About Us
Recent media coverage:
Article about our re-location in the Grand Traverse Insider
April 2010 Record Eagle article
2009 IPR feature
FAQ
- Who are you guys and what are you about?
- Where are you located and how can I get a hold of you?
- When are you open?
- What does “independent” mean? What kind of music do you carry?
- Are your prices higher because you’re an independent store?
- Will you buy my used CDs and LPs?
- How much are my Beatles records worth?
- Will you carry my band’s CD?
- Do you only carry music?
- Do you do special orders?
- Can you hold a copy of _________ for me when it comes out?
- How could I get a job here?
Who are you guys and what are you about?
We’re currently the only independent, locally owned and operated record store in northern Michigan. We originally opened in May of 2007 in the Front Street Commons building. In 2010 we reopened in a bigger, better location on Union Street in the Old Town District.
Where are you located and how can I get a hold of you?
We’re at 418 S Union St, between 7th & 8th Streets, across from the Blue Tractor Restaurant. There is usually metered parking available along Union Street but we also have free parking for customers behind our building, which can be accessed via the Locust Street alley.
You can reach us by phone, e-mail, snail-mail, or in person. All of our contact information is available here.
When are you open?
Our new, expanded hours are 10 AM – 8 PM Monday – Saturday.
What does “independent” mean? What kind of music do you carry?
“Independent” is two-fold. We are a local business run by just a few young adults. We are not a chain store—no corporate ties, no backing. We’re in this alone. However this also means we have complete control over every aspect of our business. What we carry is up to us. We are strong believers in the power of local commerce. Two to three times more of your dollars stay in your community when you shop local as opposed to national chains. We also sponsor and participate in events that benefit our community and donate goods and services to other local organizations.
This carries over into the kind of music we specialize in. While much of what you will find in chain stores will reflect what’s popular on the radio, we carry a little bit of everything with a focus on the independent and underground. We carry indie rock, punk rock, dance pop, metal, hardcore, hip-hop, reggae, grindcore, etc., etc. For an indicator of the types of things we carry and the music we’re personally interested in, check out our reviews—or come in and look around!
Also worth noting: you might find some things in the used section that we might not carry new. Usually there is an assortment of everything, from classic rock to new wave, and from mainstream pop to electronic and hair metal.
Are your prices higher because you’re an independent store?
Not at all. Because we do a lot of our ordering directly from the labels and small distributors, our wholesale cost is generally low and so is our mark-up. Generally all of our CDs are less than $16 and quite a few are less than $13. While we can’t offer below cost prices like Best Buy and the like sometimes do, you get the added benefit of knowing that your money is supporting a locally owned business with investments and interests in our community, if that’s your thing. If it’s not, our stuff is still generously priced. Additionally because we deal directly with a lot of independent labels and distributors we are able to offer special perks and add-ons with some of our albums that are only available in independent stores like ours. Organizations like Record Store Day are shining the spotlight back on small brick-and-mortar stores like ours and labels are making a special effort to provide us with perks not available at smaller stores. Sometimes this might mean a free, limited-edition 7″ or poster with the purchase of an album or a special contest only open to independent stores to participate in.
Will you buy my used CDs and LPs?
Yes. Well, actually, maybe. CDs must be in great condition with no scratches on the disc and complete case and album art. We accept LPs in varying conditions, but acceptance is up to our discretion. We must visually inspect all albums prior to making an offer. We offer cash or trade-in options. You will be offered more trade-in than cash. We also buy DVDs.
How much are my Beatles records worth?
It is difficult to give general prices for artists like the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley albums because there are dozens of details relating to particular pressings, original vs. reissues, mono vs. stereo, imports, conditions, etc. that all factor into the value of these recordings. In order to save you time, we suggest you bring the records in and have us look them over. Also, keep in mind that our purpose in purchasing your records is to resell them. We may not offer you what you feel they are “worth.”
Will you carry my band’s CD?
We sell local artists’ albums on consignment. If you would like your album to be available in our store, please bring in 2 or 3 copies and tell us how much you expect us to charge for them. We will notify you when copies sell and you can come in to pick up your portion of the money.
Do you only carry music?
No. In addition to our wide selection of new and used CDs and LPs we also carry an assortment of t-shirts, stickers, posters, pins, patches and more.
Do you do special orders?
Yes. A good deal of albums can be available in about a week, some things may take up to a month. If it’s available, we’ll do our best to get it for you, so just ask!
Can you hold a copy of _________ for me when it comes out?
Of course. Just let us know and we’ll set a copy aside to be picked up when it comes out.
How could I get a job at Sound it Out?
You can’t. We wish we had the money to hire employees but as of right now we’re a pretty small scale organization. Keep supporting us and maybe we’ll eventually have the funds to hire you!
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