Refund policy
Oct 2026: this policy covers the item: South Node limited vinyl pressing.
Pre-orders
Pre-orders are open for a limited period. You may cancel for a full refund until pre-orders close; after that, all orders are final.
All pre-orders ship together once the pre-order period ends. We will announce the dispatch date on our social channels and by email.
If we are unable to ship within 30 days of pre-orders closing, you may cancel for a full refund.
At a glance
Report issue within 7 days of delivery.
Unboxing video required for any damage or missing-item claim. If the outer parcel looks damaged, please tell us within 48 hours.
Change of mind: returns accepted only for records with the seal sticker unbroken, within 7 days, with shipping at your expense.
Defective or damaged copies are replaced or fully refunded, and we cover shipping.
Before you open
Photograph the outer parcel on all sides, then film a continuous unboxing video, starting with the sealed parcel and label visible.
Check the sleeve and jacket for folds, dents or tears before opening the outer sleeve.
Once opened, look at the record flat at eye level to check for warping. A very mild warp is normal for vinyl, plays fine, and will not harm your stylus.
What we cover
Damage in transit, including courier mishandling (crushed parcel, broken or split jacket, cracked record). We handle the claim with the courier; you deal only with us.
Factory defects: persistent skipping; loud, repeated clicks or pops that remain after cleaning (often at the same point every rotation); off-centre pressing; or a warp that prevents normal play.
Wrong or missing item.
What we don't cover
Change-of-mind returns for records that have been opened, or requested more than 7 days after delivery.
Light surface noise, such as occasional soft pops or crackle in quiet passages. This is normal for vinyl and often reduces after cleaning and a few plays.
Mild warp, light sleeve scuffs or surface marks that do not affect playback.
Damage after delivery, including handling, storage or equipment.
Playback problems caused by turntable setup (tracking force, anti-skate, cartridge alignment, levelling).
Change-of-mind returns
The record must be unopened, in its original outer sleeve with the seal sticker unbroken, and with no damage to the jacket.
Request the return within 7 days of delivery. Return shipping is at your expense, and original shipping fees are not refunded.
Once we receive the record and confirm the seal sticker is intact and the record is undamaged, we refund the price of the record. Records that arrive with a broken or missing seal, or damaged, will be sent back to you at your expense.
How to request a return
Email orders@stoa-studios.com within 7 days of delivery with your order number, a description of the issue, and, for damage claims, your photos of the outer parcel and your unboxing video. For other issues, send clear photos or video of the problem.
We reply within 2 business days. If we approve the return, we will send you instructions on how and where to ship it.
Parcels sent without an approved request will not be accepted.
Inspection
We play every returned record in full on our reference turntable and record the playback on video.
We share this video with you together with our decision.
Outcome
Defect or damage confirmed: you choose a replacement or a full refund, including your original shipping and return shipping. Stock is limited. If no replacement copies remain, we issue a full refund.
No defect found: no refund is issued, and we send the record back to you. Shipping both ways is at your expense.
Refunds go to your original payment method within 7 business days of our decision.
If it skips but looks fine
A clean record that skips is rarely scratched. First check your tracking force against your cartridge's recommended range, set anti-skate, make sure the turntable is level, and clean the stylus. If the skip is still there, contact us.
Thank you for supporting independent music. This policy does not affect your rights under Philippine consumer law.