shop policies
All about shipping, insurance, quality guarantees, returns, and refunds
We care
Worldwide Delivery,
Handled With Love and Precision
Each of our musical instruments is meticulously handcrafted upon request with the utmost care and attention to detail. The typical crafting time ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the instrument type and current demand. During peak periods, it may take slightly longer; during quieter times, it may be completed sooner (sometimes within a week).
Once your instrument is ready, you’ll receive a tracking number to follow her journey to your doorstep. Shipping typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your location.
All orders are securely packaged, insured, and clearly marked as fragile, then shipped via reputable, premium shipping carriers to ensure safe and timely delivery.
Premium Shipping
This is our default and highly recommended shipping method to ensure your handcrafted musical instrument arrives safely and on time. We work exclusively with premium carriers such as FedEx, offering fast delivery and full shipping insurance for your peace of mind.
Each order using this shipping option:
- Is carefully and lovingly packaged, with extra protective measures and clearly marked as fragile.
- Includes a tracking number, so you can follow your lyre’s journey at any time.
- Ships through trusted, high-quality carriers only.
- Is fully insured for the total value of your order.
- Arrives in half the time compared to standard shipping options.
- Comes with guaranteed replacement: if something goes wrong during shipping, we will craft and send a new instrument at no additional cost to you.
We treat every lyre as a one-of-a-kind treasure — and we make sure she travels like one too.
Simple Shipping (No Longer Supported)
This was once the most affordable shipping method we offered for delivering our lovingly handcrafted musical instruments. However, due to repeated mishandling incidents by various national postal carriers around the world, we have decided not to support this method anymore. We see each of our lyres as a creation born from deep care and craftsmanship — almost like sending our children out into the world. And frankly, this shipping route too often felt like sending them into a war zone. We simply can’t continue to take that risk with something so precious.
For reference, here’s how this option functioned:
- Orders were carefully packaged with love, marked clearly as fragile.
- A tracking number was provided for basic shipment visibility.
- Shipments were handled by Hellenic Post (Greece’s national carrier).
- Delivery was completed by your country’s local postal service (e.g., USPS in the United States).
Should any customer experience issues under this method in the past, the LUTHIEROS family has always stood by them, offering our support and helping find the best possible resolution — and we will continue to do so.
Until today, all of our beautifully handcrafted instruments have reached their new homes around the world safely and without issue.
Please also note:
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Import taxes are determined and collected by the customs authorities of the destination country and are beyond our control. In accordance with international trade standards, the customer is solely responsible for any applicable import duties, taxes, or customs fees upon delivery.
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Orders shipped within the European Union are not subject to import taxes.
Our Craftsmanship Guarantee
At LUTHIEROS, every musical instrument is lovingly handcrafted after each order is placed. No molds, no mass production — just human hands, natural materials, and years of tradition & expertise. This means that each instrument is a one-of-a-kind creation, shaped by both intention and the natural variation found in wood, horn, and skin.
Naturally, we stand behind our instruments and our art, offering a 100% guarantee on craftsmanship and structural integrity of our instruments. If any material fault or structural defect occurs, we’ll repair it at no cost to you — covering materials and labor.
On the other hand, it is truly important to understand and accept all the following:
- All our instruments—without exception—are handcrafted, naturally resulting in variations in color, grain, dimensions, texture, shape, etc., which are not flaws, but features of a handcrafted item
- Our master luthiers always prioritize musicality and sound quality above all, meaning that thoughtful enhancements are applied when they contribute to this goal. After all, what you are ordering is, first and foremost, a musical instrument, not just a decorative object. If aesthetics is a top priority for you, we kindly ask that you let us know before placing your order. Please note that, due to these sound-oriented enhancements, variations in dimensions of up to 10% may occur in rare cases. These are not considered flaws, but part of the process of making each lyre a unique, living instrument!
- Strings are handmade and may require some days of tuning adjustment. This is entirely normal, especially with natural gut or sugar-based strings.
- Minor surface marks or aesthetic “blemishes” that do not affect playability or durability are expected and embraced as part of what makes your instrument truly yours.
If you’re ever unsure about an instrument or would like help choosing the right model for your needs, we’re always here to offer guidance — before and after your purchase. Just send an email to info@luthieros.com
Thank you for supporting true craftsmanship — and for helping us keep ancient music alive.
100% Guaranteed Delivery
Over the past few years, only a very small percentage of our shipments have experienced delays — most of which were during the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While such delays are beyond our control, the LUTHIEROS family is committed to ensuring that every order reaches its destination, no matter the circumstances.
Please note that we cannot accept cancellations due to shipping delays. If timely delivery is essential for you, we strongly encourage you to contact us before placing your order so we can discuss the best options.
Additionally, keep in mind that every musical instrument is handcrafted with great care and attention to detail, and is made to order. The standard crafting time is typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of instrument and the volume of orders at the time.
Once again — if timing is important, don’t hesitate to reach out before ordering. We’re here to help! We also keep a small, curated selection of ready-to-ship instruments for those in a real hurry — feel free to ask us what’s currently available.
Return & Refund Policy
At LUTHIEROS, every instrument is handcrafted with reverence for ancient traditions and a deep commitment to quality and artistry. We hope your lyre or other musical companion brings you inspiration and a timeless connection to music.
If for any reason you need to return your instrument, please review the following guidelines:
Returning an Item
You are welcome to return your purchase within 14 days of delivery.
To qualify for a return, the instrument must be in its original condition: unused, undamaged, and with all original packaging and accessories included.
Custom-made instruments (including those with personalized engravings, specific non-standard specifications, etc.) cannot be returned or refunded, as they are crafted specifically for you and are not suitable for general resale.
Return Shipping Responsibility
In most cases, customers are responsible for the cost of returning or exchanging an item, including when:
- A different instrument is preferred.
- The customer changes their mind.
- The instrument does not meet personal expectations. By placing your order, you accept that:
- All instruments are sold “as is” and may include natural variations in color, grain, or texture, which are not flaws, but features of a handcrafted item.
- Our master luthiers always prioritize musicality and sound quality above all else. As we continue to make thoughtful refinements to our models, each instrument is improved in meaningful ways. However, this may occasionally lead to variations in shape or visual details compared to earlier versions. If visual “perfection” or an exact match with the photographs on our website is especially important to you, it is essential to let us know before placing your order.
- Strings are handmade and may require some days of tuning adjustment. This is entirely normal, especially with natural gut or sugar-based strings.
- Minor surface marks or aesthetic “blemishes” that do not affect playability or durability are expected and embraced as part of what makes your instrument truly yours.
- The customer refuses to pay import duties or taxes or fails to cooperate with their country’s customs office, resulting in the package being returned to us.
If you’re ever unsure about an instrument or would like help choosing the right model for your needs, we’re always here to offer guidance, before and after your purchase.
Refund Processing
Once a returned item is received and inspected, we aim to process refunds within 3 to 10 working days.
Please note: Depending on your bank or card provider, the refund may take additional time to appear in your account.
Any shipping costs, import taxes, handling fees, or related charges incurred during both the original delivery and the return process will be deducted from the total refund amount.
How to Return Your Instrument
- Pack the instrument securely in its original box.
- Include a copy of your return form or original receipt.
- Use a trackable and insured shipping method.
- Clearly mark the parcel as “Returned Goods” to avoid customs charges.
Important: Import Charges
The sender is responsible for any customs duties or import fees associated with the return.
If a package is returned to us due to unpaid duties, these costs will be deducted from your refund amount.
When LUTHIEROS Covers Return Costs
We are committed to covering return shipping and providing a full refund or replacement in the following cases:
- The instrument arrives with a manufacturing defect.
- The wrong item was delivered.
- The item was damaged during shipping.
In such cases, you do not need to return the item physically for us to assess the situation. Simply send a clear photo or short video of the issue to info@luthieros.com, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Using Klarna & Other BNPL Options
We offer Klarna as a secure payment option through our partner Stripe for customers located in supported countries (such as Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and others).
Klarna is part of a growing category of “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services, which allow customers to acquire something meaningful today while spreading the cost over time. This can be helpful for managing personal cash flow and making special purchases more accessible, like beginning your journey with an ancient Greek lyre.
However, as with any credit-based service, BNPL options should be used with care. It’s easy to overlook future obligations when splitting payments, and overspending can become a risk if not planned thoughtfully. Please consider your financial comfort before selecting Klarna as your payment method.
In short, it is a beautiful payment option when used mindfully.
Klarna allows you to choose between several flexible payment methods, such as:
- Pay Later (within 14–30 days)
- Interest-free Installments
- Pay Now (direct bank transfer or card)
The specific payment options and terms available to you are determined by Klarna at checkout, based on your country and eligibility.
Please note:
- All Klarna payments are processed externally by Klarna through Stripe.
- We do not have access to your Klarna account or payment agreement, and we cannot modify, cancel, or manage Klarna payment plans on your behalf.
- For any questions related to Klarna payments (e.g., due dates, account verification, declined approvals, etc.), please contact Klarna customer service directly at www.klarna.com or through the Klarna app.
If you experience any issues during checkout with Klarna, feel free to reach out to us — we’re happy to assist on our side. However, Klarna remains solely responsible for your payment plan and customer service once your order is completed.
If you prefer to deal with us directly throughout your lyre-initiating journey, please choose one of the other payment methods, preferably “Pay with Mastercard® or Visa®” or “Pay with Direct Bank Transfer.” These methods also ensure that the full amount of your order goes directly to our luthiers, without intermediary fees, helping us keep alive our dream of reviving the ancient lyre tradition.