At Guitar Center, we understand that sometimes gear isn’t the perfect fit, and your satisfaction is our top priority. That’s why we offer a generous 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee on most purchases, allowing you to return items if they don’t meet your needs. This comprehensive Guitar Center Returns policy is designed to give you peace of mind when buying instruments and equipment, whether you’re shopping in-store or online.
Understanding Guitar Center’s Return Policy: The Basics
Our commitment is simple: if you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, we’re not satisfied either. Within our 45-day return window, you can return most items in their original condition for a full refund of the purchase price. Please note that shipping and handling charges are non-refundable. This policy ensures you can confidently explore new gear knowing that Guitar Center returns are straightforward and customer-focused.
How to Return Your Gear: Two Convenient Options for Guitar Center Returns
We offer two easy methods for Guitar Center returns, designed to fit your convenience:
1. In-Store Returns: Fast and Free
Returning items purchased either online or in-store to a Guitar Center location is the quickest and easiest method. Simply bring the item in its original condition to any Guitar Center store, along with your order confirmation email or packing slip. Returning your item in-store allows for immediate credit and eliminates return shipping costs and the need for a return authorization code. To find the nearest store and check opening hours, visit stores.guitarcenter.com. This in-store option streamlines the Guitar Center returns process significantly.
2. Returns by Mail: Step-by-Step Guide
If returning to a store isn’t convenient, you can ship your item back to us. To initiate a mail return, you’ll need a return authorization code. You can easily obtain this code by contacting our customer service team at 1-866-498-7882 or emailing [email protected]. Once you have your return authorization code, simply ship the item to the address provided below, ensuring to include your RA# in the address. Please be aware that return handling charges may apply; details can be found by clicking here (opens PDF file). Your refund will be processed promptly after we confirm that the returned item meets our return requirements. For mail-in Guitar Center returns, please use the following address:
Guitar Center
(Your RA #)
4005 N Norfleet
Kansas City, MO 64161-9231
Important Exceptions and Limitations to the Guitar Center Return Policy
While our 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee covers most products, some exceptions and limitations apply to Guitar Center returns. Please review the following carefully:
Shorter Return Windows: Specific Product Categories
Certain product categories have a reduced 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 shorter return window of only 3 days due to their unique nature.
These shorter return periods are in place due to the specific characteristics and market values of these product types.
Non-Returnable Items: Understanding What Cannot Be Returned
Some items are classified as non-returnable for hygiene, copyright, or logistical reasons. These include:
- Clearance items and items marked as non-returnable or discontinued.
- Apple hardware, computers, and opened software.
- Electronic software downloads, books, CDs, videos, vinyl records, and turntable cartridges.
- Hygiene products such as tubes, in-ear buds, earplugs, and in-ear monitors, as well as harmonicas and cleaning products.
- Special orders, including both custom/special orders and items we don’t typically stock.
- Fog fluid.
Please consider these items as final sale when making your purchase.
Fees for Band & Orchestra Returns
For band and orchestra instruments, specific fees apply to ensure hygiene and instrument quality upon return:
- Woodwind and Brass Instruments: A $10.00 sanitization fee is applied to all returned woodwind and brass instruments.
- Bows: Returned bows are subject to a $4.00 restocking fee.
- Mouthpieces: Mouthpieces over $300 incur an $8.00 sanitization fee, while mouthpieces under $300 have a $4.00 sanitization fee.
These fees are necessary to maintain the condition and hygiene of band and orchestra instruments for all customers.
Apple Product Restocking Fee
Please note that Apple products are subject to a 10% restocking fee on any open box returns. Defective Apple hardware covered by Apple’s one-year Limited Warranty is subject to Apple’s specific return policy, not Guitar Center’s. By using your Apple product, you agree to Apple’s warranty terms as detailed on their website.
Abuse of Return Privileges: Maintaining Fair Returns
Our return policy is designed to ensure customer satisfaction and prevent customers from being stuck with unsuitable gear. However, to maintain fairness for all customers, Guitar Center reserves the right to limit or suspend return privileges for customers who abuse or attempt to violate our return policy. Abuse includes, but is not limited to, excessive returns or attempting to return items that are no longer in brand-new condition. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a fair return system.
International Returns: Specific Instructions Apply
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 our customer service representatives at 1-866-498-7882.
Cash Refund Policy: How Cash Refunds Are Processed
Refunds for cash purchases over $250.00 are issued via check or Visa Debit Card (available at select locations). Please inquire at your local store for details on cash refund processing for larger purchases.
We hope this detailed explanation clarifies our Guitar Center returns policy. Shop confidently at Guitar Center, knowing that we are committed to your satisfaction.
