REI vs Columbia Return Policy

REI

• Proof of purchase is required; bring original packaging and tags if available.
• Items used since purchase must be cleaned first; unwashed or excessively dirty gear may be declined and sent back.
• Returns that don't meet the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee conditions are declined; mailed returns are 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

• Ordinary wear and tear and damage from improper use or accidents are not covered.
• In-store Re/Supply (used gear) purchases are sold 'as is' and are final sale.
• REI Co-op Memberships, lift tickets, passes and gift cards are final sale.
• Outdoor electronics (activity monitors, GPS devices, bike trainers, emergency-communication devices, cameras) must be returned within 90 days.
• Re/Supply stores can't accept returns of any kind.
• REI will not accept a return or exchange if it determines the return policy has been abused.

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

• Original payment type for online and phone orders, and for store purchases returned to a store.
• Check for store purchases returned by mail and for cash purchases of $500 or more.
• Total REI Rewards used on a purchase are credited back to your rewards balance.

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 a mail-in return online to get a UPS shipping label or a QR code.
• $7.99 is deducted from your refund for return shipping with the prepaid label (standard-size packages).
• Some oversize items can be mailed back for a $21.95 oversize shipping fee; all oversize items can be returned free in stores.
• 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 with proof of purchase to the customer service desk at any REI store for a free return or exchange.

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 at any REI store with a gift receipt or proof of purchase.
• Gifts returned by mail are refunded by check to the gift recipient if a 'gift recipient refund' is clearly requested; otherwise the original purchaser is refunded.

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 (365 days) to return most items.
• Store staff can look up member purchases by REI Co-op member number, so a receipt isn't needed.
• Members earn an annual 10% Co-op Member Reward on eligible purchases.
• Members receive member-only offers and coupons.

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

• Items with a manufacturing defect in materials or workmanship can be returned at any time, regardless of purchase date.
• The guarantee does not cover ordinary wear and tear or damage caused by improper use or accidents.

Columbia

Not available

REI

• Exchanges are available at any REI store's customer service desk.
• Direct exchanges by mail are not offered; return the item and buy a new one in a separate transaction.

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.