WHAT IS ATOMIC RECORDS? HOW CAN I GET ONE OF THOSE SWANK SHIRTS? ARE YOU GUYS SATANISTS? We get these questions all the time (we’re not Satanists BTW) Here are some of some of those “frequently asked questions” and some vague answers.

What's the procedure for placing a special order?
Just give us your name & phone number and we'll do the rest. (After a quick check to make sure the release is still in print, of course.)

Do I need to leave a deposit?
Not on domestic releases. Imports or expensive box sets require a $5-10 deposit because they are usually non-returnable.

How long will my special order take to arrive? How long will you hold it for me?
We receive most of our special orders within 5 days. More obscure titles, vinyl releases, and imports take longer. We'll keep digging until we locate them for you. Once we receive your order we'll call you to let you know it has arrived. (Or, in a worst-case scenario, call you to let you know we've had no luck in locating it.) If it's not picked up in two weeks-or-so we'll give you a reminder call. If we don't see you for another two weeks after that we'll curse you to high heaven & send your CD back (when possible).

How long will you hold a record for me?
Usually a day-or-two, or through the weekend if you ask.

Why aren't there any CDs in the packaging?
Two reasons. One, it really cuts down on shoplifting. Two, because we keep the discs behind the counter, it allows you the opportunity to listen to the music before purchase.

Can I listen to CDs before purchase?
Sure, just ask at the front counter and we'll fix you up with some headphones. On occasion, like when it is really busy, we do have to limit this service. Also be aware that we have numerous listening stations throughout the store filled with the latest releases.

How much do you pay for used CDs/DVDs /cassettes/video games?
On average: CDs $2.50-$4.50. DVDs $4-6. More if you want in-store credit. We don't buy cassettes or video games.

How much do you pay for used records?
To be honest, most old used records aren't worth anything, even Elvis Presley ones. The ones that are worth something need to be in excellent condition, both the cover & the record. Unfortunately, the vast majority of used records don't fall into this category. That said, we'd be happy to look at your used vinyl & give you a fair price for anything of worth. (Customer feedback has assured us that we are very fair in this regard.) Since it is a time consuming process to inspect the records individually, we ask that you leave them here for a couple days. Then we'll call you to let you know what we can offer. But, again, remember that most used records aren't worth anything and we often just give them away. Even that cool Herb Alpert "Whipped Cream & Other Delights", you ask? Yes, especially that one.

Are your used CDs guaranteed?
Yes, used CDs are guaranteed. We inspect them carefully before buying and generally only buy the shiniest. Occasionally, we'll have ones with light scratches that play fine. These are priced cheaper but are still guaranteed. And no, you can't return a used CD just because you think the music sucks. Listen first!

What's your return policy?
Any defects should be returned within 14 days. Hold onto your receipt for these rare occasions. New, sealed stock items received as gifts can usually be exchanged for something else.

How do I sign up for your weekly email?
Just click on the "Join Our Mailing List" tab on our home page. Or if you're at the store, there's a sign-up sheet at the front counter.

I signed up for your weekly email, but I didn't get it. Do you hate me?
If you signed up online, your ISP may be having trouble with our HTML version. Please try the "plain text" option. If you signed up at the store, we may have had trouble reading that scribbly chicken-scratch you call handwriting. Please sign up again here at the website. If that doesn't work please let us know and we'll try to sort out the problem.

Does your weekly email have all your new stuff listed?
About 80% of new arrivals make it into the email. Some cool items occasionally slip through the cracks or are so limited in nature that we don't broadcast their availability. So a real life visit to the store will still offer you many pleasant surprises.

What happened to the email option on your website?
As everyone knows who tried to email us, our MailBot2000 was rather leisurely about responding. Not because he doesn't love you, but because it was so dang inefficient. Exhaustive research has determined that a 2-minute phone call (or a quick wander through this here FAQ) is far more efficient info-relation-wise than a series of back-and-forth emails. So now we encourage you to give us a call during regular business hours & a real live person will handle your every query in a timely fashion. And MailBot2000 can go back to sipping oil can daiquiris & watching Tron.

What's in the basement?
The gimp.

How come no girls work there? Do you hate girls?
Funny you should ask. At one time the Atomic staff was a good 75% female. We LOVE girls. They are cool. But whereas the ladies who worked here moved on to other ventures in life, the slacker guys who work here preferred to grow roots and never leave. That said, we are all girly-type-boys. Update: 12/01/04 Hey! There's a girl working at Atomic!!!

Are you hiring?
Sorry, no. But thanks for asking.

What are your hours?
Generally, 11AM to 8PM Monday through Saturday, and Noon to 5PM on Sundays.

Are you closed on holidays?
We are closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. We are at your service every other day of the year. We often have reduced hours on other major holidays (Fourth Of July, Memorial Day, etc.) so it's best to call ahead on such days to see what our exact hours are.

Can I order stuff off your website?
We'd like to offer this convenience but our extensive and rapidly changing inventory is far too unwieldly to keep tabs on. Anyways, you probably should get out of the house more often. Come on by, it's fun!

Do you do mail order?
Sure. Just give us a call and we'll be happy to ship you in-stock items. Shipping is $3.50 for the first item and 50-cents for each additional item. Items are sent USPS with delivery confirmation, usually First Class.

Do you have gift certificates? Can I get them through the mail?
Yes, we have gift certificates. They are available in any amount your generous heart desires. Can't get by the shop? We can mail them to you via registered mail. This service is free for gift certs $30 and above. Otherwise a $2 fee applies.

Can I use your bathroom?
Yes, but be forewarned that it is filthy and full of cheesecake pin-ups. And we would prefer you don't take a dump as it is icky enough in there as is.

I'm a local music artist. Can I consign my CD at Atomic?
Sure, just bring in a few copies and we'll give you a receipt for them. Then tell all your friends and fans to come buy them here. And be sure to give a copy to the best radio station in the whole wide world, WMSE. We'll call you for re-stock when they sell out.

My friends told me your store is weird & the staff are a bunch of jerks. Is this true?
Of course not. But it seems that newbies to Atomic sometimes get intimidated by our "weird" selection. And anyone who has dealt with the staff here knows that we are probably the most helpful store around when it comes to customer service.