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How many Basses do you Return per Year?

#241
Okay, here's my $0.02 (that's about what it's worth):

When music stores were brick and mortar, you could go in, try out instruments, and make an informed decision as to whether the instrument was worth something.

Now, everything is online. How can you tell an instrument will work for you? Well, you order it and try it. If it doesn't work for you, you send it back. Hey, you don't even need a reason except, "naw!".
 
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#242
"How often do you return basses?"

Last new bass I bought was in 1995 and I'm never returning it (Noguera Expression fretless - pure magic!).
These days I derive great pleasure from trading used basses, and sometimes assembling basses.
I've got to the point where my six basses are the best I think I'm ever going to get and excellent value for money (I don't pay silly prices).
This I know when I'm being rational, but I still hanker after just another one.
To get back to your question, if you don't like the bass, return it, no scruples. They know you'll probably get another one from them anyway, no?
I know from professional experience that the margins on clothing (220% or so) are much higher than on instruments.
 
#243
Corevalay said:
With all due respect... this is just a ridiculously silly opinion. There's a 30-45 day return policy specifically there so you can return the bass if you aren't digging it. It's not like this guy is buying 20 basses per month, it's his 2nd return in a year. Why would you ever blame the consumer for taking advantage of a policy introduced by the retailer? With so much buying online and not in person, it's a way for consumers to try a purchase without seeing an item in person. The retailer knows this, and they know in the long run it grants them more business.

Again, why would anyone ever be mad at someone who simply does what they are allowed to do?
Click to expand...
 
#244
In most industries the manufacturer will work with their customers ( the retailer ) on issues of items returned and can’t be resold. The online retailer can’t have a wall of basses like GC for people to try before they buy. Having a reasonable return policy is how they can be fair to their clients. Now they will I’m sure not ship to the ones that abuse the policy.
I think GC has only a 7 or 10 day return window on vintage and high end guitars. I’m sure it has to be returned in the same condition too, they take pic’s before shipping. People could swap pick ups, and ..... but in the end the manufacturer knows to sell to an online business that returns are part of the business model and will work with the store say at the end of the year on issues. They just have to make sure their product is good enough so it won’t get returned.
As many have said, returns are part of the business and open box and warehouse sales help move this product and the kick back from maker helps off set margins.
 
#245
TonyP- said:
Ok, I will say it...

If you are one of those people who keep returning instruments for something other then a defective issue then you are just a jerk in plain English. (That is putting nicely in TB talk)

Is there the exception.
Sure
Just bought a bass and lost Your job a week later...Ok I can see that. Meh...Not the Coolest but I get it.

Using the 30 day return policy like a free rental is not cool at all.
Grow the F up...
Click to expand...

My man! Totally agree; it's not a rental and it's not cool to do this knowingly.
I've never returned a bass because I research what I want and don't want to take advantage of the good natured return policy. Also because the instruments were delivered as advertised.
It seems like there are folks on this board that are happy to buy a few knowing they are only going to keep one. It's usually followed with "it's the store policy so it's OK". I read it as "we're in the US and I'm spoiled so entitlement is OK".

Years ago I owned a small mail order company. Me and two guys and we did about $800K gross per year. It really hurt to get a return as many items could no longer be sold for new.
For guitars, I view it as every returns means little to no profit and maybe some loss.
I was just a little guy but you have to think that the big boys have to factor in returns (as well as non payment) to the cost of goods.
PS - Returning because it was too heavy is not valid if you didn't ask the seller for the weight in advance. This is one of the main reasons I buy from Sweetwater (who list weights) or Reverb sellers who will often times weigh the item.
 
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#249
TonyP- said:
Ok, I will say it...

If you are one of those people who keep returning instruments for something other then a defective issue then you are just a jerk in plain English. (That is putting nicely in TB talk)

Is there the exception.
Sure
Just bought a bass and lost Your job a week later...Ok I can see that. Meh...Not the Coolest but I get it.

Using the 30 day return policy like a free rental is not cool at all.
Grow the F up...
Click to expand...

Yes.
 
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#250
I have returned one, within the prescribed return period. I would have kept it, if the dual tone controls were actually working, they were not. The p/u selector switch didn't work and I found multiple black paint spots under the clear coat on a RED bass. It went back the next day.
Fishheadjoe
 

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