At Guitar Center, customer satisfaction is paramount. Understanding the return policy is crucial for a smooth shopping experience. Whether you’ve purchased a guitar, amplifier, or accessory, knowing the Guitar Center Guitar Return Policy ensures you can shop with confidence. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about returning items to Guitar Center, ensuring a hassle-free process should your purchase not be exactly what you needed. Guitar Center offers a generous 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee, but certain limitations and exceptions do apply, so let’s dive into the details.
Understanding Guitar Center’s 45-Day Return Policy
Guitar Center’s commitment to customer satisfaction is highlighted by their 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. This policy allows you to return most items within 45 days of purchase if you are not completely satisfied. The core principle is simple: if you are not happy with your gear, Guitar Center isn’t either. You can receive a full refund of the purchase price, excluding any original shipping and handling charges. This 45-day window gives you ample time to evaluate your new equipment and ensure it meets your musical needs.
How to Return Your Guitar Center Purchase
Guitar Center provides two convenient methods for returning your purchases, whether you bought your item in-store or online.
Returning Items In-Store
For the quickest and easiest returns, you can return items directly to any Guitar Center store location. This method is applicable for both in-store and online purchases. Simply bring the item in its original condition along with your order confirmation email or the packing slip that came with your online order. Returning items in-store offers immediate credit and eliminates the need to pay for return shipping fees or obtain a return authorization code. To find the nearest Guitar Center and check store hours, visit stores.guitarcenter.com.
Returning Items by Mail
If returning to a store is not convenient, you can ship your item back to Guitar Center. However, for mail returns, a Return Authorization (RA) code is required. You can easily obtain an RA code by contacting Guitar Center’s customer service team at 1-866-498-7882 or by emailing [email protected]. Once you have your RA code, ensure your item is securely packaged and meets the return requirements. Detailed information regarding return handling charges can be found on Guitar Center’s website Click Here (opens PDF file). Upon receiving and confirming that your returned item meets the policy requirements, Guitar Center will promptly process your refund.
Limitations and Exceptions: What You Need to Know
While the 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee covers most products, it’s important to be aware of certain limitations and exceptions to the standard return period.
Shorter Return Windows
Specific product categories have a reduced return window. For recording devices, DJ equipment, workstation keyboards, rack signal processors, and lighting/fog machines, returns must be initiated within 14 days of purchase. Vintage instruments have an even shorter return window, requiring returns within 3 days of purchase. These shorter periods are important to note, especially when purchasing these types of gear.
Non-Returnable Items
Certain items are classified as non-returnable for hygiene, copyright, or logistical reasons. These include clearance items, products 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, and special orders (both custom/special orders and items not regularly stocked). Always check product descriptions carefully to confirm return eligibility, especially for these categories.
Band & Orchestra Instrument Fees
For band and orchestra instrument returns, specific fees apply. Returned woodwind and brass instruments are subject to a $10.00 sanitization fee. Bows returned incur a $4.00 restocking fee. Mouthpieces also have sanitization fees: $8.00 for mouthpieces over $300 and $4.00 for mouthpieces under $300. These fees are in place to ensure the hygiene and quality of these instruments.
Apple Product Restocking Fee
Apple products are subject to a 10% restocking fee on any open-box returns. It’s important to note that Apple hardware with manufacturing defects is covered under Apple’s one-year Limited Warranty and follows Apple’s specific return policy. By using Apple products, you agree to Apple’s warranty terms, as detailed on their website.
Abuse of Return Policy
Guitar Center’s return policy is designed to protect 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 abuse or attempt to manipulate the policy. This includes, but is not limited to, excessive returns or attempts to return items that are not in brand-new condition. The policy is intended for genuine dissatisfaction, not for repeatedly renting gear or taking advantage of the system.
International Returns
For international purchases, specific return instructions are provided on the packing list included with your order. If you have any questions or need assistance with an international return, it’s best to contact Guitar Center’s customer service representatives directly at 1-866-498-7882 for guidance.
Cash Refund Policy
For purchases made with cash exceeding $250.00, refunds are issued via check or Visa Debit Card (available at select locations). This policy is in place for security and procedural reasons related to large cash transactions.
Requesting to Return a Product By Mail
To initiate a mail return, contact Guitar Center experts at 1-866-498-7882 or email [email protected] to get your Return Authorization (RA) code. When shipping your online order back, use the following address, and be sure to include your RA #:
Guitar Center
(Your RA #)
4005 N Norfleet
Kansas City, MO 64161-9231
Understanding the Guitar Center guitar return policy empowers you to shop confidently, knowing that customer satisfaction is a top priority. With a generous return window and clear guidelines, Guitar Center aims to make your gear buying experience as risk-free and enjoyable as possible.
