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Guitar Center used site

A manager was just telling me about people that are banned from returning things to GC. They can still buy but can't return unless there is something wrong with an item. Compulsive returners I guess.

I've heard this as well, but it only worked with credit card customers, or cash customers who gave up their info (name/addy/phone, in the system). Truly compulsive returners needed only use cash, no info, and rotate GC's. Im not sure when, but they have since instituted a check-only refund policy (so they can request ID to write the check) on cash purchases over $50. I know I had a cash refund there as recently as 1.5 years ago, so it's kinda new.

A couple years back, my GC had an electronic picture "flyer" on their POS terminal for a guy who was a cash return fanatic, AND who sold multiple stolen/faked items to different stores.
 
Bought an ASAT bass about a year ago, which arrived with a dead pre-amp and a ski-jump neck. None of the issues had been disclosed before I plunked down the credit card.

Had it shipped to my local store, so the GC staff had a chance to see the issues when I unpacked it. No issue on the refund for the bass, but I did have to politely ask for the shipping refund. They did not hesitate since there were undisclosed issues, although they did have to get manager approval. I don't see any harm in asking - they are free to say "no thanks" or "I'm sorry, we can't do that" if they want.
 
Hmm, I should have asked in the case of the Modern Player they sent me. I couldn't get the truss rod where it needed to be. It had one of those wheels at the heel, & it would just stop spinning before I got the neck right.
I think that's the only one that had a real problem. All the others were just me being too picky or changing my mind.
Oh wait, I bought the MP new, so there was no shipping.
 
A manager was just telling me about people that are banned from returning things to GC. They can still buy but can't return unless there is something wrong with an item. Compulsive returners I guess.

This is generally done with people who abuse the return policy and treat it like a rental or people that damage the pieces or constantly buy and return stuff (they call the 01,11 customers)
 
This is generally done with people who abuse the return policy and treat it like a rental or people that damage the pieces or constantly buy and return stuff (they call the 01,11 customers)
Dude, I've totally had the idea that if someone was going on tour for a few weeks and didn't have the money that they could "borrow" a ridiculous SVT rig and a Fodera and then just return them at the end of it.
 
Dude, I've totally had the idea that if someone was going on tour for a few weeks and didn't have the money that they could "borrow" a ridiculous SVT rig and a Fodera and then just return them at the end of it.

I mean, you can. If there's no issues (like you didn't damage or wreck anything) and you explain yourself properly (don't tell gc you're only buying it to rent it), there's not a way that they could refuse it
 
Just wanted to say that when I worked at GC we had choice words for the serial-returners and free-renters of gear. If I remember correctly (It's been a decade) we also had some folks who were banned from returning or purchasing.

Folks who return gear that doesn't work or just isn't what they expected are part of the game, and we were generally happy to accommodate them and help them find the gear that they love. It was an awesome feeling when you'd help someone find that perfect piece of gear that makes their eyes light up. Once in a while they'd come back and thank you for your help and that'd pretty much make your week.

However, these repeat offenders deserve to be locked in a practice room for a day with the wanker who comes by every week to try the amps at full volume. It's not just the moral issue of false pretenses, but as a sales guy it was particularly troublesome because back then (I don't know about now) we worked off of commission. These repeaters would not only waste your time as a salesman finding gear and trying it out and ringing it up, but when the gear comes back that comes off your paycheck.

Just be honest, is that so hard?
If you want to buy something, buy something.
If you want to rent something, rent something (many GC's will rent).
If you want a cheap long-term rental, buy used and sell used and you'll probably break even.
If you just want to try everything play it at the store.

All right, I'm stepping off my soapbox now...
 
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Why is this defretted Mexican standard a hundred dollars more than a brand new one? Because it's a 98, of course. Regardless of the fact that the millions of Mexican Fenders, from 98 or 2008 go for $300. This one is special and thus perfectly reasonably worth more than a brand new one.

I like calling this store about once a month and asking why it's so much. Last time the reason was the defret, which generally takes away from value, not adds to it. This reason was the fact that it's a 98.
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Why is this defretted Mexican standard a hundred dollars more than a brand new one? Because it's a 98, of course. Regardless of the fact that the millions of Mexican Fenders, from 98 or 2008 go for $300. This one is special and thus perfectly reasonably worth more than a brand new one.

I like calling this store about once a month and asking why it's so much. Last time the reason was the defret, which generally takes away from value, not adds to it. This reason was the fact that it's a 98.
View attachment 725666

I'll guess at this one, probably bought in by a GC "expert" who didn't realize the difference between American/Mexican Standard and when eventually pointed out they haven't budged on the price.

I'm in a long term negotiation with GC over a D'Aquisto guitar that they bought in for around $15k thinking it was a real deal D'A. In reality it's an actual D'A neck but one he attached to an awful plywood body that is falling apart. I've gone as far as paying George Gruhn to appraise it (he put it at 7k if I recall) but they stubbornly insist on holding onto their pricing, but I do watch the price drop 1k a year, it's at 9k now I think. Maybe some day I'll actually get it.
 
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