Guitar Center is committed to ensuring you are completely satisfied with your purchase. Understanding their return policy is key to a smooth shopping experience. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting your musical journey, knowing the ins and outs of the Guitar Center Return Policy can give you peace of mind. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about returning items to Guitar Center, ensuring a hassle-free process.
Understanding Guitar Center’s 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
At the heart of Guitar Center’s customer commitment is their 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. This policy is designed to let you confidently explore new gear. If, for any reason, you are not entirely happy with your purchase, you can return it. Guitar Center promises a full refund of the purchase price, excluding any original shipping and handling fees. This generous window allows ample time to test out your new instrument or equipment and decide if it’s the perfect fit for your needs.
Two Convenient Ways to Return Your Purchase
Guitar Center offers two straightforward methods for returning items, catering to your convenience:
Returning Items In-Store
The quickest and easiest way to return an item is by visiting any Guitar Center store. Whether you made your purchase online or in-store, you can process your return at any of their locations. Simply bring your order confirmation email or the packing slip that came with your order as proof of purchase. Returning in-store has several advantages:
- Immediate Credit: Your refund will be processed and credited back to you right away.
- Avoid Return Shipping Fees: By returning the item yourself, you completely bypass any return shipping costs.
- No Return Authorization Needed: In-store returns eliminate the need to obtain a return authorization code beforehand.
To find the nearest Guitar Center store and check their operating hours, you can visit stores.guitarcenter.com.
Returning Items by Mail
If visiting a store isn’t convenient, you can also ship your item back to Guitar Center. However, it’s crucial to obtain a Return Authorization (RA) code before sending anything back. You can easily get an RA code by contacting Guitar Center’s customer service team:
- Phone: Call them at 1-866-498-7882.
- Email: Send an email to [email protected].
Once you have your RA code, carefully package your item and ship it to the address provided by customer service, ensuring to include your RA# in the address. Upon receiving and inspecting your returned item to confirm it meets the return requirements, Guitar Center will promptly process your refund.
Important Limitations and Exceptions to the Return Policy
While Guitar Center’s return policy is customer-friendly, there are certain limitations and exceptions to be aware of. These exceptions primarily relate to specific product categories and return timeframes:
Products with a 14-Day Return Period
Certain types of equipment need to be returned within 14 days of purchase. This shorter return window applies to:
- Recording Devices
- DJ Equipment
- Workstation Keyboards
- Rack Signal Processors
- Lighting and Fog Machines
Products with a 3-Day Return Period
For vintage instruments, a significantly shorter return period of only 3 days applies. This is likely due to the unique nature and potential sensitivity of vintage items.
Non-Returnable Items
Some items are classified as non-returnable and are final sale. These typically include:
- Clearance Items
- Items Marked as Non-Returnable
- Discontinued Items
- Apple Hardware
- Computers
- Opened Software
- Electronic Software Downloads
- Books
- CDs
- Videos
- Vinyl Records
- Turntable Cartridges
- Tubes
- In-Ear Buds, Earplugs, and In-Ear Monitors (due to hygiene reasons)
- Fog Fluid
- Harmonicas (due to hygiene reasons)
- Cleaning Products
- Special Orders (both custom/special orders and items not regularly stocked)
Band & Orchestra Instrument Return Fees
For band and orchestra instruments, specific fees apply to returns:
- Woodwind and Brass Instruments: A $10.00 sanitization fee is applied to all returned items.
- Bows: Returned bows incur a $4.00 restocking fee.
- Mouthpieces: Mouthpieces over $300 have an $8.00 sanitization fee, while mouthpieces under $300 have a $4.00 sanitization fee.
Apple Product Restocking Fee
Opened Apple products are subject to a 10% restocking fee on returns. It’s important to note that Apple hardware with manufacturing defects is covered under Apple’s one-year Limited Warranty and is subject to Apple’s return policy, not Guitar Center’s.
Policy on Abuse of Return Privileges
Guitar Center’s return policy is designed for genuine customer satisfaction and to prevent customers from being stuck with unsuitable gear. However, to maintain fair practices, Guitar Center reserves the right to limit or suspend return privileges for customers who are found to be abusing or attempting to manipulate the policy. This includes, but is not limited to, excessive returns or attempting to return items that are no longer in new condition.
International Returns
For customers who made purchases internationally, specific return instructions will be provided on your packing list. If you have any questions or require assistance with an international return, Guitar Center’s customer service representatives are available at 1-866-498-7882.
Cash Refund Policy
For purchases made with cash exceeding $250.00, refunds will be issued either by check or via a Visa Debit Card (at select locations).
By understanding Guitar Center’s return policy, you can shop with confidence, knowing that you have options if your purchase isn’t quite right. Remember to always keep your proof of purchase and be mindful of the return windows and exceptions to ensure a smooth and satisfactory return experience.
