My strong opinion is to demand a refund- especially if rated 8 or 9 and no indication the it was "not straight".
I purchased a BRAND NEW 17 D III last year from Stereotypes in Portland, OR. I, nor they, looked at when I picked it up (my mistake). BTW, I picked it up after waiting 2 months, I was told it would be there in one week.
After mounting it, it skipped across the LP . I looked closely and noticed the cantilever was bent. Whether this happened when it skipped, or it was bent and therefore it skipped, I honestly don't know.
Of course, I would never sell it to anyone in this condition.
I went back to Stereotypes and I was informed that it is store policy to have the customer inspect the cart to confirm with them that it is indeed straight before they leave the store, sign the receipt. This did not happen.
Long story short, I paid an additional $300 to get a replacement.
My feeling is the store was wrong, they should have replaced the cart for free. They did not stick to their policy to confirm all was good. (Had I known this, I would have complied).
I doubt I screwed it up as I've mounted dozens of carts on dozens of table/arm combos. never a problem.
I will never go back to Steroetypes of Portland, Oregon. I felt I ought to support my local audio store, and got burned.
BTW, after I returned the cart, I emailed the distributor and he said to have Stereotypes return it to him, that he would most likely replace it, no questions asked. Too late, said Terry.
So, don't accept the cartridge, demand a refund. If he refuses, please post his name so we can avoid him.