■ Quick Reference Table for Net Proceeds
For a pre-tax selling price of 500,000 yen: Estimated net proceeds 400,000 yen (80% commission rate)
For a pre-tax selling price of 1,000,000 yen: Estimated net proceeds 850,000 yen (85% commission rate)
For sales prices of 10,000,000 yen or more (excluding tax): Please contact us for details.
Consignment Sales of Musical Instruments
I wonder if they’re really serious about selling it… It’s such a precious instrument.
Commission Fees and Estimated Net Proceeds for Consignment Sales
Notes Regarding Net Amounts
・The table above provides only approximate figures. Depending on the circumstances at the time of sale, we may discuss the price, in which case the amount you pay may change.
・We will cover the labor costs for adjustments (cleaning, string replacement, neck adjustment, basic setup, etc.), but you are responsible for consumables such as strings, which will be deducted at the time of settlement.
・If repairs are determined to be necessary following a prior consultation, the cost will be borne by the customer and deducted from the settlement after the instrument is sold.
・Payment will be made via bank transfer to the financial institution designated by the customer. Payment will be made approximately 2–3 weeks after the sale is confirmed.
・If the customer is a qualified invoice issuer (taxable business), we will add the prescribed consumption tax to the calculated amount before payment (*Submission of a qualified invoice is required for payment).
“Let’s be honest—consignment sales are all about the amount you receive, right?”
I completely agree.
Precisely because it’s an instrument I’ve cherished for so many years, it’s only natural to want to get the highest possible price when parting with it.
What’s more, if you’re offered a price far lower than you imagined, you’ll be disappointed—and you might even feel embarrassed for having had such high expectations.
We strive to meet our customers’ wishes to the greatest extent possible.
What were your feelings as you owned it? What aspects did you find appealing and come to love?
We identify the unique value inherent in that instrument—a value that cannot be measured by specifications alone—and pass it on to the next owner.
I’m not here to sugarcoat things
Regret is inevitable when parting with a treasured instrument.
Given the recent surge in prices for vintage instruments, everyone has thought at least once, “I wish I hadn’t sold it back then.”
Strangely enough, we often hear people say, “I’m glad I bought it!” but
we almost never hear anyone say, “I’m glad I sold it!”
However, even after such regrets, we hope you’ll be able to think positively—“I’m sure someone else is cherishing it now, and I hope it’s doing well”—so we do our very best to ensure the next owner will love it just as much.
“The previous owner had a great eye for quality and owned a wonderful instrument.”
To ensure the instrument is cherished in this way, we’ll set it up so that we, as a store, can confidently present it to you.
To that end, I’d like to start by having a frank and open conversation with you to figure out how we can best ensure the next owner’s satisfaction.
Even if you’re not ready to part with your instrument just yet, it’s perfectly fine to just ask, “I wonder how much it’s worth?”
Please feel free to contact us.
Testimonials from Customers Who Have Made Consignments of Instruments
Before he passed away, my grandfather told my father, “If you ever find yourself in a bind, sell this bassoon.” While sorting through my grandfather’s belongings, I remembered that conversation, and after doing a little research, I realized it was a valuable instrument.
I contacted various buyers, but many of them gave responses that were far from what I had hoped for, such as, “Since it’s been a while, this is the best we can offer,” or “It’s difficult for us to handle this item.”
However, the very first thing the staff at this shop said was, “You absolutely shouldn’t part with that instrument so easily.”
When I showed them the instrument, I was truly delighted that they not only gave me an appraisal but also listened to my memories of my grandfather. I sincerely believe that the staff here will pass on the bassoon my grandfather loved to its next owner.
— Mr. Kawai, Kanagawa Prefecture —
For details on the terms and conditions regarding consignment sales, please feel free to click the “?” (Inquiry) button in the lower right corner of the screen and send a message stating “I’d like to consign an item.”
Consignment Sales Process
1. Inquiry
Please click the “?” (Inquiry) icon in the lower right corner of the screen and send a message stating “I’d like to make a consignment sale.” Please wait for a reply from our specialist staff.
2. Pickup
In addition to picking up your item at our store, please feel free to inquire about delivery via our shipping service or our pickup service, where we’ll come directly to your home.
3. Sales Consultation
After inspecting the condition of the items, we will discuss the selling price and sales methods with you.
Once we reach an agreement, we will begin preparing for the sale.
4. Sales Launch
We will display the item in-store and list it for sale on our website and e-commerce platforms (Digimart, J-Guitar, Reverb).
We can also sell the item without displaying it in-store.
5. Payment
Payment will be made once the item is sold. As a general rule, payment is made via bank transfer.
*There are conditions for items that can be handled on consignment.
Sales and Promotion Methods for Instruments on Consignment
“X”
We’ll take steps to ensure posts featuring your instrument reach as many people as possible.
Everyone loves seeing reactions like, “Wow, what a cool guitar!!”
Additionally, famous musicians sometimes visit our store, upload videos of themselves trying out the instruments, and these videos can be viewed by a large audience.
▶︎Gibson L-7 played by Tomo Fujita
▶︎TMG Guitar Dover played by nacoco
▶︎Gibson 1944 J-45 Banner played by Shunsuke Nakamura
“YouTube”
We’ll introduce special instruments on our YouTube channel, which has over 30,000 subscribers.
Our expert staff will do their best to convey the instruments’ appeal.
We’ve received numerous comments such as “Looks are a 100!” and “The sound is amazing!!”
▶︎An insanely awesome vintage Les Paul Deluxe has arrived!
▶︎When we sent a question to a former Gibson technician, we discovered some surprising history
“Digimart/J-Guitar”
You can expect the instrument you’re selling to rank high on our charts. We’ll list it on Japan’s most-viewed e-commerce site specializing in musical instruments.
“Other”
There’s a very good chance a celebrity might purchase your instrument.
You might even see your guitar make its TV debut! We sometimes feature instruments in TV shoots, web columns, books, and more. Let’s write a page of history together.
*We’ll contact you in advance if we plan to feature your instrument while it’s on consignment.
▶︎TV Programs
▶︎Web Column (TCGAKKI Magazine)
▶︎Books (The World’s First SJ Reference Collection)
Additionally, depending on your preference, we often choose not to display items in-store and instead introduce them exclusively to our closest customers.
Whether you prefer “not to make it public” or “to introduce it only to those who truly appreciate its value,” we will propose a sales method that meets your specific requests.
Common Concerns and Questions Before Consignment
Q1. What are the storage conditions while the instrument is in your care, and what kind of warranty do you offer in the event of an accident or damage?
A1. We store and display the instruments entrusted to us with the utmost care, under strict temperature and humidity control managed by our specialized staff. Please rest assured that in the unlikely event of theft, loss, or significant damage—such as accidental dropping—during the period the instrument is in our care, we will compensate you for an amount equal to the expected proceeds from the sale.Please note, however, that we are not liable for natural aging specific to vintage instruments (such as discoloration of the finish, deterioration of parts, or broken pickup wires) or damage caused by natural disasters. As a professional shop that understands the nature of these instruments, we inform you in advance of the risks associated with such natural changes.
Q2. Is there a set consignment period? Is it possible to change my mind and retrieve the instrument before the end of the period?
A2. The standard contract period runs from the date of receipt until the “last day of the month six months later.” This timeframe is set to allow for the necessary cycle of photographing the instrument, listing it on our website, and conducting promotional activities both domestically and internationally to find the best possible buyer. Please note that if you wish to retrieve your instrument (have it returned) during the contract period, we will charge an administrative fee of 11,000 yen (tax included).If the instrument has not been sold after 6 months, you may choose to have the contract automatically renewed or to have the instrument returned to you (or sold to our store).
Q3. Can I make a consignment of an instrument that needs repairs?
A3. Yes, we can accept such instruments. If we determine that repairs are necessary before sale, we will consult with you in advance, and sales will begin once the repairs are complete. You will be responsible for the repair costs, but you do not need to pay them upfront; we will deduct them from your net proceeds upon settlement after the sale (*If the instrument is returned during this period, we will invoice you at that time).
For those unsure about where to sell their instrument or whether they’ll get a truly fair price
① We’ll increase the appraisal value by 10% for instruments purchased from “other reputable stores”
② “Buyback” also gets a 10% increase in the appraisal value!
Please let us take back the instruments you purchased from our store
③ “Trade-ins” also receive a 10% increase in appraisal value!
If you sell your instrument when making a purchase, we’ll buy it back on even better terms
Click here for details
Author: Matsui (Store Manager, TCGAKKI)
Joined TCGAKKI after serving as store manager at Kyoritsu Gakki’s Shinjuku branch. As store manager, he has overseen a wide range of genres, including the vintage guitar floor, electric basses, amplifiers, and parts. He is one of the industry’s leading experts in electric guitar sales, deeply trusted by renowned musicians. His favorite band is B’z. His hobbies include horse racing and golf.
Qualifications and Achievements: 20 years as a musical instrument appraiser; has contributed as a writer and supervisor to publications such as Guitar Magazine
▶︎Read his articles here:
Real Closet Classic ~ Unused 1961 Strat
1951 Fender Nocaster “PROTO”
A Journey Through the History of Tuners with Famous Brands
Column on the History of Pickups and the Trajectories of Great Figures
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