I don't think its the manufacturers, guys, but the distributors. The local vinyl dealer and I are very good friends and he has told me that absolutely, positively, the vinyl distributors do not take anything back under any circumstances. In fact, everytime he places an order he has to verbally acknowledge over the phone that he understands the "no returns on vinyl" policy. There is also a written clause on whatever form or P.O. that he has to sign, too.
With that said, this retailer WILL take back vinyl for any reason except for "surface noise". Pops, scratches, warps, etc he will take it back no problem. I agree with him that "surface noise" can be a matter of opinion and it is a risk we take by listening to vinyl. He won't allow some knucklehead to rip open 6 copies just to find the best pressing.
Bear in mind that retailers like this guy eat the entire cost of the LP when it is returned. He either marks it way down and tries to sell it as damaged or (I think) he simply adds it to his own collection and tries to listen past the imperfections.
With that said, this retailer WILL take back vinyl for any reason except for "surface noise". Pops, scratches, warps, etc he will take it back no problem. I agree with him that "surface noise" can be a matter of opinion and it is a risk we take by listening to vinyl. He won't allow some knucklehead to rip open 6 copies just to find the best pressing.
Bear in mind that retailers like this guy eat the entire cost of the LP when it is returned. He either marks it way down and tries to sell it as damaged or (I think) he simply adds it to his own collection and tries to listen past the imperfections.