The REI Return Policy allows REI Co-op Members to return most eligible purchases within one year of the purchase date, while nonmembers generally have 90 days. Outdoor electronics have a 90-day return window for everyone, including members. Eligible worn or gently used items can qualify, but the satisfaction guarantee does not cover ordinary wear and tear, accidental damage, or misuse. rei.com
This guide covers REI’s United States returns. Before starting, identify whether you bought a regular retail item or preowned gear through Re/Supply, because those purchases have different rules. Your proof of purchase and return method also matter: returning a store purchase by mail can change how you receive your refund.
REI Return Policy at a Glance
| Policy Detail | Current Rule |
|---|---|
| Most Purchases by Co-op Members | Return within one year of purchase, subject to exceptions |
| Most Purchases by Nonmembers | Return within 90 days of purchase |
| Outdoor Electronics | Return within 90 days for members and nonmembers |
| Return Window Starts | Purchase date |
| Worn or Gently Used Items | Eligible items may qualify; clean them before returning |
| Online Re/Supply Purchases | Separate 30-day return window |
| In-Store Re/Supply Purchases | Final sale |
| Proof of Purchase | Receipt, order information, or an eligible purchase lookup |
| In-Store Returns | Avoid return shipping charges |
| Standard Mail Return Shipping | $7.99 for most items through REI’s return process |
| Exchanges | In-store exchanges available; online replacement generally involves returning and reordering |
| Major Exclusions | Ordinary wear, misuse, accidental damage, and specified final-sale purchases |
The membership windows apply to most regular purchases. Re/Supply, electronics, and final-sale exclusions must be checked separately. rei.com
Understanding the REI Return Policy
REI’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee allows eligible returns when a purchase does not meet your needs. Most regular purchases receive the member or nonmember window shown above, measured from the purchase date.
The guarantee permits reasonable product use before a return. That can matter for outdoor equipment whose fit or performance becomes clear only after use. However, it does not turn the return window into coverage for worn-out equipment or damage caused by an accident.
Before returning, check three things:
- Whether your purchase received the member return window.
- Whether the item belongs to an exception category.
- Whether your reason concerns dissatisfaction, a manufacturing defect, or damage from use.
These distinctions determine which policy applies.
Return Windows by Purchase Type
| Purchase Type | Co-op Members | Nonmembers | Important Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Regular Retail Purchases | One year | 90 days | Subject to eligibility requirements |
| Outdoor Electronics | 90 days | 90 days | Membership does not extend this deadline |
| Regular Retail Gear You Subsequently Used | Standard applicable window | Standard applicable window | Must be clean and otherwise eligible |
| Preowned Re/Supply Gear Bought Online | 30 days | Check program eligibility | Separate used-gear process |
| Preowned Re/Supply Gear Bought In Store | Final sale | Check program eligibility | No standard satisfaction return |
REI distinguishes between returning an item you bought new and then used and returning an item purchased preowned through Re/Supply. The latter does not receive the standard one-year member window. rei.com
Outdoor Electronics
Outdoor electronics, such as GPS devices and watches, must be returned within 90 days, even for Co-op Members. Check the classification of your particular product rather than assuming the member deadline applies.
Re/Supply Purchases
Online Re/Supply purchases have a 30-day return window. Follow the return instructions associated with that used-gear order.
In-store Re/Supply purchases are final sale. Do not mail one to REI expecting it to become eligible for a refund.
Can You Return Opened or Used Items?
Yes. REI allows eligible worn or gently used gear within the applicable return period. Opening or trying an item does not automatically disqualify it.
Used items must be cleaned before return. Follow the care instructions when laundering clothing or cleaning footwear, packs, tents, and other equipment. REI may decline dirty or unwashed gear.
The guarantee excludes ordinary wear and tear and damage resulting from misuse or accidents. A product that does not fit or perform satisfactorily is different from one that has simply reached the end of its useful life. rei.com
Do You Need the Original Packaging?
Bring the original packaging if you still have it. REI’s used-gear instructions describe packaging as something to include when available, and its damaged-product guidance says original packaging is helpful rather than required.
For a mailed return, use packaging that protects the item during transit. Keep accessories and components together, and check any instructions specific to your product. rei.com
What Proof of Purchase Do You Need?
REI’s requirements depend on how the purchase was made.
| Purchase Channel | Proof or Lookup Route |
|---|---|
| Store Purchase Not Recorded Under a Membership | Paper or email store receipt required |
| Store Purchase Recorded Under a Membership | An associate can help locate it using the member number |
| Online or Phone Order, Including Store Pickup | Order number for the online return process |
| Online Order Returned In Store | An associate can help locate the order information |
Find an online order number in your confirmation email, packing slip, or account purchase history, where it may appear as a “Purchase number.” rei.com
Can You Return an Item Without a Receipt?
Sometimes, provided REI can establish the purchase.
For a transaction recorded under your Co-op membership, staff can help search using your member number. Online orders may also be located through order information.
However, store purchases not recorded under a membership require a paper or email store receipt. A missing receipt does not automatically qualify you for merchandise credit.
If you cannot locate a member-linked purchase or online order, contact REI before shipping the item.
How to Return an Item to REI
Returning an Item In Store
An in-store return avoids the shipping charge associated with most mailed returns.
- Check the applicable deadline and purchase type.
- Clean the item if it has been used.
- Gather your receipt, order number, or membership information.
- Bring the item and available packaging to the store.
- Explain whether you want a refund or replacement.
Eligible regular online orders can also be taken to a store. Keep the receipt issued for your return until the refund is complete. rei.com
Returning an Item by Mail
Begin through REI’s online return process or purchase history.
- Identify the purchase and select the item.
- Choose the accurate return reason.
- Review the displayed shipping charge and instructions.
- Pack the item securely and use the supplied return documentation.
- Keep your carrier handoff receipt and tracking number.
For member-linked store purchases, REI provides a retail purchase return process that can use your member number to help locate the transaction.
Store purchases can be returned by mail, but the refund method differs from many online-order returns. Review that distinction before choosing mail. rei.com
Oversized or Hazardous Items
REI has separate instructions for oversized items and products containing hazardous materials. Check those instructions before shipping a large product or anything requiring special handling.
Do not assume a standard parcel label covers every item.
Return Shipping Fees and Other Charges
Most mailed returns through REI’s return process carry a $7.99 return shipping fee. In-store returns avoid that charge.
The phrase “most items” matters. Review the amount shown for your return rather than assuming every oversized or specially handled shipment costs the same.
Membership’s longer standard return window does not, by itself, establish free return shipping. rei.com
Damaged Shipment Fee Waivers
For damaged or defective deliveries, REI’s instructions direct customers to select “Shipment issue” when starting the applicable online return so the return shipping fee is waived.
Use the reason that accurately describes the problem. If the correct option is unclear, contact support before buying postage. rei.com
Original Delivery Charges
Original delivery charges and return shipping are separate costs. Before completing a return, review the refund breakdown rather than assuming the original shipping charge will be included.
For a shipment error or damaged delivery, ask REI to confirm which charges will be refunded.
Refund Methods and Processing Times
REI generally refunds the original payment method, but store purchases returned by mail receive refunds by check.
| Return or Payment Type | Refund Handling |
|---|---|
| Eligible Mailed Online-Order Return | REI’s refund-timing guidance states processing within four business days after receipt; high-volume periods may take longer |
| Card Refund After Mail-Return Processing | Typically posts within 10 business days after processing |
| Store Purchase Returned by Mail | Check refund; can take up to three weeks from receipt of the return |
| Gift Card Payment | Refunded to a new electronic gift card sent to the order’s email address |
| Total REI Rewards | Generally credited to the applicable rewards balance |
| Rewards Used on a Store Purchase Returned by Mail | Included in the check refund |
Carrier transit happens before REI receives the package, so it is separate from processing and bank posting time. REI’s damaged-product help page gives a broader two-to-six-week estimate for those mailed returns; use the estimate supplied for your particular return. rei.com
For an in-store credit-card refund, REI lists a typical posting time of five to seven business days. Contact the store that processed the return with follow-up questions. rei.com
Does REI Offer Exchanges?
Yes. Visiting a store is the fastest way to arrange an eligible exchange or replacement, subject to availability.
For an online replacement, REI’s exchange guidance describes returning the original item and placing a replacement order. Standard mailed-return shipping charges can apply.
If the original item was purchased with a coupon or discount and arrived damaged or defective, contact REI before returning it to discuss preserving the savings. rei.com
Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Items
Report a delivery problem promptly and describe it accurately. Preserve your order details and take photographs of visible damage or missing components.
For an eligible damaged or defective item, REI offers an in-store return or exchange route and a mailed-return route. Bring proof of purchase to the store, or follow the online shipment-issue instructions.
If the wrong product arrived, use REI’s order-issue support so the incorrect shipment is recorded correctly. Avoid describing a retailer shipping error as a change-of-mind return.
Manufacturing Defects After the Standard Window
REI states that manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship may be returned at any time with proof of purchase, subject to its limited-warranty terms and exclusions.
This is separate from the ordinary satisfaction return period. It does not provide lifetime replacement for wear, accidental damage, misuse, or improper care. In-store Re/Supply gear is sold as-is and excluded from that warranty coverage. rei.com
Gift Returns and Gift Card Purchases
For a gift return, gather the gift receipt or order number and tell REI that you are the recipient. Its guidance indicates that refunds normally return to the original payment method unless store credit is requested.
Confirm the destination before completing the transaction if you want the refund retained by the gift recipient.
Buying merchandise with a gift card is different from returning the gift card itself. Eligible merchandise paid for with a gift card is generally refunded through a new electronic gift card. Gift cards themselves are final sale. rei.com
What Happens If the Return Window Has Passed?
A standard satisfaction return outside the applicable deadline is not automatically eligible.
If the problem is a manufacturing defect, ask REI to assess it under the applicable limited warranty. Manufacturer support or repair may also be relevant, depending on the product and its terms.
Explain the problem precisely and provide proof of purchase. Do not assume an unused condition, membership, or manager request automatically extends an expired deadline.
How to Track Your Return and Refund
Keep three records until the return is complete:
- Your return confirmation.
- The carrier’s tracking number and handoff receipt.
- REI’s refund confirmation.
Carrier tracking shows the package’s journey. REI’s confirmation shows when the refund was processed.
If a card refund has not appeared 10 business days after processing, REI recommends checking with the bank. If the bank cannot locate it, contact REI support. rei.com
What to Do If Your Return Is Denied
Ask which eligibility requirement caused the denial. Then check the purchase date, product category, proof of purchase, and whether the transaction was a Re/Supply purchase.
If the issue is missing documentation, look for an emailed receipt or membership-linked record. If the concern involves a defect, explain how it differs from ordinary wear or accidental damage.
Use REI’s Help Center, chat, or store support for clarification. Keep the return paperwork and any written explanation so you can discuss the same transaction accurately.
Tips for a Smoother Return
- Check electronics deadlines separately from the member window.
- Clean used equipment before bringing or sending it back.
- Locate the purchase record before packing the item.
- Choose an in-store return when practical to avoid standard mail-return shipping charges.
- Review the refund method before mailing a store purchase.
- Keep gift returns separate from returns to the original purchaser.
- Save tracking and refund confirmations until the money arrives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do REI Members Have to Return Items?
Members generally have one year from purchase for most eligible regular retail items. Outdoor electronics have a 90-day limit, and Re/Supply purchases follow separate rules.
Can Nonmembers Return Used Gear?
Yes. Eligible gear purchased through regular retail channels can be returned within 90 days, even after reasonable use. Clean it first; ordinary wear, misuse, and accidental damage are excluded.
Can I Return an REI Online Order In Store?
Eligible regular online purchases can be returned in store. Bring the order information. Check separate instructions for online Re/Supply purchases.
Can REI Find My Receipt Using My Membership?
An associate can help locate a purchase recorded under your member number. Store purchases not recorded under a membership require a paper or email receipt.
Are REI Returns Free?
In-store returns avoid return shipping charges. Most standard mailed returns through REI’s process cost $7.99, with applicable shipment-issue waivers.
Can I Return Re/Supply Gear?
Online Re/Supply purchases have a 30-day return window. In-store Re/Supply purchases are final sale.
Does REI Have a Lifetime Return Policy?
No. Standard satisfaction returns have deadlines. Qualifying manufacturing defects may be assessed separately under REI’s limited warranty.
How Will REI Refund a Gift Card Purchase?
Eligible merchandise purchased with a gift card is generally refunded to a new electronic gift card sent to the email address on the order.
Conclusion
The REI Return Policy gives members one year for most eligible purchases and nonmembers 90 days, with a 90-day limit on outdoor electronics. Before returning anything, confirm its purchase type, locate the transaction record, and clean any used gear.
Pay particular attention to Re/Supply exclusions and the difference between a satisfaction return and a manufacturing-defect claim. An in-store return can avoid standard return shipping charges, while mailing a store purchase changes the refund to a check. Keep your return receipt or tracking information until the refund is complete.