EMI "Factory Samples"?

Hi All,

I need some input here: Has anybody ever come across a vinyl record that was marked as a "factory sample"?

I've recently seen an album for sale with a sticker on the cover and (not sure if it's a sticker or printed) the same notification on the centre label.

I'm just wondering if this was a common thing and how it's different to promos and test pressings.

Capitol Records used to punch some of the jackets with the words "Sample Copy". Usually in one of the upper corners.

They spelled out the words by perforating the cover, tiny little holes maybe 1/32 inch in diameter.
Not sure why they did this as many of their white labels that most companies used.

"Designated Promos" were just regular stock copies that were pulled and distributed, usually with just a sticker applied. No on those items.

Test pressings are just that, testing the process before they go into production. They press up a few copies and those records are carefully scrutinized (or sometimes not so carefully it seems) before they go into production. They might have special labels (and often jackets too) from the company pressing the discs.

There's probably a lot more to this story that I'm missing.

Thanks Sombunya,

I am aware of the sitation with promos and test pressings. It's good to find out that Capitol does "sample copies". As it seems this is no hoax. Still, before buying a record that is marked as a "factory sample", I will need further confirmation.

Again thanks for your response.

In the UK, EMI did this kind of stickers for a long time in the 70s - see https://discogs.versitio.com/release/6373079-Concrete-And-Clay/images (b-side label)

EMI in the UK used these quite a lot so they are not that uncommon and the more popular the release the more factory samples would have gone out. The rolls of stickers did on occasion make it out of EMI on their own and also get faked on occasion so whilst not exactly that rare like a proper test pressing they are still a nice thing and given the choice between a copy with one of these stickers and one without I would always take the one with provided the being asked for it wasn't over the top.

Thanks allenh, this is the most valuabe information so far. Thanks!

seehaas
In the UK, EMI did this kind of stickers for a long time

This.

I know this post is years old but I have received a MCA UK release of Jaws the motion picture LP from 1975 with the Factory Sample Not For Resale sticker, does that mean I have a rare record or test pressing?

I have AT LEAST a dozen vinyl pieces and a couple of CDs marked as 'Promotional Copy - Not for Sale'. I don't know about the rarity/sale value of the piece though.

EclecticMusicMan
know this post is years old but I have received a MCA UK release of Jaws the motion picture LP from 1975 with the Factory Sample Not For Resale sticker, does that mean I have a rare record or test pressing?

No.
It will be a standard pressing with a paper sticker on it.
As these stickers could be easily peeled off and stuck again onto any vinyl, there is no additional value.

musiclraider
EclecticMusicManknow this post is years old but I have received a MCA UK release of Jaws the motion picture LP from 1975 with the Factory Sample Not For Resale sticker, does that mean I have a rare record or test pressing?

No.
It will be a standard pressing with a paper sticker on it.
As these stickers could be easily peeled off and stuck again onto any vinyl, there is no additional value.

Thank you for letting me know, although it looks like its been there since 1975 because the glue holding it on is deteriorating.