We are Real Flutists

Our team of Resident Flutists provide expert advice for every flutist.

No-Pressure Experience

We know that finding the right flute sometimes takes time. Our Resident Flutists are patient and supportive as they guide you through the purchasing process.

More Flutes on the Shelf

We carry an extensive inventory so that we will have the right instrument for you, whether you are shopping for a beginner flute or a gold flute.

It's easy to set up a trial at Flute Center! Simply submit a Trial Request Form and a Resident Flutist will be in touch to finalize the details. Prefer to email or call? You can contact us via email at info@flutecenter.com, or by phone (212-307-9737.

While Flute Center trials are always free, at-home trials may be subject to a $90 shipping and validation fee, which covers both outbound and return shipping.

Eligible clients may receive complimentary or refundable shipping benefits through teacher referrals, influencer codes, or other promotional offers. First-time clients using a qualifying referral or influencer code are subject to a refundable $90 validation fee. All shipping benefits and fee waivers are subject to verification and approval by our Sales Team.

Is the fee refundable?

Eligible first-time clients using a qualifying teacher referral or promotional code may receive a refund of their initial $90 shipping and validation fee upon completion of their first trial.

Please note that alto flutes, bass flutes, and contrabass flutes are not eligible for complimentary shipping programs.

Shipping Methods

We ship trial packages via FedEx Express unless FedEx Ground/Home Delivery can guarantee delivery within three business days or less.

All packages require a direct signature upon delivery, which cannot be waived. Any adult at the shipping address may sign for the package. If preferred, we can ship your package to a FedEx Hold at Location site for pickup.

Can you ship my trial using Overnight Service?

Overnight shipping is available for an additional charge based on destination and package weight. Overnight shipments are not eligible for complimentary or refundable shipping programs.

• We offer in-store trials as well as 7-day in-home trials. If your teacher is a ClubFC member, we allow an extended 10-day in-home trial.
• In-home trials are reserved for clients who are prepared to purchase during or immediately after the trial period.
• Client must be 18 years or older to set up an in-home trial. Clients under 18 must have their parent or guardian contact the Flute Center to set up the trial. 

Before you test any instruments, please remember to:

• Remove all jewelry
• Wash your hands before testing the instruments
• Wipe down the instruments after each time you play
• Do not use the cloths that come with new instruments
• Do not use alcohol swabs on wooden instruments
• Review your trial form to be sure that you have received all items listed. If your trial form is inaccurate, please contact us immediately.
• Please care for the instruments as your own. Any instruments returned dirty, fingerprinted, dented or otherwise abused can be subject to a cleaning fee of $100-$300 per instrument. 

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns during the trial process. Our Resident Flutists are happy to help!

If you intend to purchase a flute from your trial, there is no need to return it to Flute Center!

Contact Flute Center to finalize your purchase. FC generally expects payment in full when you decide on an instrument. We accept cash, wire transfer, personal and cashier checks, and all major credit cards. Additionally, we can arrange for you to pay for your flute directly through our website - just ask a member of our staff for help setting up and emailing you a link.

As a small business, our preferred method of payment is personal check or e-check. Please make checks payable to "Flute Center."

Visit our Financing page for more information on financing your flute.

To learn about selling an instrument at Flute Center, please see Consignments.

When you have made your decision, please contact our Resident Flutists for a pre-paid return shipping label to return any flutes you do not wish to purchase. Return labels are included in the shipping fees listed on our trial page. We recommend holding onto the box and packing material to make the return process easier. 

To return: Securely package all items you do not intend to purchase in the original box, and adhere the return shipping label over the original shipping label. Make sure the original label is not visible. 

Please note:  When shipping your package back to Flute Center, ensure that your package is scanned and that you receive printed confirmation at a FedEx location. Do not use unattended FedEx Drop Boxes.

Flute Center is proud to be the world's largest marketplace for pre-owned instruments. By their very nature, these items are unique, one-of-a-kind instruments that are available for both trial as well as purchase on our website.

If a unique instrument on an existing trial is purchased via our website or with our sales staff, Flute Center will grant the trialing client the right to purchase the item from their trial, even if another buyer has made a purchase online in the interim. If the trialing client does not wish to purchase the item, they are expected to return it to Flute Center as quickly as possible.

International trials must be paid for in full before shipping. International trials are subject to non-refundable taxes, fees and customs in accordance to their countries import laws.

International client have 7 days to try the instruments on their trial. If they decide not to purchase any of the instruments, they must initiate the return process within 7 days of receipt of the package.

All taxes, fees, customs, and shipping charges for international orders are non-refundable.