A few years ago, I really got into playing the guitar and would browse through guitar tutorial videos on YouTube for hours every week. Unfortunately the town I live in does not have a Guitar Center and I had to settle for a local music store, which I was happy to support, but had a very limited supply of guitars. They also had a terrible return policy which included a tiny 7-day return window. While the Guitar Center return policy has a much longer return window, they also have a long list of items that can’t be returned. So I went out and looked at every aspect of their return policy and came up with this article which will hopefully answer all of your questions and make your next return really easy.

How Many Days Do I Get to Try Out Stuff at Home?

45 days.

Guitar Center gives you 45 days to return items, both in-store and online.

Products must be in what they consider new and salable condition so be REALLY easy on that guitar while you test it out.

Can I Make a Return Without My Receipt?

Yes.

Bring in your photo I.D. to the store and they can take care of the return for you.

They may want the I.D. to verify your identity and track your returns.

I’ve also been told some Guitar Center location WON’T ask for it.

But you CAN for sure return stuff without the receipt.

See Also: All the Stores That Let You Make Returns Without a Receipt

Are There Any Exceptions to the 45 Days?

Yes, there are 2 major exceptions to the 45-day policy and here they are…

14 Days

You have 14 days to return the following:

– DJ Equipment

– Recording Devices

– Lighting/Fog Machines

– Rack Signal Processors

– Workstation Keyboards

3 Days

You have 3 days to return the following:

– Vintage Instruments – Better test them out quickly to make sure you’re happy with them because you’re out-of-luck after 3 days.

Anything That Can’t Be Returned?

Yes, quite a few things actually…

• Clearance items
• Stuff Marked as Non-Returnable
• Discontinued items
• Apple hardware
• Computers
• Software (opened)
• Electronic software downloads
• Books
• CDs and Videos
• Vinyl records
• Turntable cartridges
• In-Ear Buds
• Earplugs and In-Ear monitor
• Fog fluid, harmonicas
• Cleaning products
• Demo Gear
• Special and Custom orders

I’ll keep this list updated if new products are added in the future.

Can I Return or Exchange a “Clearance” Guitar?

Yes.

Whether you buy the guitar from the clearance department, or at regular price, you still get a 45 day return window.

What If the Instrument Breaks After 45 Days?

You would have to deal with the manufacturer directly.

The only exception to this is if you bought the pro coverage through Guitar Center in which case you would be protected.

How Do I Make an Online Return?

The most important thing to note is that you need a Return Authorization Code to make an online return.

To make it happen, you’ll need to call Guitar Center at 1-866-498-7882 or email them at [email protected].

You can also return an in-store purchase via the mail if it’s more convenient.

They ask that you call them at the number above and they’ll set you up with a return authorization and return mailing address.

Who Pays the Return Shipping Charges?

Unfortunately, you pay them.

For this reason, it’s always smart to try and make the return in-store and avoid these charges.

Here’s a full breakdown of their return handling charges.

Just bring in your email order confirmation or packing slip and that will work as your receipt.

Will I Ever Get Hit With a Restocking Fee?

Yes.

You’ll be hit with a flat 10% restocking fee on Apple products if the box has been opened.

For this reason, you should buy Apple items from the Apple Store as their return policy is much more lenient.

Will I Get Cash Back If I Made the Original Purchase With Cash?

If the return is for $250 or less you’ll get cash back.

If the cash purchase is over $250 you’ll have to settle for a check or Visa debit card.

Can Their Policy Be Abused?

Yes.

Guitar Center keeps a close eye on your returns, especially those without a receipt.

They reserve the right to deny your return if they feel you’re making excessive returns or returning items that are NOT in new condition.

Does the Guitar Center Have an Extended Holiday Return Policy?

Yes, and it’s actually quite lenient.

They give you, or gift recipients, either 45 days -OR- until January 31, 2022 to make the return.

This policy does not include items that are non-returnable OR fall under the 3 and 14 day return policy.

See Also: All 37 Popular Stores That Offer Extended Holiday Returns

Ask the Reader: Have you ever had to make a return at Guitar Center? Was it an easy dealio or something else?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Philip Pessar.

I have a confession to make…I love me some fast food from time to time. Heck, I lived off Taco Bell in college and still crave it to this day. The smell of McDonald’s French fries still makes my mouth water every time I catch a whiff. I also love to order secret menu items that aren’t on regular fast food menus, especially if they can save me some money. So with that in mind I present 8 fast food menu hacks that’ll make you look like an absolute genius and help you save some of your hard-earned cash.

1. Score a MUCH Cheaper Taco Bell Burrito Supreme

 

When ordering via the Taco Bell app, or Kiosk, order a Bean Burrito ($1.39) and add seasoned beef ($0.70) and tomatoes ($0.55).

You’ll come out with essentially a Burrito Supreme and ONLY pay $2.64 compared to $3.89…a significant savings.

See Also: Taco Bell Secret Menu Will Make You Run To the Border Burger

2. Get More Meat at Chipotle

Like to chow down on a Chipotle burrito bigger than your head? Yeah, me too.

When ordering next time, ask for 2 meats…like “half chicken, half steak”.

You’ll inevitable end up with more meat as most employees will give you a healthy “scoop” of each.

Maybe turn it into TWO meals.

Be aware that they may charge you for the more expensive protein so make sure there isn’t a large difference.

By the way, you can do the same thing with the beans (black and pinto) and rice (white and brown) and you’re bound to get a much BIGGER burrito out of it.

See Also: 4 Ways to Score a 86% Bigger Chipotle Burrito for Free

3. Get Twice As Many McNuggets for Only 31 Cents

I went onto the McDonald’s app and was clicking around and noticed something REALLY odd with their pricing on McNuggets.

You can buy the 10 piece for $4.69 or the 20 piece for $5.00, only 31 cents more for TWICE the nuggets.

Moral of the story: Always opt for the 20 piece and if you can’t eat them all you save them for later or maybe share them with friends.

4. Grab a Quasi Big Mac for Half Price

Craving a Big Mac? Yeah, me too.

The next time you visit McDonald’s for your Big Mac fix, order a McDouble instead and ask for it “Like a BigMac”.

For a fraction of the price, you’ll get a double burger (minus the center 3rd bun) with special sauce, lettuce, pickles, and cheese.

I’ve written about this clever Mickey D’s hack before along with other others menu values at McDonald’s.

5. Get a Fresh Egg at McDonald’s

Did you know that the only breakfast item at McDonald’s that comes with a fresh egg is the mighty Egg McMuffin.

So if you don’t want the fake egg stuff they put in their other breakfast sandwiches and meals, order a McMuffin and customize it exactly how you want it. 

6. Always Get Fresh Fries…at ANY Fast Food Joint

Do you like steaming hot French fries straight outta the fryer?

To make it happen at all fast food restaurants, just ask for fries with NO SALT and you’re guaranteed to get fresh fries.

Ask for salt and add it yourself if you like.

7. Always Ask for Light Ice at Starbucks

This Starbucks trick is as old as time itself but it amazes me how many folks STILL don’t employ it.

Always order your iced coffee drinks with “Light Ice” and you’ll end up with 20% more actual coffee or specialty drink.

See Also: The 7 Starbucks Menu Hacks Guaranteed To Save You Money

8. Panera Soup Trick

Beware that a bowl of soup at Panera and cup of soup are quite close in size (ounces).

The cup of soup comes in at 8 ounces while the bowl is 12 ounces.

If you order a cup you pay a whopping $0.64/ounce and with a bowl you ONLY pay $0.52/ounce.

Order the bowl folks, it’s by far the BEST value at Panera.

See Also: Panera Secret Menu: 12 Yummy Ways to Order at Panera Bread

Bonus Hack: Burger King “Drink for Less”

When dining in-store at Burger King, ALWAYS order the “Value Sized” drink cup.

Not only will it save you a little bit of money, but it comes in at a generous 16 ounces.

The best part is you can still score FREE refills when dining in the restaurant.

Ask the Reader: What’s your favorite fast food hack that’s always guaranteed to save you some money?

By Kyle James

I keep hearing about the hundreds of cargo ships stuck off the coastlines in the U.S. waiting to be unloaded and the subsequent HUGE shortage of Christmas gifts this year. But none of the stories actually tell you WHAT will be in short supply. So I went out and did the research to figure out EXACTLY what might be in short supply so you can buy EARLY (or find alternatives) to guarantee your gifts will make it under the Christmas tree this year.

1. Christmas Trees & Décor

If you’re thinking of ditching the messy real Christmas tree this year, and going artificial, you may want to reconsider.

According to CNN, the supply of artificial trees is going to be down close to 20% and prices could jump as much as 25% due to the backlog from China.

The same situation exists for Christmas decorations and ornaments.

What To Do About It: Consider buying gently used from eBay or stick to the real tree for one more year.

2. Electronics

When I say “Electronics” I’m talking specifically about anything with a microchip in it.

The semi-conductor shortage is REAL folks and stems from factory closings as well as the cargo ship backlog and labor shortage.

So this means a shortage in not only computers and laptops but also gaming systems including the Xbox and Sony PlayStation.

What To Do About It: Buy early, like NOW, before the supply chain really bogs down the couple weeks before Christmas.

See Also: The 37 Coolest Things to Buy on Amazon for Under $25

3. Toys & Board Games

This one is simple supply & demand and the demand for toys is never higher than in the few weeks leading up to Christmas.

Most toys and games are made in China and millions of them are literally stuck in cargo containers right now.

What To Do About It: Avoid a Jingle All the Way moment and shop early.

4. Kitchen Appliances

Both large and small kitchen appliances are also being affected by the global supply chain shortage.

Because few appliances are manufactured in North America, many are not making it into stores causing a higher demand and subsequent higher prices.

What To Do About It: Sounding like a broken record, but I recommend buying early for Christmas. After a quick scan of small appliances on Amazon, the prices and selection still looks pretty good.

5. Furniture

Furniture made in China and India specifically are getting jammed up big-time in the supply chain.

If you need furniture right now, check out Craigslist or garage sales if you’re finding high prices in local stores.

What To Do About It: I’m guessing not too many shoppers are buying furniture as Christmas gifts, so you might be okay buying this year in terms of pricing and selection.

6. Robot Vacuums

This one falls under the microchip shortage issue as your Roombas and Roborocks are packed full of chip technology.

Many are actually On Sale right now so it may be good time to buy if you have someone on your Christmas list Jonesing for a robot vacuum.

What To Do About It: Buy now before the prices start going up after Black Friday. 

Ask the Reader: Have you noticed any products shortages, or major price increases, in your neck of the woods?

By Kyle James