Spinning Plates

Five years later, would I start Vinyl Deli again? Some honest reflections on building dreams, making mistakes, and finding new ways forward.

Happy New Year!

Here I sit, 6 am on the 1st of January 2025. 2024 was a whirlwind that swept by much quicker than the current windy storm attacking my house.

It’s crazy to me how far I’ve come in 12 months, both regarding my personal and business goals.

October is the month when Vinyl Deli turns five. I’m proud of that achievement. It’s the longest I’ve ever been dedicated to one idea, mission, project, and business.

And admittedly my career isn’t a decade old yet, but that’s beside the point.

A lot of startups fail within 5 years, about 50% in fact. Only 2 in 5 startups reach profitability, while other startups will either break even (around 1 in 3) or continue to lose money (1 in 3). I’m grateful I’ve now managed to, through much sacrifice, build a business that pays my rent and bills.

That’s tangible success. Survival is the most important metric.

Over the years and in my career, I’ve been lucky to have worked with and spent time around some very inspirational, intelligent, and successful people.

People who have made a name for themselves so much so they speak at conferences for six figures. People who have built multi-million dollar businesses from nothing. Those heading up nine-figure businesses who have schmoozed their way to the top. All have had very different personalities, stories and ambitions.

I have spent years around these people, gleaning as much information from them as possible.

My grandfather and I have been going to the Swans since I was 9. It’s where we’ve formed our close friendship over my formative teen years.

It started off on one August morning in 2003. My dad told me Swansea were playing at home against Bury and that he was thinking of going. I remember immediately jumping up and asking if I could go. Hooliganism was in its full form in the late 90s so my mum had always said I was too young to go, as it could be a bit dangerous.

That day, she allowed it.

Vinyl Deli is at the heart of everything I do.

It’s one of the loves of my life (I hope to have others).

I don’t fit Vinyl Deli around my life but my life around Vinyl Deli.

Well, I’ve never been one to allow my ego to get in the way of decisions. And though I always back my intuition with complete confidence, it surprises many when I admit when I’m wrong.

Today, I acknowledge that I made the wrong decision.

Vinyl Deli appears to be the last survivor in a vinyl subscription box apocalypse.

I wonder if (as we’re compared so much to them by people NOT in the know) Brittania Music Club had competitors who surpassed Britannia’s lifecycle.

I started Vinyl Deli in October of ’19. It was born from old business ideas centred around a record label, the one I was starting with friends in 2014. I used to always dream of ways to engage the soon-to-be growing fanbase. The label, though discussed until 2016, never happened.

As you’re probably aware, we recently changed Vinyl Deli’s delivery partner from Royal Mail to Yodel. Yodel has been our main courier since April.

Today, I want to review this decision and provide you with some context.

Since October 2019, we used Royal Mail but in recent times, their service has led to numerous issues for Vinyl Deli. Here are the key reasons for our switch.

Vinyl Deli is nearly 5 years old, and its birthday is celebrated this Halloween. It’s a complete dream job; I feel like I’m living a dream most days.

I love music — it’s a lifelong obsession so why wouldn’t I create a business which serves one of my few passions?

At the same time, just because it’s a passion doesn’t mean I always want to talk music. It’s a private experience; although I love sharing the music I love with everyone possible and I’m more than happy to answer any questions you have on music and Vinyl Deli, the thought of writing content on music is one of nightmares.