|
Rental Information and Frequently Asked Questions |
||
|
[Home] [Band Instruments] [Percussion] [Acoustic Guitars] [Links] [About Bandland] [Email us] |
||
|
Rent-to-Own at Bandland - A
complete program with options to fit your needs
BANDLAND’S
Rent-to-Own Plan is excellent for parents who would like to own a NEW
style instrument for their child, but with less risk. It also insures that the child will have a high quality instrument in
excellent working condition, which is most important when trying to learn to
play. The plan offers the parent a
competitive discount for Early Buyout during the term of the plan. Key Benefits of Rent-to-Own at
Bandland 1) 100% of all payments apply to price
of band instrument (except for sales tax).
2) Return anytime providing payments
are current 3) Competitive Early Buyout discount during
first 12 months of contract 4) High quality instruments to help
insure the student’s success
5) No extra charge to cover
common repairs or adjustments during the RTO period. HOW IT WORKS:Rent 1 / Get 1 Free Trial Period Beginning band students are
offered a 2-month trial period at an introductory rate. You pay for the first month and the second
month is free. This gives the parent
an opportunity to monitor the child’s progress and interest level. All rent
you pay applies to the total cost of the instrument.
NOTE: Bandland only rents name-brand instruments. Our high-quality instruments will greatly
benefit the band student and the music program. After the 2-month Trial
Period you may:
·
Renew and Continue RTO with all payments applying to
the cost of the instrument, or take the optional Early Buyout discount OPTIONAL EARLY BUYOUT: We
offer a 30% discount (25% on percussion kits) off the unpaid balance for the
first 6 months of the contract, and
a 20% discount of the unpaid balance for the remaining 6 months. ·
Return instrument anytime providing payments are
current and the 2 minimum
payments have been made
Return Policy
You always have the option of returning the instrument and canceling your contract at anytime during the rental period, providing payments are up to date and 2 monthly rental payments have been made. IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING BAND INSTRUMENT
QUALITY! Few things are as important to the band program as good quality instruments.
Recently, we have seen an influx of low quality, imported band instruments
moving into the market. The Internet is also full of very undesirable,
inferior instruments that may not be useable in the band program. Many
of these instruments are of poor quality, have little to no quality control,
and are not serviceable. These instruments can quickly lead to loss of
interest. Many of the inferior instruments look
just fine on the outside. The inside is another matter! They are often
advertised as “director approved” or other positive sounding terms to mislead
the buyer. For the sake of your child and
the school band program, the low quality instruments should be avoided. Please see your band director
or a qualified band instrument dealer for help before purchasing! A good quality instrument does come with a higher price tag, but can last a
lifetime. These instruments are more durable, and will hold up to the demands
of the student through concert and marching band. I hope you appreciate the
benefit of a high quality instrument. It will be a huge advantage to your
child. If budget restraints make it difficult
for you, we highly recommend a name-brand used instrument, as opposed to a
new one of poor quality. WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR We check eBay often to see what is
available in used instruments. When
shopping on the Internet and eBay, we find that over 90% of the instruments
for sale are low quality, without a know brand name, and a horrible
choice. Even brand name instruments
are somewhat risky if you aren’t experienced at knowing what to look
for. Do not buy any without a return
policy. I can almost bet that your
band director will want you to return it. For
starters, always avoid instruments that do not list a brand name (I have a
list of some of the more dependable name brands at the end of this
article). Also, beware of all of the
instruments that come in a variety of colors.
I haven’t yet seen one that I didn’t want to flatten (see end of
article). Some of these folks making
the bad instruments actually do put names on them. For legal reasons, I can’t list names or countries
of origin to avoid. However, I can say
that “Made in Other enticing titles to avoid
are: “Band Certified” “Educator
Approved” “80% Off” “90% Off”
“Professional Silver Trumpet” (but no recognizable brand listed)
“Concert Quality” “Bankruptcy
Sale” “New 2006 model” “College Pro” If a band instrument claiming to
be new has a buy-it-now price of $79.95…... I don’t need to say more!. If you get one of these thinking
“I will see how it goes for a while before purchasing a better one if my
child sticks with it”…… I can about guarantee they won’t play it long enough
to need a better one. If they do, they
are to be commended and taken to dinner. REMEMBER, a brand name instrument
made 30 years ago (even 50 years ago) is almost always a better choice than a
new of poor quality. THE GOOD STUFF Now, for some of the common brand
names in band instruments that I look for and feel good about selling: Armstrong, Artley,
Bach, Benge, Blessing, Bundy, Conn,
King, Holton, LeBlanc, Vito, Selmer, Yamaha, Besson,
Emerson, Getzen, and Gemeinhardt. There are sure to be some more that I’ve
missed. Although I warned against
instruments coming in a variety of colors, you may find a few good ones, but
they will be few and far between, and likely expensive! Certain custom colors of Selmer Paris saxes
are out there, as well as some Benge trumpets. These will all go for four figures! There are a few Vito student clarinets and
King student trumpets that are also good and may be green or red or white
(you get the idea).
_____________________________________________________________________________ BANDLAND’S BUYBACK PLAN An alternative to our Rent-to-Own Plan Designed for the beginning band student, this plan gives the parent three months to monitor the child’s interest in the band program. In most cases, you will know the interest level of the child after a couple of months.
This plan applies to most new, demo, or used band instruments. With the buyback plan, you buy the instrument in full at the discounted price, and have 90 days from purchase date to return the instrument and receive back all except: $70.00 + tax on all instruments other than alto sax (which is $110.00 + tax), which is what a 3 month rental fee would have cost, had you rented the instrument). This is the least expensive way to purchase an instrument, and still have a return option. This eliminates the risk for the parent, should the child lose interest in band.
__________________________________________________________________________________
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS WILL ALL MY RENT
APPLY TO THE PURCHASE OF THE INSTRUMENT? CAN
I LEASE AN INTRUMENT FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR FOR A FLAT RATE? We do not offer a school year lease plan. The school year lease is a poor choice for the consumer and is even worse for the band program! Although you can participate in our rent-to-own plan and return the instrument at any time providing rent is paid up to date, we do not offer a school term lease at a flat rate. The school year lease is not in the best interest of the band program, and some directors are opposed to it for the following reasons: 1) There is little incentive to continue in band when the instrument is collected at the end of the school year, which greatly increases dropout rate. 2) Older or lower quality instruments are commonly found in these types of plans due to the lower cost. 3) Parent may be less likely to encourage the student to continue since there is little investment toward the instrument. Consider our buyback plan instead. If your child does not continue beyond the
trial period, you will have less money invested with the buyback plan. If they do continue, as most students do,
you already own the instrument at the sale price. CAN I RENT FOR A WHILE AND LATER PURCHASE THE INTRUMENT
AT A DISCOUNT? You may pay the instrument in full at anytime during the first 6
months of the contract and take a 30% discount on the outstanding balance of
the instrument (25% on percussion kits). If you are not ready to purchase then, you will still have the opportunity to purchase the instrument outright at any point during the next 6 months of the contract and receive a 20% discount on the outstanding balance of the instrument. Otherwise, you may rent by the month until all payments are made, at which time you own the instrument. WHAT IF MY CHILD
WANTS TO SWITCH INSTRUMENTS? HOW DO I KNOW WHICH INSTRUMENT IS BEST FOR MY CHILD? It is important that your child selects an instrument that appeals to
them! Although Bandland or your band
director may recommend an instrument that “fits” your child the best, few
children will continue to play an instrument that they do not like.
Hopefully, they will like the recommended instrument, and will surely advance
more quickly on one they are well suited for.
If the student is initially undecided, we recommend taking an extra
few days, if necessary, to be as sure as possible before renting/purchasing. CAN I BUY MY CHILD’S INSTRUMET OUTRIGHT INSTEAD OF
RENTING? Yes, BANDLAND’S “Buyback” option is perfect for the parent who wants
to purchase the instrument at a special discount, but still has the
opportunity to return it if the child loses interest. This plan applies to most new, demo, or
used band instruments. With this plan, you buy the instrument in full at the
discounted price, and have 90 days from purchase date to return the
instrument and receive back all except: $70.00 + tax on all instruments other
than alto sax (which is $110.00 + tax), which is what a 3 month rental fee
would have cost, had you rented the instrument). This is the least expensive way to purchase
an instrument, and still have a return option. HOW DOES YOUR BUYBACK OPTION WORK? This plan applies to most new, demo, or used band instruments. With
the buyback plan, you buy the instrument in full at the discounted price, and
have 90 days from purchase date to return the instrument and receive back all
except: $70.00 + tax on all instruments other than alto sax (which is $110.00
+ tax), which is what a 3 month rental fee would have cost, had you rented
the instrument). This is the least
expensive way to purchase an instrument, and still have a return option. WHAT
ABOUT THE INSTRUMENTS I SEE FOR Unfortunately,
in an attempt to save money, people everyday are purchasing poor quality
instruments on the internet that may not be useable in the school band
programs. We monitor instruments sold
on eBay, and find that over 90% of those available in auctions are inferior
quality brands. Please see a qualified
band instrument store or your band director before shopping on the internet,
especially if you have little experience in this confusing market. Please
see our article regarding band instrument quality on this Web site. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT AN INSTRUMENT? For the 2-month trial rental, you pay $35 (+ sales tax) for flute/clarinet/cornet/trumpet/trombone/snare kit/bell kit, or $55 (+ tax) for alto sax. If you elect to continue with the RTO plan after the trial period, monthly rental is $35 (+ tax) for all instruments except alto sax, which is $55.00 (+ tax). DO YOU RENT STEP-UP AND PROFESSIONAL INSTRUMENTS? Yes. We have a similar rent-to-own plan for these instruments. Please see our “Step Up to Professional Instruments” on this Web site or ask a Bandland associate for more information HOW
MANY MONTHS BEFORE I AM PAID IN FULL? I
CANNOT AFFORD TO RENT OR PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT. CAN MY CHILD STILL BE IN THE
BAND? Please
check with your band director to see if they know of an available
instrument. Most directors do all
possible to get an interested child in the band program. WHAT
ABOUT INSURANCE? HOW
MUCH DOES SERVICE COST? DO
YOU RENT BOTH NEW & RECONDITIONED INSTRUMENTS? DO YOU RENT OR SELL RENTAL
RETURN INSTRUMENTS?
WHAT BRANDS DO YOU SELL?
We are an authorized dealer for
Selmer, Bach, WHAT
IF MY CHILD QUITS BAND? IF
I RETURN THE INSTRUMENT, DO I GET A REFUND? Rent is
not refundable. When an instrument is
returned, it is serviced, cleaned and shop adjusted, as well as reduced in
price, which is why no refund is available. WHAT
SUPPLIES ARE PROVIDED? WOULD A DIFFERENT RENTAL OR
LEASE PLAN BE CHEAPER THAN THE RTO PLAN YOU OFFER? WE ALWAYS PAY IN CASH AND
DO NOT HAVE CREDIT REFERENCES NECESSARY TO RENT FROM BANDLAND. ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS? Our buyback plan is perfect in
this situation. This plan applies to most new, demo, or
used band instruments. With the buyback plan, you buy the instrument in full
at the discounted price, and have 90 days from purchase date to return the
instrument and receive back all except: $70.00 + tax on all instruments other
than alto sax ($110.00 + tax), which is what a 3 month rental fee would have
cost, had you rented the instrument. HOW OFTEN DOES MY CHILD
HAVE BAND CLASS IN SCHOOL? Although it varies by school, most first year students have band 1 to 3 times per week. By middle school, many children will have band everyday! HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY CHILD SHOULD CONTINUE WITH BAND AFTER THE TRIAL PERIOD? It is important that the parent
encourage the child to stay with the instrument even during difficult and frustrating
times that can occur during those first few months. The trial period gives the
parent an opportunity to monitor the child’s progress and interest
level. Anything worth doing can come
with some risk, however parental encouragement can go a long way in helping a
child being successful with an instrument.
It may also be a good idea to consult the band director.
I PURCHASED AN INSTRUMENT ON THE INTERNET AND NOW I AM TOLD IT IS VERY POOR QUALITY. NOW WHAT? Check the company’s return
policy. Many people shop Online
thinking they can trust the seller and save money at the same time. Auction sites are misleading with the
descriptions of instruments. If no
brand name is listed, this is never a good sign. Many of the inferior quality instruments
are advertised as “Educator Approved,” or “Professional Silver Trumpet,” or
“Silver Marching Band Trumpet,” etc.
Not only is the product inferior, but there are rarely parts or
service available after the sale. Please see a
qualified band instrument store or your band director before shopping on the
internet, especially if you have little experience in this confusing
market. Please see our article
regarding band instrument quality on this Web site. I PURCHASED AN INSTRUMENT FROM A WELL-KNOWN DEPARTMENT STORE AND NOW I AM TOLD IT IS VERY POOR QUALITY. NOW WHAT? Return it for a refund. Several department stores have discontinued
selling band instruments due to so many being returned by disgruntled
customers. Some people obtain instruments
from these stores, thinking they can trust the quality of the product and
save money at the same time.
Unfortunately, some department stores are selling low priced
instruments in attempt to hook the impulse buyer or bargain hunter. Not only is the product inferior, but there
are rarely parts or service available after the sale Please
see a qualified band instrument store or your band director, especially if
you have little experience in this confusing market. Please see our article regarding band
instrument quality on this Web site.
ABOUT INSTRUMENT “FITTING”
Bandland offers instrument
fitting during September (after Labor Day) at the following times only: Saturdays 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Mondays 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Now you can take the initial step in
getting your son/daughter involved in the school band program. The staff from BANDLAND will assist in
“fitting” your child for an instrument.
Some students will adapt best to specific instruments, and will have a
higher success rate if doing so.
However, we have found that forcing a child to play an instrument they
do not want will nearly always end in failure. Being open-minded to instrumentation that
the school band needs will also be appreciated when selecting an instrument. When your band director has notified
the students that band classes will be starting, you may bring your child
BANDLAND for fitting. While there,
your son/daughter will: · Be shown how to create a sound on the instrument · Be given a chance to try another instrument if their
original instrument does not seem to “work or fit” easily for them. BANDLAND
will assist you in any way possible to obtain the proper instrument. They have many years of experience in band
testing and are a devoted supporter of school music education.
[Home][Band Instruments][Percussion] [Acoustic Guitars] [Links] [About Bandland] [Email us] |