Rental Program Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rent or purchase an instrument?
What is the process for renting an instrument?
Which level of rental is right for me?
Is there a minimum rental term?
What equipment is included in the rental?
What forms of payment accepted?
How are payments handled?
Can rental payments go towards purchase?
Is insurance included? What is covered?
What do I do if a string breaks or the instrument is damaged during rental?
What if I need to change sizes while renting?
What if I want to rent more than one instrument?
What about shipping cost?
What if I need to return my rental instrument?
Where is Sullivan Violins located? How do I get there?
Can I rent online?
Should I rent or purchase an instrument?
We believe that purchasing is always a great option. Owning an instrument is an investment in you or your child’s playing that will maintain it’s value over time. Our 100% trade back policy lets you easily move up sizes. However, if you are experimenting to find out if a violin, viola or cello is the right instrument for you or want to build equity towards eventual purchase, renting can be a great option. At Sullivan Violins, we offer 3 levels of instrument - standard, advancing and master so that our customers can rent an instruments to suit their needs.
What is the process for renting an instrument?
If at all possible, we encourage you to come to Sullivan Violins where we can help you to start out on the right foot. Getting a new rental violin, viola, or cello involves sizing, play-testing (if you've played before and want to try out different instruments), and filling out a contract - you 'll need a valid credit card, and a voided check and the whole thing usually takes about 15 or 20 minutes. Teachers are always welcome to help with the rental process!
If you live too far away to come into the store, you can still easily rent from us (we have renters all over the country!). Complete and submit the on-line rental request form and we’ll contact you to confirm your rental, and complete the rental process. In many cases, we can ship your rental within 48 hours (some instruments may take longer, depending on availability). For more information: rental rates, instruments and pre-registration.
Back To TopWhich level of rental is right for me?
If you are experimenting with a violin or viola for the first time, our standard rental may be for you. All the instruments are set up to our exacting standards to ensure ease of playing. They are great starter instruments for the beginner.
If you have some experience playing and are want to get greater sound production and a more beautiful tonal quality, you may want to consider our advancing rental instruments. Beginner and advancing cello players will get an excellent start with our fully carved advanced cello outfits.
Master rentals are great for a committed player who wants to have a superior quality instrument from our sales inventory and but needs to build credit towards purchase over time.
Back To TopIs there a minimum rental term?
Sullivan Violins offers the most flexible rental plans - it is a month to month rental program. Your rental begins when you pick up your rental or when it is shipped to your address. Your rental agreement ends when the instrument is returned to Sullivan Violins.
What equipment is included in the rental?
All rentals include instrument, bow, case (bag for cellos), rosin and ID tag.
What forms of payment accepted?
Automatic monthly payments can be processed to a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover) or to a checking account. Because we do not ask for a deposit or months of pre-paid rental, two forms of payment, a checking account and credit card, are required. You select which form will be your preferred method of payment. The other form of payment remains a secondary to be used only if we are unable to collect payment using your preferred method. Sullivan Violins notify you prior utilizing your secondary payment method.
How are payments handled?
At time of rental, you select your preferred method of payment - checking account or credit card. Payment will be processed monthly, generally the same day every month automatically. Please be aware that checking account payments do not process on Saturday or Sunday. If your normal process date falls on a weekend, your payment will likely process Friday or Monday closest to your process date.
Can rental payments go towards purchase?
Your first 12 months of rental fees (excluding insurance and tax) are earned as equity credit. You can use your equity to purchase any instrument of equal or greater value from Sullivan Violins. You can, but do not have to, use the credit towards purchase of the instrument your rent. Note: Equity cannot be used to purchase bows, cases, consignment instruments or accessories. Rental equity will be available for use for up to two years after closure of the rental account, after which time, it may be forfeited.
Is insurance included? What is covered?
Sullivan Violins offers an insurance program that covers all regular maintenance (e.g. broken strings, slipping pegs, warped bridge, and bow re-hair) and accidental damage or theft from a secure location. Customers are welcome to visit the shop at any time to have a broken string replaced or damaged instrument/bow exchanged. We can also ship a replacement string or instrument/bow. Simply call us at 585-325-7250 to request a replacement. Broken string replacement orders ship for free. For instruments and bows, the customer is responsible for both outbound and inbound shipping costs. In most cases we will ship the replacement instrument, and the customer would use the same box to ship back the damaged instrument within 2 weeks. Insurance does NOT, however, cover gross negligence, theft or loss from leaving the instrument in an insecure environment (e.g. an unlocked car), fire/water damage, heat damage, damage due to excessive dryness, intentional damage, or shipping costs. We are not obligated to replace an instrument which is repairable. If the renter declines our insurance offer, he or she will be responsible for all maintenance, damage, or loss, and we reserve the right to charge the cost of repair or replacement, minus deposit, to any credit card on file. We must perform all repairs on rental instruments. All repairs must be done by Sullivan Violins. In case of out-of-town emergency, please contact us for authorization.
What do I do if a string breaks or the instrument is damaged during rental?
You are welcome to stop by the shop for a replacement if a string breaks. If you are long distance, simply contact us and we will ship you a replacement string free of charge. We are not responsible for the cost of strings purchased elsewhere.
What if I need to change sizes while renting?
You can changes sizes during your rental. Simply contact us to arrange an exchange.
What if I want to rent more than one instrument?
Sullivan Violins offers a 10% off discount on a second instrument rental. This helps musically minded families rent quality instruments for multiple players!
What about shipping cost?
Renters are responsible for all outbound and inbound shipping costs. We ship ground and our insurance covers the instrument during shipment. This helps keep shipping costs low! Shipping charges are typically $15 - $20 for violins and violas. Any return shipments should be sent by trackable method - UPS Ground, trackable USPS or FedEx Ground Service.
What if I need to return my rental instrument?
Simply contact us and let us know you’ll be returning the instrument. You can return the instrument in person at our shop or ship the instrument to us. We will end your rental contract once we receive the instrument. Future payments will be suspended. No refunds will be issued for partial months. If you are shipping the instrument, please include a note that indicates what name the rental contract is under, why you are returning the instrument, and the best method to contact you if any question should arrive. Pack the instrument according to our packing guidelines and ship by ground trackable method to:
Rental Returns
Sullivan Violins
120 East Ave., Suite 100
Rochester, NY 14604
Where is Sullivan Violins located? How do I get there?
Sullivan Violins is located at 120 East Ave. in the East End of Rochester, NY. Take the Goodman Street Exit off of I-490. Drive North on Goodman, turn left onto East Ave. Sullivan Violins is located between Swan and Gibbs Streets. Easy parking if found in the East End Parking Garage which can be accessed by turning right off East on both Swan and Scio streets.
Can I rent online?
You can start the rental process by submitting a rental request on-line. We will contact you to confirm availability and in-store pick up or delivery timing. If you would like us to ship or deliver the instrument to you, we will complete the rental process, including obtaining your your payment method information by phone.
|
