Anyone here just buy pedals from Guitar Center and return them after use?

[RTR88]

I'm thinking about doing that. What's their return policy? I checked the site, but just wondering if anyone here does that.

[fulltone1989]

30 days on used items.

[Bluedano1]

I do this once in a while.

At first it was as I was unhappy/disappointed with the sound of a pedal and I returned it- for something else- this is no problem if you return within 30 days. Later, I did kind of deliberately buy >return>exchange a few similarly- priced cheap "TS" type pedals that I actually wanted to try out on gigs to see which one I liked best. I just don't like trying anything out at a GC- sorry...

Not gonna do this anymore unless there is truly something wrong- I don't want GC selling slightly-used pedals (that I have used) as 'new' to someone else-as I know they would not give me full value $$ if I tried to sell them a week old slightly used pedal, even if in perf cond, right? so why do the same kind of thing to another customer- just my thinking

[Sean French]

I don't buy 'em to just return. I've bought four pedals this past year or so from GC and kept two and returned two. I kept the two I returned for less than a few days.
GC' return policy is 30 days.

[Chrome Dinette]

I know someone who bought a fairly expensive Bass combo amp, went on tour for a couple of weeks using it, and then returned it. He played it every night with the price tag on it.

[Radspin]

I buy with the intention to keep, but once in a while things just don't work out and it's good to know you won't get stuck with something. A couple of examples: A Dean Markley Pro Mag Grand soundhole pickup that was unusable because the output from the high E string was almost nonexistent. A Boss Deluxe Reverb pedal that just didn't sound right--I don't know if it was defective but it was just mediocre in my rig. In both cases and a couple of others, no hassles whatsoever on the return. Most of the stuff I buy I keep.

[djdrdave]

I know someone who bought a fairly expensive Bass combo amp, went on tour for a couple of weeks using it, and then returned it. He played it every night with the price tag on it.

That's just wrong. Too many assholes in society.

[SteveO]

The only thing I buy from GC is software, and that is non-returnable. Everything else I get from my local M&P. Buying something knowing at the start that you are going to return it is something that I wouldn't even consider.

[RCM78]

Once, I bought and returned a Boss GT-6. Didnt like it after a few weeks.

[Windup 43]

That's just wrong. Too many assholes in society. Yeah, that's pretty screwed up...

[dangeroso]

The GC return policy is both a great sales tool as well as good piece of mind for the buyer. I've bought many pieces of gear at GC with only one return that I can remember.

Intentionally abusing the policy is pretty shady, in my opinion.

[telecopter]

I know someone who bought a fairly expensive Bass combo amp, went on tour for a couple of weeks using it, and then returned it. He played it every night with the price tag on it.

What a dirtbag.

[Staticbuster]

I bought an OCD v4 at one of the GA GCs, brought it home, played it a few weeks, didn't really like it so I returned it to the GC here in NC and picked up an FDII. No hassle.

Regardless of what people will say, I admit I've thought about going down and getting a pedal I wanted for one gig, using it and returning it the next day. Sorry, but their policy makes it possible. Never done it though, haven't really felt like I *had* to do that.

[TNJ]

No.
Only guitars.

S.
j

[gixxerrock]

I only take stuff home with the intention to keep it if it works for me.

[JosephN0624]

I know someone who bought a fairly expensive Bass combo amp, went on tour for a couple of weeks using it, and then returned it. He played it every night with the price tag on it.

Yea that's pretty shady...but at the same time GC could protect itself by lowering their return policy to 10ish days with an extended policy that accepts defects.

[The Golden Boy]

Never even considered it.

[toocommercial]

I recently bought a reveb pedal but returned it after a night gigging it because it wasn't very good. Is this considered unethical? I guess it doesn't count because my intention was to keep it.

[JosephN0624]

I recently bought a reveb pedal but returned it after a night gigging it because it wasn't very good. Is this considered unethical? I guess it doesn't count because my intention was to keep it.

I don't see a problem with that. Using a pedal in a real life setting and finding out it wasn't for you you is normal. I think buying with the intention of returning is where it's wrong.

[Aaron Smith]

I buy things that I want, with the intent of keeping them. If they don't work for me, I take them back- but only if they are in completely 100% original condition.

I don't get the idea of buying something that you know you'll be returning after you use it. I know there's a lot of people that hate GC, but that just seems sleazy and abusive to me.

[hearmecrybaby]

just buy used in the emporium. you can usually sell stuff for about what you pay for it if you don't want to keep it.

[toocommercial]

Yes the few times I've been dissatisfied I've always been sure to keep it in mint condition. I guess this is why the policy exists, to make sure you're completely satisfied. The odd person abusing this doesn't deter the company, obviously.

Regarding condition, I suppose we end up buying "used" guitars off the wall if they've been pawed by a load of players before you take it home. So a pedal with a speck of dirt on it or something shouldn't render it a "used" item.

[Flinto2002]

Its a dick move

[grateful.ed]

I know someone who bought a fairly expensive Bass combo amp, went on tour for a couple of weeks using it, and then returned it. He played it every night with the price tag on it.

Becoming common...with the famous quote "Because I could"

People but big screens for the Super Bowl and return them.

Women buy Big$ clothes/jewelry for an event and return.

[edgewound]

There should be a restocking charge that covers the cost of "rental".

[NHDave]

returning crap to a music store SUCKS... I hate it.
but I respect the right to be able to do it (within reason
ie... not returning every single thing they buy).