Your terms and conditions of use
USING THE BRIDGE STREET VIOLINS WEBSITE
Website Use
a. The content of this website is for general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.
b. Unauthorized use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offense.
c. This website may include links to external websites. These links are provided for convenience and do not signify endorsement. We are not responsible for the content of linked websites.
d. Users must not attempt to gain unauthorized access to our website, server, or database.
All Products are offered subject to the terms and conditions below. Please read through carefully before using our website. By using Bridge Street Violins website you signify your agreement to these terms and conditions.
Privacy Policy
a. We collect and process personal data in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
b. Personal information collected includes, but is not limited to, name, contact details, and payment information.
c. We use cookies to improve user experience. By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.
DESCRIPTION OF GOODS
Whilst every effort is made to illustrate the products as accurately as possible, we cannot guarantee that display of colour, texture or detail of the article will be exactly the same as the supplied product.
PRICES
Prices are as accurate and up to date as possible, but we reserve the right to adjust prices if an error has occurred. The price will be corrected and you will be contacted to confirm your order at the revised price. If we are unable to contact you we will treat the order as cancelled as we cannot accept an order which is wrongly priced. Vat is included at prevailing rates. Due to the very volatile exchange rates at present, and with prices rising regularly, we cannot physically change prices on this website fast enough and reserve the right to decline an order should a price be unacceptably low.
ORDER PROCESS
Placing an order is simple and you will be guided through a series of steps to the final checkout. After ordering, your payment details will be taken from your card, and you will be sent an order acknowledgement by email confirming the products you have ordered. This is only a process of checking and does not imply acceptance of the order from Bridge Street Violins.
Order acceptance and completion of the contract will only take place on the point of dispatch of the goods ordered. We reserve the right not to accept an order due to:
The product being unavailable
Non-authorisation of payment
An error in pricing or product description
You will be notified if we have been unable to accept your order, or for any reason are unable to supply
Security & Payments
a. We take reasonable measures to ensure the security of transactions and personal data.
b. Payments are processed securely via third-party providers. We do not store payment card details.
Payment for goods ordered offline can be made by cheque, cash, bank transfer, BACS or card, we are unable to accept American Express.
Goods will not be dispatched until payment has been made, and the funds cleared.
Refusal of Orders and Fraud Prevention
We take the security of our customers and our business seriously. We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order at our sole discretion where we have reason to believe that:
The order or payment information is inaccurate, incomplete, or cannot be verified
The order appears to be linked to fraudulent activity or has been flagged by our security checks or systems
The delivery address or payment method has been associated with a previous order suspected of fraud
If an order is refused or cancelled under these circumstances, any payment already received will be refunded in full to the original payment method.
We may also block future orders from the same customer account, email address, payment method, or delivery address if it has been linked to suspected fraudulent activity. This is to protect all parties from loss or misuse.
CANCELLATIONS and RETURNS
You may cancel your order or return unwanted goods up to 14 days from receipt. If you cancel or return goods which were supplied correctly as ordered, you must send them back at your own cost in ‘as new’ condition and in the original packaging. Goods wrongly supplied will be replaced free of charge and payment refunded. Please call us before returning any item to obtain a returns number.
Please note:
Special order items cannot be returned for a credit/refund or exchange.
We will not be responsible for any damage incurred to the goods while in transit back to us so please ensure the goods are well packaged. An admin fee may be charged if the goods are not returned back to us in their original, unused condition. Any original delivery charges will not be refunded.
DELIVERY
Goods are dispatched from our shop by Royal Mail, or by Carrier usually within 48 hours. You will be informed of dispatch. Goods which have not been delivered within 3 working days must be reported so that a trace may be instituted. Likewise goods must be examined on delivery and any damages reported within 24 hours.
STRINGS AND BOWS
String breakages can, and do occur. We do not generally undertake to replace broken strings as there are numerous factors causing breakages. We stock only fresh strings, so that it is unlikely to break due to manufacture, but without prejudice we may offer replacements if breakages occur within 5 days of delivery. Installed strings are not returnable for reasons of tone, because tonal qualities are unique to every instrument
Bows matters. Please see the terms and conditions relating to bow approvals in the bow section. Any guarantee on bows excludes accidental damage, over tightening and normal wear and tear.
Amendments
a. Bridge Street Violins reserves the right to update these terms at any time. Customers will be notified of significant changes.
Governing Law
a. These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding these terms, please contact us at BridgeStreetViolins@gmail.com.
PART EXCHANGE
Part Exchange Policy – Terms & Conditions
1. Introduction This Part Exchange Policy outlines the terms and conditions under which customers may trade in their existing musical instruments and bows for a discount on a new purchase from Bridge Street Violins. By participating in this program, customers agree to the following terms.
2. Eligibility
The part exchange program is available to customers purchasing selected musical instruments and bows as specified by Bridge Street Violins.
The item being exchanged must have been originally purchased from Bridge Street Violins and be in a condition acceptable to Bridge Street Violins, as determined through an evaluation process.
The customer must be the rightful owner of the item being exchanged and provide proof of purchase if requested.
3. Condition of Items for Exchange
Items must be fully functional and free from major defects or damage.
Any missing parts or significant wear and tear may affect the exchange value or eligibility.
Bridge Street Violins reserves the right to reject any item deemed unsuitable for exchange.
4. Valuation and Offer
The exchange value will be determined based on factors such as condition, age, and market demand.
Bridge Street Violins’ decision on the valuation is final and non-negotiable.
Any offer made must be accepted at the time of valuation; otherwise, it becomes void.
5. Application of Exchange Value
The exchange value will be deducted from the total purchase price of the new musical instrument or bow.
The discount cannot be redeemed for cash or credit and must be used at the time of purchase.
If the exchange value exceeds the purchase price, no cash refund or store credit will be given.
6. Process for Part Exchange
Bridge Street Violins will conduct an assessment of the item and provide a valuation.
Upon agreement, the exchange value will be applied to the purchase.
7. Limitations & Exclusions
The part exchange program cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or discounts unless explicitly stated.
Some musical instruments and bows may be excluded from the exchange program at Bridge Street Violins’ discretion.
Bridge Street Violins reserves the right to modify or terminate this policy at any time without prior notice.
8. Liability
Bridge Street Violins is not responsible for any accessories left with the exchanged item.
Once an item is accepted for exchange, it becomes the property of Bridge Street Violins and cannot be reclaimed.
9. Governing Law This policy shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which Bridge Street Violins operates.
By participating in the part exchange program, customers acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions.
WARRANTY
Warranty Policy – Terms & Conditions
New Instruments & Bows
All new instruments and bows sold by Bridge Street Violins are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Warranty terms vary by manufacturer, and customers should refer to the documentation provided with their purchase for specific details.
Please note that the manufacturer’s warranty typically does not cover:
Damage caused by misuse, neglect, accidents, or improper storage
Normal wear and tear, including strings, bridges, pegs, and bow hair
Modifications or repairs by unauthorised technicians
If you experience an issue with a new instrument or bow within the warranty period, please contact us, and we will assist in facilitating a warranty claim with the manufacturer.
Vintage Instruments & Bows
All vintage instruments and bows are sold as seen and do not come with a warranty. Buyers are encouraged to inspect the instrument before purchase. While we ensure all vintage items are in playable condition at the time of sale, we cannot guarantee long-term performance due to the nature of aged materials.
Cost Estimates and Project Scope
Cost Estimates and Project Scope Policy – Terms & Conditions
Prior to the commencement of any service, repair, or restoration work, we will provide a detailed cost estimate based on the best possible appraisal of the issues at hand. This estimate is determined after a careful visual inspection of your instrument, and where applicable, may include the use of an endoscope to identify any internal issues that may not be visible externally.
Once the cost estimate has been agreed upon, and work has commenced, should any unforeseen issues arise that were not apparent during the initial inspection, we reserve the right to revise the original estimate. In such cases, we will promptly inform you of the new findings and discuss the next steps before proceeding further.
Instrument Care Guidance Disclaimer
All care advice, maintenance tips, and guidance provided by Bridge Street Violins are intended for general informational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and reliability, Bridge Street Violins accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, or injury resulting from the application of this information. Use of any such advice is entirely at the user's own risk and professional assistance should be sought where appropriate.
1. No Substitute for Professional Assessment
The information provided on the Bridge Street Violins website does not constitute a professional assessment or replace the expertise of a qualified luthier or bowmaker. Each instrument is unique, and specific issues may require in person evaluation.
2. Suitability of Advice
Advice may not be suitable for all instrument types, ages, or conditions. Users are responsible for determining the appropriateness of any care methods applied.
3. No Warranty or Guarantee
Bridge Street Violins makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the outcomes of using the information provided.
Rental Terms and Conditions
Rental Orders Policy – Terms & Conditions
When you place a rental order through our website, your order is considered an application to rent and is not confirmed until:
You have signed and returned our Rental Agreement,
You have provided two forms of valid photo ID and proof of address,
Bridge Street Violins has reviewed and approved your documentation, and
We have sent you written confirmation that your rental will proceed.
Bridge Street Violins reserves the right to decline any rental application at our sole discretion if the necessary documents are not provided or do not meet our requirements. No instrument will be dispatched until the above steps are fully completed and approved.
All instruments remain the property of Bridge Street Violins at all times during the rental period.
Address & Delivery Policy
To protect the safety and recoverability of our instruments, all hire agreements are subject to our delivery and address requirements. These requirements apply equally to all applicants and are necessary to ensure reliable delivery, collection, and recovery of high-value items.
1. Standard Address Requirements
The hire address provided must:
Be a permanent UK residential address where the applicant normally resides
Have a unique property identifier (such as a house number or name, street name and postcode)
Be capable of receiving signed-for postal or courier deliveries reliably
2. Addresses We Cannot Accept
We are unable to accept addresses that:
Lack a unique property identifier
Have a known history of unreliable or failed signed-for deliveries
Are PO boxes, parcel lockers, business premises, the addresses of third parties, or temporary/short-term accommodation
Cannot be verified through standard address verification checks
Have previously been flagged for suspected fraudulent activity
3. Alternative Arrangements
Due to the high value and recoverability requirements of our instruments, we only deliver to the hirer's permanent UK residential address that meets all criteria outlined in section 1. We do not accept alternative delivery addresses or collection from our workshop, as these options do not provide the necessary security to ensure recovery of our instruments. We recognize that this policy may affect some applicants differently. Where an applicant’s ability to meet these requirements is impacted by a protected characteristic, we encourage contact to discuss possible reasonable adjustments that do not compromise the security and recoverability of our instruments.
4. Equal Application of Policy
These requirements are applied consistently to all applicants to ensure the security of our instruments. We will always consider reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010 where a protected characteristic may affect an applicant’s ability to meet these requirements.
5. Failure to Meet Address Requirements
If an applicant’s address or delivery arrangements cannot meet our security standards and no alternative arrangement is agreed, we reserve the right to decline the application. This decision will be based solely on the security and recoverability of the instrument and will not take into account any other personal factors.
Fair Access Deposit Policy
The Fair Access Deposit Policy applies where an instrument is to be delivered to a location that may not be deemed secure for delivery or collection. Examples include, but are not limited to, student accommodation, temporary housing, short-term lets, or other housing arrangements with shared or restricted access.
This policy is not available where an application has failed our fraud prevention checks and has been declined.
If the option of a deposit scheme is available to you as an acceptable alternative due to your living arrangements, we will advise you during the application process that your address may not be suitable for direct delivery under our standard terms. In such cases, you may be offered the option to proceed by paying a refundable security deposit in accordance with this policy.
Definition of a suitable delivery address
For the purposes of this policy, a suitable delivery address is one that meets all of the following criteria:
a. It can be confirmed through the following:
i. Recognition by the Royal Mail Address Finder or other national address database;
ii. Confirmation via official photographic ID or recent utility/council tax bill showing the address; or
iii. Other reasonable evidence that the address:
1. Is uniquely identifiable (e.g., has its own property number, name, or other unique designation); and
2. Can be reliably accessed by postal or courier services for both delivery and collection.
When a deposit is required
Bridge Street Violins requires a security deposit where the hirer’s housing situation could reasonably make delivery, collection, or retrieval of the instrument more complex. Examples include temporary accommodation, student housing, short-term lets, or other housing arrangements with limited or shared access.
Deposit process
Where a deposit is required:
a. The customer will be notified before their hire application is approved;
b. The deposit amount will be determined with reference to:
i. The retail value of the instrument and accessories; and
ii. Any additional delivery or retrieval costs reasonably anticipated in the event of non-return;
c. The deposit may be up to the full retail value;
d. If the customer does not wish to proceed, their application will be cancelled and any monies paid will be refunded in full.
Fair access principle
Housing arrangements that could affect delivery or collection, shall not be used as the sole reason to refuse hire. The deposit requirement is applied consistently to all customers in similar circumstances and is a proportionate means of protecting hired instruments where address verification or accessibility is uncertain.
Delivery of instruments
a. If a suitable and secure delivery address is not available, we will not be able to post the instrument to the hirer;
b. As an alternative, delivery may be arranged to a secure drop-off location in the hirer’s local area;
c. Collection from the hirer may not be available in these cases, as it may bypass our security measures.
Deposit refunds
All deposits are:
a. Fully refundable at the end of the hire, subject to the conditions of return in these terms;
b. Held in a separate client account; and
c. Returned within 10 working days of the instrument and accessories being returned in the agreed condition, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Rental Payments
The rental price shown on our website is the monthly rental amount. By selecting a rental package, you agree to set up an automatic monthly recurring payment, which will be deducted from your bank account on the same date each month.
The minimum rental term is 12 months, unless otherwise stated.
After the minimum rental period, your rental will continue on a rolling monthly basis until you choose to return the instrument in accordance with our return process.
If a payment fails or is missed, you will remain liable for the outstanding balance. We reserve the right to invoice you separately for any missed rental periods, calculated daily from the date the payment was due until it is received in full. Missed payments must be settled promptly to avoid additional action.
While rental prices may rise due to inflation, your monthly rental fee will remain fixed for the duration of your initial rental agreement and any subsequent rolling monthly term.
Direct Debit Discount
The rental prices shown on our website include a £5 monthly discount, which is available exclusively to customers who pay through our approved online Direct Debit portal.
To qualify for this discount:
Payments must be made via our designated Direct Debit system.
Payments must be received on time, without failure, each month.
If a payment is missed, declined, or otherwise fails, you may lose eligibility for the £5 monthly discount at the sole discretion of Bridge Street Violins. If eligibility is removed, your rental payments will revert to the full standard rental rate without the £5 discount. We reserve the right to reinstate or remove this discount at any time based on payment history.
Please note that the discount is a goodwill gesture and is not a contractual entitlement.
Purchasing Your Rental Instrument
You are welcome to purchase your rental instrument outright at any time, subject to approval by Bridge Street Violins. Visit the instrument's product page on our website for the purchase price and full details.
If you choose to buy the instrument you are renting, or upgrade to a different instrument, you may be eligible for a 50% discount on up to one year’s rental payments as a loyalty bonus. This discount can be claimed up to six months after the return of your rental instrument.
Please note:
Any offer to purchase the rental instrument and apply a rental loyalty discount is entirely at the discretion of Bridge Street Violins.
When purchasing an upgrade instrument, the current rental instrument must be returned in good condition, subject to reasonable wear and tear. Any costs for repairs, servicing or restoration required to bring the instrument back to an acceptable condition may be deducted from the trade-in value or purchase price offered.
Final purchase offers and discounts will only be confirmed once the instrument has been inspected and any necessary deductions have been agreed.
The instrument remains the property of Bridge Street Violins until the full purchase price has been received and cleared.
Missed or Stopped Payments
If your monthly rental payment fails, is missed or is stopped for any reason:
We will contact you by email to notify you of the missed payment and provide you with details to settle the outstanding amount.
You will be liable for the missed rental amount, calculated on a daily basis from the date the payment was due until the outstanding balance is paid in full.
If payment is not received within 14 calendar days of the due date, Bridge Street Violins reserves the right to:
Request the immediate return of the rented instrument,
Instruct a collection agent to recover the instrument at your cost,
Invoice you for any additional collection, legal or administrative costs incurred.
You remain responsible for the instrument until it is returned safely to us, whether voluntarily or through collection.
Persistent Non-Payment and Recovery Action
If rental payments are missed and remain unpaid for more than 28 calendar days after the due date, it will be deemed that you have agreed to purchase the rented instrument at its current full retail value (as determined by Bridge Street Violins at the time). The full retail value of the instrument, together with any outstanding rental payments and any additional charges, will become immediately due.
An invoice for the full amount will be issued. If payment is not received within 14 calendar days of the invoice date:
Bridge Street Violins reserves the right to begin legal proceedings to recover the outstanding debt.
We may also instruct enforcement agents (bailiffs) to recover the debt and/or the instrument.
All costs incurred by Bridge Street Violins in pursuing recovery, including but not limited to legal fees, court costs, administrative fees, collection agency fees and enforcement agent costs, will be added to the total amount owed by you.
Please note: The instrument remains the property of Bridge Street Violins until full payment is received and cleared.
Rent will continue to incur monthly until the full debt balance is paid and the instrument is no longer the property of Bridge Street Violins.