What do I need to bring to the store when I rent my instrument?
You will need your driver’s license and the card you intend to use for automatic payments. IF THE NAME LISTED ON THESE ITEMS DOES NOT MATCH, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RENT THE INSTRUMENT.
What personal information do you require?
We require your driver’s license number, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your social security number, along with contact information (phone number, email address, mailing address).
Do you require any other contact information?
Yes. We will ask for your spouse’s phone number and email (if applicable) and the phone number and email address of a nearest relative who does not live with you (emergency contact).
Is there a down payment?
Yes, we require an initial down payment as first month’s rent, and then monthly payments for the duration of the rental until it is either returned or paid off.
How long is the rental?
Our rentals require a 3 month minimum commitment. You are welcome to pay the minimum up front or pay it over the duration of 3 months. If you try to return the instrument before the minimum rental period has expired you will be charged in store for the remaining months upon the return.
When are payments taken out?
Payments are charged to the card on file automatically on the 5th or the 20th of each month regardless of whether that date falls on a weekend or public holiday.
Are payments refundable?
No. Once the payment is taken off of the card, no refund is possible. This includes the day the payment is taken out. If you need to return your instrument, we strongly recommend that you return your instrument at least one day before payment is due to avoid any unwanted charges.
What happens if my payment fails?
You have 10 days to make the payment with no late fee. After the 10 days, you will be charged a $10 late fee for the missed payment. Late fees are also non-refundable.
What are my purchase options?
Non-exchanged instruments: Continue to make monthly payments until the instrument is paid in full. 100% of rental credit applies.
Long term rent-to-own credit: Your rent-to-own credits are calculated from the very first contract you sign. 100% of your monthly rental payments may be applied to the cost of the instrument in the first year. Every year after the first year, 50% of rental credit may be applied toward the purchase of a full size or upgraded instrument of choice. Orchestra instruments move up in size and it is normal for customers to exchange sizes and continue to rent until their child reaches a full size. Your rental credit is valid as long as your instrument has been continuous, which means you have continued to rent with no breaks in between. If the Renter returns an instrument for a period of time, such as, at the end of the school year and then rents again at the beginning of the school year, their rental credit will be void as that instrument is no longer considered continuous. Rent-to-own credits are not applied until the Renter specifies they are ready to purchase their last level of instrument whether that be a full size violin or upgraded band or orchestra instrument.
Any orchestra or band instrument on rental may be purchased outright during the first year at a 15% discount off the cost of the instrument. During the second year, that discount is lowered to 7% of the cost of the instrument. During the third year, no discount is applied and purchasing the instrument will mean paying the full price of the instrument.
Is there interest or hidden fees?
No, you are only ever paying for the price of the instrument. We offer a discount in the first and second year as an added incentive to give our customers the best payoff price. If you continue to rent the instrument into the third year your overall price will remain the same.
What damage or fees could I be responsible for when I return the instrument?
This varies based on the instrument. Generally speaking, you will not be charged for anything considered normal wear and tear or any pre-existing damage noted in the damage assessment form. You will be charged for any dropped or neglected (left out in extreme temperatures) instruments, or any damage not noted at the beginning of the rental. Stickers, and non–approved finger tape on orchestra instruments, and instruments with stuck valves or lead pipes will be charged a cleaning and/or removal fee. When returning the instrument, an employee will inspect and point out possible damage that you may be responsible for and charge accordingly. If the instrument needs to be repaired the contract may not be closed until we have received payment for the damages. Once payment has been collected by the customer the contract will be closed.
What does the insurance cover?
The optional insurance covers half of any labor costs associated with the instrument. This includes charges for repairing cracks, punctures, dents, and other such repairs. The insurance does not cover any external parts used in that repair (strings, bridges, corks, etc.) Insurance payments do not apply towards rental credit.
What if I pay off my instrument before I am able to upgrade?
If you accidentally pay off your instrument before you have reached your upgrade or full-size option you have 45 days from the payoff date to come in and continue your rental without trading in the instrument. Instruments not returned between the allotted 45 day window are no longer our property and may or may not be traded-in due to current inventory levels and/or condition/brand of the instrument.
Can I trade instruments cross-category and how does that apply?
Yes, you can. Trading outside of an instrument family (orchestra to band or vice versa) results in only half of your rental credit being transferred to the new instrument (if you had accumulated $200 in credit, you now have $100 in credit on the new instrument.) We do not trade rental credits cross-category on any other instruments, equipment or accessories in the store i.e. fretted instruments, drums etc. Cross-category credits will be calculated according to the original contract terms of 100% first year and 50% second year and half of the calculated credit will be applied.
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