GENERAL HANDLING NOTES:
All records that we
offer are vintage pressings--we do not sell contemporary reissues or
bootlegs--and they are all handled professionally throughout each stage of the
auction process: (1) we thoroughly clean all of our records using a VPI
machine; (2) we store them outside of the covers in new paper sleeves, saving
any original printed inner sleeves, and giving them new plastic outer sleeves;
(3) we grade them carefully using the strict scale described below; and
(4) we ship them securely in sturdy mailers with appropriate fillers.
*****
SHIPPING RATES:
January 2016: We have
adjusted our shipping rates based on the USPS’s new rate increases.
As before, if you are
bidding on multiple items, just wait until the last one has ended. Then proceed
to check-out, and the combined discounts described below will automatically
appear. For larger orders, you may write us to request an invoice based on
actual postage costs.
OUR SHIPPING RATES FOR LPs & 12”s
ARE AS FOLLOWS:
USA: $4.00 for the first LP/12”; $0.25
per additional
Canada: $16.00 for the first LP/12”;
$5.00 per additional
All other international destinations: $23.00 for the first LP/12”;
$5.00 per additional
*****
OUR SHIPPING RATES FOR 45s ARE AS
FOLLOWS:
USA: $4.00 for the first 45; $0.25 per additional
Canada: $10.00 for the first 45; $1.00 per additional
All other international destinations: $14.00 for the first 45;
$1.00 per additional
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WE USE THE FOLLOWING
SCALE FOR OUR STRICT, VISUAL GRADING OF VINYL:
Sealed : Jacket is sealed shut in shrink wrap, disc is
sold ungraded or "as is".
M- : A record in this condition appears absolutely
unplayed and will bear no marks, sleeve scuffs, or scratches. We seldom use
this grade.
VG++ : A record in this condition may have one or
two visible imperfections, but these will be of a purely cosmetic nature (i.e.
sleeve scuffs or other superficial marks) and will not affect play. A VG++
record will have no scratches.
VG+ : A record in this condition will have a few
visible imperfections. These may include sleeve scuffs, superficial marks, and
light scratches. The presence of a single light scratch is enough for us to
grade an otherwise markless record VG+; a VG+ record will have no more than a few
such scratches.
VG : A record in this condition will show the
kinds of imperfections found on VG+ records but in slightly greater numbers.
There may be a number of light scratches and other marks, but a VG record will
not bear any scratches deep enough to be felt with a fingernail.
VG- : A record in this condition will have a
number of visible imperfections; the presence of a considerable number of light
scratches will force us to give a record this grade, as will the presence of
even one scratch deep enough to be felt with a fingernail.
G : A record in this condition will have
pervasive imperfections of varying degrees including both light scratches and
scratches deep enough to be felt with a fingernail.
*****
WE USE THE FOLLOWING
SCALE FOR OUR STRICT GRADING OF ALBUM COVERS:
M- : A cover in this condition will appear as
though it were brand new and will display no imperfections, wear, or signs of
handling. We seldom use this grade.
VG++ : A cover in this condition will appear as though it were
brand new, but on closer inspection will display one or two superficial
imperfections, most frequently very light wear to the corners or seams. A cover
in this condition may also have cut-out markings such as a cut corner, a hole
punch, or a saw cut.
VG+ : A cover in this condition will have a few noticeable
imperfections or signs of wear and handling, but they will be neither prominent
nor numerous. These may include a single split to the seams or spine that does
not exceed 1" in length, light stains or discoloration, small crease
marks, and faint shelf or ring wear.
VG : A cover in this condition will display the same
imperfections and signs of wear and handling present on a VG+ cover, but they
will be more pronounced or present in greater numbers. Splits to the seam or
spine will not exceed 5" in length. The presence of a single pronounced
flaw, such as extremely prominent shelf or ring wear, marking, staining,
writing, or discoloration will cause an LP cover to receive this grade, as will
the presence of an appreciable number of minor flaws.
VG- : A cover in this condition will have an appreciable
number of minor imperfections and one or more pronounced flaws such as
prominent shelf or ring wear, marking, staining, writing, or discoloration.
Splits to the seams or spine will not exceed 8" in length.
G : A cover in this condition will display heavy wear and
several of the pronounced flaws described above. Splits to the seam or spine
may exceed 8" in length. We rarely sell records with covers in this
condition.