FREQUENTLY ASKED
vinyl QUALITY & SOUND
WHAT COLOR OF VINYL SOUND THE BEST?
WHY DON'T MY RECORDS SOUND AS LOUD AS THE MASTER?
The longer the music time the quieter the music will be on the record.
WHAT ARE YOUR RUNNING TIME RECOMMENDATIONS?
These times are approximate only and depend on program material, number of spreads, mono or stereo, etc. Upon special request we can do 78s. There are additional charges for longer than recommended running times.
DO YOU OFFER 100% RECYCLED VINYL RECORDS?
No, we do not. A 100% recycled or regrind vinyl record will have terrible sound quality and Erika Records is not willing to offer a below standard product.
DO YOU GUARANTEE THAT THE RECORDS WILL BE EXACTLY 180G?
180g or other heavy weight records will be pressed to the weight at which the sound quality of the record is maximized. For example, if the record pressed at 180g has more surface noise than desireable that can only be resolved by adding more steam, therefore creating a lighter record at 170g, the record will be pressed at the lighter weight. This fluctuation in weight is not limited to 170g. Please note that Erika Records will exhaust all options to keep the record at 180g, and reducing the weight will only be used if absolutely neccessary to ensure the record's sound quality.
RECORD SIZES & CUSTOM OPTIONS
ARE THERE ANY MINIMUMS?
As a gesture to our valued customers, Erika Records has put into effect a 100-unit minimum.
WHAT SIZE RECORDS CAN YOU MAKE?
We make traditional 5", 7", 10" and 12" records. By traditional we mean that the record has a lip. However, we can make any size record you want.
IS A LACQUER MASTER NECESSARY?
Yes, a lacquer master is how your music is transferred to create the stampers used on press to make your records.
WHY WOULD I NEED TO ORDER EXTRA STAMPERS?
The rule of thumb is one set of stampers per 1,000 black vinyl records and 2 sets of stampers for color vinyl records, picture records or 180 gm vinyl records. Stampers wear out and this affects the sound quality of the music. When pressing color vinyl, 180 gm vinyl records and picture records the process is much more intense on the stampers which is why more stampers are required. For customers who are ordering their stampers themselves, we do not recommend ordering the additional required stampers until your test pressing has been approved.
PRODUCTION PROCESS & SCHEDULING
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FROM ORDER TO FINISHED PRODUCT?
Standard lead time is two to three months, based on the complexity of the order. Rush orders are available.
DOES ERIKA RECORDS ACCEPT FURNISHED PARTS?
We accept furnished stampers (made to Erika Records specification and not made from 1-step processing) and lacquers. You must let your customer service representative know where the furnished stampers or lacquers will be coming from and include a packing slip listing the selection #, representative name, and the parts inside. When sending lacquers please contact your representative before shipping as they will need to provide you with directions. Supplied print (minus labels) may be supplied for an additional handling fee.
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR ALL PARTS OF MY JOB BEFORE IT IS SCHEDULED TO PRESS?
Erika Records prides itself on a top quality product and cannot risk your vinyl product being exposed to scratches as it is moved around waiting for all your packaging to arrive.
WHY DO I NEED TO APPROVE TEST PRESSINGS BEFORE YOU PRESS MY ORDER?
A test pressing enables the artists to hear what their final product will sound like and if they need to make any changes in the mastering of the album or if there are any issues with the record before their record is pressed.
PAYMENT & BILLING
WHAT TYPES OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept cash, check, Zelle, wire transfer (EFT), and credit cards (a 3.5% fee applies to credit card payments).
WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS?
A deposit of 75% is due at the start of your order, and the remaining 25% and estimated shipping costs are due upon test pressing approval.
Shipping, Packaging & Handling
DO YOU DROP SHIP?
Yes, drop shipping is available for a nominal charge of $3.00 per box. Blind shipping is also available.
DO YOU DOUBLE BOX AND WHY?
Yes, double boxing is available for $3.00 per box. To ensure extra protection of your product during shipping.
WILL YOU HAND NUMBER MY JACKETS?
Yes. Please contact Erika Records for pricing. Also we can put them in order and box them with indication of numbers on the carton if needed.
WILL YOU STORE MY PRODUCTS?
No, Erika Records does not warehouse any products unless it is requested and authorized in writing. Leftover parts will be returned at customer's expense. Erika Records is NOT responsible for parts left after 3 months.
DO YOU PAY FOR SHIPPING?
No, all shipping costs are paid by the customer but you can pick up your merchandise at our location.
Policies & Privacy
WHAT IS YOUR POLICY PRIVACY?
Erika Records will never rent, sell, share or otherwise disclose any personal information provided to Erika Records to any third party.
Templates & Resources
WHERE CAN I GET TEMPLATES FOR PACKAGING AND LABELS?
Just click on our design template link for all the information and layouts you need. If you still have questions please don't hesitate to contact our offices.
CONTACT US
Still Have Questions?
If you’re not sure about your exact specs, don’t worry. Our team can help you choose
the best options for your vision and budget. Just tell us what you have in mind, and
we’ll handle the rest.
Call us at 714-228-5420
Or visit us in Buena Park, CA
