Repair Terms & Conditions
On this page, "Houghton Horns," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Houghton Horns LLC. "You" and "your" refer to the customer.
These terms apply to all repair, maintenance, cleaning, and customization work performed by our repair shop.
Estimates and Authorization
Free Estimates. We are happy to provide an estimate free of charge before any work begins.
Authorization. We will only perform work you have authorized. If we determine that the cost will exceed the estimate by more than 10% or $50 (whichever is greater), we will contact you for approval before proceeding.
Completion Dates. Completion dates are estimates only, not guarantees. If you drop the instrument off without an appointment or schedule a "Drop Off" time on the website, expect the repair to take at least a week to complete; we will give you an estimate at the time you bring in the instrument.
"While You Wait" repairs are available if you need the instrument back by a specific date. You can schedule them here.
Emergency repairs may be available for an additional rush fee.
Condition Documentation
Intake Documentation. When you drop off your instrument, we will document its condition, including any pre-existing dents, scratches, wear, and finish issues, and we may photograph it.
Payment
Payment Due at Pickup. Payment is due in full when you pick up your instrument.
Worker's Lien. Under Texas Property Code Chapter 70, we hold a worker's lien on your instrument for all repair and storage charges, and we may retain possession of the instrument until your invoice is paid in full.
Storage and Abandoned Instruments
We will notify you when your repair is complete. A storage fee of $2.00 per day will accrue beginning 60 days after that notice. If your instrument is not claimed within 90 days of the notice, it will be considered abandoned and may be sold in accordance with Texas Property Code Chapter 70 to recover our repair and storage charges, with any surplus returned to you at your last known address. Please keep your contact information current with us.
Inherent Repair Risks
Some procedures carry unavoidable risk even when performed correctly, including but not limited to: dent removal on thin or previously repaired metal; unsoldering or resoldering near aged joints; lacquer or plating discoloration adjacent to heat work; and chemical cleaning of deteriorating finishes. If your repair involves work of this kind, we will discuss the risks with you before you authorize it, and if you authorize the repair you are acknowledging and accepting these risks.
Limitation of Liability
We will exercise reasonable care while your instrument is in our custody. If your instrument is damaged due to our negligence, our total liability is limited to the lesser of the cost of repairing the damage or the instrument's fair market value. We are not liable for consequential or incidental damages, including lost performance income or instrument rental costs. We encourage you to maintain your own insurance on your instrument; we offer insurance appraisals if you need documentation for your insurer.
Repair Warranty
We warrant our workmanship for 90 days from pickup. This warranty covers the repaired issue only and is void if the instrument is damaged after pickup, serviced elsewhere, or shows evidence of new trauma. It does not cover unrelated issues or normal wear.
If you purchased the instrument from us, you may qualify for some warranty repairs; see our Warranty Information page for details on what is covered.
Parts
Parts special-ordered for your repair are non-refundable once ordered. If used or aftermarket parts will be installed, we will disclose this before installation.
Ownership
By leaving an instrument with us for repair, you certify that you own it, or that you are authorized by the owner to contract for its repair, and that it is not subject to any liens or encumbrances. We record serial numbers at intake.
Minors
If you are under 18, a parent, guardian, or authorized school representative must authorize the repairs.
School Instruments
We welcome repairs for schools, universities, and other institutions, and we can work with purchase orders and institutional billing. Please contact us at repair@houghtonhorns.com or 817-993-6400 to set up an institutional account.
If possible, we'd like to request that your institution pay through ACH or check instead of credit card.
If you are located within an hour of our shop in Keller, Texas, we may be able to provide free pick-up and drop-off service. If you are located between 1-3 hours of our shop, we may be able to provide paid pick-up and drop-off service. Please don't hesitate to ask.
Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas. All disputes will be submitted to the jurisdiction of the courts in Tarrant County, Texas.
Questions?
Contact our repair shop at repair@houghtonhorns.com or 817-993-6400, or learn more about our repair services on our Repairs and Customizations page.