FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The following are some frequently asked questions. As always if you don't see an answer to a question you might have please do not hesitate to call and speak to one of our friendly Customer Services Representatives who will be more than happy to help you.

What color vinyl sounds the best?


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.

What types of Payment do you accept?
Erika Records accepts cash, checks, money orders, cashier's checks, Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

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.

Are there any minimums?
Due to changes in the industry Erika Records has had to put into effect a 500 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.

How long does it take from order to finished product?
Due to the influx in the popularity of vinyl and our current capacity, new orders placed now through July 2021 will roughly deliver the first quarter of 2022. Turn also depends on when all the parts for your project are ready for production. The necessary components are test pressing approval, labels, slicks, sleeves, jackets, and all other parts required for packaging. Erika Records is not accepting rush orders for fees at this time.

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. As Erika Records strives to provide the best possible service to our customers we are no longer accepting print from outside vendors for orders placed on or after July 1st, 2021. All projects being pressed with Erika Records must have the print made in house; including labels, jackets, inserts, booklets, etc. This policy will allow Erika Records to better streamline our production process and serve our customers to the best of our ability.

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.

What is your Privacy Policy?
Erika Records will never rent, sell, share or otherwise disclose any personal information provided to Erika Records to any third party.

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?
Yes, double boxing is available for $3.00 per box.

Why would you double 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 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 pay for shipping?
No, all shipping costs are paid by the customer but you can pick up your merchandise at our location.

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.

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.

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.