Refund policy

REFUND POLICY

Effective Date: 21 January 2026

Last Updated: 21 January 2026

At Studio 1 Vintage Instruments Limited, we stand behind the quality and authenticity of the instruments and products we sell. This Refund Policy outlines your rights and our obligations under New Zealand law, including the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) and Fair Trading Act 1986.

This policy applies only to online and in-store purchases.

For consignment or trade-in arrangements, please refer to our Consignment & Trade-In Terms.

1. Consumer Guarantees Act Rights

Nothing in this policy reduces or restricts your rights under the CGA.

You are entitled to remedies if goods are defective, unsafe, not as described, or unfit for purpose.

2. Vintage, Used, and One-of-a-Kind Instruments

Many of our instruments are vintage or pre-owned. These may show:

• cosmetic wear or finish checking

• non-original parts

• expected age-related characteristics

Such traits do not constitute defects unless they were misrepresented.

We photograph and describe items carefully; buyers should review all photos, descriptions, and ask questions prior to purchase.

3. 7-Day Approval Period (Guitars Only)

For most guitars sold online and shipped to you, Studio 1 offers a 7-Day Approval Period, during which you may return the guitar for any reason.

Conditions:

• You must notify us in writing within 7 days of receiving the guitar.

• The instrument must be returned in the same condition as dispatched.

• Items showing wear, damage, modification, unauthorised repair, or tampering may be refused or subject to a restocking fee.

• Refunds exclude shipping costs (both outbound and return).

• Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility and must be tracked and insured.

Upon inspection, if the guitar is in the same condition, we will issue a full refund less shipping within 10 business days.

Studio 1 reserves the right to decline approval-period returns for:

• special-order items

• heavily discounted items

• items where “no approval period” is explicitly stated

4. Change of Mind (Non-Guitar Items)

We do not offer refunds or exchanges for change of mind on:

• accessories

• pedals

• merchandise

• maintenance items

unless required under the CGA.

5. Faulty Items

If an item is faulty, we will provide:

• repair, or

• replacement, or

• refund

in accordance with the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Proof of purchase is required.

Damage caused by misuse, modification, poor maintenance, improper humidity, or non-Studio-1 repairs is not considered a defect.

6. Shipping Damage

If an item arrives damaged:

• Notify us within 48 hours

• Keep all packaging

• Provide photos of both packaging and the damaged area

We will liaise with the courier and work toward a resolution.

7. Refund Processing

Refunds are issued to the original payment method.

Bank charges, merchant fees, instalment financing fees, and platform fees are not refundable unless required by law.

8. Contact

Please use our contact form with any queries about our refund policy.