Show Day Prep

Before you go · what to bring · how to decide

The best show decisions happen before you walk in. Review what you're hunting, refresh on what to look for, then trust your knowledge in the aisle.

Pre-Show

Wantlist

Review what you're hunting. Have specific Discogs URLs or catalog numbers ready.

Field Reference

Reference Guide

Plants, engineers, dead-wax pocket reference, pricing rules, Warner plant warning.

Avoid Duplicates

Collection

Browse what you already own. Check before buying a familiar cover.

Post-Show

Quick Log

Got home with records? Log them fast — just artist + title. Score later.

Field Kit Checklist

▸Bright LED flashlight — for dead-wax inspection in dim show lighting

▸Phone with Discogs price-check ready — verify current market mid-decision

▸Cash for tier-1 pickups — many dealers offer better cash discounts at shows

▸Clean cotton gloves (optional) — for handling premium copies

▸This app — pull up Reference Guide; check collection to avoid duplicates

Quick Decision Heuristics

RUN · Under $20 NM with quality credits + good plant

BUY · $20-40 NM audiophile reissue (AP, MoFi UHQR, Tone Poet, Impex, DCC)

VERIFY · Over $40 — check dead wax matrix before paying

WALK · Pitman/Rainbo/GZ/Club edition unless near-free

WALK · Over $50 without UK original / MoFi / AP / Tone Poet / hype sticker

Trust your knowledge, not your phone

At a show, signal can be unreliable and your time is limited. The best preparation is the time you spent at home reviewing the Reference Guide. When you're at a crate, your gut + flashlight + the dealer's price are what matter. This app is a planning tool, not a real-time oracle.