Selling an Instrument
We are not a pawn shop. We tell you exactly what we'll pay, which option makes sense for your situation, and why — before you commit to anything.
The Process
Photos, brand, model, manufacture year, condition notes, and any known repairs or modifications. The more detail you provide, the faster and more accurate our response.
Our team reviews what you've sent and comes back with a real offer — not a vague range. We'll tell you which path makes sense for your instrument and your timeline.
Consignment for maximum return. Direct purchase for immediate cash. Donation if you'd rather support a school music program. You decide — no pressure.
Your Options
You receive 70% of the final sale price. We handle inspection, photography, listing, and finding the buyer. Best for premium instruments where waiting maximises your return.
We buy your instrument outright. Immediate payment, no waiting for a buyer. The offer reflects our cost to service and resell — we tell you exactly how we arrive at the number.
100% of the proceeds from donated instruments go directly to school music programs. We retain nothing. If you'd rather your instrument go to a student than a marketplace, this is the path.
We won't give you a vague offer that changes when you bring the instrument in. We won't tell you it's worth less than it is to squeeze the margin. We won't list instruments we're not confident in — which means we sometimes turn things away rather than misrepresent condition.
If we think you'd get more selling privately, we'll tell you that. We'd rather you come back to us for the next one than feel like you got a bad deal on this one.
Common Questions
Where can I sell my used guitar in Burlington, Ontario?
Chili's Sound, based in the Aldershot area of Burlington, buys instruments outright and accepts consignments. We evaluate every submission within 48 hours with a clear, honest offer — consignment (70% to you), quick sale (same-day cash), or donation (100% to school music programs).
How much does Chili's Sound pay for used guitars?
For consignment, you receive 70% of the final sale price — we handle everything else. For a quick sale (direct purchase), we typically offer 40–60% of market value and explain exactly how we arrived at the number. We won't lowball you without explaining why.
How long does the instrument evaluation take?
We respond to every submission within 48 hours with a real offer, not a vague range. Submit photos, brand, model, year, and condition notes through our evaluation form and we'll come back with specific options. The more detail you provide, the faster and more accurate our response.
Do I need to bring my instrument in to get an offer?
No. Start by submitting photos and details online. We'll give you a real offer before you commit to anything. If you're local to Burlington or Hamilton, we can arrange to view the instrument in person. For sellers elsewhere in Canada, we work from photos and a detailed condition description.
What happens if my instrument doesn't sell on consignment?
If your instrument doesn't sell, you get it back with no charge. We don't take listing fees and we don't deduct servicing costs if it doesn't sell. The 70/30 split only applies when the instrument actually sells.