The cheapest place to buy vinyl records is online, for this is the case with many other things. In fact, many record collectors will go to a record store and ask for the advice of the owner on what records to buy. Then they will go home and purchase the record online to save money. You are getting more than just the record in buying from a record store. You are getting the sales expertise and knowledge in the field. Not to mention that most record stores will have a bargain bin or Sale section to explore.