In-Home Trials
Start Your Trial Today!
We offer 3 ways to get started.
For browsing instruments online, click the “Add to Trial” button on up to 3 flutes and 5 headjoints.
Browse Instruments Call Us Trial Request Form
How Trials Work
01.
Choose Instruments to Try
Browse Online, Call Us or Submit a Trial Request Form.
We’ll ask for a valid photo ID and follow up with a phone call to confirm details. A phone consultation is required to keep your trial secure and personalized.
02.
Receive Your Trial
Flutes ship via FedEx with signature-required delivery.
You’ll receive tracking info via email.
Plan to be home to sign. Some trials arrive in more than one box.
03.
Play Test
Play test at home up to 5 days (from date of arrival).
If you need more time, let us know.
Your Flute Consulting Specialist is available throughout your trial for questions and support.
04.
Pick the Winner!
Let us know your decision by day 5.
Keep your chosen instrument and return the others.
Use our pre-paid FedEx label and drop off at a FedEx Ship Center.
The Trial Experience
Read Lance’s Blog on Flute Trials:
Getting the Most Out of Your At-Home Flute Trial
What Our Clients Say
I really appreciate the fine selection of flutes, friendliness, and knowledge of everyone that I’ve talked with. When looking for a new flute, I was given suggestions that I never would have thought of.
I ended up selecting a flute that was not on my “must buy” list, and I’m very very happy with it. My sales person, William really took the time to make sure that I was purchasing the best flute for me.
Jack S.
Jillian was very thorough in picking out flutes for me to try and scheduling my multiple trips to Flute World for trials. I visited several times over the peak holiday weeks, and she accommodated my timing.
I didn’t feel high-pressure sales tactics, which can happen in these situations, and the focus was on the music and whether the flute was right. Amazing customer service from her and the nice, knowledgeable Flute World staff in general! They are on top of it.
Cecilia C.
Grace was wonderful through every step and was right there whenever I had a question.
The box came right when you said it would and all four flutes were beautiful! The flute I chose is so gorgeous and people around me in my groups say they notice a difference already in my tone. Thank you so much for everything!! I love my forever flute which is a Powell Sonare 601.
Barb D.
About Trials
Trial Policy
Our standard In-Home Trial period is 5 days. Your trial begins when you take delivery of the instruments.
To get Started:
- Client must be 18 years or older to set up trial. Clients under 18 must have their parent or guardian contact Flute World to set up the trial.
- A valid credit card is required. Trials are shipped once billing information is verified.
Shipping from Flute World:
- In most cases, we require that the shipping and billing addresses match.
- Trials must be shipped to a physical address (no PO boxes).
- Trials require a signature on delivery.
Shipping to Flute World:
- Ship any instruments you are not purchasing back to us on the 6th day (or before) after your trial was received. If more time is needed, call us and we will try to accommodate.
- To return your trial, drop off your trial package at the nearest FedEx location with our return label affixed over the original shipping label.
Terms and Conditions:
- Do not allow any person to service or repair the instruments without prior consent.
- The instruments must remain in your possession during the trial period. Do not loan them to anyone.
- The instruments remain the property of Flute World until paid for in full.
- We service and optimize all instruments we send to you. Please notify us immediately if you suspect the instrument is damaged or has any other significant issues.
- By the end of trial period you must inform us of your decision to purchase and/or return the instruments.
- You are responsible for returning the instrument(s) in the same condition you received them. If any damage occurs while in your possession, a repair or replacement charge will be assessed.
- All accessory items such as the cleaning rods, case covers, cleaning cloths, etc. must also be returned.
- Once your trial has ended, failure to inform us about the status of returning the instruments will result in the credit card on file being charged for full value of the instruments.
Instrument Care
- With the exception of the wood cleaning rod (and for certain flute models, a pad pin), everything you need to care for the instruments is included in your Flute Trial Pack.
- Please remove jewelry and rings before touching the instruments. Your rings can cause scratches.
- Use only the cloth swab provided in the trial pack. Do not use the cloth that comes with new flutes – this cloth will be included in the final purchase and must be in new condition.
- Swab the instrument with the swab provided in the trial pack and a wood cleaning rod.
- Wipe off fingerprints after each use. This will help maintain the surface finish.
- Do not use any alcohol or alcohol swabs on wood or plastic headjoints or piccolos.
- Do not lay the instruments on any hard surface as it may scratch.
- With Miyazawa, Burkart and Brannen flutes that have open hole flute plugs, it is very important that you do not push key plugs into the flute tube as the bushing that holds the pad in will fall out. Instead, you can pull the plugs out from the top using a pad pin. Watch the video below for demonstration.
FAQs
Q: How many instruments can I have on trial?
A. We typically send up to 3 instruments at a time. For headjoint trials, you can request up to 5 headjoints at a time.
Q: How do you ship?
A. Our primary carrier is FedEx and trial packages require a signature to be delivered. UPS is available upon request. For security purposes, trials must be shipped to a physical address (no PO boxes). In most cases, we require that the shipping and billing addresses match. Instrument trials are packaged in specially designed foam-lined boxes for maximum protection.
Q: How long does it take to get a trial?
A. In stock items typically ship in 2 to 3 business days. Every instrument goes through our extensive set up process before it is shipped to you.
Q: Do the sales staff actually play flute?
A. Yes! Our Flute Team is comprised of professional flute players. We hand pick the best flutes, piccolos, and headjoints for your needs and play test each instrument before it goes out to you.
Q: What information do you need to set up a trial?
A. We need your current address (billing and shipping should match), phone number, email and a valid US credit card to put on file.
Q: When do I have to return the trial?
A. We ask that you ship any instruments you are not purchasing back to us on the 6th day after your trial was received. To return your trial, drop off your trial package at the nearest FedEx location with our return label securely affixed over the original shipping label. If you need more time, be sure to let us know.
Q: How do I take care of instruments in my possession?
A. Remove rings and any jewelry that may come in contact with the instruments. Avoid contact with hard surfaces. Wipe down and swab after each use with the cleaning materials in the included Trial Pack. Do not open or use the cleaning materials in the instrument cases (until purchased). Do not use rubbing alcohol on wood instruments. All instruments in your trial arrive to you fully sterilized.
Q: How do I know which flutes to pick?
A. Your Flute Consulting Specialist will be “by your side” to guide you through the process of selecting the right flutes for your trial and are available to speak during your trial and listen to you play via video chat. It’s like being in one of our showrooms from the comfort of your home!
Q: What do I do when I decide which instrument I’d like to purchase?
A. Congratulations on finding the one! When you’re ready to purchase your new flute, piccolo, or headjoint, your Flute Consulting Specialist will assist you over the phone. You can pay via credit card, check, or PayPal. We also offer competitive financing options.
Q: What if I don’t want to purchase a flute from this trial?
A. All instrument trials are risk free. You are not required to make a purchase. That being said, be sure to let your Flute Consulting Specialist know what you liked and didn’t like. They will offer suggestions for a second trial, building off your initial experience to find the right instrument for you.
Q: What if the flutes are delayed, lost, or damaged in shipping? Am I liable?
A. Your trial does not start until you receive the package; your trial dates will be adjusted accordingly if the arrival is delayed. If the box or any instrument is damaged upon arrival, please notify us immediately. Instruments remain the property of Flute World until they are purchased.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A. We accept all valid US credit cards, check, and PayPal. We also offer convenient financing options to allow you to get your dream flute now and pay later.
Q: Do you have financing?
A. Yes! Our primary financing options are through First Mutual Finance, with alternative financing solutions through Synchrony. If you are considering financing your instrument, we recommend that you get pre-approved before your trial begins.
Q: Do you offer a warranty?
A. In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, every instrument we sell includes 90 days of free service to address any playability issues you may experience as you get to know your new flute. Your instrument will also go through our expert set up process prior to shipping to ensure it is in exceptional playing condition when you receive it. Ask about our Flute Care plan to maintain your instrument at this level year after year.