REI vs Columbia Return Policy

REI

• Most items can be returned even if worn or gently used (for members within 1 year).
• Used gear must be in good condition and cleaned.
• Merchandise that is not cleaned or laundered may be declined and sent back.

Columbia

• Items must be in original, unworn condition with tags attached.
• Footwear must include the original box in new condition.
• If a clothing hang tag has been accidentally removed but the item is still in new condition, a return may be attempted, subject to inspection by the warehouse team.
• Parcels can only be returned from the country where they were delivered.

REI

• Items with ordinary wear and tear or damage from misuse or accidents are not covered.
• In-store Re/Supply (used gear) purchases are final sale and no returns are allowed.
• Gift cards are final sale.
• Lift tickets are final sale.
• REI memberships are final sale.
• Outdoor electronics must be returned within 90 days.
• REI may not accept returns from a small subset of members who have repeatedly abused their return policies.

Columbia

• Online purchase returns of ten (10) or more items must be initiated online and returned through the mail, not in-store.
• Irregular quality or defaced-label items purchased from Factory Outlet stores are not eligible for return.
• Direct exchanges are not possible; customers must return the item for a refund and place a new order.
• A $6 return shipping fee is deducted from the refund for returns using the provided shipping label.
• Returns sent without proof of online purchase will be returned to the sender.
• Purchases made with merchandise credit or gift cards are refunded as merchandise credit.
• In-store purchases returned without a receipt require a government-issued photo ID and will be refunded with merchandise credit at the lowest price sold in the past 60 days.

REI

• Refunds go to the original payment method.
• Store credit can be requested for gift returns.
• Co-op Member Rewards (formerly dividends) can be used as store credit.

Columbia

• Original payment method (with receipt or customer account lookup).
• Merchandise credit (for purchases made with merchandise credit/gift cards, or in-store returns without a receipt).
• Physical gift card (for Loyalty Rewards from online orders returned in-store).
• Virtual merchandise card/credit (for Loyalty Rewards from online orders returned by mail).

REI

• Start an online mail-in return.
• A return shipping label can be created online.
• Multiple items or orders can be returned in one shipping box.

Columbia

• Customers can initiate a return online to print a shipping label.
• Returns can be shipped back via UPS using a pre-paid label provided by Columbia (a $6 fee is deducted from the refund).
• For locations not serviced by UPS (e.g., Guam, Puerto Rico, Alaska), a USPS label will be provided.
• Other unsupported locations may require customers to use their own shipping method and record the tracking number.
• Online purchases can be dropped off at Columbia Branded or Factory store locations with an order confirmation email.
• Online purchase returns of ten (10) or more items must be initiated online and returned through the mail.

REI

• Bring the item to your nearest REI store.

Columbia

• Purchases made in-store must be returned in-store.
• In-store returns require the original receipt or a customer profile lookup.
• Without the original receipt, a government-issued photo ID is required, and the refund will be issued as merchandise credit for the lowest price sold within the past 60 days.

REI

• Gifts can be returned with a gift receipt or order number.
• Refunds for gifts go to the original payment method unless store credit is requested.

Columbia

• Purchases made with gift cards are refunded as merchandise credit.
• Loyalty Rewards used on original online orders are refunded as merchandise credit (virtual if mailed, physical gift card if in-store).

REI

• REI Co-op Members have up to 1 year to return most items.
• REI can usually look up purchases for members without a receipt.
• Members earn an annual 10% Co-op Member Reward on eligible purchases.
• Members benefit from a simpler REI Guarantee/Warranty process, as receipts may not need to be saved.
• Members receive member-only discounts, coupons, and offers.

Columbia

• Loyalty Rewards points for in-store returns will be refunded back to the purchaser's account.
• Loyalty Rewards from online orders are refunded as merchandise credit (virtual if mailed, physical gift card if in-store).

REI

• REI's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee covers damaged or defective products.
• The policy does not cover ordinary wear and tear or damage caused by improper use or accidents.

Columbia

Not available

REI

• REI does not price match.

Columbia

Not available

REI

• Exchanges are available in-store.
• Exchanges can be made by starting a return online and selecting a replacement item.

Columbia

• Direct exchanges are not possible.
• Customers should return the original item for a refund and place a new order for the desired item.

REI

• REI offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
• The return policy exceptions are in place to ensure fairness and protect the integrity of the membership and customers.
• REI may stop accepting returns from members who have abused the policy.

Columbia

• Columbia Sportswear reserves the right to limit returns or exchanges.
• For online returns, a $6 return shipping fee is deducted from the refund when using the provided shipping label.
• Customers are responsible for recording their tracking number for returns via their own shipping method, as Columbia is not responsible for items while in transit.