REI Return Policy: Simplified

REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) is known for selling outdoor gear, clothing, and equipment. They also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee for their customers. If you are not happy with your purchase, you can return it for a refund or replacement. But there are some rules you need to follow.

This article will explain their return policy in simple words so you know how and when to return an item.

REI Return Policy Quick Overview

This table shows key details at a glance::

Pro Tip: Becoming an REI Co-op Member costs $30 for lifetime membership and extends your return window to 1 year.

Proof of Purchase Requirements

To return an item to REI, you need proof of purchase. This can be:

• A store receipt (paper or email).
• Your order number (found in the confirmation email or packing slip).
• Your REI Co-op membership number (if used for the purchase).

If you don’t have proof of purchase, REI may not accept the return or might offer store credit instead.

Return Policy Exceptions

Not all items can be returned. Here are some important exceptions:

• Outdoor Electronics: Must be returned within 90 days.
• Final Sale Items: Memberships, lift tickets, passes, and gift cards cannot be returned.
• Damaged or Dirty Gear: Items that are excessively dirty or damaged due to misuse cannot be returned.
• Hazardous Materials: Fuel, aerosol sprays, and loose lithium batteries cannot be returned by mail but may be accepted in-store.
• Past Return Policy Abuse: REI may refuse returns if a customer has a history of excessive returns.

How to Return an Item to REI

You can return your REI purchase in two ways:

1. Return in a Store (Free)

• Bring the item to any REI store.
• Take the original receipt (paper or email).
• If you used your REI Co-op membership, store employees can find your purchase in their system.

2. Return by Mail (Costs $7.99)

Whether you need to return items purchased online or in a retail store, you can begin the mail-in return process online.

• Go to REI’s website and start a return.
• Print a return shipping label.
• Pack your item and drop it off at a UPS location.
• $7.99 will be deducted from your refund for return shipping unless REI made a mistake with your order.
• Large items (over 32 lbs.) cost $21.95 to return by mail.
• No printer? REI provides a QR code for fast paperless drop-off.

Ways to Generate a Shipping Label:

1. Online, Phone, and In-Store Pickup Orders:
   • Start a mail-in return for orders placed online, over the phone, or for in-store pickup.
   • If you have an online account, log in and go to Purchase History, view the order details, and select “Start a return”.
   • You can also use your order number and billing ZIP code (found in your order confirmation email) to look up the order manually and start a return.
   • Start return via Purchase History
   • Start return with manual lookup
2. In-Store Purchases:
   • For all in-store purchases, start a mail-in return with information from your store receipt.
   • Return in-store purchases

Important: Purchases made at an REI retail store and returned by mail will be refunded by check. REI will email you once they have issued a check—typically within 5 business days after receiving your package.

Items That CANNOT Be Returned

REI has some exceptions to their return policy. These items are final sale and cannot be returned:

• REI Co-op Memberships
• Lift tickets and passes
• Gift cards
• Used gear bought in-store
• Hazardous materials (like fuel, aerosol sprays, and CO2 cartridges)

If your gear is dirty or damaged due to improper use, REI may refuse your return.

Returning Outdoor Electronics

Outdoor electronics have a shorter return window:

• You must return them within 90 days.
• Examples of outdoor electronics include:
  • GPS devices
  • Cameras
  • Fitness trackers
  • Emergency communication devices

Returning Re/Supply Used Gear

• REI members can buy and trade used gear at Re/Supply stores or online.
• In-store Re/Supply purchases are final sale.
• Used gear bought online can be returned within 30 days.

Shipping Fees for Returns

If you return an item by mail, a $7.99 return shipping fee will be deducted from your refund, unless REI made a mistake with your order.

For oversized items (over 32 lbs.), a $21.95 shipping fee will apply instead. Here are some special cases:

• If you return multiple items from different orders in one box, only one $7.99 fee will be deducted.
• If the item is defective, the return shipping fee will be waived.
• If you pay for your own return shipping, no fee will be deducted from your refund.

Returns to REI stores are always free.

Refunds

The way REI refunds your money depends on how you paid:

• If you return an item by mail, it can take up to 3 weeks to get your refund.
• If you return an item in-store, you get your refund immediately.

Total REI Rewards Refunds

If you used REI Co-op Member Rewards or REI Co-op Mastercard Rewards to pay for your order, here’s how refunds work:

• In-store returns: Rewards used in the purchase will be refunded in cash.
• Mail-in returns: Rewards will be refunded via check, which may take up to 3 weeks.

Once rewards are used, they cannot be credited back to your membership account.

Exchanges

• You can exchange an item for a different size or color in-store.
• REI does not offer exchanges by mail.
• To exchange by mail, return the item and buy a new one separately.

Returning Damaged or Defective Products

If your item is defective, REI will accept the return at any time, even after the return window.

How to return a defective item:

• Return it in-store or by mail.
• If returning by mail, select “Shipment issue” as the reason, and REI will waive the $7.99 return shipping fee.
• If the item was purchased with a discount or coupon, contact REI’s customer service to see if they can honor the original price.

Gift Returns

• Gift returns without a receipt may not be accepted.
• If returning in-store, bring the gift receipt.
• If returning by mail, include a note with the gift recipient’s:
  • Name
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone number
• Refunds for gift returns are issued by check to the gift recipient.

If you have any more questions about the returns, you can visit the return policy on their website.

Contacting REI

If you need help with a return, refund, or any other issue, you can contact REI using the following methods:

Call them

• For urgent issues like canceling an order or payment problems, call:
  • U.S. callers: 1-800-426-4840
  • International callers: 1-253-891-2500
• Customer service hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 6 AM – 8 PM PT
  • Saturday–Sunday: 8 AM – 5 PM PT

Chat

• Fastest option for most issues.
• Chat live with an REI agent for quick assistance.

Email

• Best for non-urgent issues.
• Expect a reply within 24 hours.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

REI return policy is customer friendly, especially for Co-op members. If you’re not happy with your purchase, you can return most items within one year (for members) or 90 days (for non-members). Just make sure to keep your receipt, follow the rules for exceptions, and choose between an in-store or mail-in return.

Still have questions? Visit an REI store or contact REI’s customer service for help!