Policies

Thank you for your interest in Essential Guitars.

Please see below for general policies and get in touch with any questions or needs you may have.

*Policies and pricing here may vary from those set on third party sites, and can change at any time.

Ordering and Shipping

  • We ship internationally.

  • Orders can be placed by getting in touch here, and accepted payments include credit cards, wire transfers, and ACH.

    • International purchases must be made via wire transfer.

  • For domestic sales shipping, handling, and insurance is included in the sale price, unless otherwise noted. For international sales, a quote will be provided.

  • All packages are shipped with signature required for delivery.

  • Sales Tax is only collected for purchases made in person or shipped within New York State.

    • NJ and CT residents, please be aware that you may be responsible for use tax collected by your state.

Sell / Trade / Consign

We are always happy to consider quality guitars you are interested to sell, trade, or consign.

Sell

  • A purchase of your single instrument or collection of instruments is possible. Each situation is different, please say hello to start a dialogue.

Trade

  • The terms of trade-ins are discussed on an individual basis, but below are general guidelines.

  • Instruments being traded in must first be received and approved by Essential Guitars.

    • Shipments should be fully insured, as any damage in transit will be the responsibility of the sender.

  • If approved, the terms of the trade will be executed as discussed. Unless agreed upon otherwise, all trades are final.

  • If trade-ins received by Essential Guitars are significantly not as described or with issues otherwise, the instrument can either be sent back at the cost of the sender, or the terms adjusted to account for condition or needed repairs.

Consign

  • Consignments are considered on an individual basis. Rates are generally 20% of sale price, with proceeds paid out within 30 days of sale.

  • Terms of acceptance are similar to Trades, please see above.

  • Please get in touch if you are interested to consign your instrument.

Layaway

  • Requests for layaway will be considered on a case by case basis, and terms can be discussed according to the buyers’ specific needs or preference. Deposit 50% unless otherwise agreed upon.

  • All layaway payments must be made via wire transfer, or other no fee payment method upon approval.

  • All layaway purchases are final. The initial deposit and subsequent payments are non-refundable, as well as the purchase itself.

Hold Requests

  • Instruments can be placed on hold for a non-refundable deposit of $200, for up to 5 days unless otherwise agreed upon. This fee will be applied towards the purchase price of the instrument.

  • Payment must be made in full within the hold period, or the hold will be released. The deposit is not refundable in the event that the hold is canceled or lapses without a purchase.

Returns

  • Instruments shipped to you may be returned for any reason.

  • Buyer must notify Essential Guitars with return request within 48 hours of receipt unless otherwise agreed upon, and receive authorization before sending back the instrument.

  • Return-shipping costs and full insurance will be the responsibility of the buyer, as will risk for any return-shipping damage. Essential Guitars can provide a return label for $175 by request.

  • To be eligible for a refund, instruments must be returned and received unaltered, in the same condition as when they were shipped out, with original packing materials and any accompanying materials and accessories. This assessment will be made at the sole discretion of Essential Guitars.

  • Return refunds will be less $175 for initial packing, shipping, and insurance, and may be subject to a 5% restocking fee.

    • Because payment processors do not refund any payment fees to the merchant, any refunds for payments made via credit card will incur an additional 3.5% fee to cover the cost.

    • Refunds for payments made via ACH, wire, or no-fee payment method will only incur associated flat costs.

  • Condition assessments on the listings are made in good faith. Any noteworthy specifics will be detailed in the listing, but it’s possible every single discernible surface/finish flaw does not get specifically mentioned or photographed. This may include impressions, dings, scratches, scuffs, minor finish checks, and any other wear that is typical of a used instrument. Please feel free to communicate your needs and ask for as much detail as you require.

  • Please notify us as soon as possible if there is any damage that occurred during shipping.

  • Instruments inspected or purchased in person are not eligible for returns.

  • All international sales are final.