Frequently Asked Questions
Products & Condition
What do your tape grading categories mean?
We grade all tapes into three condition categories.
- New Old Stock (NOS)- A Stock:
Factory sealed and never used. For multi-tape packs, minor imperfections in the outer wrapper that do not affect the grade. - B Stock: NOS with minor visible imperfections such as wrapper damage, missing wrappers, excessive scuffing, or shell cracks - the tape itself is unused.
- C Stock: Gently used tape that has been previously recorded on, sold with a full warranty. Visit our C stock page for details.
For B and C stock items, we offer a free pre-shipping photo service so you can see exactly what you are getting before it ships.
What does New Old Stock (NOS) mean?
New Old Stock refers to products that were manufactured decades ago but never sold or used - they have been sitting in original factory packaging in warehouses or private collections. For blank cassette tapes, this matters because the high-bias Type II and metal Type IV formulations made in the 1980s and 90s used oxide coatings and manufacturing tolerances that are not replicated in modern production. A properly stored NOS tape performs exactly as it did when new.
Do you sell used tapes?
Yes - our C Stock tapes are previously used and sold with full condition disclosure and a warranty.
Everything else in our catalog is New Old Stock. C Stock tapes are clearly labeled on every product page.
What types of blank media do you carry?
We carry blank cassette tapes (Type I normal bias, Type II high bias, Type III FeCr, and Type IV metal), MiniDiscs, and DAT tapes.
Our cassette catalog covers tapes from TDK, Sony, Maxell, AXIA, BASF, Denon, Fuji, Nakamichi, and many other manufacturers, spanning production years from the 1970s through the early 2000s.
Orders & Returns
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Yes, as long as the order has not yet shipped.
You can cancel your order directly from your account page.
For changes, contact us immediately- we process orders quickly, so prompt communication is important.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes.
If your items arrive in a condition different from what was described, we cover return shipping and waive any restocking fee.
For returns initiated for other reasons, return shipping is the buyer's responsibility, and a 15% restocking fee applies.
For full details on our return policy, please visit our Refund Policy page.
Can I return an item?
Absolutely, for any reason within 14 days of receiving your order, provided the item is returned in the same condition it was received.
Contact us ASAP to initiate a return.
If the item was not as described, we cover return shipping and waive the restocking fee.
For all other returns, return shipping is the buyer's responsibility, and a 15% restocking fee applies.
How do loyalty rewards work?
Our rewards program is free to join - create an account, and you earn points automatically with every purchase.
You earn 10 points per $10 spent (excluding shipping), 50 bonus points when you register, and 100 bonus points when you add your birthday.
Redeem points for discount codes on your account page under the "Loyalty Rewards" tab.
Tiers are:
- $5 off for 100 points (min. $50 order)
- $11 off for 200 points (min. $100 order)
- $30 off for 500 points (min. $250 order)
- $75 off for 1000 points (min. $500 order)
Why is my discount code being rejected?
The most common reasons are an expired code, a typo or extra space in the code, or attempting to combine two discount codes simultaneously.
The exception is our automatic free US shipping on orders over $50, which applies regardless of other discounts.
If you are still having trouble, contact us, and we will help.
Shipping
How can I minimize international shipping costs?
USPS international rates are calculated by weight ranges, not per-tape - so the cost is the same whether you ship 3 tapes or 9 tapes (both fall in the 9-32 oz range). Plan your order to fill each weight bracket.
The ranges are:
- 1-8 oz (1-2 tapes)
- 9-32 oz (3-9 tapes)
- 33-48 oz (10-15 tapes)
- 49-64 oz (16-21 tapes)
Note that heavier shells, such as TDK metal or Sony ceramic models, may reduce the number of tapes that fit in each range.
Plan accordingly to optimize shipping costs!
We strive to keep shipping costs as low as possible by offering both economy and expedited USPS options, which are the most cost-effective worldwide.
We can ship via UPS or FedEx upon request but be aware that these carriers may charge additional brokerage fees.
We have no control over shipping rates and do not markup these costs or charge for packing and handling.
Will I need to pay customs fees or VAT?
Customs fees, handling charges, and VAT are determined by your country's regulations and are the buyer's responsibility.
We have no control over these charges and cannot predict them.
We recommend contacting your local customs authority before ordering if you are unsure what to expect.
Can you lower the declared value of items or state that they are gifts?
No - we are required to declare the full retail value on all customs forms.
We cannot understate item values on customs declarations.
The invoice value is the item's retail price before any discounts.
When will my order arrive?
We ship within 48 hours of receiving your order.
US orders via USPS typically arrive in 3-8 days depending on your location.
International delivery times vary by destination - check the carrier's website for estimates. All orders are fully tracked.
If we encounter a delay of over 4 days, we will contact you directly.
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking number by email.
Use it on the carrier's website to monitor your shipment.