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Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 26 March 2026

1. About these terms

These terms and conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the Prelude website at prelude.co.nz ("Website") and all instrument rental services provided by Prelude Music (NZBN: 9429053433848), trading as Prelude ("we", "us", "our").

By using our Website or renting an instrument from us, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

These Terms are governed by New Zealand law, including the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the Fair Trading Act 1986, the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017, and the Privacy Act 2020.

2. Eligibility

To rent an instrument from Prelude, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age, or have a parent or guardian agree to these Terms on your behalf
  • Be a resident of New Zealand or have a valid New Zealand delivery address
  • Provide accurate and complete information when creating an account or placing an order

3. Rental agreement

3.1 Formation

A binding rental agreement is formed when you complete the checkout process and we confirm your order. You will receive a confirmation email with your rental details.

Where a rental agreement document is presented during checkout, your completion of checkout constitutes acceptance of those terms in addition to these general Terms.

3.2 Rental plans

We offer rental plans of varying durations, including monthly, 3-month, 6-month, school year, and 12-month terms. The specific plan, duration, and pricing are confirmed at checkout.

Fixed-term plans (3-month, 6-month, school year, 12-month) represent a commitment for the full term. Discounted rates apply to longer-term plans in recognition of this commitment.

3.3 Rental period

Your rental period begins on the date the instrument is dispatched to you and continues for the duration of your chosen plan, unless terminated earlier in accordance with these Terms.

4. Pricing and payment

4.1 Prices

All prices displayed on our Website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). Prelude Music is not currently registered for GST. Rental prices are displayed as monthly rates.

We reserve the right to change prices at any time. Price changes will not affect existing rental agreements during their current term.

4.2 Payment methods

We accept payment by credit card, debit card (processed via Stripe), and bank transfer. Recurring rental payments are charged automatically on each billing cycle for card payments.

4.3 Deposit

A refundable deposit may be required at the start of your rental. The deposit amount is displayed at checkout. The deposit will be refunded within 14 working days of the instrument being returned in acceptable condition, less any deductions for damage or outstanding charges.

4.4 Delivery fees

Delivery fees, if applicable, are calculated and displayed at checkout based on your delivery zone. Delivery fees are non-refundable once the instrument has been dispatched.

4.5 Late payments

If a payment fails or is overdue, we will notify you and allow a reasonable period to resolve the issue. Continued non-payment may result in the rental being suspended or terminated, and the instrument must be returned immediately.

5. Delivery and collection

We deliver instruments throughout New Zealand. Delivery timeframes are estimates only and are not guaranteed, though we will make reasonable efforts to meet them.

You are responsible for ensuring someone is available to receive the delivery at the address provided. Risk of loss or damage passes to you upon delivery.

6. Your obligations

While an instrument is in your possession, you agree to:

  • Use the instrument only for its intended purpose (playing music)
  • Take reasonable care of the instrument, including proper storage and handling
  • Follow any care instructions provided by us or included with the instrument
  • Not modify, alter, or attempt to repair the instrument yourself
  • Not sub-let, lend, or transfer the instrument to any third party without our written consent
  • Keep the instrument at the delivery address provided unless otherwise agreed
  • Notify us promptly if the instrument is lost, stolen, or damaged

7. Damage and loss

7.1 Normal wear and tear

We accept normal wear and tear consistent with careful use of the instrument. This includes minor surface marks, natural degradation of strings, reeds, and similar consumable parts.

7.2 Damage beyond normal wear

You are liable for the cost of repairing any damage to the instrument that goes beyond normal wear and tear. This includes but is not limited to dents, cracks, broken parts, water damage, and cosmetic damage caused by misuse or neglect.

We will assess the damage when the instrument is returned and notify you of any repair costs. Repair costs may be deducted from your deposit. If the repair costs exceed your deposit, you will be invoiced for the balance.

7.3 Loss or theft

If the instrument is lost or stolen while in your possession, you are liable for the full replacement value of the instrument. You must notify us and file a police report within 48 hours of discovering the loss or theft.

7.4 Insurance

We recommend you check whether your home or contents insurance covers rented instruments. We do not provide insurance for instruments while they are in your possession.

8. Instrument swaps and upgrades

Subject to availability, you may request to swap your rented instrument for a different one (for example, to upgrade to a larger size). Swaps are subject to our approval and may involve adjusted pricing. Contact us to arrange a swap.

9. Cancellation and early termination

9.1 Monthly plans

Monthly rentals may be cancelled at any time. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing cycle. No refund is given for the remainder of the current billing period.

9.2 Fixed-term plans

If you cancel a fixed-term plan (3-month, 6-month, school year, or 12-month) before the end of the committed term, an early termination adjustment applies. This adjustment is the difference between the discounted rate you paid and the standard monthly rate for the period you have used.

For example, if you cancel a 12-month plan after 4 months, the 4 months of rental will be recalculated at the standard monthly rate, and you will be charged the difference between what you paid at the discounted rate and what you would have paid month-to-month.

9.3 Returns

Upon cancellation or expiry of your rental, you must return the instrument within 7 days. We will provide return instructions and, where applicable, a prepaid return shipping label. Failure to return the instrument may result in continued charges and/or liability for the full replacement value.

9.4 Cooling-off period

In accordance with the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you have rights relating to services that are not of acceptable quality. If you believe your rental does not meet the consumer guarantees, please contact us promptly.

10. Instrument purchase

We may from time to time offer you the option to purchase your rented instrument. If available, the purchase price and terms will be communicated to you separately and are subject to a separate purchase agreement. Any purchase offer is at our discretion and subject to availability.

11. Your account

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorised access to your account. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your account credentials.

12. Intellectual property

All content on the Website, including text, images, logos, and design, is owned by or licensed to Prelude. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use any content from the Website without our prior written consent.

13. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by New Zealand law:

  • Our total liability to you for any claim arising from or in connection with these Terms or our services is limited to the total rental fees paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim
  • We are not liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental loss or damage
  • We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from events outside our reasonable control

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes any rights you have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or any other New Zealand consumer protection legislation that cannot be lawfully excluded.

14. Disputes

If you have a dispute with us, please contact us first at hello@prelude.co.nz so we can try to resolve it directly.

If we cannot resolve the dispute, either party may refer it to mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, either party may pursue their rights through the Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand (for claims within its jurisdiction) or the New Zealand courts.

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand. The New Zealand courts have exclusive jurisdiction.

15. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "last updated" date. For existing rental agreements, material changes will be notified to you by email at least 14 days before they take effect.

16. Contact us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us: