Approval Process
Approval Process
Searching for a new instrument or bow can at times become an overwhelming experience. At Robertson & Sons, we work diligently to ensure that your search is as smooth and efficient as possible. Our sales staff is experienced in performing as well as teaching and will listen carefully to your requests when assisting in your search for the perfect sound.
If you are unable to make a trip to Albuquerque or visit us at one of our out-of-state sales expos, instruments and bows can be shipped to you via UPS, FedEx or Southwest Air Cargo for an in-home evaluation. For instruments over $1000, we cover the expense of shipping to you. We provide full insurance coverage for the approval period. You are required to pay the return shipping cost for what you do not purchase. The approval period is one week which begins on the day you receive the shipment. Please call a member of our Sales Team to set up an approval shipment.
Return Shipping
All instruments and bows received on approval that will not be purchased should be returned to Robertson & Sons by the same shipping method used to send them to you. Our shipping methods include UPS, FedEx and Southwest Air Cargo. It is not necessary to purchase any additional insurance for instruments or bows owned by us as they are covered under our policy until purchased. Given the high-value and rare nature of most of our products, please don't hesitate to call our office for further instructions regarding the return shipping process.
View our complete Approval Process Instructions.
View our Packing and Shipping Instructions for a checklist on how to pack and ship your instruments correctly.
View our Packing and Shipping Videos.
Call our Shipping Manager, Angelo de Jesus, at 1.800.284.6546 if you have specific questions.
Approval Policy
We will send 2 or 3 of our better violins with bows and cases to you for a one week approval period. We require a credit card be kept on file but do not charge anything until you decide to purchase from us. On the first shipment, we pay the shipping to you and you pay the return shipping. On subsequent shipments, you pay shipping both ways. You do not need to add any additional insurance on the return shipping since the instruments are covered under our shop policy. Shipping charges will vary according to the number of instruments, weight, destination and shipping method. We ship via UPS, FedEx or Southwest Air Cargo. UPS and FedEx shipments require a signature upon delivery. Southwest Air Cargo shipments are picked up at your convenience from any airport into which Southwest flies. This is the fastest, safest and least expensive way to ship instruments. We do NOT ship via U.S. Postal Service. We ask that you return instruments to us via FedEx, UPS or Southwest Air Cargo. See our Approval Process Instructions for additional details.
Once you have purchased an instrument from us, we allow 100% future trade-in from the original owner on any instrument of equal value or more, as long as the trade-in is still in good condition. Our generous trade-in policy also applies to bows, minus any bow rehair, leather grip or other repairs that might be needed. We do not trade cases. See our trade-in policy here.
Our inventory changes daily. Not all instruments are available in every size. All orders are placed by phone. Please call to set up an account and discuss your instrument choices. We look forward to helping you find the ideal instrument to suit your needs!