By MrWoo.
June 17, 2009 at 06:51AM (PST)
Great gear, great customer service, stellar satisfaction guarantee.
While this is certainly not a thrift store, REI has the most consistently hard-wearing, high-quality camping and outdoor sports gear I've yet found. This makes the purchases that are made there more cost-effective than less expensive but lower quality items.
Nearly all of my gear has been purchased here, and one of the main reasons is their satisfaction guarantee: even if you have used the product, if you're not satisfied, it's returnable for a full refund. Few stores even come close.
On top of this, REI is a co-op. If you elect to be a member (and you should - it's $15 one-time), you get a member rebate at the end of the year. If you use their credit card or cash, you get even more back at the end of the year. This makes all of the items essentially "on sale" all the time.
Seriously. This is my favorite store. Enjoy!
While this is certainly not a thrift store, REI has the most consistently hard-wearing, high-quality camping and outdoor sports gear I've yet found. This makes the purchases that are made there more cost-effective than less expensive but lower quality items.
Nearly all of my gear has been purchased here, and one of the main reasons is their satisfaction guarantee: even if you have used the product, if you're not satisfied, it's returnable for a full refund. Few stores even come close.
On top of this, REI is a co-op. If you elect to be a member (and you should - it's $15 one-time), you get a member rebate at the end of the year. If you use their credit card or cash, you get even more back at the end of the year. This makes all of the items essentially "on sale" all the time.
Seriously. This is my favorite store. Enjoy!