A–C

Barcode / UPC (Universal Product Code)
A machine-readable code printed on the packaging of your physical product. Required by most retail stores to track inventory and sales. Typically 12 digits in North America.

Brick and Mortar
A physical retail store location (as opposed to online). Indie record stores fall into this category.

Buy-In
When a retail store purchases your record upfront at a wholesale price, rather than selling it on consignment.

Catalog Number
A unique identifier assigned to each release (e.g., ORL001). Helps you track your discography and inventory.

COGS (Cost of Goods Sold)
The actual cost to manufacture one unit of your product (vinyl, CD, cassette). Used to calculate profit margins.

Consignment
An agreement where the store stocks your record but only pays you after it sells. Lower risk for the store, but requires you to track inventory and follow up on payment.

D–G

Distribution / Distributor
A third-party company that sells your music to stores and retail chains. They usually take a percentage of each sale but handle logistics, shipping, and relationships with stores.

Download Code
A card included with a physical release that lets fans download a digital version of the album. Adds value to vinyl and cassette purchases.

Endcap
A prominent shelf at the end of an aisle, often used for featured or seasonal releases in stores.

Exclusive
A version of a release available only in one format or location—e.g., a record store variant or limited indie store pressing.

FIFO (First In, First Out)
Inventory management method used by stores—older stock is sold first before newer stock.

H–M

Hole Punch / Drill Hole / Saw Cut
Marks used by stores to indicate a discounted or "cut-out" record. Not typically found in new indie releases, but important to recognize in used bins.

Independent Store / Indie Store
A locally owned and operated record shop, not part of a large retail chain. These stores often champion indie artists and labels.

Inventory
The total stock of physical items (vinyl, CDs, merch, etc.) that you or a store has on hand.

Jacket
The cardboard sleeve that holds a vinyl record. Can be single-pocket or gatefold.

Lead Time
The amount of time required between placing an order and receiving the finished product. Vinyl lead times can range from 8–24 weeks depending on the plant.

LP / EP / 7-inch / 10-inch / 12-inch
Different formats of vinyl records:

• LP (Long Play): Full-length album, usually 12"

• EP (Extended Play): Shorter than an album, more than a single

• 7-inch: Typically a single or two songs

• 10-inch: Less common format used for shorter albums or special editions

Margin / Profit Margin
The difference between the wholesale cost and the retail price. Retailers usually aim for a 40–50% margin.

MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)
The price you suggest a retailer should sell your product for. Helps ensure consistency across stores.

N–S

Net Terms
Payment terms for stores buying wholesale. "Net 30" means they pay you 30 days after receiving the product.

One-Sheet
A single-page sales document for a release. Includes cover art, bio, release date, FFOs (for fans of), pricing, and order info.

Overstock
Unsold inventory that a store or distributor has too much of. Often discounted or returned.

Point of Sale (POS)
The system used by retail stores to track sales and inventory.

Preorder
A way to sell records before they’re officially released. Useful for gauging demand and funding production.

Pressing Plant
A facility that manufactures vinyl records. Different plants have different minimum orders, quality, and turnaround times.

Promotional Copy / Promo
A record sent to stores, radio, or press for promotional use—usually not for resale.

Rack Jobber
A middle-person or distributor who stocks and manages a section of music inventory in a retail store (more common in big box stores).

Returns
Unsold records that stores may send back to the label or distributor. Less common with indie stores but possible with large retail chains.

T–Z

Test Pressing
A small batch of vinyl records produced before the full run. Used to check audio quality and pressing accuracy.

Turnaround Time
Time between placing an order with the manufacturer and receiving your physical product.

Variants
Different editions of a record—e.g., color vinyl, alternate cover art, limited editions. Used to increase collectibility and appeal.

Wholesale Price
The price at which you sell your record to a store. Usually 40–60% of the MSRP.

Window Display
A display area in a store’s front window. Ask stores if you can provide a poster or small display during release week.

Z-Rack / Browser Bin
The typical shelving style used in record stores for customers to flip through vinyl. Ensuring your record has a spine with readable text helps it stand out.