Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Musical Instruments by Mail Order

In order to play music, one must first obtain an instrument. However, musical instruments come in a variety of types and prices, and many people are not sure where they should purchase them.
In recent years, more and more people are purchasing musical instruments by mail order on the Internet; in 2021, sales of musical instruments increased by 21.6% over the previous year, with electronic musical instruments accounting for about 40% of this increase.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing musical instruments by mail order?

The advantages of purchasing musical instruments by mail order include the following points.
(1) Large selection
By mail order, you can easily find rare instruments that are not available in stores or instruments made overseas.
In addition, there are many variations in color and size, making it easy to find an instrument that suits your taste.

(2) Low prices
Since mail-order sales do not incur expenses such as store rent and labor costs, prices are often set lower.
Also, discount services such as points and coupons are available.

(iii) Any time and any place
With mail order, you can place orders 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can also order from anywhere you like, including your home or office.
Heavy or large instruments can also be delivered, saving you the trouble of carrying them around.

On the other hand, the disadvantages of purchasing instruments by mail order are as follows
(1) You cannot see and touch the actual instrument.
By mail order, you can check the appearance of the instrument through images and videos, but you cannot actually see and touch the instrument to try it out.
Therefore, the tone and playing feel of the instrument will be known only after it arrives, and it may not be what you expected.

(2) Returns and exchanges are troublesome.
In mail order, you can return or exchange a product if it is defective or damaged or if you do not like it, but you may have to pay shipping and handling charges for doing so.
In addition, there are return deadlines and conditions that you must be aware of.

3) Worried about after-sales service
With mail order, it may be difficult to receive after-sales service such as adjustment or repair of the instrument after purchase.
In particular, instruments made overseas or whose makers are unknown may not be able to be handled due to the lack of specialized technicians. In addition, the warranty period and contents may differ from store to store.

As mentioned above, there are advantages and disadvantages to purchasing musical instruments by mail order. It is important to choose the best purchase method according to your purpose and budget.
When purchasing a musical instrument by mail order, please note the following points

(1) Choose a site you can trust
When purchasing a musical instrument by mail order, it is important to check the site's reputation and reviews. It is also recommended that you choose a site that has good product details, photos, and videos.

2) Beginners should listen to the opinions of experts.
When a beginner chooses an instrument, it is important to choose an instrument that is suitable for his/her level and goals.
Therefore, it is recommended to refer not only to information on the Internet, but also to the opinions of experts such as teachers and friends.

(iii) Check the conditions for returns and exchanges.
When purchasing an instrument by mail order, it is necessary to check the conditions for returns and exchanges in advance.
A clear understanding of shipping and handling charges, deadlines, and reasons can prevent problems.

Buying a musical instrument by mail order is convenient and economical, but it also entails risks. Careful consideration is important to find the right instrument for you.

In addition, even after purchasing an instrument, continuous practice is necessary to improve your playing ability. However, it is sometimes difficult to find time to practice in one's busy daily life.
In such cases, why not try using Lesson Grid for online music lessons?

With Lesson Grid, you can receive one-on-one instruction from a professional instructor.
You can also freely set the lesson time and frequency according to your own convenience.
By taking online lessons with instruments purchased by mail order, you can improve your playing ability efficiently.
Please give it a try!