Trade-In & Upgrade Policy
At Atelier, we believe your instrument should grow with you. As students advance and players develop, their needs change — and the right next instrument can make all the difference. Our trade-in program is designed to make that progression easier, more personal, and more practical.
If you purchase an instrument from us, care for it properly, and are ready to take the next step, we will do our best to help you get there.
How to Initiate a Trade-In
All trade-ins begin with a personal consultation at our Cos Cob location. We do not accept trade-in requests by mail or shipping — every instrument must be evaluated in person by one of our luthiers before any trade-in value can be discussed or confirmed.
To schedule your trade-in evaluation:
• Email us at info@atelierfinestrings.com with the subject line "Trade-In Inquiry"
• Include the instrument type, size, brand, and a brief description of its current condition
• We will respond within 2 business days to schedule your in-store appointment
Walk-in evaluations are welcome during regular shop hours, subject to luthier availability.
Eligibility
Instruments Purchased from Atelier
Instruments originally purchased from Atelier — whether shop-owned or consignment — are the primary candidates for our trade-in program. We maintain records of instruments we have sold and can often assess trade-in value more efficiently for instruments with a known history in our shop.
Instruments Purchased Elsewhere
We evaluate trade-ins on instruments not originally purchased from Atelier on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility depends on instrument type, condition, marketability, and the nature of the intended upgrade. We reserve the right to decline trade-ins on instruments we did not originally sell.
The Upgrade Requirement
Trade-in credit may only be applied toward the purchase of an instrument of equal or greater value than the instrument being traded in. Trade-ins are not eligible for credit toward accessories, bows, cases, strings, or other supplies.
Same Instrument Family
Trade-in credit applies only within the same instrument family. A violin trade-in credit may only be applied toward another violin. Viola, cello, and bass trade-ins are similarly restricted to their respective families.
How Trade-In Value Is Determined
We do not publish fixed trade-in percentages. Each instrument is unique, and a rigid formula would not serve our customers or reflect the realities of the fine instrument market. Instead, trade-in value is assessed based on:
• Original purchase price at Atelier
• Current condition and playability
• Reconditioning costs required to bring the instrument to resale standard
• Current market demand for that instrument type and maker
• The value of the instrument being purchased
Our goal is to be fair, transparent, and consistent. Our luthiers will walk you through the evaluation and explain any factors affecting the trade-in value offered.
Reconditioning
If an instrument requires work to restore it to acceptable resale condition — including but not limited to cleaning, new strings, bridge or soundpost adjustment, seam repairs, or pegging — the cost of that work will be factored into the trade-in value offered. Extensive damage such as cracks, excessive varnish wear, or structural issues may reduce trade-in value significantly or render the instrument ineligible.
Final trade-in value cannot be confirmed until the instrument has been inspected by a luthier. If reconditioning is needed, you may choose to have the work completed at Atelier prior to finalizing the trade-in — this may improve the credit offered.
Valuation Validity
A trade-in valuation offered by Atelier is valid for 30 days from the date of the in-store evaluation. After 30 days, the instrument must be re-evaluated, as market conditions and instrument condition may change.
Fractional Size Progression
For families who began with an Atelier rental and later purchased a fractional-sized instrument, we support the natural size progression that comes with a growing student.
If you purchased a fractional instrument from Atelier and, within 24 months, your student requires the next sequential larger size within the same instrument family, we will make every effort to offer full trade-in credit toward that next size, less a modest setup and administrative fee. This applies provided:
• The instrument is returned in good condition consistent with normal student use
• The progression is to the next sequential size only (e.g., 1/4 to 1/2, not 1/4 to 3/4)
• The replacement instrument is purchased from Atelier
• The trade-in is initiated within the 24-month window from original purchase date
How Trade-In Credit Is Applied
• Trade-in credit is applied as a direct reduction to the purchase price of the new instrument at point of sale.
• Credit from a single instrument may not be split across multiple purchases.
• Trade-in credits from multiple instruments may not be combined toward a single instrument purchase.
• Trade-in credit has no cash value and may not be refunded, transferred, or applied to a future purchase if the upgrade transaction does not proceed.
• Trade-in credit may not be combined with any other promotional discount, sale pricing, or special offer unless expressly authorized by Atelier management.
What Is Not Eligible for Trade-In
• Bows, cases, and accessories of any kind
• Strings, rosin, and consumable supplies
• Electric instruments or amplification equipment
• Instruments with significant structural damage, cracks, or alterations that affect playability or resale value
• Instruments with missing or altered labels, certificates of authenticity, or documentation that cannot be verified
• Instruments that have been repaired or altered by parties other than Atelier or a recognized luthier, if such work affects integrity or value
General Terms
• All trade-in evaluations and final approvals are at the sole discretion of Atelier for Fine Stringed Instruments.
• Atelier reserves the right to decline any trade-in for any reason, including but not limited to condition, marketability, or business considerations.
• Atelier reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. Changes take effect upon posting and do not apply retroactively to trade-ins already in process.
• By initiating a trade-in, you represent that you are the lawful owner of the instrument and that it is free of any liens, financing obligations, or ownership disputes.
Our trade-in program reflects something we believe deeply: the relationship between a musician and their instrument shop should last longer than any single transaction. We want to be the place you come back to — not just when you're ready for something new, but because you trust us to help you get there.
