What is a reasonable return policy?

[pasta4lnch]

For every person that may "game" the 30 day system on a product, there's probably a good number who may have otherwise returned an item promptly after a first exposure if a short return policy was included, but had enough time to give it a second chance, let it grow on them, and ultimately ended up keeping the item after they'd explored it a bit more.

agreed! and, at least in my case, I wont shop at places w/ shorter policies because I panic'ed and kept a few items and regretted it.

I'll go one further - I've seen a lot of places do "road trips" I just signed up for one on a rainsong cf acoustic guitar. I paid $35 and it comes to me for a week w/ new strings and return shipping included. I think that is the most fantastic idea in sales yet!

 

[pica]

My local guitar store has a 14 day return policy on all instruments. I think 2 weeks is more then ample time to decide whether to return a bass or keep it.

 

[Unrepresented]

My local guitar store has a 14 day return policy on all instruments. I think 2 weeks is more then ample time to decide whether to return a bass or keep it.

Brick and mortars are a different from internet retailers IMO. With a brick and mortar, you're able to actually demo the product in store -- perhaps not through your rig, or with your band, but at least you've laid hands on it. You also get to choose the day you receive the product (compared to the complexities of shipping). I'd agree that it'd be reasonable to have less flexible return policies for brick and mortar situations, but if they want to offer them, they're certainly allowed.

 

[pica]

Brick and mortars are a different from internet retailers IMO. With a brick and mortar, you're able to actually demo the product in store -- perhaps not through your rig, or with your band, but at least you've laid hands on it. You also get to choose the day you receive the product (compared to the complexities of shipping). I'd agree that it'd be reasonable to have less flexible return policies for brick and mortar situations, but if they want to offer them, they're certainly allowed.

I don't shop online so the thought of an online store return policy never even crossed my mind when answering to OP original question.

 

[Eric Scholz]

I understand that there are some people that will take advantage of 30 days, use something and return it. It is my belief that it is a minority of consumers doing that and the vast majority of people honestly return stuff for legitimate reasons.

lol you've never seen the DJ department at a GC. i used to work in the accessory dept, and I would sometimes double in Pro Audio, and literally every DJ sale I made came back because "it didn't work the way they thought," which usually meant that they needed it for a gig.

 

[Cygnus X-1]

I'm sorry - but 30 days is a bit absurd in my view - and it's only the big retailers that have set that precedent and can afford to honor it. After 30 days - an instrument is used and IMO it's dishonest for the retailer to take it back and sell it again as if new. Most small shops that i have dealt with offer a 48 hour approval period unless there is a defect or other issue. I can understand 7 days with a restocking fee... but 30 days?

Maybe GC can do it because they can afford to take the hit - or they just turn around and sell it to some other poor schmuck without the case candy and all scratched to hell (since that's how they sell new stuff anyway) But I think most small retailers would be destroyed by this kind of policy.

Be an adult - you bought it... if you can't figure out if you like it after a week... sell it. You should not expect your money back on what is now used merchandise.

Thank you for saying that. Being a manager of a local shop, it is very difficult for us to accept returns just because someone simply changed their minds. I always encourage folks to try for as long as they like before final purchase. Even though we have a strict return policy, we are flexible to a point. The larger shops offer massive stock, but many come to my shop because it's like a "Cheers" environment. Warm one on one interaction. We'll even offer you a cup of coffee. Though we may not be perfect, we try to run our business as best as we can.

What I don't like is people who don't fully understand what their needs are regarding an instrument. Then try and throw their weight around demanding rights when I explain our "all sales are final" policy. I'm pretty easy going, a little honey goes a long way. Chest beating and yelling will get my deaf ear.

I believe that a lot of newbie buyers over research or take what they read on the internet as gospel. I really love the guys who come in, play for awhile, chat with me or my boys and walk out with an instrument that they know is right for them. These are the ones that will come back and take lessons or join us for open mic or occassional jam sessions. Heck, my boss even throws a customer appreciation christmas party every year, where all are invited. What more can we do?

 

[TheSuzie]

Thinking about it, I have never returned a bass or guitar. The returns I mentioned in my earlier post were both amp heads mail ordered because I could not get them locally. Neither one ever left my living room.

From brick and mortar music stores, I have only twice returned an item. Both were in the same condition I received them. Each time I ended up purchasing a more expensive item with the credit from the return. I really don't think anyone lost on these deals. I made many other purchases from those stores and the way they handled those returns is part of why I went back.

Peace,
S

 

[LilloEsquilo]

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this (offering my opinion) but I really couldn't care less.

My opinion, only since you asked for it, is that if a return policy is offered, there is NOTHING wrong with using it. I'm talking about trying out an instrument with an honest interest in it, not taking it for one gig and returning it after the gig is over. If there are people who don't agree with the return policy, great, keep it even if you don't like it, that's your choice. I'm personally more likely to buy if I can return it if it just doesn't work for me.

Since you asked, that's where it stands though really what's the difference what any of our opinions are? The policies are the policies, regardless. You'll find that opinions are like a-holes - everyone has one and they all stink.