Most of us don't have a high-end professional flute repair shop in our neighborhood. That's why most flute players choose to send their flutes in for repairs through the mail—90% of our customers are from out of state or even other countries! Shipping your flute in for repairs is SAFE and is what most flutists do.
How to send me your flute for repairs:
1. Please Contact Me first to alert me that your flute is on its way for repairs.
2. Wait for my response before shipping.
3. Then, ship or hand deliver your flute to my mailing address:
Rich Lupo Flutes and Piccolos
469 Prince Valiant Ln
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Shipping your flute:
I recommend using USPS Priority Mail with Insurance and "Restricted Delivery" to Rich Lupo. This will ensure only Rich Lupo can accept the package from the carrier. You may also want to put your phone number on your return address. If your flute is valued over $1800, please ask the Post Office to send it "Registered Mail, Restricted Delivery" for extra security and cheaper insurance. Pack the flute well using some good padding, either bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Don't worry, I've shipped and received thousands of flutes, and I've never had even one get lost or damaged in the mail.
Do not ship case-covers, cleaning rods, or accessories with the flute. Just wrap the hard case in bubble wrap. Do not use rags as a packing material. If the flute rattles inside the case when you shake it, a single thin sheet of bubble wrap inside the case is good.
You can also ship via UPS or FedEx. Just make sure a signature is required.
How to save money on shipping your flute.
**Include a sheet of paper with your name, return address, email and phone, and serial number of the flute in the package, attached or inside the flute case, for identification purposes. Write any information about the flute, what you'd like repaired on the sheet, and any special requests. It's also a good idea to put your name on a post-it note and place it on the case if you don't have a name tag already attached. If you purchased the flute from us, please mention that and list the date of purchase, and the name used for shipping so we can look up our records if needed. Please email me the tracking number or a picture of your shipping receipt.
I'll email you when I get the flute in the mail.
If you have not already paid, payment is due either via credit or debit card upon completion of the flute, or you may include a personal check or money order with the flute. For credit or debit card, I will send an invoice to your email address with a link to online checkout for payment. Tips for the repairman are always graciously appreciated but are never required or expected.
630-465-5876 or richlupo@hotmail.com
We may take before-and-after pictures of flutes for promotional images. If you don't want your flute to pose for a picture, let me know.
Expertise - Experience - Honesty