If you purchased your hiking boots from REI, you have the option to return them even if you purchased them three years ago and the sole has finally worn out.
REI will no longer allow you to return an item you purchased more than a year ago as of June 4th.
WHAT?! Oh my God! Hold the presses. I’ll say it again: You can only return items to REI if they are 365 days old. If it is 366 days old, you’re SOL.
Return Policy & Instructions
https://www.rei.com/help/returns
REI purchases of new items can be returned by mail or at any of our retail stores with proof of purchase, regardless of whether you bought the item online, in a
Returns & Exchanges
https://www.rei.com/help?g=Returns%20%26%20Exchanges
Returns & Exchanges · Refunds for Mailed-in & Cancelled Orders · Refunds in REI
Can I Return Stuff That I Used for 364 Days?
Yes.
However, you CANNOT make the return if the issue is due to normal “wear and tear” or damage from improper use.
It’s easiest to return in-store purchases if you keep your receipts, so do so.
They may attempt to look up your purchase without a receipt using the credit card you used, but there is no assurance.
Without a valid receipt, it is nearly impossible to look up debit card and cash purchases.
Always log into your account after making an online purchase to print your receipt or online invoice.
Yes, there are two exceptions.
1. Outdoor Electronics: Items like “activity monitors, GPS-enabled devices, bike trainers, emergency-communication devices, and cameras” have a 90-day return policy.
2. Used Gear – Anything that you buy used from REI comes with a 30 day return policy.
Yes, you CANNOT return any REI Garage Sale Merchandise as it’s all final sale.
Items from garage sales are used and sold “as-is,” and if you attempt to return something, you will receive a letter in response.
No, the same return policy is in effect whether or not the item was made by REI.
Yes, you can return any clothes and boots that you’ve tried on but changed your mind about.
You’re good to go as long as the reason for the return is NOT due to normal wear and tear.
This generous policy essentially allows you to “test drive” items to see how they fit before deciding to keep them.
Does REI “Grandfather In” Certain Products Into the Lifetime Warranty?
As most avid REI customers know, their return policy used to be a Lifetime Warranty but was switched to 365 days back in 2013.
Therefore, the question of whether products bought before their policy changed to 365 days are qualified for the lifetime warranty arises.
The answer is a definitive MAYBE.
Meaning that you might succeed if you’re willing to stand in the store and present your case to the manager.
But it’s safe to assume that depending on how nice the manager is on duty that day, your mileage may vary.
Yes.
REI will keep an eye on your returns, and they reserve the right to reject them if they believe you are abusing their forgiving policy.
Most frequently, this occurs when a customer complains that a product “didn’t satisfy their needs,” despite the fact that they have worn the shirt or boots for six months and they are obviously “worn out” from frequent use.
Yes, just bring the item to any REI location for a refund or even an exchange.
Not only can you return online purchases in-store, but you can return any item by mail regardless of whether you bought it online, in-store, or via the phone.
You do.
Be aware that there will be a $5 fee if you choose the online return option. 99 return shipping fee when using the prepaid shipping label.
This question is moot because REI Outlet stores are no longer in operation.
The REI Outlet is now online only and is essentially a clearance department, but the savings are pretty darn good with deals ranging from 20% off all the way up to 75% off the original retail price.
REI Policy Hacks:
Become a Co-Op Member: For only $20 you become a lifetime member with REI and you’ll NEVER need to keep your receipt again.
This%20is%20because%20your%20purchases%20will%20be%20automatically%20tracked%20and%20you%E2%80%99ll%20even%20earn%2010%%20back%20on%20all%20full-priced%20purchases
Used Gear Bargains: When used items get returned, they go to their Used Gear Program and are sold at a major discount.
Take%20advantage%20of%20these%20deals!%20Many%20of%20the%20items%20are%20basically%20brand%20new%20and%20the%20savings%20goes%20up%20to%2075%%20off%20the%20original%20price
Don’t Abuse their Policy: According to this Reddit thread, an REI employee actually had a guy try to return a water filter that he had urinated in and claimed it didn’t remove the “flavor of his urine” from the water. Don’t be that guy.
Ask the Reader: Do you like REI’s return policy? Please let me know if I’m missing any important information about it.
By Kyle James
FAQ
What is the return policy at REI?
REI allows 365 days for REI Co-op members and 90 days for non-members for returns. This only applies to products that were bought new. %20REI%20calls%20this%20their%20100%%20Satisfaction%20Guarantee%20and%20it%20used%20to%20be%20a%20lifetime%20guarantee%20but%20got%20dialed%20back%20in%20recent%20years
How long do you have to return something at REI?
3. You still have a year to return an item, even if you’ve used or opened it. Even if you’ve opened and used your REI equipment, you still have a year to return it. You need a good reason for the return, though.
Can you return to REI after using?
You may return an item within 30 days of purchase by using the REI Used Gear Returns Portal rather than an REI store or the REI Returns Department. Customers are responsible for return shipping. All sales are final for Re/Supply items sold in-store.
Does REI still have lifetime warranty?
REI still has a generous return policy that allows for refunds and exchanges, even though it no longer provides a lifetime warranty.
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