REI mountain bikes are high quality and sought after by all kinds of cycling enthusiasts. But, as is true with all other types of consumer products, there are often reasons to return mountain bikes, too.
The REI mountain bike return policy is generous and easy to complete. Non-member customers have up to 90 days to return their mountain bikes. Co-op members have an entire year to return or exchange an REI mountain bike.
REI is proud of their products; thus they have one of the best return policies in the retail space. Keep reading to find out what mountain bikes are acceptable under the return policy and how to have a return processed.
REI Mountain Bike Return Policy
If you’re an REI co-op member, you can buy a mountain bike, ride it, and return it to the store within a year of your purchase date.
You must have the receipt to do this, but even after riding the bike, REI will accept it back within a year if it was new when you bought it.
When you purchase a used bike, you only have 30 days to return or exchange it. This is regardless of whether you’re a member or not.
Non-members who are returning a mountain bike must also have their receipts and they only get up to 90 days to make their returns.
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How Can I Return an REI Mountain Bike?
REI requires that you bring bikes into the store to return them. You are not able to return bikes through the mail, even if you originally ordered them off the website.
The best way to process a return for a bike is to start online. If you go to the returns page, you can select “Start an in-store return” under the return to a store headline.
You’ll be prompted through filling in some information about yourself and the items you wish to return. This will cut down the processing time when you visit the store location.
You’ll take your mountain bike, the receipt or invoice, and the return information into the store and an associate will help you with finishing out the process.
Is It Free to Return an REI Mountain Bike?
Returns and exchanges are free of charge with REI. As long as you have your receipt showing the price you paid and your original payment method, you’ll get the full amount refunded to you.
If you don’t have your receipt and are granted a return, you will be refunded the amount the bike costs at that time, regardless of what you paid for it.
You also may not get it credited back to your account. It’s possible you’ll be given a store credit for the amount of your refund.
Though you cannot return bikes through the mail, REI does accept other kinds of returns through the mail. You’ll go to the website to get your return started.
That’s where you’ll get your return label from. Once the company receives your items back, they will process your return and you’ll be refunded for the purchase price less an amount for shipping.
What do I need to know about shipping fees 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 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.
Additionally, it’s important to note that in most cases, a fixed amount of $5.99 will be deducted from your refund to cover return shipping back to REI for standard size/weight packages when you return by mail using the provided prepaid shipping label. Exceptions to this standard fee include packages weighing over 32 lbs., which incur a $21.95 oversize shipping fee. Furthermore, if you are returning multiple orders in one shipping box that’s under 32 lbs., only one $5.99 return shipping fee will be deducted.
REI also offers the option to work directly with a carrier and pay for your own shipping, in which case return shipping fees will not be deducted. Moreover, the company will waive the return shipping fee if they made an error with your order or if the value of the return itself is less than $5.99.
When ordering a replacement item as part of an exchange over the phone, REI agents may waive the standard shipping fee for the replacement if a similar item is being returned via mail.
These details ensure a comprehensive understanding of shipping fees for returns at REI.”
Can I do a return via Curbside Pickup?
Is it possible to return items curbside during the early phases of rolling out Curbside Pickup?
It will not be possible for us to accept returns curbside in the early phases of rolling out Curbside Pickup.
What is the current status of accepting returns via Curbside Pickup?
In the early phases of rolling out Curbside Pickup, it will not be possible for us to accept returns curbside.
Can I do a return via Curbside Pickup?
For the most up-to-date returns information, please check Return Instructions.
How are refunds processed for online orders using PayPal or Apple Pay?
Refunds for online orders made using PayPal will be processed back to the original PayPal account. On the other hand, for online orders made using Apple Pay, refunds will be issued to the credit card linked to the Apple Pay account but only when the items are returned via mail.
What proof of purchase is required for returning items purchased at REI retail stores or online?
What assistance options are available for customers who need help locating their proof of purchase?
Customers who need help finding their proof of purchase, whether for online orders or purchases made using the REI Co-op Member number, can contact customer service for assistance.
Where can customers find the necessary information for returns, such as the order number for online purchases?
The order number for online purchases can be found in the order confirmation email, on the packing slip, or listed as “Purchase number” in the Purchase History section of the REI.com account.
How can customers initiate the return process for purchases made with an REI Co-op Member number?
Customers can use their member number to initiate returns both for retail store purchases and online purchases. For mail returns, leaving the purchase information blank and providing the member number helps locate the purchase information.
What proof of purchase is required for returning items purchased at REI retail stores or online?
For retail store purchases, a paper or email store receipt is required for returns. For online purchases, an order number is needed to use the online return process.
How can items with manufacturing defects be returned to REI?
Where can customers find information about warranties covering products sold by REI?
For information about the warranties covering products sold by REI and warranty returns, customers can refer to the REI Terms of Sale (Part Two).
Does the return policy for items with manufacturing defects have a time limit based on the purchase date?
If your item has a manufacturing defect in materials or workmanship, you can return it at any time, regardless of purchase date.
What is the return policy for items purchased at REI for both members and non-members?
What is the return policy for REI Co-op Memberships, lift tickets, passes, and gift cards at REI for both members and non-members?
REI Co-op Memberships, lift tickets, passes, and gift cards are final sale and cannot be returned by either REI Co-op Members or non-members.
What is the return period for in-store Re/Supply used gear purchases at REI for both members and non-members?
In-store Re/Supply used gear purchases can only be returned within 30 days by REI Co-op Members, as it is not applicable to non-members.
What is the return period for online Re/Supply used gear items at REI for both members and non-members?
Online Re/Supply used gear items can be returned within 30 days by both REI Co-op Members and non-members.
What is the return period for outdoor electronics purchased at REI for both members and non-members?
Outdoor electronics can be returned within 90 days by both REI Co-op Members and non-members.
What is the return policy for items other than bikes at REI for both members and non-members?
All eligible items (including e-bikes) can be returned within 365 days by REI Co-op Members and within 90 days by non-members.
What Does REI Do with the Used Mountain Bike I Return?
It may seem weird that REI allows customers to return used mountain bikes up to a year after they were purchased. But it’s actually a pretty cool program they have.
REI sells brand new equipment and gear. They also sell used equipment and gear for lower prices. Many cyclists and bikers like to use a bike for a short time before they upgrade to something better for their goals. The bikes they return are in great shape.
REI recycles those bikes to sell as used to customers looking for a good bargain. They clean up and tune up the bikes before they go on to a new owner.
How Do I Become an REI Co-op Member?
It’s easy to become a member of the co-op. You apply and pay a one-time fee of $30 to become a lifetime member of the REI co-op.
Then you’ll enjoy a plethora of member benefits. Below are just some of the benefits you get.
- Exclusive savings and coupons
- Free shipping with no minimum
- Buy and trade used gear program
- Lower rental costs
- Extended return period
- Free bike repairs (Conditions apply)
- Enrollment in the member rewards program
Final Words
REI accepts returns of mountain bikes in-store only. Due to the high cost of shipping and the large size of a bike, it’s more economical to return bikes at store locations rather than through the mail.
Co-op members get up to a full year to return mountain bikes, while non-members have up to 90 days.
You can return your mountain bike after you’ve ridden it as long as you still have the receipt and you haven’t damaged the bike.
