
FAQ
General Questions
Are these releases officially licensed?
Absolutely! All music sold through our store is officially licensed. We work directly with distribution partners to ensure royalties go to the artists and rights holders. Supporting artists is our mission, and we firmly oppose counterfeiting.
What genres of music do you offer?
We specialize in soundtracks, video game music, and Japanese releases, but you’ll also find a variety of other genres to explore. Our curated selection focuses on rare and iconic titles, so there’s always something unique in our catalog.
Do you offer recommendations for beginners?
Definitely! From advising hot VGM releases to explaining technical details like turntable settings, you can always reach out to us for guidance. We’re here to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.
Will sold-out items be restocked?
Restock plans vary from title to title. Some records will get repressed in the future, while limited editions may never be available again once sold out. We often don’t know if or when a sold-out item will return until the record label announces a repress. The best way to stay updated is to check the product’s page on our site - if we secure more stock, we’ll update its availability. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for restock announcements. If there’s a specific title you’re looking for, feel free to contact us and we can let you know if a restock is expected or if we can help you find a copy.
Can I request a record that isn’t listed on your site?
You’re welcome to reach out if you’re hunting for a specific release that we don’t currently carry (especially if you have one of our gift cards to use). We have an extensive network of suppliers and distributors, and we’ll gladly check if we can source the item for you at the best price. While we can’t guarantee we’ll find every title, we’ll do our best to help you get the record you want.
Orders and Pre-Orders
What is a "Pre-Order"?
Preorders let you reserve items before they are officially released or restocked. Estimated shipping dates are listed on the product page. Once the item arrives in our warehouse, we ship it within 1–2 business days. Preorder Policy
Can I cancel a pre-order?
Yes, you can cancel a pre-order anytime before the product has shipped. Simply contact us with your order details, and we’ll process a cancellation. Any payments you made for the item will be refunded in full to your original payment method.
What does Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 mean for release dates?
These represent the quarters of the year:
- Q1: January to March
- Q2: April to June
- Q3: July to September
- Q4: October to December
We use this quarterly format to estimate release timeframes because exact dates can shift. For example, if we list a release as “Q4 2024 (November),” it means we are aiming for a November 2024 release, but we’re allowing some buffer in case of delays. Vinyl production and logistics can be unpredictable, so this approach helps set realistic expectations while keeping you informed about the expected timeframe.
Why are shipping dates only estimated for pre-orders?
The dates are estimated because vinyl production involves many variables outside our control. Manufacturing schedules, printing and pressing delays, global supply chain issues, and shipping logistics can all affect the timeline. We base our estimates on the information provided by our suppliers, but delays can occur. If there are any changes or delays to a pre-order’s release date, we will update the product page and notify you via email. We appreciate your patience with these industry-wide uncertainties!
When will I be charged for a pre-order?
We charge your payment method at the time you place the order, even if the item is a pre-order that ships at a later date. This upfront charge secures your reservation for the product. (Don’t worry – if you decide to cancel the pre-order before it ships, we will issue a full refund to your original payment method.)
What if my order contains both in-stock and pre-order items?
If your order contains both in-stock and pre-order items, we will ship complete order within the Estimated Shipping Date window noted on the product page. (In other words, you ave to wait for a pre-order to release before we ship out your order.)
Vinyl Details and Care
Is the vinyl color guaranteed?
For black vinyl, yes. Colored or splatter vinyl colors may vary slightly due to production differences, making each one unique.
How should I care for my records?
Proper care is essential to keep your records sounding great. Here is few recommendations:
- Store records upright to prevent warping.
- Use anti-static brushes and cleaning solutions to remove dust and grime.
- Handle records by the edges and label to avoid fingerprints.
What does “180-gram vinyl” mean?
This refers to the weight of the vinyl, offering durability and a premium feel. While heavier records resist warping better, sound quality depends on mastering, not weight.
Shipping and Returns
How are vinyl records shipped?
We take great care in packing your records. All vinyl is shipped brand new and sealed in its original jacket; Each order is packaged in a sturdy, dedicated vinyl mailer with padding or bubble wrap as needed to protect the corners and edges. Our shipping materials are designed to cushion your records in transit and ensure they arrive in excellent condition.
Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or territories?
Yes! Economy delivery to these areas may take 2–4 weeks, while Standard shipping options only 7-14 days. We use the most reliable and cost-effective option based on your location.
How fast will my order ship?
Orders usually ship within 1-2 business days (Mon–Fri). Orders placed before 10 AM may ship same day. If you’re ever unsure about the status of a particular item, feel free to reach out to us for an update.
Can you ship my record outside of its sleeve to prevent seam splits?
We understand some collectors ask for records to be shipped outside the jacket to avoid seam splits during transit. However, our policy is to keep all products in their original sealed packaging when shipping. This ensures your item remains factory sealed and maintains its collectible value. Our packing methods (sturdy mailers and padding) help minimize movement inside the box, which greatly reduces the chance of seam splits. If you do encounter any issues like a split seam on arrival, please let us know and we’ll work with you on a solution, but we do not open sealed records prior to shipping. Thank you for understanding.
What shipping methods do you offer?
Domestic: During checkout, you’ll be able to choose from options such as USPS Media Mail (an economical choice for vinyl records) or expedited services like USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground, depending on the size and weight of your order. All available shipping methods and their costs will be presented at checkout so you can select the option that best meets your needs.
International: Asendia e-PAQ Plus (7–21 days, tracked)
Media Mail shipments do not include insurance and provide limited tracking. Transit times can range from 5 to 10 business days, and in some cases, longer.
Due to these limitations, Arcline Store may not be able to offer replacements or refunds for packages lost or damaged when shipped via Media Mail.
How long does shipping take?
For domestic orders, delivery times will depend on the shipping method you select at checkout:
- USPS Media Mail (Economy): Typically 2–8 business days for delivery, but in some cases it can take up to about 2 weeks. Media Mail is a cost-effective option for records, though it’s not the fastest.
- USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground (Expedited): Usually 2–5 business days for delivery, offering a faster alternative if you need your order sooner.
- Asendia e-PAQ Plus(International Standard): 7–21 business days.
Regardless of method, please allow 1–2 business days for us to process and ship out your order if all items are in stock. You’ll receive a shipping confirmation with tracking as soon as your package is on its way. (Pre-order items will ship within their specified release window see the Pre-Orders section above for details.)
Where is my order? Has my order shipped yet?
You can check the status of your order at any time. If you created an account on our site, simply log in and view your order history to see the latest updates and tracking information. If you checked out as a guest or didn’t set up an account, no problem – you should have received an order confirmation email that includes a link to track your order status. We also send an automated shipping confirmation email as soon as your package ships out. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder in case those emails ended up there.
Where’s my tracking number?
Tracking numbers are emailed to you automatically when your package ships. Look out for a shipping confirmation email (and check your spam folder just in case). The tracking number will be in that email, and you can click it to see the delivery status. You can also find the tracking number by viewing your order details in your account on our website. If you haven’t received a tracking email and your order was placed more than a couple of days ago, please contact us and we’ll be happy to provide an update.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes! We ship worldwide via Asendia e-PAQ Plus. USPS handles the U.S. leg; your country’s postal service completes delivery. Fully tracked for 55 countries, and limited tracking option for rest of the world. Estimated transit is 7–21 business days. No shipping to Russia, Belarus, or Ukraine.
Will I have to pay VAT or import duties?
Possibly. We do not collect VAT or customs fees. You may owe these to your local government when the parcel arrives. These are the buyer’s responsibility. If you don’t pay and the parcel is returned or abandoned, we won’t issue a refund.
What if I don’t pay my country’s import tax?
If you refuse the package or don’t pay required fees and the parcel is returned or abandoned, we do not offer refunds.
What is your policy on lost or damaged shipments?
All orders shipped with Standard or Express methods include full transit insurance. If your package is damaged or goes missing, contact us right away at support@arclineusa.com with photos and tracking details. We’ll assist you in getting a replacement, refund, or store credit based on your preference.
Please note: USPS Media Mail shipments are not insured and offer limited tracking. Because of this, we may not be able to offer compensation for lost or damaged packages shipped via Media Mail. For valuable or time-sensitive orders, we recommend selecting a Standard or Express shipping option at checkout.
More info: Shipping Policy
What if I entered the wrong shipping address?
If you realize you entered an incorrect shipping address, please contact us as soon as possible with the correct address. If your order hasn’t shipped yet, we will do our best to update the address in our system. However, if the package has already been processed or dispatched, we might not be able to reroute it. (In that case, the order could be returned to us by the carrier if undeliverable.) Always double-check your shipping details at checkout to avoid delays or misdelivery.
What if my order get lost or damaged during shipping?
All standard and international orders are insured. (Only Media Mail is not.), please contact us immediately and include photos of the damage to the packaging and the item – we’ll arrange for a replacement or refund right away. If your package never arrives or appears to be lost in shipping, contact us as well. We will investigate with the carrier and make sure that you receive your order (or a suitable resolution such as a replacement or refund). Your satisfaction is important to us, and we’ll work to resolve any shipping issues as quickly as possible.
Can I return a vinyl record?
Yes! Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery as long as the item is in its original condition and packaging. If you need to make a return, please contact us to let us know, and we will provide instructions. Once we receive the returned item and verify its condition, we can issue a refund or store credit.
Do you offer free returns?
Yes, for damaged or defective items. For unwanted returns, you're responsible for return shipping.
Payments and Policies
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. We also support popular digital payment options like Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and other secure checkout methods for your convenience. Additionally, if you have an Arcline Store Gift Card, you can use it towards your purchase on our site. All transactions are processed securely to protect your information.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes, we do! We offer digital gift cards which can be purchased through our website. Our gift cards are delivered via email (to you or the recipient) and contain a unique code that can be applied at checkout as a payment method. They’re a perfect gift for the vinyl lover in your life when you’re not sure what to choose. (Please note that we do not offer physical gift cards at this time – only digital.)
When will I be charged for my order?
We will charge your card or payment method at the time you place the order. This applies to all orders, including pre-orders. Charging upfront guarantees your order is confirmed and the items are reserved for you. If you cancel an order (or pre-order) before it ships, we’ll promptly refund the payment back to your original payment method.
Do you offer price adjustments or refunds if an item I bought goes on sale later?
We do not offer price adjustments. Because our inventory and promotions are always changing, we can’t retroactively apply discounts to past orders. When you purchase an item, the price at that time is final. To avoid missing out on sales or special discounts, we recommend subscribing to our newsletter or following our social media – that way you’ll be the first to know about any upcoming promotions or coupon codes.
What’s your warranty policy on products?
We stand by the quality of the products we sell. We offer a 60-day limited warranty on vinyl records and other items for any defects in materials or workmanship. If you discover a manufacturing defect (for example, a vinyl pressing error that affects play, a missing disc, etc.) within 60 days of delivery, please reach out to us with details and, if possible, photos or a short video of the issue. We will work with you on a solution, which may include a replacement of the item (if available) or a refund. This warranty covers defects or mistakes from the manufacturing process – it does not cover normal wear and tear or damage caused by misuse. Our goal is to ensure you receive a quality product and to make it right if there’s a problem.
Still have questions?
If you have any additional questions or need assistance, our team is here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out, and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible!