Return & Refund Policy

All merchandise is guaranteed to be in the condition stated. If an item is "new", it is guaranteed to be free from manufacturer defects. If an item is used, it is guaranteed to be in the condition stated in grades for used vinyl & CDs (near mint, very good, etc.), plus any additional descriptions that might be noted on our website.

Returns must be authorized with the Dusty Groove returns department before they are sent to us. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted or refunded. All possible returns should be discussed with Dusty Groove before any action is taken. You can reach the returns department by email at dg@dustygroove.com. For defective, damaged, or incorrect merchandise we will generally require photographs or a brief video illustrating the situation.

Dusty Groove will accept returns on merchandise sold only under these conditions.

• Timeliness of return: All return matters must be handled in a timely fashion. Customers have 1 week from the receipt of the order to communicate with Dusty Groove regarding any complaints. It is important that all items are inspected upon receiving the order, and that any complaints are directed to Dusty Groove immediately. Also, once a return request has been made, the customer has 1 week to return the merchandise for a refund or replacement. Dusty Groove cannot be responsible for merchandise that remains in the customer's possession for an unusual amount of time.
• Defects: If a new LP or CD purchased at Dusty Groove is defective due to an error by the manufacturer, we will replace that item with another copy. If there is not another copy of that item in stock, we will offer a credit for the cost of the item towards the purchase of another item. Used CDs are all pre-scanned and guaranteed to be free of defects, but if you receive a used CD from Dusty Groove with any defects that prevent it from playing, you can receive a full refund if you contact us within the first week after receiving the item.
• Misrepresentation: If Dusty Groove has accidentally misrepresented one of our titles in a website listing, a return for credit may be proposed at the discretion of the Dusty Groove Returns Department. Examples of misrepresentation may include the following:
  • Incorrectly listing song titles for a particular release.
  • Incorrectly listing specific material characteristics (gatefold cover, original pressing, etc.) of a particular release.
• Processing errors: If an error has occurred in a customer order at the fault of Dusty Groove, then Dusty Groove will accept the item back for a refund or credit. However, if an error occurs at the fault of the customer ordering an item, Dusty Groove cannot be held responsible.
• Shipping errors: If an order is damaged or mishandled due to an error by our shipping company, we will replace any damaged items. However, the return must be handled in a way that allows for proper survey of the damage caused. Contact the Returns Department for more information.
• Shipping damage: Dusty Groove is committed to getting you your records and CDs in the best possible condition. All packages are insured, and we will gladly process a claim for any damage that is large enough to cause a significant change in the playability or collectibility of an item. Damage claims for these problems include: broken records, cracked CDs, warped records, and severely ripped or folded record jackets.

  However, please be aware that in the process of shipping goods to you, some slight wear might occasionally occur during the shipping process. While this sort of wear is not something we endorse, it is sometimes an inevitable fact of shipping items to you, and unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it. Wear such as this might include: slightly crinkled corners on record covers, a cracked hinge or 'tooth' on a CD jewel case, some slight seam splitting on LP jackets, and other small cosmetic matters. With instances such as these, we may be able to help you in some ways — such as sending you a replacement jewel case with your next order — although this won't always be the case. We strive to sell only perfect merchandise and package things carefully for transport, but minor cosmetic damage might occur as part of the shipping process.

  We will gladly replace any items that experience major defects from shipping — but we cannot do so for items that involve small cosmetic issues. If you are particulary concerned about the condition of the merchandise you receive that may arise due to shipping and handling, we recommend that you purchase items in person at a local record store where you can inspect them for yourself.

Dusty Groove does not refund or replace merchandise under these circumstances.

• Matters of taste: Dusty Groove cannot be held responsible for individual instances of personal taste. Popular music is a wide and varied array of different styles and preferences — and particular likes and dislikes are the province of the individual, not the music industry in general. If a customer is dissatisfied with the artistic component of a specific title, they should take the matter up with the artist who produced the album or CD.
• Customer errors: Dusty Groove cannot be held responsible for items that were purchased in error by a customer. We will make every effort to help a customer make the right choice when they are looking for a specific title — but once the item has been purchased, we cannot be held responsible if the customer has made a mistake in their choice.

There may be limited exceptions to these policies if a new item purchased from Dusty Groove is still in the original shrinkwrap, and no additional signs wear has occurred from the customer handling the merchandise.

If an item has been opened or played by a customer, however, we cannot accept the item back for return as it will no longer be available for resale at the regular price. We maintain a low markup on our new merchandise and we have no margin to discount items to a "used" grade price (without charging a restocking or handling fee) to account for wear and tear by customers.

These policies are not meant to penalize the customers of Dusty Groove, but only to ensure that they make the correct choices before purchasing items.