At a Glance
Standard Return Window
90 days; members 365
Eligible new purchases generally have 90 days for nonmembers and the published table’s 365 days for Co-op members, from purchase. Outdoor electronics have 90 days for everyone. Online Re/Supply used gear has 30 days; in-store used gear is final sale. Condition, proof and other exceptions apply.
Receipt Lookup
Linked member purchases via member number; online orders via order number or Purchase History
When the Clock Starts
Purchase date for the published timed windows
REI Return Policy Without a Receipt
Store purchases not posted to a Co-op membership require a paper or email receipt. For linked purchases, staff can locate the record using your member number without a paper receipt. Online/phone returns use an order number from the confirmation, packing slip or Purchase History; store staff can help locate online orders. Purchase verification is still required.
Bring the item, any packaging and accessories, your payment card, and photo ID if requested. Purchase lookup is not a guarantee of return approval.
Item Exceptions
These rules can override the standard window.
| Item / Category | Window | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Co-op member new purchases | 365 days | The return-window table explicitly states 365 days, including eligible e-bikes; the prose describes one year. Outdoor electronics retain 90 days. Eligibility, condition and proof requirements apply; confirm the retailer’s actual return-by date. |
| Outdoor electronics | 90 days | 90 days for members and nonmembers. Includes activity monitors, GPS-enabled devices, bike trainers, emergency-communication devices and cameras. Included in the calculator’s 90-day choice. |
| Online Re/Supply used gear | 30 days | Applies to used products bought on the Re/Supply website, not in-store used gear. Follow the specific online Re/Supply return instructions; no standard new-item return route is assumed. |
| In-store used gear and other final-sale items | Special rules | In-store Re/Supply purchases are sold AS IS and final sale; mailing them to REI’s Returns Department does not make them returnable. Co-op memberships, lift tickets, passes and gift cards are also final sale. Re/Supply stores cannot accept returns of any kind. |
| Manufacturing defects and condition exclusions | Special rules | The policy permits returns for manufacturing defects in materials/workmanship at any time regardless of purchase date; consult the Terms of Sale and applicable warranty/product rules. Ordinary wear, misuse and accidents are excluded. Used items must be cleaned; policy abuse can result in refusal even within the usual window. |
| Mail returns, fees and oversize items | Special rules | Most standard prepaid-label returns deduct $7.99; eligible in-store returns are free. Oversize/weight rules mention $21.95 and may involve additional charges; get the actual quote rather than assuming one universal heavy-package fee. Some bikes, boats, roof-top items and other oversize goods cannot use the online mail process. Direct-carrier returns are at your shipping cost. |
| Hazardous goods, refunds and exchanges | Special rules | Hazardous materials cannot use the normal online return process; use a retail location or an appropriately arranged carrier with required handling. No direct exchanges by mail. Store purchases returned by mail are refunded by check, including reward portions; online/phone refunds generally use the original payment. Original shipping charges are not refunded unless an order error or inspected defect qualifies. |
Can You Return Opened Items?
Eligible used items may be returned under the satisfaction guarantee, but they must be cleaned or laundered first. Ordinary wear and tear, improper use and accidents are not covered. In-store Re/Supply used gear is final sale. Manufacturing-defect rules are separate from a preference return and do not make every used item returnable.
Holiday & Membership Extensions
Do not assume a holiday or membership extension applies. Dates change by season and product. Check your order’s return-by date and the retailer’s current terms before relying on extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is REI’s return policy?
Eligible new purchases generally have 90 days for nonmembers and the published table’s 365 days for Co-op members, from purchase. Outdoor electronics have 90 days for everyone. Online Re/Supply used gear has 30 days; in-store used gear is final sale. Condition, proof and other exceptions apply.
Can I return an item to REI without a receipt?
If the purchase was linked to your Co-op member number, staff can locate it without a paper receipt. Unlinked store purchases require a paper or email receipt. Online/phone returns use an order number, and associates can help find online purchases. This is record-based proof, not an unverified return entitlement.
Can I return opened or used items to REI?
Eligible used items may qualify under the satisfaction guarantee but must be cleaned or laundered. Ordinary wear, misuse and accident damage are excluded. In-store Re/Supply gear is final sale, while online Re/Supply uses a separate 30-day purchase-date policy. Manufacturing defects have separate terms.
When does the REI return window start?
The published timed windows start on purchase date: 90 days for nonmembers, the table’s 365 days for eligible members, 90 days for outdoor electronics regardless of membership, and 30 days for online Re/Supply purchases. Product and condition exceptions still apply.
Can online and in-store REI used gear both be returned?
No. Online Re/Supply purchases may be returned within 30 days of purchase under their specific instructions. In-store Re/Supply items are sold AS IS and final sale, and Re/Supply stores do not accept returns.
Source & Accuracy
Source: REI official return policy. This independent summary does not replace retailer terms. Eligibility depends on your product, condition, proof of purchase, seller, and location.
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