A few years ago I got into playing the guitar and have the calluses to prove it. Unfortunately the town I live in does not have a Guitar Center and I had to settle for a local shop which has a terrible 7-day return window. While the Guitar Center return policy has a much longer 45-day return window, they also have a long list of items that can’t be returned. So I went out and looked at every aspect of their return policy.

As mentioned above, Guitar Center gives you 45 days to return items, both in-store and online.

Products must be in what they consider new and salable condition so take it REAL EASY on that guitar while you test it out.

Here’s the Deal on Returning Without Receipt

Bring in your photo I.D. to the store and they can take care of the return for you.

They’ll want the I.D. to verify your identity and track your returns.

I’ve also been told some Guitar Center location WON’T ask for it.

But you CAN for sure return stuff without the receipt.

PRO TIP: ASK FOR A DISCOUNT ON A FLOOR MODEL

While this tip is not return policy related per say, always ask for a 10-15% discount on floor models that you might be interested in.

These guitars should not be considered new once they leave the box and they’ll often give you a discount to move it out of the store.

See Also: All the Stores That Let You Make Returns Without a Receipt

The Policy on Returning Gear That Was Bought Used

Used gear and guitars come with a 30-day return window.

Most used guitars come with a disclaimer telling you about any imperfections, scratches, or cracks.

Be sure you pay attention to any issues with the guitar (before you buy) so you don’t run into any hassles when you try to make a return and they dispute the condition of the instrument.

PRO TIP: EMPLOYEES PUSH YOU TOWARDS NEW GEAR

When shopping at Guitar Center, keep in mind that employees make a full commission on used gear and only 50% commission on used gear.

For this reason, many will push you towards new gear and never even show you the same products that they might have used.

Do to your homework and check out all the used products that they have in-stock before making your decision.

All The Exceptions to the 45 Days

There are 2 major exceptions to the 45-day policy that you need to be aware of…

14 Days

You have 14 days to return the following:

– DJ Equipment

– Recording Devices

– Lighting/Fog Machines

– Rack Signal Processors

– Workstation Keyboards

3 Days

You have 3 days to return the following:

– Vintage Instruments – Better test them out quickly to make sure you’re happy with them because you’re out-of-luck after 3 days.

Some Things Can’t Be Returned

Quite a few things actually…

• Clearance items
• Stuff Marked as Non-Returnable
• Discontinued items
• Apple hardware
• Computers
• Software (opened)
• Electronic software downloads
• Books
• CDs and Videos
• Vinyl records
• Turntable cartridges
• In-Ear Buds
• Earplugs and In-Ear monitor
• Fog fluid, harmonicas
• Cleaning products
• Demo Gear
• Special and Custom orders

I’ll keep this list updated if new products are added in the future.

Returning or Exchanging a “Clearance” Guitar

Whether you buy the guitar (or other gear) from the clearance department, or at regular price, you still get a 45 day return window.

PRO TIP: WHAT TO DO IF GUITAR BREAKS AFTER 45 DAYS

After 45 days you’re stuck dealing with the manufacturer directly to try and get the guitar fixed.

The only exception to this is if you bought the pro coverage through Guitar Center in which case you would be protected.

Online Returns Require an Authorization Code

The most important thing to note is that you need a Return Authorization Code to make an online return.

To make it happen, you’ll need to call Guitar Center at 1-866-498-7882 or email them at [email protected].

You can also return an in-store purchase via the mail if it’s more convenient.

They ask that you call them at the number above and they’ll set you up with a return authorization and return mailing address.

PRO TIP: DO NOT ABUSE THEIR RETURN POLICY

Guitar Center has been bucking down on misuse of their policy and they keep a close eye on your returns, especially those without a receipt.

They reserve the right to deny your return if they feel you’re making excessive returns or returning items that are NOT in new condition.

See Also: 8 MUST Knows About the Best Buy Return Policy

You Have to Pay The Return Shipping Charges

For this reason, it’s always smart to try and make the return in-store and avoid these charges.

Here’s a full breakdown of their return handling charges.

Just bring in your email order confirmation or packing slip and that will work as your receipt.

Beware the Dreaded Restocking Fee

You’ll be hit with a flat 10% restocking fee on Apple products if the box has been opened.

For this reason, you should buy Apple items from the Apple Store as their return policy is much more lenient.

You also stand a good chance of being hit with a restocking fee if your return something without the original box or packaging.

Cash Purchases Get Cash Back Up to $250

If the return is for $250 or less you’ll get cash back.

If the cash purchase is over $250 you’ll have to settle for a check or Visa debit card.

They Have a Solid Extended Holiday Return Policy

They give you, or gift recipients, either 45 days -OR- until January 31st to make the return.

This policy does not include items that are non-returnable OR fall under the 3 and 14 day return policy.

See Also: All 37 Popular Stores That Offer Extended Holiday Returns

Ask the Reader: Have you ever had to make a return at Guitar Center? Was it an easy dealio or something else?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Philip Pessar.

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)