I was at a GC yesterday and wanted to try a TC Helicon harmonizer. They did not have one set up, and I did not have time for them to do it, so I said I'd come back to try it another time. At that point, the sales clerk suggested that I buy it and return within 30 days if I did not like it. I politely declined, knowing that I would not have the time to give this unit a proper workout. However, this illustrates the fact that the customers can not be blamed for taking advantage of the return policy.

I think the returns are OK, as long as the customer makes the initual purchase with the intent to keep the item (that is something that only the customer can judge, and that is the criteria I use to satisfy my own conscience and to explain it to my kids).

It should be the responsibility of the store to make sure that everything is returned in as-new condition, and all the parts and packing materials are included. If they don't exercise due diligence, they have only themselves to blame. I must say that the GC in Phoenix, which I have been dealing with for the last several years is very meticulous in making sure that all of the manuals, packing materials, and the like are returned. I think that these returned items could be sold at a slight discount (e.g. 5%) which I for one would be happy to get as long as everything is in the box.

I believe that if the GCs and the other big stores eliminate their return policies, their sales will suffer and hurt their bottom line even more than returned equipment. The ones really hurt will be the mail-order houses.

Regards,
Alex