In-Home Flute Trials
Flute Center is proud to offer in-home trials so that flutists can test out any of our instruments before purchasing!
All About Trials
Why Choose Flute Center?
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.
Trial Policies
- 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!
Finalizing Your Purchase
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.
Returning Your Trial
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.
Shipping Terms and Rates
We ship packages using FedEx Express service except in areas where FedEx Ground / Home Delivery guarantees delivery in 3 days or less.
All packages will require a direct signature; any adult at your address can sign for the package. We cannot waive the signature requirement. As an alternative, we can ship your package to a FedEx Hold-At-Location where it will be available for pick up; please specify your preferred location when setting up your shipment.
Shipping Rates
Shipping prices vary depending on weight and time delivery of package, and include return shipping. Generally, the following rates will apply:
Express Service (roundtrip)
- Piccolos: $90
- 1-2 Flutes: $90
- Tocco Flutes: $90
- 3-4 Flutes: $130
- 4 Flutes + Headjoints: $130
- 1 Alto: $130
- 2-3 Altos: $190
- 1-2 Basses: $190
Ground/Home Service (roundtrip)
- Piccolos: $60
- 1-4 Flutes: $60
- 4 Flutes + Headjoints: $60
- 1-3 Altos: $60
- 1-2 Basses: $60
- Tocco Flutes: $60
Overnight Service: Varies on weight and location. No overnight shipments will be included in ClubFC / referral code free shipping perks.
Pre-Owned and Unique Instruments
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
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.
