We offer an unconditional 7-day return option on almost every item (exceptions noted below). As long as the item is in its original condition, you may return it within 7 days of purchase for a full refund of purchase price, or for store credit (your choice). In-store customers, please bring your original receipt. Mail order customers, see below for details about return shipping.

Purchases made by credit card and Paypal will be refunded by the same method. Purchases made by check will be refunded by check. Larger cash purchases (over $50.00) may also be refunded by check. In the case of a check refund, you may be mailed a check if a store manager is not present at the time of return.

The following items are non-returnable:

Books and Recordings -- We are always happy to replace damaged or defective merchandise. However, in the interest of copyright protection, we do not accept preferential returns on any books or recordings.

Harmonicas and Melodicas -- If defective, these will be replaced/repaired by Hohner. We cannot accept returns due to sanitation/health reasons.

"As Is" items (will be stated on website description or in store)

Certain special order/custom items -- You will be informed at the time of order if the item has a more restrictive return policy.

Mail Order Returns
You may ship an item back to us (provided it is not one of the restricted items above) as long as you notify us within 7 days of receiving it, and ship it back to us in a timely manner (see our return shipping guidelines). Once we receive the item back in its original condition, we will refund you the purchase price of the item.

If the item appears to have been damaged in shipping, you must notify us immediately so that we can file a damage claim with the shipper. Save all packing material in case the item needs to be inspected by the shipper. You will not be held liable for merchandise or shipping costs if damage occurs in shipping. The claim process does take several days, so we appreciate your patience during the claim period.

If we made a mistake on your order, or if the item is not as described or appears to be defective, we will refund your original shipping cost, as well as your cost to ship it back to us. Other situations fall under what we call "Preferential Returns:" Perhaps a vintage mandolin doesn't quite have the "chop" you were hoping for, or those shoulder straps aren't the best fit for your squeezebox. We do our best to describe items as thoroughly as possible on our website so you can make an informed purchasing decision. We also welcome questions by email or phone about any item you're unsure of. But in these return situations, we will ask you to pay for return shipping, and we will not refund your original shipping cost. If free outgoing shipping was offered and you are doing a preferential return, we will deduct our cost of outgoing shipping from your refund.

To return an item you purchased through mail order, please follow these steps:

1. Contact us at 301-270-9090 or shipping@hmtrad.com so we can authorize the return.

2. Pack the item well, using our guidelines (use our original box/packing material if still in sturdy condition). Include a note with your full contact information and your order/webcart number, if applicable.

3. Use an insured carrier to ship the item back to us. We prefer UPS because we get a reliable daily delivery, but you may also use FedEx or USPS with insurance. Insure the package for the price you paid for the item (UPS automatically insures up to $100 without additional cost). If you do not send your return via an insured method, HMT cannot be held liable if the package is lost or damaged in transit.

4. Send to this address:
   House of Musical Traditions
   attn: Mail Order Returns
   7010 Westmoreland Ave.
   Takoma Park, MD 20912

   When we receive the item, we will notify you and issue you a refund.