REI Return Policy: A Simple Guide for Shoppers

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 Overview Table

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

What You Need to Know about REI Returns

Before you start a return, here are the key things to understand about what REI does and doesn’t accept:

New Items

• REI Co‑op Members can return new items within 365 days of purchase.
• Non‑Members have 90 days to return.
• Items must be clean, in like‑new condition, and have proof of purchase (like a receipt or your REI member number).
• Returns may be rejected if items are too dirty, damaged from misuse, or missing documentation.

Outdoor Electronics

Outdoor electronics have a shorter return window than other items — only 90 days, even for REI members.

Examples of outdoor electronics include:

• GPS-enabled devices
• Activity monitors
• Emergency communication devices
• Cameras
• Bike trainers

You’ll need proof of purchase, and the item must still be in good, clean condition.

Final Sale Items

Some things you buy at REI can’t be returned at all. These are final sale, no matter what:

• REI Co-op Memberships
• Lift tickets and passes
• Gift cards

Be sure before you buy these, because REI will not take them back.

Re/Supply Used Gear (Members Only)

REI has a used gear program called Re/Supply, which is only for Co-op Members.

• If you buy used gear in-store: it’s final sale and cannot be returned.
• If you buy used gear online, you can return it by mail only within 30 days of your purchase.
• In-store Re/Supply purchases mailed to REI will be sent back to you – they’re not accepted by the returns department.

Damaged or Dirty Gear

To keep returns fair, REI won’t accept:

• Gear that’s excessively dirty or hasn’t been cleaned.
• Items that are damaged due to accidents or improper use (like torn tents, scraped helmets, etc.).
• If the item isn’t clean, REI may refuse the return and send it back to you.

So, wash or wipe down gear before returning it.

Defective Items

If your gear has a manufacturer defect, you can return it anytime — there’s no time limit.

This applies if something breaks due to bad workmanship or materials — not from regular wear and tear or misuse. You’ll still need proof of purchase for this.

Returns Abuse

REI monitors for abuse of its generous return policy. If they believe someone is making too many returns or not following the rules, they can:

• Refuse to accept a return.
• Cancel exchanges.
• Protect the integrity of the policy for other members.

This is rare but important to know — always follow the guidelines and time limits.

Proof of Purchase Requirements

To return an item to REI, you need proof of purchase. This helps REI process your return quickly and correctly. Accepted forms include:

• A paper or email receipt from a retail store.
• Your order number, which you can find in:
  • Your order confirmation email
  • Your packing slip
  • The Purchase History section of your REI.com account
• Your REI Co‑op membership number, if you used it when buying the item.

Tip: If you’re a member, store staff can often find your purchase using your membership number — even if you lost the receipt.

If you don’t have any proof of purchase, REI may not accept the return or might offer store credit at the item’s lowest selling price although this is not guaranteed.

Items That CANNOT Be Returned

REI has a few items that are final sale or have return restrictions. These items cannot be returned under any circumstance:

• REI Co-op Memberships
• Lift tickets and passes
• Gift cards
• Used gear purchased in-store (Re/Supply)
• Hazardous materials, including:
  • Fuel (liquid or solid)
  • Aerosol sprays
  • Loose or uninstalled batteries
  • CO2 cartridges

How to return items to REI

In-Store Returns

If you can, I always recommend bringing your item to an REI store:

• Returns and exchanges are free.
• You must have proof of purchase (receipt or REI Member number).
• Final sale or used gear purchased in-store cannot be returned.

Mail-In Returns

If you can’t make it to a store:

• 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.
• Returns cost:
  • $7.99 for packages under 32 lbs.
  • $21.95 for oversize returns.
• No printer? REI provides a QR code for fast paperless drop-off.
• If REI made an error with your order, return shipping is free.

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

Shipping Fees for Returns

Here’s what you need to know about return shipping charges:

• Standard Returns: $7.99 will be deducted from your refund for return shipping when using an REI-prepaid label.
• Oversized Items (over 32 lbs): A $21.95 return shipping fee applies.
• Multiple Items, One Box: If you’re returning items from different orders in a single box, only one $7.99 fee will be deducted (as long as the total weight is under 32 lbs).
• Defective Items: No return shipping fee applies if the item is confirmed defective.
• Self‑Paid Returns: If you pay for shipping on your own, no return shipping fee will be deducted.
• In‑Store Returns: Always FREE for any item you return to an REI location.

Quick Reminders: Special Return Rules

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for tricky return situations:

• Used Gear: Online used gear can be returned within 30-days of purchase by mail . In-store it cannot be returned and will be considered as a Final sale.
• Electronics: Must be returned within 90 days (GPS, cameras, etc.).
• Final Sale: Memberships, gift cards, lift tickets, and passes.
• Dirty or Damaged Items: Must be clean and undamaged from misuse.
• Defects: Can be returned any time with proof of defect.
• Hazardous Materials: Can’t return by mail, contact REI first.
• Abuse of Policy: REI may reject frequent or suspicious returns.

Oversize Items

Items like bike trainers, single joggers, and skis can be returned by mail for a $21.95 fee. Larger items (bikes, kayaks, roof-top tents) must be returned in-store.

Returns Without a Receipt

If you lost your receipt:

• REI Members can use their member number to locate purchases.
• Non-members must present an original paper or email receipt.

Gift Returns

If you’re returning a gift:

• In-Store: Bring the item and gift receipt.
• Mail-In: Include a note with the recipient’s information (name, address, phone number, and email). Returns by mail will be refunded via check.

Returning Damaged or Defective Products

If your item is defective due to a manufacturer’s issue, REI will accept the return at any time, even after the regular return window has passed.

How to return a defective item:

• You can return it in-store or by mail.
• If returning by mail, REI will waive the $7.99 return shipping fee once they inspect and confirm the item is defective.

Note: This applies only to product defects, not normal wear and tear or accidental damage.

Exchanges

• In‑Store Exchanges:
  • You can bring the item to an REI customer service desk for an exchange.
• Mail‑In Exchanges:
  • REI doesn’t offer direct exchanges by mail. You must return your item first, then make a new purchase.

Returns for International Orders

If you’ve made an international order:

• Returns can be made in a U.S. REI store.
• Or you can ship the item back (you cover the shipping cost).

Refunds: How You Get Your Money Back

Timing:

• Mail‑in returns can take up to 3 weeks for the refund.
• In‑store returns are refunded immediately.

Total REI Rewards Refunds

If you used REI Co‑op Member Rewards or REI Co‑op Mastercard Rewards to pay for an item, here’s how refunds work:

• In‑Store Returns: The portion of your purchase made with REI Rewards will be refunded in cash.
• Mail‑In Returns: The portion of your purchase made with REI Rewards will be refunded via check, which can take up to 3 weeks to arrive.
• Once used, REI Rewards cannot be credited back to your membership account.

How to Contact REI for Help

Have questions? REI has a helpful customer service team:

• Call them:
  • U.S.: 1‑800‑426‑4840
  • International: 1‑253‑891‑2500
  • Hours:
    • Mon–Fri: 6 AM–8 PM PT
    • Sat–Sun: 8 AM–5 PM PT
• Chat:
  • The fastest option for most issues (according to REI).
  • You can chat live with an REI agent for quick help.
• Email:
  • Best for non‑urgent issues.
  • REI aims to reply within 24 hours.

Common Questions

Pro Tips for Hassle‑Free Returns

Here are a few tips I’ve learned as an REI shopper:

• Always save your receipts and packaging until you’re sure you’ll keep an item.
• Wash any used gear before returning it — REI can reject dirty items.
• Try making returns in‑store for immediate refunds.
• Call REI before shipping oversized or hazardous returns.
• If making a mail‑in return, include the order number or member number for easy processing.

Wrapping Up

The REI Return Policy is one of the best in the business — as long as you respect their rules. They want you to be satisfied, and as long as you keep things clean, save your receipts, and stick to the time limits, returns and exchanges are simple.

With this guide, you now have every piece of information you need to make returns at REI with total confidence!

Please Note: Return policies can change over time. While this article aims to provide accurate information based on the policy at the time of writing, it’s always a good idea to double-check the return policy on official REI’s website for the most up-to-date return policy details. For any specific questions or situations not covered here, the official website or contacting REI’s Customer Service directly is the best resource.