About Stampers
What is a stamper?
A stamper is the metal mold used to make your test pressings and eventually your completed record.
It can be reused for repress projects.
Please check out our production partner's website for a detailed description.
FAQs about stampers
Q: Can I purchase the stamper from Qrates and have it sent to my address?
A: Unfortunately, no. Qrates cannot sell stampers.
Q: Can I have my stamper transferred to another plant?
A: Unfortunately, no. Qrates cannot transfer, sell, or reproduce vinyl stampers as they are the property of the production plant.
Q: I just got an email saying my stamper is going to expire, what should I do?
A: Due to storage limitations at our production partner's facilities, stampers are discarded after a period of 18 months. However, you can opt to keep your stamper for an additional six months by paying a nominal fee. You are also free to discard the stamper at no extra cost.
Can I pay extra to store my stamper for longer than six months?
A: Unfortunately, no. Qrates does not set the terms of storage for vinyl stampers. These are determined by our production partners. However, your stamper will automatically have an additional two years added to its expiration date if you choose to repress your project within 18 months of its original production.
Q: Can I re-use this stamper for a new version of my album? For example, I want to add a new bonus track/remix/etc.
A: Unfortunately, no. The stamper, by necessity, must contain the exact same audio content. However, you can opt for changes in vinyl color or other cosmetic changes for a repress.
Q: I'd like to keep my stamper for a repress project. If I order a repress now, how long will it take?
A: Please check out the following help article for details: https://support.qrates.com/l/en/article/6bbuh8rljx-repress-at-qrates
Q: I missed the notification about keeping my stamper! Does this mean I cannot do a repress? Help!
A: Missed the deadline to keep your stamper? Not to worry. You can still order a repress, however the stamper will have to be recreated meaning your project will incur the stamper fee.
