Shipping policy

Shipping Policy

This Shipping Policy applies to products sold by Lathe Cut Vinyl Records, including custom lathe-cut records, diamond recording styli, record blanks, artwork, and related supplies.

Shipping methods, prices, packaging, and international availability vary by product type. Please review the applicable section below before placing an order.

Production Time and Shipping Time

Production time and shipping time are separate.

Shipping time begins only after production is complete and the finished order has been accepted by the shipping carrier.

Choosing USPS Priority Mail, USPS Priority Mail Express, or another expedited shipping service does not shorten the production timeline unless rush production has also been approved and purchased.

Custom Record Production Timeline

Every lathe-cut record is individually cut, inspected, cleaned, sleeved, and packaged by hand.

Production begins after:

  • Payment has been received.
  • All required audio files have been submitted in a usable format.
  • All required artwork and production instructions have been received.
  • Any questions, revisions, or required approvals have been resolved.

Most custom record orders are produced within 3–14 business days.

Large orders, engraving, specialty products, custom artwork, printed materials, assembled jacket packages, revisions, or periods of unusually high order volume may require additional production time.

Production estimates are not guaranteed delivery dates.

Custom Record Shipping — United States Only

Custom lathe-cut record orders are shipped directly by us only to United States addresses.

Our standard record shipping method is USPS Media Mail.

USPS Media Mail typically takes approximately 3–8 business days after USPS accepts the package. Delivery times are estimates provided by USPS and are not guaranteed by Lathe Cut Vinyl Records.

Tracking information is emailed when the completed order ships.

Record Shipping Charges

Standard U.S. record shipping is charged at $10 per record mailer.

Each record mailer normally holds up to 10 lathe-cut records.

  • 1–10 records: One mailer — $10 shipping.
  • 11–20 records: Two mailers — $20 shipping.
  • 21–30 records: Three mailers — $30 shipping.

This structure continues for larger quantities unless a different shipping arrangement is approved through a custom invoice.

Record Packaging

Every record is carefully packaged by hand before shipment.

Standard record packaging typically includes:

  • A white paper inner sleeve.
  • A protective record mailer.
  • Additional protective packaging when required.

Orders containing more than 10 records may ship in multiple record mailers and may receive multiple tracking numbers.

For example, a 20-record order will normally require two record mailers and may receive two separate tracking numbers.

Depending on the order, we may place multiple record mailers inside one larger shipping carton. In that situation, the order may receive one tracking number even though multiple record mailers are packed inside.

The final packaging arrangement is determined by Lathe Cut Vinyl Records during fulfillment based on the order’s size, weight, contents, and protection requirements.

Rush Production and USPS Shipping Upgrades

Customers who need an order sooner must contact us before ordering so availability can be confirmed.

Available services may include:

  • Rush Production: Additional $50, subject to availability.
  • USPS Priority Mail: Shipping cost quoted separately.
  • USPS Priority Mail Express: Shipping cost quoted separately.

Rush production reduces the manufacturing timeline.

USPS Priority Mail and USPS Priority Mail Express reduce postal transit time only after production is complete.

Rush production and expedited shipping are separate services. Purchasing one does not automatically include the other.

Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express charges are based on the destination, package size, package weight, and current USPS rates.

Applied Artwork, Engraving, and Completed Record Packages

Artwork or customization that is applied directly to the finished record normally ships with the record.

This includes:

  • Applied center labels.
  • Engraving performed directly on the record.
  • Artwork permanently applied to the finished record.
  • Completed or assembled record packages when eligible and practical.

Applied center labels, engraving, and other completed record features do not normally require a separate shipment.

Standalone Artwork and Printed Products

Artwork, printed materials, or merchandise that are not applied to or assembled as part of the finished record may ship separately from the USPS Media Mail record shipment.

Items that may require separate shipping include:

  • Empty record jackets.
  • Additional or replacement jackets.
  • Extra center labels.
  • Loose stickers.
  • Lyric sheets.
  • Printed inserts.
  • Postcards.
  • Promotional materials.
  • Other standalone printed products.

Separate artwork or merchandise packages may ship using USPS Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, or another appropriate USPS service.

Separate packages may receive separate tracking numbers and may arrive on different days.

Diamond Recording Stylus Shipping — United States

Diamond recording stylus orders shipping within the United States are charged a flat $10 shipping fee and ship using USPS Priority Mail.

Tracking information is provided when the order ships.

Diamond Recording Stylus Shipping — International

Diamond recording styli are available for international shipping using USPS International Mail.

International diamond stylus shipping is charged at a flat rate of $50 per shipment.

We do not ship international diamond stylus orders using DHL, FedEx, or UPS.

International transit times vary by destination, destination-country postal service, and customs processing. Tracking detail may become limited after the package enters the destination country.

Diamond Stylus Customs Declaration

Every international diamond stylus shipment includes a complete and accurate USPS customs declaration.

We declare the shipment using the following information:

  • Product description: Diamond Recording Stylus
  • Package contents: Merchandise
  • Country of origin: United States
  • HS tariff code: 8522.90
  • Declared customs value: The actual purchase price paid

We do not mark commercial merchandise as a gift.

We do not undervalue merchandise, reduce the declared purchase price, alter invoices, misclassify products, change product descriptions to avoid duties, or submit false customs information.

International Duties, Taxes, and Customs Fees

International customers are responsible for all charges assessed by their destination country, including:

  • Import duties.
  • VAT.
  • GST.
  • Import taxes.
  • Customs processing fees.
  • Postal handling fees.
  • Brokerage charges.
  • Any other local or government-imposed charges.

These charges are not included in the product price or the $50 international shipping fee.

Customers are responsible for ensuring that the product may legally be imported into their country and for completing any documentation requested by their local customs authority.

Refused or Unclaimed International Stylus Shipments

International diamond stylus orders are not eligible for a refund, replacement, exchange, or store credit because of:

  • Unpaid duties or taxes.
  • Refused delivery.
  • Failure to claim the package.
  • Customs abandonment.
  • Import restrictions.
  • Failure to complete required customs documentation.
  • An incorrect or incomplete customer address.

If a package is successfully returned to us and is eligible to be shipped again, all new postage and related shipping charges must be paid by the customer.

Record Blank Shipping — United States

Record blanks and related supplies may ship within the United States using USPS Ground Advantage, USPS Priority Mail, or UPS Ground.

The shipping method is selected according to the package size, weight, quantity, destination, and protection requirements.

Large blank orders may be divided into multiple boxes and may receive multiple tracking numbers.

Record Blank Shipping — International

Eligible record blank products may be shipped internationally using USPS International Mail.

International blank shipping may be charged per box or shipment according to the quantity, package dimensions, package weight, destination, and applicable carrier limits.

The shipping charge displayed at checkout or provided by custom invoice applies only to the package quantity and shipping arrangement stated in that order.

Orders requiring additional boxes may require additional shipping charges.

International blank customers are responsible for all customs duties, taxes, VAT, GST, postal fees, brokerage fees, and import requirements imposed by their destination country.