6 Reasons To Become An REI Co-op Member
Popular outdoor retailer, REI, prides itself on being a consumer co-op. Is an REI membership right for you? Here are six reasons you may want to consider becoming a member.
1. Lifetime membership
The Co-op membership costs a one-time fee $20 but it lasts a lifetime. Your membership does not expire and there are no yearly fees.
2. Dividend
Each March REI members receive an annual dividend equal to 10% of their full-priced purchases made in the previous year. You may apply your dividend towards REI purchases, request a check in the mail, or even redeem for cash in store.
3. Coupons
A few times a year REI has sales that include coupons available only to members. The coupons are usually for 20% off a single item. This can be a great time to pull the trigger on a piece of gear you have been eyeing.
Looking for other ways to save on gear?
4. Garage sales
At REI garage sales, steep discounts are offered on returned and lightly used merchandise. These sales are members only events that usually occur outside of normal store hours.
5. Classes and Events
REI offers classes on a variety of topics ranging from how to ride a bike to wilderness first aid. REI members often receive a discount on these events and/or early registration.
6. Returns
REI is known for their accommodating return policy but they do require proof of purchase of returned items. If you shop using your membership number your purchase history is recorded and returns are easy even if you haven’t saved the receipt.
So is an REI membership worth it?
Is it really worth paying $20 to carry an REI card in your wallet? The short answer is yes, in my opinion it probably is.
I am super skeptical of any retailer that would like you to pay to purchase their goods, receive their coupons and advertising, etc. Therefore, I definitely resisted the idea of being a REI co-op member at first. In this case, however, I really do think it is worth the cost for many hikers and outdoors enthusiasts. If you have a local REI store that you shop at more than once or twice a year or if you plan on making any large REI purchases either in store or online, your co-op membership can easily pay for itself.
Using your dividend, you need to spend just $200 in your first year of membership for your savings to cover the cost of your co-op fee. Just remember that your dividend only applies to full-priced items and there are some exceptions. My yearly refund tends to be pretty low because I make the majority of my REI purchases with coupons or at garage sales.
I purchased my REI membership during a sale that included 20% off coupons for members. Because I purchased an item that cost about $100 my membership paid for itself that very day. Since the $20 is a one-time fee and my membership is good for life, all future benefits are basically free.
Are you a co-op member? How do you make the most out of your REI membership? Let us know in the comments below!
