The Caswells Strings Instrument Rental Scheme is perfect if you’re not sure that you wish to purchase an instrument just yet. For example, you may have a child taking their first step into the world of playing an instrument or you may be an adult beginner taking on a new challenge. Ourinstrument rental scheme is flexible and affordable, with the instrument discounted at the end should you wish to purchase it.
We only rent out new or as new instruments so you can be sure that what you’re getting is in perfect condition, professionally checked, prepared and set up by our experienced technicians before they are sent out.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: How does it work?
A: A minimum 3 months commitment is required. After the initial 3 months you can either return the instrument with nothing further to pay, or you can continue renting. Once you have read the details that follow herewith, sign the form and click submit. It is the condition of Rental that proof of address (eg utility Bill) is supplied with the signed rental agreement form.
Q: When will I get the instrument?
A: All instruments going out are put through the workshop to be set up. This may mean a delay of a day or two so please allow 3-4 days for your instrument to arrive. Please do not arrange a lesson until you are sure you will have your instrument.
Q: What is Included?
A: We only rent out new or as new instruments. Each rental instrument comes with a case, bow and rosin.
Q: How long can I rent for?
A: There is a minimum rental period of 3 months. The first payment is taken when you set-up the rental online, month 2 and 3 are taken by Direct Debit through our partner GoCardless. After that you can rent for as long as you like and payment will continue to be collected via GoCardless direct debit.
Q: What happens after month 3?
A: If you don’t think its for you, you can simply return it. If, as the majority find, it is for you, you simply carry on and pay monthly as usual by Direct Debit.
Should you wish to buy the instrument we have a sliding scale of discount – please see below. This discount can be applied to the instrument you have or to any better upgrade instrument of the same type. The discount must be claimed within 30 days of completing your rental agreement. If you do decide to stop after 3 months, simply return the instrument and there will be no more to pay. (We do advise you keep the box it arrived in. We can assist with a courier collection for £12 for smaller instruments or £30 for larger instruments).
Q: Will I own the rental instrument after a certain time?
A: No, not unless you decide to buy it outright. This is not a hire purchase and you are not paying it off monthly. If you did want to simply spread the cost of a new instrument, we do offer other finance options instead.
Q: Do I get a discount when I buy?
A: Yes you can either buy the instrument you are renting which was new from the beginning,or you can buy a better upgrade model of the same instrument.
The discount applicable is as follows:
The minimum rental period is 3 months (If you wish to rent for a shorter period please see our separate policy)
- If you have rented and paid for 4 months and wish to buy we will deduct 10% from the selling price set at the time of renting.
- If you have rented and paid for 7 months and wish to buy we will deduct 15% from the selling price set at the time of renting.
- If you have rented and paid for 10 months and wish to buy we will deduct 20% from the selling price set at the time of renting.
The discount is capped at 20% if you buy at any time after 10 months. Please note the discount amount is calculated on the rental instrument value.
Q: What happens if something goes wrong with the instrument?
A: If there is a problem with the instrument please contact us, if possible with a photo of the problem and we will decide a plan of action to get it rectified. Strings and consumables are not covered by the contract.
Q: Is the instrument insured?
A:The instrument is insured in transit to you but unfortunately due to the fact that many instruments are taken to school and other public venues our insurance does not cover them while in your possession and we do advise that you add it to your household policy.
Repairs required due to mishandling or accident, and/or lost instruments will be charged to the hirers account. This includes rectifying badly carried out repairs by a third party.
Q: How do I return/cancel a rental?
A: You can cancel your rental contract at any time after the initial 3-month period.
You can either:
1) Bring the instrument into the store and we will cancel the contract whilst you wait. This must be within 7 days of the last payment otherwise the next month’s rental becomes due.
2) We do advise you keep the box it arrived in. We can assist with a courier collection for £12 for smaller instruments or £30 for larger instruments.
It is your responsibility to ensure it is properly and safely packed up for transit. Any damage incurred in transit due it insufficient and careless packing will be for your account. We then cancel the agreement upon receipt of the instrument.
This must be within 7 days of the last payment otherwise the next month’s rental becomes due.
An instrument left at school when no longer required does not terminate the contract.