Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Covid-19 and item pick-up / free local delivery
We are operational and contact-free, with local pick-up available for most items. We are also offering free local delivery on most items Saturday: just place your order by Thursday at noon and select the free delivery option when you pay for your order on-line. We'll then send you an Email to arrange a time to drop off your order.
Note that free local delivery is limited to an expanding list of postal codes surrounding Dorval, QC. If you're not sure whether it applies to you send us an Email and we'll see what we can do!
Payment
Local pick-up orders can be paid in cash. In all cases sales taxes will be charged when applicable.
Note that the buyer is responsible for any customs or duties related to international orders.
Shipping
Local pickup in the Dorval, QC, Canada area is also available. We are located on Crois Violet in Dorval. Simply choose the local pick up option at checkout to avoid shipping charges.
Certain items are local pick up only, (e.g., large furniture), and are indicated in the item description. As a rule we prefer not to ship turntables, but if requested they will be shipped at the buyer's risk.
Note that the buyer is responsible for any customs or duties related to any international order.
Shipping for CDs and cassettes
Our sales platform does a very bad job handling packaging sizes, so if you are ordering CDs or cassettes without LPs please contact us at sales@boutiqueaudiowerks.com for a more accurate quote. Be sure to let us know which item(s) you wish to order, along with your mailing address.
Return Policy
In the event an item purchased on our website is found to be defective or not as described please contact us via Email at sales@boutiqueaudiowerks.com. Based on the specifics of the case we will work with you to resolve the issue. Should it be necessary to return the item we will issue a return authorization and upon receipt of the item at our physical location will refund the total amount of your purchase, including shipping in the amount of two times the original shipping cost (adjusted if multiple items were ordered) and any applicable sales taxes.
Refund Policy
If we authorize the return of an item purchased from our website we will issue a refund within 5 (five) business days of receipt of the item at our physical location.
If an order has been cancelled but not shipped, any authorization hold will be cancelled or – in the event the order has been already billed – refunded within 5 (five) business days.
Refunds will be issued against the original payment method, and against the same card originally used for payment.
Cancellation Policy
Orders may be cancelled right up to the time of payment confirmation and shipment by Emailing us at sales@boutiqueaudiowerks.com.
If an order has already been shipped and you wish to cancel, either refuse delivery or contact us via Email to arrange to ship it back at our cost.
Grading and condition
As we want all our clients to be satisfied, we try to grade our used inventory conservatively. Should you have any doubts before ordering please request additional photos.
Whenever appropriate our used records are cleaned using the Spin-Clean record washing system, with a light cleaning of the outer sleeve when warranted. All our used records are protected with new 3 mil polyethylene inner and outer sleeves. When available, original liner sleeves and inserts are placed back in the outer sleeves.
Note that pictures on our website are always the actual item for sale.
Mint (M)
Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed. Should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all.
Near Mint (NM or M-)
A nearly perfect record. A NM- record has more than likely never been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as any sign of slight handling. An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK". The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present. Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some slight wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner. In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint.
Very Good (VG)
Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time.
Good (G), Good Plus (G+)
A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.
Poor (P), Fair (F)
The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing. The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon. We do not sell records in this condition.