R.E.M. Monster U.S. LP

$

45

Up for bids is the U.S. LP pressing of “Monster” (CAT # 9 45740-1) by R.E.M..  At the time of its release, it was supposedly going to be pressed on orange vinyl, which is why I bought it on the day of its release.  HOWEVER, after opening it up, I learned that it was not on orange vinyl, just the regular black vinyl.  I never played this record as I had bought the CD as well.  The record is in mint condition and so is the LP jacket.  As a matter of fact, the original shrink wrap is still on the LP sleeve!  I may have listed this record as used, but it's never been played at all.  This record is from my personal collection. 

Here is my grading system, my records are graded by visual appearance under strong lighting!

    SS = Stilled sealed from the factory. Has not been opened.

    M = Mint. Absolutely perfect in every way--has never been played and record is in truly excellent condition. No tears or seam splits. Record may still have sleeve dust. Label stickers, writing, fading, wrinkling, color wear all detract from an M grading.

    NM = Near Mint. A nearly perfect record. Some dealers use M- = Mint Minus. The record shows no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.

An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits or other noticeable similar defects. No cut-out holes, either. And of course, the same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves and the like.

Basically, an LP in near mint condition looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap.

   VG+ = Very Good plus. A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. The record should have a only a minimum amount of foreign or surface noise which does not detract from the recorded sound. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK".

The VG+ record may show some label wear, but it would be minimal. The album cover may have slight signs of wear and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation or corner cut. The record will have most of it's original shine.

    VG = Very Good. Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.

Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.

    G = Good. A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping, but it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear (on a styrene record, the groove will be starting to turn white).

A record in "Good" condition shows signs of wear. There may be scratches, and it may be obvious the record was never cared for. Even so, it plays good enough to enjoy. A album cover will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine and will also have tape, writing, ring wear or other defects.

Here's the fun important bit about payment & shipping.  PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY!:

PAYMENT:
Paypal only.  The winning bidder must be PAYPAL VERIFIED.  Payment must be made with PAYPAL within 7 days of auctions end.  If you have not been in contact with me within 10 days of auction end, a non-paying bidder alert will be filed with eBay.

SHIPPING & HANDLING:
For U.S. (domestic) bidders shipping & handling (ignore the Ebay options):

    CD / audio or video cassette shipped within the USA: USPS First-Class Mail is $4 add $1 for each additional item.  This includes a delivery confirmation number.
    7 inch shipped within the USA:  USPS First-Class Mail is $3.50 add .50 for each additional item.  This includes a delivery confirmation number.
    LP/12" single shipped within the USA:  Media Mail is $5.00 - add $1.00 for each additional LP.  This includes a delivery confirmation number.

For international bidders shipping & handling (including Canada and Mexico, but excluding Italy and all countries of Central / South America), there are two options you can choose to receive your item (ignore the Ebay options):

The first way is by USPS first-class international mail.  With USPS first class mail, it's cheaper, but there's no way to track the package.  The only proof I would have is the receipt showing that your item had been mailed.  If you choose this method of shipping, I cannot and will not be held responsible or liable for: lost / delayed / stolen / misdirected packages / custom policies or any other factor (the weather or your country's postal system) that might delay you receiving your item.  By choosing USPS first-class mail, you absolve me of any responsibility:

    CD / audio or video cassette shipped internationally (incl. Canada & Mexico):  USPS first-class mail international - $6.00 + $2.00 for each additional item.
    7 inch shipped worldwide (incl. Canada & Mexico):  $6.00 Airmail add $1.00 for each additional item.
    LP/12" single shipped Worldwide (incl. Canada & Mexico) is $12.00 Airmail add $2.00 for each additional item (record/cd).

Please remember that 2 record sets count as 2 LPS, 3 record sets count as 3 LPs and so on. Also, 2 CD sets count as 2 CDs, 3 CD sets count as 3 CDs and so on.

If you are not comfortable with USPS first-class shipping, then the only other option is Priority Mail (this option is compulsory for bidders in Italy and all countries in Central / South America).  I do realize that Priority Mail may cost more but the added benefits for your protection, as well as mine, is no comparison.  As the bidder / buyer, you are buying this item because you want it and don’t want to wait 1 month, not get it, and then wait another month while you file paperwork with PayPal.  With Priority Mail, your item will arrive quicker than the original First Class mail and you do receive a track able package delivery code as well as automatic insurance.  It also shows the status of your package on its journey from me to you via the United States Postal Service Website for most destinations.

Additional information for international bidders: any additional import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.  These charges are your (the buyer's) responsibility).  

If you choose the first class USPS option and your package is lost or damaged, there will be little that I can do to assist you, other than to file a claim with the USPS.  Please note that the utmost care and attention to packaging is taken to secure your goods, to ensure they arrive as listed and described.  In the 13 years of dealing on Ebay when I'm auctioning / selling, I've only had one package "supposedly" not make it to its destination.  Either way, please inform me as to the shipping method of your choice before I actually ship your item(s) out.

Wherever you reside, once the package has been shipped, full ownership is then transferred to you the buyer.  On the rare occasion that the item might get lost, and if that does occur, I will be happy to assist you in any way that I can.  ALL official postal records/receipts are kept for a period of 12 months and can/will be supplied if requested by the purchaser or Ebay.  Feel free to examine my feedback comments and star ratings left by fellow ebayers.  You will see that you can deal in total confidence with me.

Packages are mailed out on the weekend (Saturday) and an email will be sent to you with proof of dispatch.

Feedback will be left for you when I have received feedback.

By bidding on this item, you have indicated that you have read and understood the terms of the auction regarding payment and shipping.  Good luck and thanks for looking!