J. L. Smith & Co. J. L. Smith & Co.
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FlutesThere is another side to our business that most flutists do not realize exists. I started the company in 1991, building on years of experience in instrument repair. From that time I have not only been repairing, I have also been providing tools and supplies to technicians and manufacturers. Today, my company designs and builds specialty tools and parts for instrument makers worldwide. This keeps us at the forefront of current instrument technology, and allows us a unique perspective from which to understand the instruments
To learn about the “other side” of J.L. Smith:
www.valentinopads.com
www.jlsmithco.com

The Four Steps to Selling Your Flute

If you are considering selling your flute, we may be able to help you.

We seek mostly recent model intermediate and professional flutes that are in top condition.  We also seek certain professional headjoints.

There are two ways we can help you: an outright purchase, or a consignment sale.

1:

Contact Us

Email Me regarding the make, model, age, and condition of the instrument as well as a description of the features (B foot, open hole, inline/offset etc).

I will quickly let you know if the instrument would be of interest to our clientel.  If your instrument is of interest, I will give you some indication of the market value (this is not to be considered an appraisal).  I will also give you the specifics of how much you can expect to net under our program.  If you find the terms agreeable, we will invite you to send the instrument to us.

If your instrument is one that we’d be interested in, we will offer to take it on consignment and possibly purchase it from you.  If we purchase it, you won’t get as much money as you would in a consignment, but you will get the money quicker.

2:

Send Us the Flute

Please do not send your instrument to us if we have not asked you to.  Send it clearly labeled attn: Jeff Smith with your name and information attached to the case or case cover. 

3:

Service the Instrument

We require that the instrument be brought up to our standards prior to putting it up for sale. Items will sell easier if in good repair.  For a consignment, we will evaluate and estimate any work needed to make it ready for sale.  If you approve the work, we will service the instrument before we list the instrument for sale.  In that event, the work is paid for in advance of the repair.  It is not possible to deduct these charges from sale proceeds or to pay for repairs on completion.  If you do not approve of the work, we will return the instrument to you. 

4:

We Market the Instrument

We will list the flute on our website, show it in our store, and make the instrument available for trial.  We will actively work to sell the instrument.

This being a very specialized business, it often takes months or longer to find a buyer for some items.  Some items may never be sold.  This is true regardless of the quality or condition of the item.

The initial consignment period will be for four months.  If the client cancels this agreement prior to the end of the initial four-month period, a $30.00 fee will be charged to the client.  This agreement will be automatically renewed at the end of the initial consignment period until the instrument has sold, or either party terminates the agreement.