Vinyl manufacturers don't stand behind product?

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.

Just a reminder that the record store has a profit margin... On a single LP that is selling for $20 the profit is only like $2.00 (after you take out all the shops' overhead costs) then a person brings back a record. If the shop took it back, eating the cost is the only profitwise thing to do. the cost of labor in returning the defective LP is probably as much as he would get as a credit on his account. When all there was were records, the stores had a lot more to send back, including old overstock of required (ie: you pre-order 800 Pickle Grease, or your store gets doo-doo) stock to carry, (that's the music business).
Not any more. So give your local retailer a break... at least they still carry LPs...

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.

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.

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.