Ask HN: Investments on Vinyl Records? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Investments on Vinyl Records?

7 pointsmrdobelina10 comments

Hello,

Me and my two co-founders we're working on an iPhone app (for now) for vinyl record lovers and collectors.

We're having good traction and retention, testing some different pricing model and looking forward to a monthly subscription plan.

The industry is a niche, a bigger one actually, and it's 15 years that is constantly growing. A mix of nostalgia and need of the people to own a physical product rather than an mp3.

We're looking for investors or acceleration programs, but I'm always hesitant in what direction to look for in our case, considering the niche.

Should we look for pure investors (for the sake of just money) or should we look for someone who's a vinyl collector?

The market is there, opportunities as well, but this won't be an "AirBnB/Uber business opportunity" (well at least for now!).

I know it might sound like a dumb question but somehow is not.

I truly believe in this project (I'm coming from a failed vinyl record project which actually was well known between vinyl record lovers), I want to make it happen and I'm trying to figure out what would be the best approach to connect with someone who believe in us, the project and our vision.

If anyone interested I'll share the links as I don't want this post to look spam.

im vinyl collector and know this niche very well ... what is your app doing and why i need it ?

At the moment you need our app when you are at a record store or a flea market with thousands of records and no turntables to preview them.

Instead of jumping from Google to Discogs and YouTube you open our app, snap a pic of the barcode or search by cat number/release name and we give you the full tracklist with audio and video preview

https://youtu.be/kMG5cim3vis

Happy to share some free download codes if you're on iPhone

Let me preface everything I'm about to ask with the fact that I only have one vinyl, so take it with a grain of salt, but I'm curious:

I always figured that the lure of vinyl music was the physical possession, and as someone once described to me the "richness" of analog sound. If your app lets someone preview a record, but really proxies it with digital sound, it seems like it defeats that purpose. Is that the case, and if so, where's the value add?

Good point!

So, the app is actually a tool to "find the next gem of your record collection".

We don't want to replace the vinyl experience. We're making easier the process to find and buy cool records.

Now when you are at a flea market (for example) you can only blindly purchase a record because it inspires you, or you know it, or you have to jump from Google to Discogs to YouTube to preview the tracks to see if it worth the money.

With Disco Fm you can preview the record in 2 clicks. If you like what you hear, you buy the record.

Our users are using the app to find records or to catalog their collection.

It's analogous to watching trailers on YouTube before heading to the IMAX movie theater. You're making a better informed decision. They aren't substitute goods.

Haha that's an awesome comparison.

Yes, Ziari is correct. We help crate diggers to make a better informed decision.

BTW, I'd be happy to use it and share feedback. (email in profile)

Ok sent you a mail

Sounds like a nice idea, but as someone that does buy a fair bit of vinyl (both for listening, and sampling), I find that part of the fun is just browsing through and taking a chance on some obscure records, and seeing what you found when you get home. If you don't like them, you can sell them on.

Yea I agree with surprise effect for sure! I do that too.

But I must say that in multiple occasions using the app both saved me some $ and helped me find some gems that I would have never expected just looking at the cover.

Btw, happy to share a free download code if you want to just give it a try! 9NRRW9AKKXX3

Now it's a simple tool, but we're working to make it a more complete tool for vinyl collectors. So, feedback is always appreciated/needed.

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