REI is a legitimate, long-established American outdoor retail cooperative and is not a scam. While it remains a safe and reliable place to purchase authentic outdoor gear, customers should be aware of weak independent review scores, particularly regarding poor customer service, slow online order fulfillment, and delayed refunds. It is recommended to use a credit card for payment to ensure buyer protection and, if possible, return online orders to a physical store to avoid return shipping fees.
Video reviews
Pros
- Long-established, legitimate American co-op retailer with deep brand trust
- Provides authentic first-party outdoor clothing, footwear, and gear
- Member-owned structure with dividend program and member-exclusive benefits
- Generally generous return policy, though recently tightened
Cons
- Weak independent customer service reviews and low ratings on sites like Trustpilot
- Reports of slow refunds and order fulfillment issues for online purchases
- Tightened return policy including a $7.99 return shipping fee for mailed returns
- Recent financial and operational strain, including store closures and layoffs
⚠ Red flags
- Low independent review scores (~1.9/5) on major consumer feedback platforms
- Persistent reports of poor customer service and slow refund processing times
- Not BBB accredited with a low local profile grade due to unresolved complaints
Safety signals
Third-party ratings
Facts
Better options
Why switch: A comparable outdoor retailer often considered for high-quality gear.
Another reputable brand known for outdoor gear and a strong focus on sustainability.
Based on 8 sources
REI Review 2026: Legit & Safe? Trust Score 79/100REI Review for June 2026 | Best Camping Gear StoresRecreational Equipment Inc. | BBB Business Profile | Better Business BureauREI Return Policy 2026 | Member & Non-Member Guiderei.com ReviewsREI Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of www.rei.comRecreational Equipment Inc. | BBB Complaints | Better Business BureauREI Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of www.rei.comBuyer reports
No buyer reports yet — bought from here? Be the first to share.
Comments are screened before they appear. The count updates immediately.
Checked just now.
Show your live HasTrust score on your own site — it links back here so visitors can see the full check. How it works ↗
