A family music store since 1946 
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Returning a Rental Instrument
Before you turn in a rental instrument, be sure to consider the following:
- The benefits of playing a musical instrument are numerous. They range from improved cognitive skills to social skills like teamwork and individual character development. Amid all the non-musical benefits, it's worth keeping in mind that playing a musical instrument is itself a valuable skill that can provide lifelong enjoyment. Don't give up without carefully considering the reasons for that decision.
- Most people continue to rent through the summer because it makes sense. Your instrument rental continues month-to-month throughout the year. Rather than regressing and having to re-learn, the young musician can continue to practice and improve. You continue to build up equity toward owning an instrument. And while everyone else is frantically making arrangements to get an instrument at the beginning of the school year, you can relax because your child will be prepared for the start of lessons.
- The first instrument tried may not necessarily be the right fit for your child. Many students end up finding the instrument they like through trial and error. Talk with your music teacher to see whether switching to a different instrument is an option. You can rent a different instrument from Ellis Music and the equity you have accumulated will be transferred to the other instrument; to switch instruments, you would simply complete a new rental agreement online or in the store.
- If your child's interest in playing an instrument has faded or they seem to be having difficulty playing the instrument, the issue may just be that the instrument needs a tuneup to get it back into great playing condition. Instruments need routine maintenance in order to work properly. Having the Ellis Music repair shop check the instrument won't cost you anything, and it may renew your child's enjoyment of playing it.
- After three months, any equity that you have accumulated will expire. Once you return an instrument, you have just three months to re-rent if you wish to keep the equity you have accumulated toward purchasing an instrument for this particular student. This equity can be used toward not just the instrument you have been renting but also toward a more advanced (intermediate or pro model) instrument.
After you have read the information above, if you still wish to return a rental instrument, (1) submit the Rental Return Form and (2) refer to the instrument return instructions, both below.
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SHIPPING OPTION INSTRUCTIONS
If you are shipping an instrument, you will need to pack it in a box. We strongly suggest using a method that will provide you with a tracking number. The shipping address to use depends on which shipping method you choose.
If mailing the instrument via the U.S. Postal Service, the address to use is: Ellis Music Company, P.O. Box 437, Bethel, VT 05032
If mailing the instrument via UPS or FedEx, the address to use is: Ellis Music Company, 1709 Vermont Route 107, Bethel, VT 05032
You may also choose to use a courier service such as Green Mountain Messenger or Priority Same Day. Ellis Music has no affiliation with these companies and does not necessarily recommend them, but we have had customers use them. If you choose to use a courier service, it is your responsibility to ensure that the instrument will be delivered to Ellis Music during business hours when the instrument can be received. It is also very important that you enclose a note with your contact information stating that you are returning the instrument.
You are responsible for any costs associated with returning the instrument to Ellis Music.
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ELLIS MUSIC STORE DROPOFF OPTION INSTRUCTIONS
Please refer to the website for current business hours and directions to the store. To make an appointment to drop off an instrument, please use the Rental Return Form, linked above. You will be able to specify a date in the form.
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SCHOOL DROPOFF OPTION INSTRUCTIONS
Ellis Music does not travel to schools during the summer. School dropoff is only an option during the academic year (late August through mid-June).
It is critical that you submit the Rental Return Form (green button link above) so the instrument gets added to our pickup list.
Write your name, the date, and "Return to Ellis Music" on a piece of paper and put it inside the instrument case. If you know your account number, include that on the paper as well. Make sure that the student's name is clearly visible somewhere on the outside of the case as well (on a name tag, for example).
Our representatives also pick up instruments for repair, so it is important to specify that it is being returned.
Whatever return method you choose, it is your responsibility to ensure that the instrument you rented has made it back to Ellis Music. Rent will continue to be charged on a monthly basis until the instrument has been received by Ellis Music. Once the instrument has been checked into our computer system, rental charges will stop accruing and automatic billing (if applicable) will end.
If you have further questions, please contact Ellis Music by phone or email.