An Unfortunate GC Experience

If you are firm with the local manager on the "this isn't as advertised" issue, you should get a full refund, including shipping costs. A blown speaker is definitely worthy of falling under that category. If the store manager gives you any guff, call corporate while you're still standing there in the store.

 

I believe the GC website says they refund less shipping on used gear. I had a used item arrive DOA once and was refunded less shipping. I'll take the risk for a good deal or a rare item.

 

It is broken and never should have left the store.
Shipping to your local store is great, always try out a used amp, bass or other gear on the sales floor where you can rejected it and get a refund instantly.

Return it.

 

If you paid with a credit card and it isn't as represented, you might have some leverage with the manager

 

Get a manager, talk to them one on one, get the shipping refunded. Tell them you are really disappointed. They shipped you a hunk of junk! Just be firm, don't let them win. I have successfully done this before! Just keep stating how unhappy you are. Don't throw a tantrum though, that will not be too helpful!

 

I don't know if the policy has been changed but previously if something was obviously bad they would either repair it or refund the full purchase price including shipping.

The current policy does simply state:

If for any reason you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply return it in its original condition within the return period and we’ll give you a full refund of the purchase price, excluding shipping and handling charges.
​

I am pretty sure there used to be a caveat for items that were non-functional or not as described, but keep in mind Guitar Center did recently file for Bankruptcy.

The recommendation to get your credit card company to engage on your behalf is a good idea IMHO.

Also here's another way you can get hosed:

Title to Products Shipped
All items purchased from Guitar Center are made pursuant to a shipment contract. This means that the risk of loss and title for such items passes to you upon our delivery to the carrier.​

 

Those Roland CK60s (with the rectangular tweeter) are kinda fragile speaker-wise.
They are somewhat nostalgic for me because we had a lot of them in Toronto in one of the borough school-boards.

I believe they did not actually have speaker protection like the later FFP-based amps had. When I was in school, there were always a few in for repair, and often due to failed/burnt out speaker or dry speaker wire insulation (it flaked off in your hand if you touched it) ...

Totally repairable, but pretty touchy. The preamp in them, though, is bulletproof. I've seen one take AC line voltage through the input jack and survive. Crazy.

 

Take it back to the store for a full refund. Last year I ordered a used Spector Q4 from a GC location far away to be delivered to my house. Described as "good condition".

There were med sized chunks of wood missing from the edge of the body at the top and also near the controls at the bottom of body. Like it had been dropped or squished between two hard objects. Looked like new damage as the wood underneath was still clean.

I took it to the local GC store to return. They took a look at the bass and then the add on their sight and promptly refunded money with shipping.

A few days later it was listed on the stores website for the same price still labeled as "good condition ".

 

THIS

I would never buy used gear from GC and have it shipped to my house.

Have it shipped to the store, unpack it right there, make sure the condition is as described and test it right there on site.

I would do this even though for me the closest GC is like a 100 mile round trip.

Analogeezer

 

Unfortunately, "Unfortunate" and "GC Experience" are kind of the same LOL.

It's very common for their used gear to not be up to snuff, so ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have it shipped to a local store, and inspect and test it on site.

As far as the OP's experience goes, I think if he goes back to the store and points out all the stuff that is wrong, they would stand up for him with corporate and get the shipping refunded.

I can understand why GC does not routinely refund the shipping as some people probably abuse the refund policy, buy gear they decide they don't want after it gets delivered even though it might be fine.

Frankly if was something heavy, easily damaged but still new I would have it shipped to a GC even if I ordered it new online. That way if your cool new bass shows up as a pile of kindling or has serious flaws you have recourse.

Analogeezer

 

It's on them to test it before shipping it. they owe you money for the item and shipping. if not, dispute it on a credit card and youll win

 

That's how it works. I had a manager override it once on something that was clearly broken, but you can't always count on that happening.

 

The amp is clearly “Not as described”you are due a complete refund, shipping included. Most managers will agree. If they do not, dispute the charge with your credit card.