Last Updated on January 14, 2022 by Laura Ritterman
REI is one of the leading suppliers of camping and outdoor equipment in the US. Part of the reason for this is their rather generous returns policy. With very few exceptions, you can return anything that you purchase from REI within one year for a complete refund.
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What is REI’s return policy?
REI prides itself on a 100% satisfaction guaranteed policy.
This means that for most products in the REI range, you have one year to return them. If you return them, then you will be able to enjoy a complete refund or exchange.
You only have three months to return any outdoor electronics (e.g. GPS systems)
If you have purchased used equipment from REI, then you will only have 30-days from the date of purchase to return for a complete refund or exchange.
| REI Return Policy | |
|---|---|
| Return Period | 1 year |
| Return Method | Online or in-store |
| Exchange Period | 1 year |
| Exchange Method | Online or in-store |
| Refund Period | |
| Refund Method | Original Method of Payment |
Can you return an online purchase to the store
You can return online purchases directly to an REI store. However, you will need to bring in proof of purchase.
If you did not keep the receipt that came with your REI purchase, then you will be able to print the information off from their website. You just need to log in to your account.
How strict is the REI return policy?
REI has one of the most generous returns policies in the US. It is very rare that they will decline a refund or exchange, assuming that you are returning within the returns period and meet their rather generous restrictions.
That being said, they do have some rather strict requirements on which items can be returned i.e. how you purchased them. For example, if you bought used items, they aren’t going to budge from the 30-days return period. If you bought the products from an REI garage sale, then they will never accept the return.
REI Exchange Policy
The exchange policy at REI is the same as their refund policy. This means that you normally have a full year to return items for an exchange.
If you have purchased outdoor electronics, then you can only return for an exchange within 60-days. If you have purchased used equipment then it is 30-days.
REI Refund Policy
REI will issue refunds on all returns that meet their requirements. This means that assuming your product is not a restricted refund item, then it will be:
- 365 for most items
- 60 days for outdoor electronics
- 30 days for used equipment.
REI Refund Policy without a receipt
You must always provide a receipt if you want to refund or exchange a product purchased from REI. This is due to their generous returns policy.
They need to know that you have purchased the product from them. They also need to know that the product qualifies for their 100% satisfaction guaranteed policy.
See Also: REI Price Match
Can I return my REI products after 30 days?
Yes. Assuming it is not used equipment nor a restricted item, then you will be able to return the product after 30-days. In many cases, you actually have up to a year to receive a refund on your product.
Are there return exceptions?
There are actually very few exceptions for returning products to REI. This is because their 100% satisfaction guarantee is incredibly broad. That being said, a policy like this couldn’t work without some restrictions.
We have already told you about return timeframes when it comes to the type of product, but there are other things that you will need to know about.
Final sale items
You cannot return any items that are marked as ‘final sale’. You will only be able to return them if you are planning on making a warranty claim.
Wear and tear
If you are returning an item due to expected wear and tear, then you may not be able to claim under the REI return policy. This will normally be a judgment call on the part of REI. For example, if it is evident that you have had a lot of use out of the product, the return may be denied.
Garage sale
If any item was purchased from a garage sale at REI (regular promotions they run throughout the year), then they may not be able to accept a return.
Remember, some garage sales are slightly used, and thus they will be sold ‘as is’. You won’t be able to return a product for a condition you know that it had before your purchase.
Does REI have free returns?
If you take a product to an REI store, then the process is completely free.
If you want to make a return by sending the item straight to their return department, it will cost you $5.99. This will not be charged upfront. Instead, it will be deducted from your final refund.
If you send the parcel directly to their return department, you will need to generate a prepaid label online. REI will walk you through the process on their website.
How long do REI refunds take?
It will take around 10-days to receive a refund. This applies whether you go into a store or if you return the products via mail.
See Also: Party City Returns
Conclusion
For most products purchased through REI, you have up to a year to return or refund the item. There are very few restrictions.
All you need to do is head along to your local REI store and bring the receipt. If you do not have a local REI store, then you can also receive a refund by mailing the product to them. This will cost $5.99.
FAQs
How do you receive your REI refund?
If you take a product to an REI store, it will normally be refunded using the original payment method. Any refunds over $500 will be refunded by check.
If you send the product to the returns department, the refund will always be in check form.
What happens to returned REI products?
They will normally be sold in one of the many REI garage sales. You may also find them listed as ‘used’ products on the site.
Can you exchange REI products via mail?
No. If you want an exchange, you will have to go into an REI store.
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