Consignments
If you are considering selling your violin, viola, cello or bow, we suggest you contact us regarding the possibility of consignment. We are sensitive to the fact that many instruments have emotional significance beyond the financial value. We honor this by ensuring that we place the instrument in the right hands.
Under the terms of our consignment agreements, we agree to act as an agent, endeavoring to sell your instrument privately and for our efforts, take a pre-negotiated commission upon completion of the sale. The consignor may withdraw the instrument from sale with no penalty after an agreed period of time. In order to show an instrument to prospective buyers, it is imperative that we put it in top form, both acoustically and cosmetically. We itemize the costs of bringing that instrument up to showroom level standards and subtract this from the consignor's sum upon sale of the instrument thus, there are no upfront costs to the consignor. Typically, this involves new strings, gluing open bouts, varnish touch-ups and polishing, etc. We offer free consultations for prospective consignors.
The art of consignment is to balance the priorities of the three parties concerned, the seller, the eventual buyer and the violin shop. Too one-sided in favor of a single party and the instrument will fail to sell. The seller should receive a fair sum for parting with their instrument. In many instances, the seller can expect to net a gain given the appreciation in value of fine string instruments over time. The buyer should be thrilled to have acquired an instrument that gives voice to their art and is a productive financial asset. Finally, our shop should make a fair and reasonable profit for its efforts and expertise in facilitating the sale and negotiating on behalf of both parties.
