea.  If you have teenage grandchildren who work part-time/summers.  Fund a Roth IRA for them.  

Years ago my daughters told me that they did not want my collection of Grateful Dead bootlegs.  And my wife won't touch my stereo.

Finally, talk to a lawyer with lots of experience administering estates.  It is worth the money.