Take it Away

Take it away is an Arts Council initiative designed to help more people get involved in learning and playing music. The scheme allows individuals to apply for a loan of up to £2,000 for the purchase of any kind of musical instrument, and pay it back in nine monthly instalments, completely interest free.

Take it away is open to everyone (over the age of 18), but primarily designed to help those who might otherwise be unable to afford an instrument appropriate for their needs.

Our priorities are:

• to encourage children and young people to develop their interests and skills in music making
• to inspire new players of all ages to begin learning an instrument
• to enable those on lower incomes to acquire an instrument appropriate to their needs (or the needs of their children)

How do I Take it away?

First, visit our shop and find an instrument that you want to buy. If you don't know what you're looking for, we will be able to give you help and advice in selecting the right instrument for your needs.

Once you've made your decision, you can apply for a Take it Away loan to finance your purchase. You will need to bring a credit or debit card with you in order to pay the 10% deposit. The application process takes no more than a few minutes and, if approved, you can take your purchase away with you there and then.

To apply for a loan you need to be:

• 18 years old or over*
• A permanent UK resident
• Hold a bank or building society account capable of handling direct debit payments

* If you are under 18, your parent or guardian can apply for a Take it away loan on your behalf. Loans are subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

How much can I borrow?

Loans are available up to £2,000, or as little as £100. The loan amount can be a part-payment towards an item that costs more than £2,000, or you can buy several lower value items with a combined value of up to £2,000 or more.

You will need to pay a minimum 10% of the loan amount at the point of sale. The rest is then paid back over nine months in equal instalments. There is no administrative charge or handling fee when you take out the loan, so you will never be paying more for your purchase than the ticket price.

FAQs

Who runs Take it away?

Take it away is an Arts Council England initiative operated by its trading company, ArtCo Trading Ltd. The Musical Instrument Finance Company (MIFCO) is the credit provider.

If the customer doesn't pay interest on the loan, who does?

The scheme is subsidised by Arts Council England. This means that the Arts Council pays the interest to the bank, instead of the customer.

How do I use the scheme?

Simple check our opening hours and range of stock before you visit. Once you're here staff will help you select an instrument appropriate to your needs, and then take you through the loan application process. Don't forget that you will need to have a credit or debit card with you as ID and to make your deposit payment (minimum 10%).

Do I need to take proof of address or photo ID with me?

No, you just need to have your credit or debit card with you.

Can I use the scheme if I am a student/retired/houseperson/unemployed person?

Yes, you just need to be over 18 and a UK resident to be eligible to apply for a loan.

Can I take my new instrument home immediately?

Yes. Once you have signed the agreement and paid your deposit you can take your new instrument away with you immediately.

Is the scheme available outside England?

At the moment Take it away is only available through retailers based in England. However, the scheme may be extended to cover other parts of UK in the near future, in partnership with the Arts Councils of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Can the loan be used when the value of the instrument is higher than £2,000?

Yes. The loan can go towards the payment of an instrument that costs more than £2,000.

Can I take out more than one loan at once?

You can borrow up to £2,000 at any one time, and this can be put towards the cost of one or more instruments. You can also have different loans with different outlets running concurrently.

Can I use the scheme more than once?

Yes, there is no limit on the number of times that you can use the scheme. However, you will normally have to allow at least three months between loan applications in order to establish a repayment record with the bank.

Can I use the scheme to buy instruments for other people?

Yes, you can use the scheme to buy instruments for other people including children and young people under the age of 18. However, please remember that you will remain responsible for repaying the full loan amount to the bank and that the loan is not transferable to a third party.

Can I use the scheme to purchase a second hand or reconditioned instrument?

Yes, provided that the instrument is being sold through an approved Take it away outlet.

Can I use the scheme to pay for music services such as tuition?

This will depend on the services available through the shop in which you are making your purchase. Some stores are able to provide lessons and other music services which can be added to your loan. Please ask for details when making your purchase.

Can I use the scheme in conjunction with the VAT free scheme operated through my Local Music Service?

No. The two schemes are distinct and because Take it away is only available to individuals (rather than through schools or other organisations). We would advise customers to make their own decision about which scheme best suits their needs based on their individual requirements and circumstances.

What happens if I don't pass the credit check?

You would need to speak with the bank directly. The sales person in the shop would give you the contact details.

Can I cancel the loan once I've signed the agreement?

No. Unless you have made your purchase by mail order, in which case you can cancel the agreement within 14 days.

Can I pay off the loan early i.e. before the 9 months have passed?

Yes. You can pay the balance of your Take it away loan early and there will be no penalty charge for this. You would just need to call MIFCO directly to arrange this. This applies to both in-store and mail order loans.

When will my first payment be made?

On the 30th of the month following the date you made your purchase.

Can I change my monthly payment date?

No. Payments will be made by direct debit on the 30th of each month (except February).

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Email us or call us on 01202 430820 to check our stock and to request a Mail Order Take it Away form.