Return Policy
We are here to help.
That said, we hope you understand that we prefer to keep returns to a minimum. The best way to do that is to ensure that you choose the proper items the first time around. It's why we make extensive efforts to provide as much real information as possible on this web site -- as well as over the phone and by email. It's all done to help you to make an educated decision about what to buy. And if you're having difficulty in getting the sound you want, or have questions about installing something, we're always here to guide you, as fellow, experienced bassists.
However, things -- as they say -- often change. Sometimes you've got to return something. When that happens, please understand our process - it's there for a reason: to reduce abuse, and keep our costs (and prices) low.
All returns MUST be pre-authorized. Packages/returns sent to us without pre-authorization will be refused and returned to you at your cost.
How to request a return
It's easy! Simply log into your account, and go to your order history. Next to the items you'd like to return, click the Return Items? link and follow the instructions to submit your request. Once we will receive your request, if we authorize your return, we will respond with instructions. It's that easy!
If the order is not showing up in your order history, you probably placed the order under "guest checkout." If this is the case, please contact us to request a return.
IMPORTANT: To avoid the confusion, disappointment, or other conflict arising from having your request denied - please READ ABOUT OUR RETURN POLICY BELOW before proceeding with a return request.
Reasons for return, and how we handle each one
Our Mistake
If the item you're returning is due to a packing mistake on our part (it happens occasionally, we are human, after all) then we clearly will be happy to work with you to correct the error and promptly get you the items you wanted.
Defective/Broken
If the item is defective, obviously we will accept it back for replacement within the first 7 days of ownership (after that, items are subject to the manufacturer's warranty policy, and you can contact the manufacturer for assistance - let us know if you need us to provide contact information or a copy of your proof of purchase).
Your Option, or Order Error on Your Part
If you're returning items for your own reasons (because you changed your mind, sold your bass, didn't measure, have sudden unexpected financial obligations, etc.) then most of our items can still be returned, but there are some exceptions (if that's the case, please continue reading, below).
Note that while we do our best to keep all product descriptions and specifications up to date, occasionally the manufacturers make running changes, and the imperfect people here who author product descriptions sometimes make typos - so if a particular specification is vitally important to you (like the weight/size/power/etc.) please feel empowered to confirm it with us BEFORE purchase, as we cannot be responsible for minor errors.
What cannot be returned
To begin with, it's easiest to rule out the items that we usually will not accept for refund/credit; here they are:
- Items returned to us without prior authorization.
- Audio cables that have been removed from their packaging.
- CDs/DVDs that have been opened.
- Items that have been in your possession for more than 30 days, even if unopened.
- Pickups or pickup systems that have been installed (unless specifically excepted by a special trial period offer). If you have installed the item, you have accepted ownership.
- Strings that have been cut, installed, or otherwise wound onto the peg of an instrument, no matter how briefly.
- Broken bass bows you've had for more than a few days (see the bottom of the page for full explanation on this subject)
- Items that have been misused, abused, or improperly installed.
- Special Order Items.
- Closeout/Discontinued/"Bargain Basement"/Clearance items.
- Items for which you have discarded, lost, modified, or damaged parts and/or packaging (making the items not re-sellable as new).
Special Exceptions
- Amplifiers, and certain other electronic items (exceptions exist for certain items with trial periods - but the items are not returnable once those periods have expired.) See product page(s) for details.
- Microphones, likewise, can be authorized for a return within 7 days, and are subject to the same deductions as amplifiers (shipping costs, credit card/PayPal fees) and are also subject to an additional 20% rehabilitation/testing fee.
Free/Bonus Items
We sometimes offer bonus/free/add-on items as a special incentive when you purchase particular items/groups of items. These free items have value and therefore must be returned with the item(s) that provided the benefit if such item(s) is/are returned.
So, your best practices are:
- Carefully Inspect your order immediately upon receipt, to ensure that you've received the correct items, undamaged. If a box arrives and it looks like it has been treated badly, notify the shipping company at the time of delivery if possible. Ask the driver to make a specific note of it, as anything that can be done to start a claim will speed-up the process. Delays and problems are unfortunate and annoying, but they do happen, and there are necessary steps required to resolve them.
- Keep Everything - Please retain (and try not to damage) all factory packaging, the box, and all accessories/parts/instructions/extras/etc. If you discard any of these items, we may not be able to accept a possible return.
- Don't Install It if you have concerns - If you suspect that something is defective or wrong, don't install it. Give us a call or send us an email and we'll go over the details and figure out if something isn't right - and we'll make it so.
Applicable deductions from refunds/credits
There are some deductions/costs that may (but don't always) apply to your return:
- Returns submitted for refund, exchange, or credit must be in like-new condition and include all original parts, manuals, accessories, packaging, and bonus items. Deductions for reduced value or replacement components will be applied if this is not the case.
- Shipping costs paid by you when you ordered are not refundable; again, they are not refunded to us by the shipper.
- In cases where we ship free, or partially subsidize shipping, we will deduct our actual shipping costs from the refund or credit amount, as those shipping fees are not refunded to us.
- If you refuse delivery on a package - particularly from outside the USA - the shipper may charge us additional shipping or customs brokerage fees to return the refused package to us for reclamation. These costs are deducted from your refund. We will execute the refund of the balance upon receipt of the refused package, but not before.
- Sometimes examination fees are necessary for certain electronic items, since we have to thoroughly test them.
- Returns (for refund) of items costing over $100 may have a small transaction fee deducted from the refund; we are charged percentage-based fees for every credit card, Affirm Financing purchase, and PayPal transaction (including refunds), and these fees are not refunded to us - even if we refund the full charge to you.
- In the case of credit cards, this deduction is usually 3-5%.
- For PayPal, the deduction is usually 3-5%.
- For Affirm Financing, this deduction is 6%.
Please know that these small deductions are not arbitrary, they simply cover our real costs for offering you the courtesy of a return. These fees/deductions usually do not apply to returns that are due to a shipping or packing mistake on our part. Regardless, all fees to be deducted/charged will be disclosed to you at the time your return is authorized -- so you'll get no surprises, as long as we don't!
Shipping methods for returns
For customer-initiated returns (returns for reasons that are not Gollihur Music's "fault") you pay for return shipping. We may choose to recommend shipping options, based on our analysis of cost, ship time and reliability - however, as the shipper you are free to ignore our suggestion and use any shipping method you prefer. Tracking or insurance is at your option - but be aware that we can assume no responsibility for items lost or damaged in transit.
If we screwed up, we can send a return label for US customers, or find a way to reimburse you for shipping costs that you incur if you're outside the USA. However, we must approve a quote for return shipping; if you make the choice to send it back via an expensive, expedited service, those costs are going to be your responsibility.
For Non-US Returns - Concerning Taxes/Duties/Fees
When your order was imported into your country, you likely were required to pay certain taxes, VAT, and other fees related to importing the items you purchased. Those fees are charged by your government, and collected by (often with additional brokerage fees attached) the local delivery agent. Gollihur Music did not administer or collect those fees, and therefore cannot refund them to you if you return an item. To get those costs refunded (if you return your purchase), you'll need to contact your local customs authority (and/or the delivery service who collected them) and provide them with the evidence that the items were returned. We're sorry for this inconvenience, but we have no control over the collection or refunding of those costs of conducting international business.
What happens when we receive your item
Here is how, and when, we'll handle returned items:
Authorized returns will be handled promptly; store credits will be applied to your User Account ASAP and do not expire. Refunds, when offered, will be processed immediately upon inspection and restock, which should be within a few hours of receipt of your return (on weekdays - if received on a weekend it will be handled the next business day). However, please be aware that it often takes 2-3 business days for the bank to update your online account; as such, refunds processed today may not appear on your online statement for a couple of days. In any case, email confirmations will be sent to you to let you know that the return has been completed.
Packages/returns sent to us without pre-authorization will be refused and returned to you at your cost.
The bottom line:
Look, we are not hard guys, and are certainly willing to do our best to work with you -- just get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
Policy updated 3/6/2024
An Important Note About Broken Bass Bows:
Especially when under tension, a simple rap against a hard surface (like the post of a music stand) can easily break a bow. Bumping into a bow that is perched on the lip of a music stand is also a common "maker of unhappy bassists" -- the bow hits the floor, and suddenly the stick is in two pieces. I really hate taking those phone calls -- it makes me sad, as such a tragedy can be easily avoided, but also, parents of younger players who deny they did anything (would you expect them to fess up?) often incorrectly blame the bow.
Put simply, a bow that "snaps" from a seemingly innocuous rap against a chair leg is not a sign of a "defective" bow, any more than shattering a glass vase by grazing a marble countertop would be considered the fault of the vase.
We STRONGLY recommend that you (and/or your bass-playing children) exercise prudent, responsible handling of ANY wooden bow, whether bought from us or not. A wooden bow is a fragile musical instrument in and of itself, and should be treated with the same care afforded the bass.
To limit accidents, there are bow "holders" available, which can help keep them safe from harm; we sell bow quivers (a leather bow "holster" that ties to the tailpiece) as well as inexpensive hooks that clip onto the music stand, providing a safer means for putting the bow down for pizz sections. You can find them in the Bow Accessories section.