Consignment Dev

You do not need to book an appointment to drop off your instruments for consignment. For customers consigning a collection of 5 or more guitars, we do recommend calling ahead to let our authentication and intake team know you are on your way, so as to ensure we offer you uninterrupted time to complete the consignment process, and the best customer experience.

Our showroom is open:
10am to 6pm Monday to Friday.  
 10am – 4pm Saturday & Sunday.

Call us at (615) 915-1851 to discuss!

We make selling your instrument simple and our goal is to have your guitar listed from start to finish in 7 working days.

Each instrument is closely inspected and authenticated by our team, cleaned up, provided fresh strings and a setup to get it into optimal playing condition, described, photographed, and listed on our website as well as positioned on our sales floor. Every instrument is promoted in our email newsletter, as well as featured in the Latest Arrivals section on our website.

The process is hassle free, as we do all the work for you, with the goal of getting you more money in your pocket.

When consigning with CVG, unlike online marketplaces, you have a dedicated sales team 24 hours a day working hard to sell your guitar to its next owner, which enables us to offer one of the fastest sales times in the industry.

The majority of consignments sell in less than 2 months, with over 350 consignment guitars sold each and every month.

We offer the industry’s lowest consignment rates:

• Below $3k = 20%
• $3k to $50k = 15%
• $50k to $100k = 12.5%
• $100k and above = 10%

We charge an authentication/listing fee of $85 per instrument to cover authentication, setup, fresh strings, photos, and thorough specs/description. There are no upfront costs, all fees are taken after the sale of the instrument.

We send payment 15 business days after the customer has received and accepted the instrument. In store purchases are not eligible for returns, but online shipped orders have a 48-hour trial period. Payments can be submitted via check by mail or through ACH deposit. Any fees associated with the instrument (authentication, repair, shipping) will be subtracted from the payout amount after the consignment rate.

Our world class repair team can help with any issues with your instrument to get it to be the best sounding and playing instrument it can be before it hits our floor. Basic setup and fresh strings are included as part of our $85 authentication/listing fee, but additional repairs can be completed by our team in house with no up-front cost to the consignor. Repair fees will be subtracted from the payout only after the instrument sells.

Our consignment contract is for an initial 90-day period. After that, we can continue to list your guitar on a month-to-month basis. During this time, we may reach out to recommend a price adjustment based on current market trends, but you’re also welcome to call us at any time to update the pricing.

If you prefer not to continue after the 90 days, you’re welcome to request the return of your instrument after paying any associated fees and return shipping costs where eligible.

Although the majority of our instruments are sold on consignment, we do buy guitars outright every day.

Our policy is 65% of the estimate sale price. For example, if we value your guitar at $1,000, we will buy your guitar for $650 cash. Selling on consignment will make you more money (our average consignment rate is only 15%), consignments are only paid after the instrument is sold.

When buying instruments, we always provide a quote on the price we would list it at under consignment, so you can guarantee that you are getting a fair valuation and the most money for your instrument.

Yes, you can trade in your guitar at our shop and use the credit towards purchasing another guitar. We offer fair evaluations for trade-ins, making it convenient for you to upgrade or change your instrument while reducing the overall cost.

As a bonus, traded instruments will offset the taxable value of the sale. For example, if we offer you $1,000 for your guitar on trade towards a new one selling for $1,500, you would only owe tax on the remaining $500 balance.

We accept all stringed instruments:

• Guitars (Acoustic / Electric)
• Bass Guitars (Acoustic / Electric)
• Mandolins
• Banjos
• Ukulele
• Lap and Pedal Steel

We also accept instrument amplifiers, although certain amps are not eligible for shipping due to size.

If you’re located in the Nashville area, you’re welcome to drop off your guitar at our store during business hours.

If you’re not local, we offer two convenient shipping options:

• Carter Care Kit – $275 per instrument: This includes a shipping box, packing materials, a prepaid return ground label, and full insurance coverage. Once you receive the kit, simply pack up your guitar and drop it off at any UPS location.
• Label-Only Option – $125 per instrument: We’ll send you a prepaid return ground label, but this option does not include shipping materials or insurance coverage.

We also offer expedited shipping labels at an additional cost.

Whichever option you choose, we’re here to help make the process as easy and safe as possible

We offer shipping for guitar purchases to your specified address. Once you’ve selected your guitar and completed the transaction, we’ll arrange for safe packaging and reliable delivery through trusted shipping carriers. You can also inquire about expedited shipping options for faster delivery.

Returns for online purchases must be requested by filling out our form https://cartervintage.com/returns within 48 hours of receipt of instrument. All refunds are subject to a 3.5% credit card processing fee. In-store purchases, international orders, merch, and accessories are not eligible for returns. International orders are subject to duties and taxes at time of delivery.

Our world class repair team can help with any issues with your instrument to get it to be the best sounding and playing instrument it can be before it hits our floor. Basic setup and fresh strings are included as part of our $85 authentication/listing fee, but additional repairs can be completed by our team in house with no up-front cost to the consignor. Repair fees will be subtracted from the payout only after the instrument sells.

We are open to the public 7 days a week! Although we can schedule appointments, it is not necessary, as you are welcome to come browse our store and see any of the inventory available at any time. Our staff is always on hand to help and welcome you in!

We are open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. We are closed on certain holidays, so check out our Instagram and Facebook page for updates on special closures.

We offer validated parking in the Prima South Gulch Garage through Metropolis.

When you enter the garage, register your vehicle with Metropolis Parking by following the signs in the garage. When entering Carter Vintage, you will be able to scan a QR code to validate your free parking. The staff at the front desk can help you with the process.

You can find a detailed video with directions from Eighth Avenue here.