ORDERING INFORMATION

THANKS! for considering a purchase from me. I'm a collector and trader of vintage stringed instruments, and as such I don't have a retail store or showroom for you to browse. Over the last 23 years I have helped many players find the right instrument by offering listings of instruments accurately and honestly described via the mail, at guitar shows, and now on the internet. Please feel free to call or e-mail for any assistance or advice on the instruments listed here. I'm always pleased to talk instruments with you and to help you find the right one for your music!

Since 1984 I have been handling some of the finest in vintage fretted instruments. I've shipped hundreds of instruments during this time and I've learned how to do it right. All instruments will be safely and securely packed and shipped within 24 hours of receiving payment. To get the best service, call during business hours listed below or e-mail me. That way you can get an in-hand description of the instrument. Although I try to keep the web page current, you'll know in an instant whether the item you want is still available.

"On Hold" Policy

Once you have found the right instrument, call or email me to request the instrument be put on hold. I'll hold it for one week for your payment to arrive. That means that the instrument is yours - it's not available to anyone else at any price! Sometimes an instrument may be "on hold" on the page for a while. Usually, this means that a trade deal being worked out. Yes, I take trades!

E-mail Orders

To send me Email click:Charles@vintagemandolin.com

Phone Orders

Phone 804-741-3455
My business phone hours are:
Monday-Friday: 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM East Coast US time
Weekends: 12 Noon until 10:00 PM East Coast US time.

Current time in Richmond, VA

NOTE: Laura usually answers the phone. She can answer many questions for you. If you get the machine please leave a message and I'll call you back.

Methods of Payment

We accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover for US customers. Now, credit cards are not free for the store. I'm charged a fee when you buy something, and there is no upcharge for that. Its part of of my cost of doing business. I might offer a discount if you pay by cash.

Heres the bad part on credit cards - if you return an instrument under the 48 hour approval policy - no problem there - and I issue a credit to your card, I'm still charged the transaction fee. Well, I cannot afford to pay credit cards fees on an sale that didn't happen, so I am reluctantly having to charge a restocking fee of 3 % for all returns under the approval period policy. I'm not allowed to single out the credit card purchases, so this applies to all transactions, cash or credit. However, this restocking fee may be reduced or eliminated on any transaction at my discretion. If you used a credit card, that means your payment will be refunded minus the shipping charges and the restocking fee.

I can also accept payments by money order, wire transfers, bank checks like cashiers and official checks, postal money orders, or personal checks. Wire transfers, bank checks, money orders and postal money orders ship immediately upon receipt. Personal checks, though acceptable, must clear before I can ship.

Mail Payments

I recommend sending the payment by US Postal Service Express Mail direct to my PO box. This allows tracking and secure delivery for you, and is much easier for me to access.

Payments should be sent to:

Charles Johnson
Post Office Box 24555
Richmond, VA 23224
USA

UPS or Federal Express Payments

If you are sending payment by Fed Ex or UPS, please call for a street address.

Wire Transfers

A wire transfer is required for overseas purchasers. Credit cards are not accepted for overseas orders. Please email for account ID and transfer instructions. Note:  All origination fees are to be paid by the sender.

Shipping

I can ship worldwide. All shipping, insurance costs, and import duties are the customer's responsibility as are all insurance claims. I will provide a commercial invoice for international shipments.

The cost for most domestic shipments of instruments averages around $25-$45. Overseas shipments are by Federal Express standard delivery and average about $250 to Europe and Japan.

We ship by UPS, DHL, U.S. Post Office and Federal Express. All instruments are insured for the full purchase price. Your order is usually shipped within 24 hours from the time we receive payment. As part of our service, we e-mail you the day your order goes out to let you know it's on the way and provide any tracking information available.

(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction...

Unlike the Stone's song, you will get satisfaction here. I want you to be happy with your purchase, send your friends here to buy instruments, and buy more yourself! I wouldn't buy an instrument without playing it, so I couldn't expect you to do so. However, this is difficult to do if you don't live near Richmond.

The best way I've found to solve this problem is to allow you an unconditional 48 hour trial period after receipt. If you are not satisfied with your purchase - for any reason - you can return it for a full refund of the purchase price. (Credit card purchases are an exception to the full refund - please see the credit card area above.) Please call or email within 48 hours of receiving the shipment to arrange it's return. I'll make a full refund (excluding shipping charges and, if applicable, restocking fees) after my receipt of the instrument in the same condition as shipped. Please note that all in-person and online auction sales are final. Use of the instrument in a commercial setting such as recording or stage performance voids the return privilege.

THANKS!

To return to the Mandolin World Headquarters Home Page Click here

To send me Email click:Charles@vintagemandolin.com