I will echo what some others have said here already. I would return a piece of equipment if it is either defective or absolutely does not do "what it says on the tin". Short of that, I wouldn't even consider it, at least not without the expectance of a restocking fee arrangement. I think that's only fair to the merchant. I think it's wrong to "play the system" by deliberately buying a piece of equipment that one has every intention of returning, particularly when I myself know of stories of people who use the equipment for a gig or two as a "free rental". If the product isn't satisfactory.. fine.. I have no problem with it. I'd also buy an open box item provided it came with a ful warranty, but I would expect at least a token discount on it. I'm guessing so would many other customers. I can't blame the retailers for wanting to cut back on the return policies.

I did return my original faulty PSR2000, but only after many weeks that turned into months of unsuccesfully attempting to get it repaired by the Yamaha service center that my local store used. ( Alto Music in Middletown NY ) The store manager completely agreed with me and acknowledged that the board was faulty. They took it back at full refund and I bought my original Motif from them the very same day. They were very helpful through the whole thing, and as a result, I am their customer for life. I have bought several pieces of equipment from them since. All without a hitch, and always at a competitive and in most cases the best available price anywhere in the good ol' US, without having to haggle. Best of all, echoing what Dave said, I get to interact with a real person, often one who shares the same passion as I do about music.

AJ




[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 11-29-2003).]