What should I do if I am afraid of buying a bad violin, viola and cello online?

We often hear potential customers say things like “My teacher said never shop online!”

*sigh*

It's worth distinguishing between "buying online" and buying from a reputable small business that happens to have an online presence (read: website/virtual showroom). Recently, one of our clients said it best:

"Xiaoyu Violin is not an online company, it is a real company that also happens to provide a website for people like me who can't make it to Wisconsin but want to own a Xiaoyu Violin instrument."

欢迎选购艺匠琴坊的弦乐器，您可以点击此链接与我们建立联系！

The emergence of the Internet as a retail sales tool has given people unlimited access to products from around the world. Tens of thousands of reliable, reputable companies have made great strides in online commerce, and unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of disreputable websites have done the same, tarnishing everyone's reputation.

Instead of worrying about choosing your next violin, viola or cello from an online company, think more about the company's reputation, customer reviews, and then call! Talk to someone who represents the company. Familiarize yourself with the product you are purchasing before purchasing. And, for God’s sake, get a family trial! You will often find, just like with Xiaoyu violins, that you will be able to find an instrument that far exceeds your expectations, and you will have a lifelong relationship with a company you can always call or email with any questions.