Jack White & Third Man Records Vs. Flippers & Fans

According to the Guardian, Third Man Records previously sold the limited-edition records through its Nashville headquarters, “pop-up shops” or its paid subscriber service, The Vault.

Auctioning the releases on eBay was a way to outsmart “flippers,” people who buy the limited-edition records for cheap and then re-sell them to hardcore fans on eBay for a pretty penny.

On Monday members of The Vault were directed to Third Man Records’ eBay page, which listed five limited-edition White Stripes LPs for sale. Each copy sold for more than $300 each, according to the Guardian.

Members of The Vault took to the forum to express their displeasure. According to Antiquiet.com (via Pitchfork.com), one fan asked, “Is this a big FU or something to vault members?” Another message added, “Really nothing on here worth paying for anymore. Think you get something special with a message but it’s really just a link to fan exploitation.”

White joined the forum discussion to defend Third Man Records’ business decision.

“We sell a Wanda Jackson split record for 10 bucks, the eBay flipper turns around and sells it for 300. If 300 is what it’s worth, then why doesn’t Third Man Records sell it for 300? If we sell them for more, the artist gets more, the flipper gets nothing. We’re not in the business of making flippers a living. We’re in the business of giving fans what they want.”

After a commented wrote, “F**k you Third Man,” this is what the musician had to say:

“Really? You think we deserve that? Would you like us to just stop making limited edition records? You would go so far as to say f**k you to us? For what? We didn’t do anything to you but give you what you want. You’re a vault member obviously, for what reason? Limited records you can’t get elsewhere? Would you kindly send us those records back so we can sell them to some other fan who didn’t get to have them? Don’t want a split colored limited edition record? Then guess what? Don’t buy one. Don’t want them to be expensive? Then guess what? Don’t WANT them. It’s you and others wanting them that dictates the price and the entire nature of the idea.

On Thursday a blog post from Swank titled “Why we sell Third Man records on eBay” was published on the Guardian’s website (via RollingStone.com).

“What often happens when these things blow up is that we’re only getting half of the story,” Swank wrote. “For instance, I don’t think people will be as repulsed by the fact that we’re auctioning our records when they hear we plan on donating $15,000 to charity from sales of these limited-edition LPs. But charity donation or not, why can’t a business hawk its own wares on auction sites?”

Like White, Swank mentioned that the limited-edition LPs would end up on eBay one way or another so it makes sense to let the customers set the price.

He added that he was surprised it had taken 15 years for a label to sell releases on eBay. Swank pointed out that because the record industry isn’t exactly rolling in the dough these days, “anything we can do to stay afloat should be condoned.”

Swank ended the post by saying Third Man was going to continue to sell releases through eBay in addition to contests, giveaway, subscription services, etc.

“Why? Because we’re American. And Americans do crazy shit for capitalism. See you in hell.”

Pollstar readers, leave us a comment and tell us what you think of the controversy. Is Third Man Records exploiting fans? Or is this an innovative strategy that simply makes more money for the artist (rather than flippers)? Does White make a good point by writing, “Nobody told them to buy it with a gun to their head”?

Click here and here for the Guardian stories.

Click here for the Antiquiet.com story.