At Guitar Center, your satisfaction is our top priority. We understand that sometimes a purchase might not be exactly what you need, and that’s why we’ve established a straightforward and customer-friendly Guitar Center Refund Policy. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and happy with every purchase. If for any reason you’re not completely satisfied, we’re here to help make the return process as smooth as possible. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about returning an item to Guitar Center, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Understanding Guitar Center’s 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
Guitar Center offers a 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee on most products. This means that if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase, you can return it within 45 days from the date of purchase for a full refund of the purchase price. This generous return window allows you ample time to try out your new gear and ensure it meets your needs. To qualify for a refund, the item must be returned in its original condition. Please note that shipping and handling charges are non-refundable.
How to Return Your Guitar Center Purchase
Guitar Center provides two convenient options for returning your purchases: in-store returns and returns by mail.
Returning Items In-Store
For the quickest and easiest returns, you can bring your item back to any Guitar Center store. This option is available for both online and in-store purchases. Simply bring the item in its original condition along with your order confirmation email or the packing slip you received with your order. Returning your item in-store allows for immediate credit and eliminates the need to pay for return shipping or obtain a return authorization code. To find the nearest Guitar Center store and check store hours, please visit stores.guitarcenter.com.
Returning Items 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 will need to obtain a return authorization (RA) code. You can request an RA code by calling 1-866-498-7882 or by emailing [email protected]. Once you have your RA code, carefully pack your item and ship it to the address provided by Guitar Center, ensuring you include your RA number on the package. Please be aware that return shipping charges may apply. You can find detailed information about return handling charges in this PDF document. Your refund will be processed promptly once Guitar Center confirms that the returned item meets the policy requirements.
Exceptions and Limitations to the Return Policy
While Guitar Center strives for customer satisfaction, there are some limitations and exceptions to the standard 45-day return policy. It’s important to be aware of these exceptions to ensure a smooth return process.
Shorter Return Windows
Certain product categories have a shorter return window:
- 14-Day Return Period: Recording devices, DJ equipment, workstation keyboards, rack signal processors, and lighting/fog machines must be returned within 14 days of purchase.
- 3-Day Return Period: Vintage instruments have a very limited 3-day return window.
Non-Returnable Items
Some items are non-returnable and are considered final sale. These include:
- Clearance items
- Items identified as non-returnable
- Discontinued items
- Apple hardware
- Computers
- Opened software and electronic software downloads
- Books, CDs, videos, and vinyl records
- Turntable cartridges and 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)
Band & Orchestra Instrument Fees
For returns of band and orchestra instruments, the following fees apply:
- Woodwind and brass instruments: A $10.00 sanitization fee is applied to all returns.
- Bows: A $4.00 restocking fee is assessed for returned bows.
- Mouthpieces: A sanitization fee is applied: $8.00 for mouthpieces over $300 and $4.00 for mouthpieces under $300.
Apple Product Restocking Fee
A 10% restocking fee applies to any open-box returns of Apple products. It’s also important to note that Apple hardware with defects is subject to Apple’s Limited Warranty policy.
Abuse of Return Privileges
Guitar Center’s refund policy is designed to protect customers who occasionally purchase the wrong gear. However, to maintain fair practices for all customers, 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 attempting to return items that are not in brand-new condition.
International Returns
For international returns, please refer to the packing list included with your shipment for specific instructions. If you have any questions or require assistance with an international return, please contact Guitar Center’s customer service team at 1-866-498-7882.
Cash Refund Policy
For purchases made with cash exceeding $250.00, refunds will be issued via check or Visa Debit Card (available at select locations).
