Loaner/Tour Program Rules and Guidelines - Updated March 2024

Loaner/Tour Program Rules and Guidelines - Updated March 2024

Loaners are how SBAF shares audio gear among those in our community. Sometimes we use SBAF funds to purchase gear, or a Gearmaster arranges a loaner for us from a vendor or manufacturer. Sometimes our members offer personal loaner tours of their own gear.

Generally only Friends can participate in loaners, but other members can be considered on a case by case basis. No matter who you are, you can lose loaner privileges. The following rules and guidelines must be adhered to to maintain those participation privileges.

Shipping and Insurance:

USPS shipping is NOT allowed. FedEx or UPS is a requirement. Insurance is required. Each loaner thread will specify the level of insurance. Some loaners require full value insurance, while others 50% value insurance. Make sure to read the first post of the loaner thread. If an insurance requirement is not posted, then ASK! Don’t assume insurance isn’t needed. Personal loaners should always be insured for full replacement value, unless the owner specifies otherwise.

Impressions and Reviews:

A full review is not a requirement but is greatly appreciated. However, some kind of impressions are required. Whether it be 2 sentences or 2 paragraphs, you are required to give some thoughts/opinions. Even if you hate it. Negative or positive, tell us what you think. If the dedicated review and impression thread hasn’t been created, the first recipient of the loaner should create the thread in the appropriate forum/sub-forum. Please don’t post your impressions in the loaner thread- that is strictly a logistics thread.

Loaner Threads:

• When a loaner thread goes up, make sure and read the entire first post. Then post if you are interested and what state you are in. This allows the Gearmaster to try and set up the tour order to be logistically sound for shipping. Be sure to check back occasionally to the first post to see updated order.
• If you are added to a tour, it is your responsibility to contact the next in line for their shipping information. It is recommended to contact them upon receipt of the loaner. This allows time for their response while you have the loaner during the duration allotted for the loan.
• When you receive the loaner, you are required to post in the loaner thread stating that you have received the loaner. You may wish to take a picture of the gear and post with your receiving status, if the loaner includes a lot of accessories.
• When you ship out the loaner, you are required to post in the loaner thread that you have shipped the item. You should also tag the person you have sent it to.
• If the next tour member tells you they can’t take the loaner for some reason, move to the next member after them and update the thread with that information.
• If you need more time, have extenuating circumstances, have trouble reaching the next tour members, or some other issue, immediately post in the loaner thread to get the Gearmaster or staff attention.
• If you are the last person on the tour, check the first post of the tour thread to see if it specifies where to send the loaner. Usually it is back to the Gearmaster or other staff member (or owner if personal loaner). If you are asked to hold it for any reason, update the thread that you are holding the item as instructed by the Gearmaster or staff member. Always tag said Gearmaster or staff member. Once you send off the item to its final destination, update the loaner thread that you have shipped it and tag the Gearmaster or staff member.
• The key here is be as transparent as possible as to the whereabouts of the loaned gear. It is difficult to keep up with so many items and transparency is very important. It allows any staff member to know where an item is at a glance.

Miscellaneous Loaner Etiquette:

Please do not take loaner units apart. While we understand curiosity/providing pictures of the internals of some gear, we want to minimize the risk of any sort of damage (this is true whether it is a SBAF-purchased unit, a personal unit of a member, or a provided one from a manufacturer). When in doubt, please do not be afraid to ask!

 

Bumping this thread to remind SBAF members to follow these rules on all loaners.

We want to see more updates on the loaner threads without staff needing to bump for updates.

 

The loaner rules have been updated with a section added at the end. This may receive further updates as things progress. Whether you would like to participate in a tour for the first time or are a long-time member who did lots of tours, please review the rules.