SWEAT RECORDS FAQ
Q: Where else can I find Sweat online?
A: Check us out at...
Discogs: Rarities & Select Used Titles
Withfriends: Support our brick & mortar shop & event space
Eventbrite: Follow us here for first dibs at our ticketed events
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Tiktok
Q: Where are you located?
A: Our storefront is at 5505 NE 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33137 in the Little Haiti area. Come visit!
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: We are open Noon–5pm Sundays through Tuesdays and Noon-7pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. We close on major U.S. holidays and if Björk comes to town.
Q: Can I get your digits?
A: Ring our bell at 786.693.9309
Q: Can I email you?
A: Yep, hit us up at [email protected]
Q: Where can I find your upcoming events?
A: The best way to be the first to know about our upcoming events is by following us on Eventbrite. We also list our events on this site and Facebook and post them on our Instagram.
Q: What kind of music do you sell?
A: Our shop is about 95% new and used LPs, 5% tape and CD. We have the widest selection of new vinyl in Miami and carry new releases, classic catalog titles, and reissues of almost every genre. We have tons of world music, soul, hip hop, rock, experimental music, metal, folk, punk, jazz, blues, reggae, soundtracks, and beyond.
Q: What else do you sell?
A: Turntables, record sleeves, cleaning kits, needles for the players we sell, and other vinyl accessories; enamel pins, incense, cold beverages, music books and magazines, a variety of awesome Sweat merch, and South Florida-made music, pins, books, and zines.
Q: Do you buy records?
A: Yes! We have a Vinyl Buyer here nearly every day from 12-5. For collections over 15 pieces PLEASE CALL FIRST as we’re not always buying everything. We generally buy clean collections in the genres of rock, pop, jazz, blues, soul, r&b, disco, hip hop, electronic, dance, alternative, metal and punk. We do not buy big band, easy listening (Perry Como, Barbra Streisand, etc.), Time Life-type collections, classical, show tunes, or 78s.
Q: How much do you pay?
A: An item’s value depends on the artist, title, condition, popularity, and availability. A typical collection of mixed records will be 25 cents to a few dollars store credit per LP. You will always get approximately 25% more value if you opt for store credit over cash. We cannot provide accurate quotes over the phone so please call 786.693.9309 first to make an appointment with one of our Vinyl Buyers. We can send a Sweat expert to your location if you have an excellent collection over 500 pieces.
Q: What do you NOT buy?
A: We do not buy CDs, DVDs, VHS, 8-tracks, laser discs, or memorabilia-type items. We sometimes buy killer tape collections but that’s it besides vinyl.
Q: What are you listening to?
A: Follow our New Releases & Reissues playlist on Spotify to find out!
Q: How do I book a show / event / meeting at Sweat?
A: We are a small all-ages space and most events here are cheap or free. We mainly host release shows for bands making a physical LP or tape, workshops, screenings, and other nerdy/music-centric content. If you have an idea for an event please email [email protected] all the relevant information (and please never email MP3 attachments).
Q: Will you sell my item(s)?
A: Sweat currently sells locally-produced LPs, tapes, zines, and enamel pins on a consignment basis. Please email us first, and acceptance is up to store discretion.
Q: What is the Withfriends page about?
A: Withfriends is essentially a Patreon for community orgs and alternative event spaces, so a perfect fit. It’s a great way to support our work even if you don’t collect records!
Q You guys have a record label?
A: As of 2018 Sweat Records Records is up and running and our releases by Dracula, Las Nubes, & Richie Hell have already been featured on NPR Music, Remezcla, BBC, Brooklyn Vegan, and tons more. Listen to our whole catalog here.
Q: Do you do special orders?
A: Absolutely, for no extra charge we can special order any LP, CD, or DVD that is currently in print/available to us and we’ll call you when it comes in. Simply ask whomever is working and they’ll look it up for you. Sorry but we do not take special orders over the phone.
Q: Can I have free stuff?
A: Yes! We have a popular Customer Loyalty Card program to reward regular customers. Get 1 punch for any new or used LP over $15. 12 punches = $20 voucher good for anything in the shop except gift cards. The cards are good for a year from date of issue and are stored on file at the store so you don’t have to worry about losing them. We’ve also always got a stack of free promo posters, stickers, etc up front.
Q: Can you help me track down something rare I’m looking for?
A: We’ll surely try. Feel free to email us any details about your vinyl holy grail(s).
Q Are you hiring?
A: We are sorry but we currently have no paying positions available. We still love you though.
Q: When are you moving?
A: Thankfully we are staying put. In early 2019 we were (mis)led to believe that we wouldn’t be able to stay in our location. Fortunately we were able to negotiate staying in our beloved spot in Little Haiti for the foreseeable future.
Q: Can I film or take photos at Sweat?
A: Please send an email to [email protected] for info on rates and availability. If it’s just for personal social media use go right ahead and please tag @sweatrecords when you post.
Q: I have a broken turntable / guitar pedal / amp / electronic thingie PLS HALP!?
A: We have worked with SDMachines for years and highly recommend them, and you can use Sweat Records as a drop-off point if necessary. They specialize in all eras of synthesizers and drum machines and also do modifications and customizations, as well as general turntable repairs. Feel free to contact SD via their website and please tell them that Sweat sent you.
Q: Do you sell tickets to events?
A: Not as much anymore but email us if you have a question.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: In the store we accept most forms of payment except personal checks and we take Apple Pay, too. Orders on our web shop can be paid via credit card or Paypal.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: Full refund on sealed merchandise in re-sellable condition within 14 days WITH receipt. Store/trade credit only for sealed items in re-sellable condition with no receipt. Turntables, headphones, and cartridges are final sale unless factory damaged. All sales final on used, clearance, special orders, and RSD items.
Q: Do you sell gift certificates?
A: We sell gift certificates in-store and online in a variety of denominations. They do not expire and are redeemable only at our physical location.
Q: Will you send an e-blast out for my event?
A: We’ve literally never done a “dedicated e-blast” but we do have a killer newsletter and a promo package available for concerts and events, feel free to email us for details. We also have several free avenues of promotion available to everyone – bring flyers and/or a poster to the shop (people still take them!) and/or post on our community bulletin board Facebook Group.
Q: Who are all the artists in the mural on the outside of your store and who painted it?
A: Sweat’s “Wall of Idolatry” features Daft Punk, Prince, Iggy Pop, Grace Jones, Bjork, Serge Gainsbourg, David Bowie, Noodle and Murdoc of Gorillaz, MF Doom, Billie Holiday, Notorious B.I.G., Aphex Twin and Johnny Cash. Incredible local artist and muralist CP1 (Claudio Picasso) did the entire piece without a single brush – it was all done with spray paint. His website is cp1art.com
Q: How do I stay updated?
A: Sign up for our mailing list (goes out 2-3x/month), be our friend on Facebook, join that Group we mentioned, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, keep your eyes open for our flyers around Miami, and better yet, come by the store on the regular.
WEB SHOP FAQ
Q. How do I know if an item is in stock?
A: All products listed are in stock at our store in Miami, and our web store is updated in real time to assure that stock levels are as accurate as possible. Occasionally, there may be a stock error. In this case we will notify you by phone or email to let you know if we’ll be able to get the item quickly to add to the order, and if you’d like to do so. You will not be charged for out of stock items unless you request fulfillment and the item is still available for us to order.
Q. Can I order by telephone?
A: All orders must be placed via the web store to ensure security.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept most credit cards via secure Lightspeed Payments processing and also accept PayPal. At this time we are unable to process store gift cards or coupons through the web store.
Q: Is ordering from Sweat’s web store secure?
A: Yes, the cart is encrypted. You should notice the padlock icon in your web browser. If that does not appear, please get in touch with us before placing an order.
Q: How do I know you have received my order?
A: After placing an order you will receive an Order Confirmation. Once payment has been processed and accepted you will receive a Payment Confirmation.
Q: How long do you take to ship an order?
A: Most orders will typically ship with 1-3 business days, though delays are possible.
Q: Can I place an order now to ship at a later date?
A: Yes. Either indicate your preferred ship date in the order notes, or call/email the shop with your preference once your order has been confirmed.
Q: Can you guarantee delivery on or by a particular date?
A: Unfortunately we can’t dictate what happens once custody of the item is transferred to USPS. We do our best to process and ship orders as quickly as possible, and each order receives a tracking number where applicable.
Q: An item I saw recently on the web store is no longer listed - can I still order it?
A: Possibly. There’s a good chance the item is just out of stock and we’ll get it back in. Call 786.693.9309 or email store[AT]sweatrecordsmiami[DOT]com with your name and the requested item and we’ll let you know as soon as it’s available for sale in the web store again. Some items will never be in stock again, and we will be able to verify this for you as well.
Q: If a product is not listed, can you order it in for me?
A: Due to the sometimes finicky nature of special orders, we are only able to process them (with deposit) in-store at the moment. If you’re local to South Florida and want to place a special order, call or email the shop for details.
Q: I am having problems using the shopping cart - what should I do?
A: The main reason customers may encounter problems using the shopping cart is because they are attempting to ordering from a non-standard PC/Mac unit (such as a phone). In this case, the cart may not function properly, so we recommend using a stand-alone PC/Mac if possible. Another possible source of problems is that the web browser is not optimized to work with our store (we’ve had the best luck with Chrome or Firefox). You may also encounter trouble if the security settings on your web browser are set at maximum. Additionally, "Java", "JavaScript" and "Cookies" should all be enabled in your browser options.
Q: Can I pick up my order from your shop instead of having it shipped?
A: Yes! Just selected “Local Pickup” as your shipping preference at check out and the order will be set aside for you. Keep in mind that it can take a few hours to process an order, so it might not be ready for pick-up immediately after you place the order. We suggest calling first to let us know you’re on the way.
Q: When will my card be charged?
A: Your card will be charged almost immediately after payment is processed through the processor. If you’re using PayPal, the payment should go through almost immediately as well. You will receive a Payment Confirmation once payment is completed. If you don’t receive a Payment Confirmation, something may have gone wrong. In this case we will contact you to see if you’d like to complete payment or cancel the order.
Q: What if my card is declined?
A: If your card is declined, you will be asked to enter another form of payment. If you’re unsure of the reason for your card being declined, we recommend contacting your bank or credit card provider.
Q: Can I add items to an order I have already placed?
A: Unfortunately, once an order has been paid for it can’t be added to. If you’d like to buy something additional you’ll have to place another order, however, we might be able to ship everything together if eligible, without charging additional shipping. Please get in touch via phone or email so we can see what’s possible.
Q: Why do you only ship within the USA?
A: Due to too many complications and lost/damaged packages, we now ONLY ship within the United States. We are unable to make any exceptions.
Q: What if my order is lost in transit?
A: In the case of an order not arriving, we can typically issue a replacement package, providing all items are still available. Should some items be unavailable, we will get in touch to see if you’d like a partial replacement/refund. For all US orders, we can only consider a package missing three weeks AFTER it’s been transferred to USPS. Please check with your local post office regarding packages on hold for collection before contacting us about a missing order. If we suspect that a customer's package has been stolen or the customer is committing some type of fraud, we reserve the right to refuse to supply further orders.
Q: What if my order is damaged in transit? What if a product has bad factory damage?
A: In the case of any items arriving damaged due to handling or factory cause, we can issue a replacement without charge, providing a replacement is still available. We require you to return the damaged item(s), but we will either provide you with a return postage label or reimburse you for the shipping cost. Please do not return damaged items to us without contacting us first. Also, please keep in mind that minor jacket corner dings are very typical with shipped records, and these will not be considered for replacement.
Q: Do you sell second-hand products?
A: Currently we only sell second-hand (used) products in-store or via our
Discogs store. All items listed in the Sweat Records Web Store are brand new.
Q: Do you give discounts for large orders?
A: Occasionally we have a discount code for the web store or are running a promotion. In our physical store we have a Customer Loyalty Card program which offers $20 back after purchasing 12 LPs over $15 within a calendar year. If we see that you're a South Florida customer we'll create a card/punch your card for web orders. If you’re interested in placing a VERY LARGE order (15+ records or multiple copies of a title), please get in touch so we can work with you one-on-one to acquire all the items you’re interested in.
Q: Do you have a shop I can visit?
A: Yes! Our brick-and-mortar shop is located at 5505 NE 2nd Ave in the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami, FL. We definitely recommend coming in to dig if you’re in town!
Q: Can you supply wholesale orders to shops and distributors?
A: The only items we can supply wholesale are our own Sweat Records Records label titles or certain Sweat Records-branded merch. Please get in touch via phone or email to discuss wholesale of the aforementioned items.
Q: What if I do not like the products I have ordered? Can I return them?
A: We currently only accept exchanges on apparel that hasn’t been worn if you need to get a different size. Due the physically delicate nature of records (and the fact that you can pretty much verify whether or not you “like” the music by listening online first), we cannot accept returns on records.
Q: The artwork on the album I received doesn’t exactly match that on the web store. Did I receive the wrong item?
A: Sometimes artwork is varied or updated depending on a pressing. We are unable to always update photos for each variant. In almost all cases, the music on the record is EXACTLY the same. If you want to verify an element of a listed item, please get in touch BEFORE ordering. If you believe you in fact received the entirely wrong album, please get in touch and let us know.
Q: I want to support Sweat Records but don't really buy/collect vinyl. Is there a way to donate?A: Yes! You can support Sweat by becoming a member via
WITHFRIENDS.
