Trade In Program
Program overview.
I offer a limited trade in program for those purchasing either a new custom instrument or an in stock instrument.
This can offer the client advantages over attempting to sell an instrument online to fund the purchase of a new custom instrument.
The trade in value is established at the outset, and you will not have to worry about discounting your price to sell the instrument in time to finish paying for your new St. Germaine instrument.
As a full service luthier, I am also able to address certain problems with instruments and can still offer you full value for your instrument rather than requiring you to discount it for a buyer to compensate them for needing the work to be done.
Value appraisal.
I take a thorough and reasonable approach to determining trade in value. This will be based on the sale and listing of similar instruments and the condition of your instrument. In many cases this appraisal can be done from photos and sometimes a video chat to be able to look at or hear certain things with the instrument. The value appraisal will be provided to you in writing and is based on the assessed condition of the instrument. I reserve the right to adjust the appraisal if wear or damage is not disclosed and is found when I receive the instrument, notwithstanding any shipping damage which would be dealt with through the shipping insurance.
Eligible instruments.
Not all instruments are eligible for this trade in program. In general, I am seeking boutique instruments that would be on par with what I produce. I am interested in 4, 5 and 6 string fretted and fretless basses. An example and non-exhaustive list of basses I would accept under this program is:
Alembic
Dingwall (Prima, Z, Afterburner, Super series)
Elrick
F Bass
Fodera
Lefay
Marleaux
MTD USA
Ritter
Roscoe
Sadowsky
Skjold
Stradi
Wal
Zon
Construction Progress.
I provide routine updates and photographs of your instrument while in construction. I do put some updates to my social media accounts, however, I provide additional updates and photographs by email to clients who are interested.
It sometimes happens that clients decide they would like changes made after construction has begun. While I do my best to accommodate such changes, there may be additional costs if work must be repeated or if new components need to be sourced or produced. I also reserve the right to refuse certain changes.
Process.
The trade in program must be requested during the consultation process for a new custom instrument. The process of the program is as follows:
A virtual appraisal is conducted through photographs and video chat as necessary. An Appraisal Certificate is proposed to the client that outlines the instrument specifications as well as the condition and assessed value for trade in.
The appraisal value is applied to the balance owing of the custom instrument and not to the deposit. In certain rare circumstances and instrument may be accepted as all or or part of the required deposit and, in that case, must be in my possession prior to the start of construction of your instrument.
One-month prior to the anticipated ship date of your instrument, it must be shipped to St. Germaine Guitars. All shipping fees and import taxes or tariffs are the client’s responsibility to pay.
On receipt of your instrument, I will conduct an inspection to ensure that there was no damage or wear hidden during the appraisal. If there were hidden aspects, then the appraisal value will be reexamined. Otherwise, the value of the trade in instrument will be applied to the balance owing of your custom instrument.