FAQ (Prices, NOK, VAT, shipping, etc)

What’s this, who runs this store?

I’m the artist Ugress, running my own vinyl store myself. I release music on my own label Uncanny Planet Records. 

Buying vinyl from this shop is the best way to support me and support creation of more music and releasing more vinyl. (But you can also use and support your local vinyl store, this is important too!)

For proof that this is my official store, see my website who points right back here.

Can you sign the vinyl?

Yes. There is a Signature option for each LP, select “Signed by Ugress” for the LPs you want signed before adding them to the shopping cart. These costs a bit more, because they add a bit more work to each shipment. 

When does it ship?

Generally I ship out vinyl once a week, each Monday. You will get a shipment confirmation and tracking number by email. 

If I'm touring or travelling, I might not be able to ship vinyl on the next Monday after your order it. In these cases, I will email you ASAP with an estimated shipment date, and then again with shipment confirmation on that date. 

Why are prices in NOK (Norwegian krone)?

Because I’m based in Norway and Shopify (the platform hosting this store) does not allow multiple currencies for Norwegian webshops. They do so for most other countries, but not Norway. This limitation is a decision by Shopify, not me. I would love to offer EUR and USD prices.

Why are prices so expensive for international orders?

I’m based in Norway, the vinyl is produced in Norway, the shipping is done from Norway, the cost for me to print and ship these LPs are at Norwegian price levels. For me as an artist to make a profit on the vinyl (so I can make more music), I then have to sell them at average retail Norwegian prices.

Norwegian orders: Why are VAT added at checkout?

VAT is Value Added Tax ("merverdiavgift" in Norwegian).

Art and music is VAT free in Norway, but selling products of the art (like this vinyl) is not VAT free. My company (“enkeltpersonforetak”) is arts-based but must still add VAT to all vinyl sales. The store automatically adds this at checkout when your shipping destination is Norwegian. 

The final price for vinyl in Norway with VAT added is still slightly below retail price. 

International orders: Why are VAT not added at checkout?

Because your local VAT will be claimed at import by the courier / your national post / whatever system operates in your country.

I’m a small independent store run by the artist, and I cannot process and handle VAT for shipments to all the possible countries on this planet and anywhere else in the solar system. (Big companies and tech platforms like Amazon and Bandcamp can do that, but I don’t have the capacity).

So I ship out international orders without VAT, and if you live in a country or on a planet or moon that wants VAT on vinyl (most do), your customs will likely demand VAT upon arrival. How this process unfolds is different for each country, you are probably used to it and know how it works. If not, please check your local tax or postal services, for sure they're going to have a system for it.

Who delivers this, how long does shipping take?

Shipments are handled by Norwegian postal services “Posten”, also called “Bring” for business and tracking solutions. That means you’ll get it delivered by your national postal service on your end.

You’ll get a tracking number and in some cases estimated delivery.

Shipping for Norway takes a few days, shipping for EU usually a week or so, outside EU usually 1-2 weeks. Note that customs might delay it while processing and this is usually not included in delivery estimates.

Returns, problems?

If your order never arrives, is damaged in transport, or if there is physical damage to the vinyl, please get in touch ASAP (see next question) and we'll work out a solution.

Other questions, contact information?

Please contact me directly either via the Contact form or via email: merch at uncannyplanet dot com