At Guitar Center, your satisfaction is their top priority. They understand that sometimes a purchase might not be exactly what you need, and their return policy is designed to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. This article will walk you through the ins and outs of the Guitar Center return policy, ensuring you’re fully informed and confident when making a purchase. With a generous satisfaction guarantee, Guitar Center aims to ensure you are happy with your gear.
Understanding Guitar Center’s Return Policy
The Core Principle: 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
Guitar Center stands behind the products they sell. Their commitment is highlighted by the 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. If you find yourself not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you have a 45-day window to return it. To qualify for a full refund, the item simply needs to be returned in its original condition. It’s important to note that while the purchase price is fully refunded, shipping and handling charges are not included in the refund. This 45-day period gives you ample time to evaluate your new equipment and ensure it meets your needs.
Two Convenient Return Methods
Guitar Center offers two primary methods for returning products, catering to different customer preferences and purchase scenarios.
In-Store Returns
For purchases made either in a Guitar Center store or online, returning your item to a physical store location is a convenient option. To initiate an in-store return, simply bring the item you wish to return along with proof of purchase. Acceptable proof includes a copy of your order confirmation email or the packing slip that was included with your shipped order. One of the key advantages of in-store returns is the speed and efficiency. Credit for your return is typically issued immediately upon processing the return at the store. Furthermore, returning your product in-store allows you to avoid any return shipping charges and eliminates the need for a return authorization code, simplifying the process significantly. To find the nearest store and check opening hours, you can visit stores.guitarcenter.com for the latest information.
Returns by Mail
If visiting a store is not convenient, Guitar Center also provides the option to return items by mail. However, unlike in-store returns, returning an item by mail requires obtaining a return authorization code beforehand. To get this code, you need to contact Guitar Center’s customer service. You can reach them by calling 1-866-498-7882 or by sending an email to [email protected]. It’s advisable to inquire about any return handling charges that might apply to your specific return. Detailed information on these charges can usually be found by clicking on the link provided on their return policy page, often leading to a PDF document outlining these costs. Once Guitar Center receives your returned item, they will inspect it to ensure it meets the return requirements. Upon confirmation, your refund will be processed promptly. When shipping your return, make sure to include the return authorization number and send it to the following address:
Guitar Center
(Your RA #)
4005 N Norfleet
Kansas City, MO 64161-9231
Limitations and Exceptions: What You Need to Know
While Guitar Center’s return policy is generally customer-friendly, there are some important limitations and exceptions to be aware of. These exceptions relate to specific product categories and circumstances.
Shorter Return Windows
For certain types of equipment, the standard 45-day return period is shortened. Specifically, returns for recording devices, DJ equipment, workstation keyboards, rack signal processors, and lighting/fog machines must be initiated within 14 days of the original purchase date. For vintage instruments, this period is even shorter, with returns needing to be made within just 3 days of purchase. It’s crucial to be aware of these reduced return windows if you are purchasing items in these categories.
Non-Returnable Items
There is a list of items that are considered non-returnable under the Guitar Center return policy. This category includes clearance items, products explicitly identified as non-returnable at the time of purchase, and discontinued items. Additionally, certain types of media and consumables are non-returnable, such as Apple hardware, computers, opened software, electronic software downloads, books, CDs, videos, vinyl records, and turntable cartridges. Hygiene-related products like tubes, in-ear buds, earplugs, and in-ear monitors, as well as fog fluid, harmonicas, and cleaning products are also non-returnable. Finally, special orders, including both custom/special orders and items that Guitar Center does not normally stock, are not eligible for return.
Band & Orchestra Instrument Fees
When returning band and orchestra instruments, specific fees may apply. For all returned woodwind and brass instruments, a $10.00 sanitization fee is incurred. Returned bows are subject to a $4.00 restocking fee. For mouthpieces, a sanitization fee is also applied, with mouthpieces over $300 incurring an $8.00 fee, while those under $300 have a $4.00 sanitization fee. These fees are in place to ensure the hygiene and quality of these instruments.
Apple Product Restocking Fee
Returns of Apple products that are not defective and are simply opened (“open box returns”) are subject to a 10% restocking fee. It’s important to note that Apple hardware with defects in materials or workmanship is covered under Apple’s one-year Limited Warranty and will be subject to Apple’s own return policies in such cases. By using an Apple product, you are agreeing to the terms of the Apple One-Year Limited Warranty as detailed on Apple’s official website.
Abuse of Return Policy
Guitar Center’s return policy is designed to protect customers from being stuck with unsatisfactory gear. However, to maintain fairness and prevent abuse, Guitar Center reserves the right to limit or suspend return privileges for customers who are deemed to be abusing or attempting to violate the policy. Examples of such abuse can include excessive returns, attempting to return items that are no longer in brand-new condition, or other practices that are inconsistent with the policy’s intent. This clause ensures the policy is used fairly by all customers.
International Returns
For customers making purchases from outside the United States, international returns are handled slightly differently. Specific instructions for international returns should be found on your packing list. If you have any questions or require assistance with an international return, it is best to contact Guitar Center’s customer service representatives directly at 1-866-498-7882 for guidance.
Cash Refund Policy
Finally, it’s worth noting the policy regarding cash refunds. For purchases made with cash where the refund amount is over $250.00, the refund will not be issued in cash immediately. Instead, refunds in these cases will be processed either via a check mailed to the customer or through a Visa Debit Card (this option may be available only at select Guitar Center locations). Be aware of this policy if you are making a significant cash purchase and anticipate a potential return.
In conclusion, Guitar Center’s return policy is designed with customer satisfaction in mind, offering a generous 45-day window and multiple return options. While there are limitations and exceptions, understanding these details ensures a smooth and hassle-free return experience when needed.
