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Vinyl manufacturers don't stand behind product?

I was wondering if anyone else experienced the same thing I did when I tried to return for exchange a new album and was told the retailer did not take back or stand behind vinyl records. I was told the manufacturers no longer take back defective records and this has been the case for about 10 years. As a result the retailer refused to take the album back for exchange of the same album. It's been quite a while since I've had to return an album but I purchased two that were defective this week(one had a number of pops and the other had the center label off center by about an inch- my needle slid right over it at the end of the side). These were both 180 gram audiophile(supposedly) pressings. This is the first time I've encountered any company not taking back defective product.
Thanks in advance for your responses.
mitchchavis
mgottlieb
334 posts
 
I find very few defectives, but I've never had a dealer refuse to replace one. That includes 5 or 6 different mail order dealers, and Classic Records is also particularly good about returns.
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4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Some guys here are always wise-achers when it comes to vinyl, huh? How about the majority of CD's you can buy that are not defective in any way but just sound like crap? :-)

I rarely get a defective LP, but the dealers around where I live will ALWAYS at least exchange for an identical copy or give a store credit. I found that two of five Classic Records Lp's had a BUNCH of surface noise. Dealer took them back before we agreed it best I stop BUYING them - and he agreed it was time he stopped CARRYING them.

There is even a store near me that will give full credit on defective USED LP's. Even LP's that are only a buck. Keeps me coming back.

Mitchdavis, I TOTALLY disagree with Liz on this one. While it may be easier said than done, if your dealer won't honor a defective LP, time to find another dealer. Tell this guy it has been ten years since the dealer you USED to patronize refused to stand behind his product. You're not lucky he carries vinyl, he's lucky you come in his store to buy it.
mitchchavis OP
87 posts
 
My surprise was really that the manufacturer would not replace a defective product. I think it's good business for the retailer to take care of a problem with a defective product but I don't think the retailer should be placed in the position of compensating for the manufacturer's careless quality control. I find it surprising that a company would refuse to stand behind the product it brings to market.
mfkeleher
146 posts
 
Records, or anything else one buys are covered by an "implied warranty of merchantibility." This can be upheld in any small claims court. Basically a product has got to work as reasonably expected. I'm no lawyer, but I used this approach to get HP to buy back, my Windows ME operating system, so a record ought to be easy.
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