In the past you could return items purchased years ago.

Now you only have 1 year...

We stand behind everything we sell. If you are not satisfied with your REI purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund. Items must be returned within a year of purchase, except items purchased from REI-OUTLET which must be returned within 30 days of purchase.

REI’s guarantee doesn’t cover ordinary wear and tear or damage caused by improper use or accidents.

REI has one of the best return policies in retail, and we remain committed to your satisfaction with everything you buy at REI. We also have a small, but growing, number of customers who stretch our policy beyond its intended purpose. To ensure that we can continue to offer our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, we're updating our policy: You have one year from purchase to return or exchange any item you're not satisfied with, except items purchased from REI-OUTLET, which must be returned within 30 days of purchase.

That sucks but probably makes sense. I've heard of people returning gear they've used for years and worn out and then wanting it replaced. For my part, I've only returned gear that turned out to be defective or poorly made, like a pair of mountaineering boots that fell apart last year with not even 100 miles on them.

Bob Sihler wrote:That sucks but probably makes sense. I've heard of people returning gear they've used for years and worn out and then wanting it replaced. For my part, I've only returned gear that turned out to be defective or poorly made, like a pair of mountaineering boots that fell apart last year with not even 100 miles on them.

Actually it doesn't suck; the old policy sucked because those of us who are honest were paying for those who abused the return policy.

Buz, I agree. I've seen gear at REI garage sales that is totally worn out or has clearly been abused and is inoperable.

Meh.
A few bad apples ruins a bucket of good ones.
Bound to happen.

Sadly, I know folks who've returned gear after a few YEARS.

i am of a mind that if you haven't figured out within a year that your new toy is defective, you pretty much give up the right to gripe.

having said that, i have returned my fair share of rei items. interestingly enough, always well within one year. but maybe that's because i don't abuse the policy.

Darn, think of all the hiking boots I could have returned after using them for a bit. In all seriousness I completely understand their stand on limiting it to a year. I'd say that's enough time to test out the gear and see if it has a fair life time.

I returned a pack after 8 years after the ice ax loop fell off.

Got a brand new one back and had $17 left over.

Out here, the return policy is massively abused. People buy REI boots or nylon pants expecting to return them when they wear out. Careful people pay for the slackers.

Note to self: abuse gear sooner from now on.

I went to a garage sale where you have bicycles in really bad shape being returned after 3 years...I was like WTF!?

Buz Groshong wrote:

Bob Sihler wrote:That sucks but probably makes sense. I've heard of people returning gear they've used for years and worn out and then wanting it replaced. For my part, I've only returned gear that turned out to be defective or poorly made, like a pair of mountaineering boots that fell apart last year with not even 100 miles on them.

Actually it doesn't suck; the old policy sucked because those of us who are honest were paying for those who abused the return policy.

It sucks because those of us who don't abuse the policy now lose out if there's a legitimate issue. But again, I see why REI has done this since so many people were abusing the system. The company must have been losing a lot of money because of this.

REI has a 100% markup on many full priced items. At least they do on Mountain Hardware clothing and gear (I have access to MH wholesale gear at times).

So if you buy a sleeping bag for $200, use it for many years until the zipper breaks and then return it and get another, REI still comes out ahead. REI pays $100 for the first bag, gets the NPV for your full payment up front, account for inflation, and they are still ahead even after paying the next $100. Add to it the other gear you pick up and don't return and its apparent why they haven't come close to running out of business no matter how the economy is doing.

And utilizing a policy isn't taking advantage. When companies take tax breaks and use offshore accounts they are simply doing what they are supposed to do... it's specifically allowed.

mrchad9 wrote:REI has a 100% markup on many full priced items. At least they do on Mountain Hardware clothing and gear (I have access to MH wholesale gear at times).

So if you buy a sleeping bag for $200, use it for many years until the zipper breaks and then return it and get another, REI still comes out ahead. REI pays $100 for the first bag, gets the NPV for your full payment up front, account for inflation, and they are still ahead even after paying the next $100. Add to it the other gear you pick up and don't return and its apparent why they haven't come close to running out of business no matter how the economy is doing.

And utilizing a policy isn't taking advantage. When companies take tax breaks and use offshore accounts they are simply doing what they are supposed to do... it's specifically allowed.

There is no excuse to rip off a company because you think they make too much profit. REI is a very well run company compared to most and with your last comment I presume you have no issues with large companies taking advatage of all and every possible tax loophole?