Guaranteed Trade-In vs. Consignment

You're ready to sell your old instrument. Maybe you found the perfect flute for you, and need to sell your old flute to make the purchase. Or maybe you're ready to pass along a flute that is gathering dust in your closet. Either way, you've got an instrument worth selling, and you need to know: what's your best option?

At Flute Center, we offer two clear paths: our Guaranteed Trade-In Program and Consignment Program. One path prioritizes speed and certainty, while the other puts marketing and control in your hands. Let's break down what each looks like, so you can choose what's right for your situation.

The Guaranteed Trade-In Program

Our trade-in program is built for clarity and speed. Here's what you get: a guaranteed minimum of $100 off a new flute purchase of $1,500 or more.

Here's the real appeal: you're not waiting around. You trade it in, and immediately that value applies to the new instrument you want.

How it works:

1. Trade in first, then buy (we'll send you a discount code for at least $100)

• Fill out the Trade-In Form.

• Send us your old flute with a copy of the Trade-In Form.

• Once we receive and evaluate it, we’ll send you a personalized discount code worth at least $100 toward your new flute purchase ($1,500+).

2. Buy first, then trade in (we'll issue a refund or gift card for at least $100)

• Purchase a new flute ($1,500+).

• Fill out the Trade-In Form and send us your old flute.

• When your flute arrives, we’ll send you a refund or gift card for at least $100.

What qualifies:

• Boehm-system flutes, piccolos, alto flutes, bass flutes

• Must include case and all parts

• Headjoints may qualify in some circumstances

What doesn't:

• Guo, Nuvo, or instruments with plastic mechanisms

• Baroque flutes, keyless flutes, other world instruments

Learn more about the Guaranteed Trade-In Program here!

Consignment Program

Consignment is different. You're entrusting Flute Center with your instrument, and we handle the selling. We photograph it professionally, list it on our site and social media, and use our marketing and network of flutists to find the right buyer. You keep the pricing control, but we handle the rest.

The 4-step process:

1. Send in Your Flute — Schedule a free Consignment Evaluation; we evaluate your instrument for repairs.

2. Prep for Market — Our expert repair technicians assess the flute and discuss pricing strategy and necessary repairs. (You pay for repairs before listing.)

3. Spread the Word — Your flute is professionally photographed and added to our website, social media, and email campaigns.

4. Make the Sale — Our team of resident flutists sells your flute. Once sold, you get paid via check, PayPal, Zelle, or wire transfer (your choice).

Commission structure:

• 30% commission on the sale price

• Minimum $750 commission for flutes selling under $2,500

• You control the price and can adjust it anytime (except if a trial is in progress)

What gets listed:

• Flute must be in excellent playing condition (like-new condition after repairs)

• All pads replaced, lost motion resolved, soft parts functioning, tenons in like-new condition

• Any dents, scratches, and tarnish removed

• Must include functioning case and case cover

• The consignor (you) pays for all repairs before listing

Learn more about our Consignment Program here!

Side-by-Side Comparison

The Real-World Math

Let's say you have a quality flute worth listing around $1,500.

Trade-in scenario:

• You want a new Yamaha or Haynes ($2,000+)

• You trade in your flute: get $100 off (minimum)

• Plus you might get more based on condition

• You buy your new flute; upgrade happens this week

• Your old flute is now Flute Center's to sell

Consignment scenario:

• You list your flute for $1,500

• It sells after 4-6 months (or longer)

• You receive 70% = $1,050

• Flute Center gets $450 commission

• You don't need a new instrument right now, so you're happy to wait

The math shifts depending on what you actually need. If you need a new flute, trade-in wins every time. If you're selling and upgrading is secondary, consignment might net you more cash.

When to Choose Trade-In

Choose trade-in if:

• You want to upgrade to a new flute now

• You don't want to wait weeks or months to sell your old one

• You value certainty over maximum cash

• You want the process to be simple and hands-off

• You're satisfied with a minimum $100 credit (which could be more, depending on condition)

• You want someone else to handle the repair, cleaning, and resale

Trade-in gets you moving forward. Fast.

When to Choose Consignment

Choose consignment if:

• You want to maximize the cash you receive from your flute

• You're not upgrading immediately (no need to rush)

• Your flute is in excellent condition and worth investing in repairs to bring it to like-new

• You want to control the pricing and market strategy

• You're comfortable paying for repairs upfront before any listing

• You can wait for the right buyer and the right price

• International shipping works for you (though you cover customs fees both ways)

Consignment gets you more cash—if you're patient.

Why Both Options Exist

Here's what we believe: not every flutist is in the same situation. One person has been playing the same flute for ten years and found their dream upgrade—they need out and up, now. Another person has a beautiful handmade instrument they've outgrown, but wants to ensure that it finds the right home at the right price. Both are valid.

We offer both options because we trust flutists to know what they need. We're not here to push you toward whichever option makes us the most money. We're here to help you move forward—whether that's this week or this quarter.

Ready to Decide?

Choose trade-in if you want: Speed, certainty, no hassle, immediate upgrade opportunity.

Choose consignment if you want: Maximum cash, control, professional marketing, and time to find the right buyer.

Either way, your flute will be in expert hands. Our team of professional flutists and repair specialists will make sure it's treated with the care and respect it deserves.

Questions about which option is right for you? Contact us. We'll walk through your specific situation and help you make the choice that makes sense.