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Questions:
Answers:
The Podium has been established in Minneapolis, MN since 1959. Originally started as a tobacco store, The Podium decided to sell guitars when a young singer/songwriter who sensed that "the times they are a-changin'" and asked if the store would sell him some strings. Or at least that is the legend that we like to believe here!
Seriously, we are a brick-and-mortar store located in Dinkytown near the University of Minnesota campus. We are all musicians who have devoted ourselves to the cause and we love what we do. Check out our About Us page for more information.
How do I buy something from your website?
Once you see something on our website that you like you can either purchase it through our secured website or contact our sales staff in order to make your payment and verify that the instrument is in stock. Please visit our Contact page for more information.
How often do you update your website?
We try to update our website everyday to keep up with the change in our inventory. New inventory is listed on our news page each time we update the site.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
What is your return policy?
Click here to view our return policy.
How much do you charge for shipping?
Click here to view our shipping rates.
What if my instrument gets damaged during shipping?
First, let the delivery driver know that there has been damage to the package. Second, contact us and we will issue a call tag to have the package picked up and returned to us. Once the package is returned to us and we determine that damage in shipping has occurred, we will issue a full refund or we send a replacement to you.
What precautions should I take when receiving an instrument?
We recommend that during extremely cold or hot times of the year that you let the instrument acclimate inside the package or case that it was delivered in. When your instrument arrives, wait about six to eight hours for the instrument to get to room temperature before opening.
Do you accept online orders?
We do accept online orders. Click here to create a user account and you will be able to place orders through our shopping cart.
Do you send items internationally?
We do accept international orders. Please contact our sales department prior to the purchase for us to arrange shipping costs.
Is your store climate controlled?
We constantly monitor our store to make sure it is never too dry or too humid for our instruments. We maintain temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and between 40% to 60% humidity.
Will you give me money for my used instrument?
Instruments may be taken in on trade or consignment; however, we do not guarantee that we will take all used instruments. Each instrument must be examined individually. Generally, you will receive more money for your instrument if you choose the consignment option. Please contact our sales department for more information.
Our Consignment Rates:
Instrument Sale Price
$0 – 7,999....................................................................................... 20%
$8000 +........................................................................................... 15%
If your balance is applied toward a purchase here........... 10%
Vintage Martin and Gibson Guitars...................................... 10%
Consignments may be returned to owner after 60 days without any charges. If returned prior to 60 day period a $100 setup fee will be charged to the owner. This fee covers the cost of evaluating, photographing, cleaning, uploading to website and/or recording sound samples.
Do you offer layaway or financing?
We do offer a 90 day 0% financing option for our LOCAL CUSTOMERS ONLY. Please visit our Financing Program Page for more information.
We also have a layaway option. In order to put an instrument on layaway, you must put a 25% down payment on the instrument and pay the entire balance within 30 days. Once the entire balance is paid, you will receive the instrument. ALL DOWN PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. Please visit our Layaway Page for more information.
Do you offer appraisal services?
We offer free estimates over the phone and written appraisals for $25. The Podium is not a certified appraiser. Our appraisals are only an estimated current market value based on our professional opinion with the given facts presented. This appraisal in no way guarantees the actual sale price of an instrument. Please visit our Appraisals Page for more information.How do I sign up for your mailing list?
Go to our home page and click on the box that says "Sign up for our monthly newsletter." This newsletter contains information about local events, information our featured products and special coupons.
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