Buyer's Guide
Welcome to Lush Life Records, an independent online record store based in Sydney, Australia. We specialise in new and vintage vinyl, carefully curated and shipped with the attention to detail collectors deserve. This guide explains how we grade, package, and ship your records, so you can buy with complete confidence.
Record Grading
Every vintage record listed on Lush Life Records is graded conservatively using the internationally recognised Goldmine Standard. Each listing includes both vinyl and sleeve grades, and any notable imperfections are mentioned in the description. We never overstate condition, if anything, we err on the side of caution.
Mint (M)
Perfect. Unplayed, unopened and still factory sealed. Only applies to new, sealed records.
Near Mint (NM or M-)
Almost perfect. Played a few times at most, showing no visible marks or signs of handling. Labels are clean and sleeves are crisp.
Excellent (EX)
Very close to Near Mint, with just minor signs of play or handling. May show the faintest sleeve scuff or spindle mark under strong light, but playback is unaffected.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
Well cared for with light surface wear or minor scuffs that don’t impact playback. Sleeve may show slight ring wear or small corner dings. The sweet spot for many collectors, great sound and great value.
Very Good (VG)
Noticeable surface wear and occasional light noise or clicks, but still a solid listening copy. Sleeves may show mild ring wear or edge rubbing.
Good (G)
Shows heavy wear, audible surface noise, and visible marks. Still playable, but best suited to completists or budget buyers. We only list Good records if the title is rare or historically significant.
All vintage records are cleaned before shipping and come in a new resealable outer sleeve for protection.
New Vinyl
All new records are brand new and factory sealed unless stated otherwise.
Packaging
We take packaging seriously. Every order is hand-packed using heavy-duty cardboard LP mailers designed specifically for vinyl shipping. For larger orders, we double-box and reinforce with corner protection and internal bracing.
Each parcel is clearly marked FRAGILE and sealed securely to prevent damage. We treat every order like it’s going to a fellow collector, because it is.
Shipping
We ship Australia-wide using Australia Post. All shipping rates are calculated at checkout and include full tracking.
Domestic Shipping
- Standard Shipping: $9.95 (Free for orders over $100)
- Express Shipping: $ 14.95
Orders are usually dispatched within 1–2 business days. Delivery times vary by location but typically range from 3–6 business days within Australia. You’ll receive an email with tracking details once your order has shipped.
International Shipping
We don't ship internationally (yet!).
Delivery Times
Delivery times depend on your location and the chosen shipping method. Please allow extra time during peak periods, especially November to December. You can check live delivery estimates and any service updates directly on the Australia Post website.
Returns & Refunds
If your record arrives damaged, defective, or significantly different from its description, we’ll make it right. Just contact us at info@lushliferecords.com.au within 7 days of delivery with your order number and a few photos.
We’ll replace the item (if available) or issue a full refund. Change-of-mind returns are possible for new vinyl only when you contact us within 30 days of the purchase and the record remains sealed and undamaged.
For full details, see our Refund Policy.
Pre-orders
Pre-order release dates are provided by our distributors and are subject to change. If delays occur, we’ll update the product page and contact you directly. All items in a combined order ship together once the pre-order is released.
Need Help?
Still have a question about grading, packaging, or delivery? Drop us a line at info@lushliferecords.com.au, we’re always happy to help.