Guitar Center is committed to ensuring you are completely satisfied with your purchase. Understanding their return policy can make your shopping experience smoother. Whether you’ve bought a guitar, amplifier, or any other musical instrument or accessory, Guitar Center offers a straightforward purchase return process designed with customer satisfaction in mind. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Guitar Center Purchase Return policy.
Guitar Center’s 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
At the heart of Guitar Center’s customer commitment is their 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. This policy reflects their belief that you should be completely happy with your gear. If for any reason you find yourself unsatisfied with your purchase, Guitar Center allows you to return it within 45 days from the date of purchase. To qualify for a full refund, the item needs to be returned in its original condition. Please note that shipping and handling charges from the original purchase are non-refundable.
How to Return Your Guitar Center Purchase
Guitar Center offers two convenient methods for returning items, whether you made your purchase in-store or online:
In-Store Returns
Returning an item to a Guitar Center store is a quick and easy process. Simply bring the item you wish to return, along with your order confirmation email or the packing slip that came with your order, to any Guitar Center location. Returning your item in-store is advantageous as you can receive immediate credit for your return and avoid return shipping fees. It also removes the need for a return authorization code. For the most up-to-date information on store locations and opening hours, you can visit stores.guitarcenter.com.
Returns by Mail
If returning to a store isn’t convenient, you can ship your item back to Guitar Center. To initiate a return by mail, you’ll first need to obtain a return authorization code. This code can be acquired by contacting Guitar Center’s customer service team at 1-866-498-7882 or by sending an email to [email protected]. It’s important to note that return handling charges may apply when shipping items back. You can find detailed information regarding these charges in the Return Handling Charges PDF. Once Guitar Center receives and confirms that your returned item meets the policy’s requirements, your refund will be processed promptly.
Exceptions and Limitations to the Standard Return Policy
While Guitar Center’s 45-day satisfaction guarantee is generous, it’s important to be aware of certain limitations and exceptions that apply to specific product categories:
Products with Shorter Return Windows
Certain types of gear have a reduced return window. Specifically, returns for recording devices, DJ equipment, workstation keyboards, rack signal processors, and lighting/fog machines must be initiated within 14 days of purchase. For vintage instruments, the return window is even shorter, requiring returns to be made within 3 days of purchase.
Non-Returnable Items
There are also certain items that are classified as non-returnable. These include:
- Clearance items
- Items explicitly 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
- Fog fluid
- Harmonicas
- Cleaning products
- Special orders (both custom/special orders and items not regularly stocked)
Fees Associated with Certain Returns
For specific product categories, certain fees may apply to returns:
- Band & Orchestra Instruments: Returned woodwind and brass instruments are subject to a $10.00 sanitization fee. Bow returns incur a $4.00 restocking fee. Mouthpiece returns also have sanitization fees: $8.00 for mouthpieces over $300 and $4.00 for mouthpieces under $300.
- Apple Products: A 10% restocking fee is applied to any open-box returns of Apple products. 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 specific return policies. By using Apple products, you agree to the terms of Apple’s One-Year Limited Warranty, as detailed on Apple’s website.
Policy on Abuse of Return Privileges
Guitar Center’s return policy is designed to protect customers from being stuck with unsuitable gear. However, to maintain fairness and prevent abuse, Guitar Center reserves the right to limit or suspend return privileges for customers who misuse or attempt to violate the return policy. This includes, but is not limited to, instances of excessive returns or attempts to return items that are no longer in new condition.
International Returns
For customers needing to return items purchased internationally, specific instructions can be found on the packing list included with the original shipment. If you require further assistance or have questions regarding international returns, Guitar Center’s customer service representatives can be contacted at 1-866-498-7882.
Cash Refund Policy
For purchases made with cash exceeding $250.00, refunds will be issued via check or a Visa Debit Card in select store locations.
By understanding Guitar Center’s purchase return policy, you can shop with confidence, knowing that Guitar Center prioritizes your satisfaction and offers a safety net if your purchase isn’t quite right.
