Do you know what REI bike return policy is? this is one of the questions my readers ask a lot. Well, I´ve got you covered.
REI has a generous return policy for all customers. It’s extra generous if you’re a member of the co-op. But what does this mean?
REI allows its members to return bikes up to one year after the date of purchase. Non-members have up to 90 days. Bikes must be returned to retail locations due to their oversized nature. REI stands behind its products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
In this article, you’ll learn about what’s covered by the satisfaction guarantee and how you can make an REI bike return. Read on for the details of REI’s bike return policy.
Can You Return Bikes to REI?
REI does accept bike returns in-store. Bikes are large and awkward to ship, so the company does not allow bike returns through the mail.
When you go to return your bike to an REI store, you can wheel it into the location closest to you. Make sure you take any packaging and accessories with you.
You’ll also need your receipt or proof of purchase to ensure you get a full refund to the payment account you used to purchase the bike in the first place.
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Can You Return a Bike Ordered Online to a Store?
You can and must return any bike ordered online to a physical store location. As was mentioned above, bikes are large and awkward to ship.
They’re also expensive to ship. REI asks that customers take unwanted bikes to their nearest store location to return or exchange them that way.
This process shouldn’t take that long anyway, but you can help yourself out by starting your return online before you visit the store.
Go to the REI website and click on “Start an in-store return” to do the pre-work for your return. That way it won’t take nearly as long to process your return when you get there.
Can You Return a Bike You’ve Used?
REI customers who try out their bikes and find they aren’t the right size or the right feel for what they’re looking for are able to return or exchange them for something better suited, but only if the bike is still in like-new condition.
You should keep all packaging and tags until you’re sure about keeping the bike.
The other scenario that allows for returning a used bike is in the case where there’s a manufacturer’s defect.
REI stands behind their products and expects that if customers encounter issues with items they’ve purchased from their stores or website, they will return those items for refunds or exchange them for brand new replacements.
Member vs. Non-Member Returns
REI is a co-op that sells memberships so avid customers can enjoy some great benefits. The membership costs just $30, one time only and lasts for a lifetime.
The membership includes benefits like, no-minimum free shipping, exclusive deals, early access to new products, and shopping for or trading used items.
Members get a much longer window for returns and exchanges than non-members. A member has a whole year to get a full refund for items they wish to return.
Non-members only get 90 days. While 90 days is much longer than the retail standard return window of 30 days, it’s much less time than what’s afforded to REI co-op members.
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Used Gear Has a Shorter Return Window
Keep in mind that if you are part of the co-op and you like to order from the used gear category of goods, you’ll have less time to make your returns or exchanges.
Used gear can only be returned for up to 30 days after the original order or purchase date.
Are There Unreturnable Items at REI?
REI does consider some items as unreturnable. Here’s an overview of some of the items that aren’t acceptable for returns under the REI return policy.
- Bike trainers
- Cameras
- Non-tangibles (gift cards, lift tickets, memberships, etc.)
- Gear you’ve damaged
- Activity monitors
- Emergency-communication devices
- GPS-enabled devices
- Dirty gear
There are other items the company isn’t likely to take back but it would be up to the associate who is processing the return.
Can You Return a Bike Using Curbside Service?
In light of the events that have taken place over the last few years, there’s been a push toward curbside service from retailers and restaurants.
Customers have frequently asked if REI allows for curbside returns, especially for bikes.
The answer is no, you cannot return a bike to REI via curbside return service. You’ll have to go in-store with your bike and the appropriate paperwork to get your return processed.
How Long Will It Take to Get My Refund?
Regardless of the method of return you use; you can count on getting your refund within about 10 days from the day of the return.
You do need to consider, though, that REI is only responsible for one part of the refund process if you paid for your items with a credit or debit card.
The other part of the refund is dependent on the financial institution you bank with.
10 days is the average refund time with REI. It could be a little longer or shorter based on the bank you go through.
Does REI Charge for Returns?
REI does not charge for returns. There is no convenience fee or service charge or even restocking fee for your returns.
Returns and exchanges are totally free. The only piece that may cause you to pay a fee is for items you’re shipping back to the warehouse.
You can print a return label from the website and attach it to your package to send back.
The shipping for sending the returned item back will be deducted from your refund amount wherever applicable.
Can You Return a Bike without a Receipt?
In most stores you’re able to return bikes for refunds without original receipts. However, that doesn’t have to be the case, as the policy states you need a receipt or proof of purchase.
If you cannot find the receipt, you’ll be questioned. But you will likely still be able to process your return.
The problem comes when the price has now changed, or the item is currently on sale. When you don’t have the proof of purchase to show what you paid for the bike, you’ll only get refunded for the price of the item as it is now.
In some cases, a lack of receipt might lead to getting a store credit for the amount of the return. REI’s return policy is extremely generous, but you still need to try to follow the rules when you’re looking to get your own refund.
What Happens to Returned REI Bikes?
Most of these items get sold again on the used gear page. Bikes that are still in good condition when they’re returned are cleaned up and put on the website to be sold as used gear.
Members get a chance to purchase high quality REI gear at a lower cost than what it is at full retail pricing.
Conclusion
The REI bike return policy allows member customers to return bikes for up to a year, while non-members can return bikes for up to three months.
Bikes purchased online or in-store can only be returned in-store due to their large and awkward shapes. They cannot be sent through the mail.
References
https://www.rei.com/help/returns#return-policy
https://www.insider.com/guides/style/rei-lifetime-membership-program-perks-benefits
