Not true! Even though Terry himself has beat us all to it with his youtube video titled - "5 Reasons NOT to buy your Ukulele on Amazon!"
What I have found is that IF a uke arrives with blemishes that are unacceptable to the buyer, or if you simply don't like it - the sound, etc., Amazon sellers must refund your money including shipping with no restocking fee. You also get 30 days to do this. If Amazon itself is the one directly selling, they WILL reship the replacement BEFORE they receive the item back, often reshipping within one business day. This applies to damaged items, or items it turns out you don't like. Amazon is the most hassle free place I've encountered with regard to returns on all sorts of products. I've actually bought some really nice gloss solid top/wood ukes off of Amazon. I've also done a uke return as well as various other products with ZERO hassles.
ULTP has "rules"one must meet and navigate through. If the blemish on the uke isn't visible from the distance of an entire arms length, it isn't blemished according to them. If you still want to return a uke for ANY reason other than obvious damage, you will be subject to a 15% restocking fee AND the cost of the original shipping, AND return shipping .You only get FIVE days before your return option is void. (Not that one would need more time than this, but I also like not feeling "pressured"). You will also WAIT until they get it back, so they can "evaluate" the validity of your return BEFORE they issue you anything. If something does arrive damaged, they will make you wait until they file/process a claim first with their insurance company. More waiting. (This is all set forth in their return policy on their site).
I"m NOT suggesting that all the other uke stores don't have any policies similar to ULTPs. But if you are comparing Amazon to them, I think my points are valid. The good news is there ARE non-Amazon related uke sellers that will do their best to work with you if you aren't happy with your purchase.
I, like many here, are limited to buying musical instruments unseen, unheard, and unplayed. There isn't one instrument made of wood that sounds, feels, and looks exactly like the "sample" stock photo or video. Too often "sellers" are all about the "music' when it comes to "sales", but suddenly don't know "what the heck you are talking about" if you encounter any issues. Then it is all - "this uke is the same as that uke, which are the same as those ukes of the same brand and model". "A Honda Civic is a Honda Civic". But that isn't my experience when it comes to organic wood crafted musical instruments. I've even noticed this with laminates. I really appreciate sellers who are mindful about this and don't make you feel like you are being too "picky". The very subjective connection we make to an instrument needs to be the "right fit". If our musical instruments were only a household "tool", then "good enough". But I don't think I'm alone when it comes to our life-long relationships we make with our musical instruments - the very personal music they make, how they play, and the joy they bring to our lives.
www.elderly.com
