Ordering a guitar, Sam Ash versus Guitar center?

Hi everyone- there’s a guitar I have picked out that I want to get my father for his 60th birthday. There is a Sam Ash locally, but I’ve heard pretty awful things about them. One being that they make you “order” the guitar and then give you a scratched up version or one that they bought used and are selling as “new.” I also read reviews that their 30 day return policy is a load of crap and many times they won’t take returns or exchanges. The nearest guitar center to me is a few hours away, although they ship. However, when I spoke to the man with customer service, he told me that sometimes it is tough ordering an instrument, because the guitar can be messed up due to air pressure and shipment travel. What should I do? Should I trust Sam Ash or should I trust that the guitar will arrive in perfect condition through Guitar Center? Thanks!

I’ve never bought anything from Sam Ash. I have bought several things from GC and never had an issue.

Sam Ash Girls