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SourisMan

07/03/2012 07:37AM

Quite a number of people here mention that they return gear after use, sometimes because the item didn't perform satisfactorily. It makes me think that my opinions about when gear can be returned might be too narrow. Basically, if I use something once or twice, I consider it mine. If I'm not happy with it, I chalk it up to a bad purchasing decision. I know there are lots of variables involved, but I'd be curious to hear what others think about returning gear.

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shsylvester

07/03/2012 08:00AM

Agree completely. I return something if it "fails" during operation (seams splitting, egregiously low performance like rainwear letting water through, etc.). It's my responsibility prior to purchase to know whether it's the item I need. I'm always shocked when I visit the REI Scratch and Dent corner and see that things have been returned because they are "too small", "wrong color", etc.

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Benutzer

07/03/2012 08:05AM

In my opinion, if I use it once or twice and am unhappy with it, that's exactly when I'd return it. I won't return things that I've put signs of wear on, but 1-2 uses shouldn't do that if I'm reasonably careful. My litmus test is basically, "Is it in resellable condition?"

That said, I rarely return anything, probably because by the time I decide to invest in it I've researched it enough to know that it's what I want and it's quality made. It's usually easy to resell it rather than return it.

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amhacker22

07/03/2012 08:26AM

Last weekend I returned a hammock I bought and used several nights because I felt that the included rainfly, a critical element to the product and a large part of what I paid for when I chose the product, wasn't sufficient to guarantee a dry night in the wind and the rain. I tried multiple set-ups to maximize coverage, but there was always a portion of the hammock that seemed to be exposed if the wind picked up even slightly. I wound up setting up an additional tarp to keep the hammock dry. I know many people have had success with this hammock, but in my opinion this was a design flaw. I made every effort to try different things setting it up multiple times and wound up with similar results. I feel like I was absolutely justified in returning the product despite a few nights of use.

Returning it solely so I could upgrade or because a trip was complete and I had no further use for it despite adequate performance would be sketchy, and reselling it on Craigslist would probably be the fairer approach in those circumstances.

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LuvMyBell

07/03/2012 09:10AM

I agree with Shysylvester 100%. If it breaks or fails, through no fault of mine, within the first use or two - it goes back.

If I purchase something that doesn't quite suit my needs or it doesn't fit or I don't like the color - that's my bad. A little personal responsibility is what's called for. It is the buyers responsibility to do the research and validate the quality of the product.

I'm surprised that some stores take products back under these circumstances.

Paddle Faster....I hear banjo music

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LuvMyBell

07/03/2012 10:40AM

One more reason I will return something.....

Buyers Remorse but only if it's unused/unopened and within a reasonable period of time like 30 days or less.

Paddle Faster....I hear banjo music

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Ragged

07/03/2012 11:20AM

It depends where I bought it, if its REI I return it if I’m not happy, often I pay much more there just for their lifetime satisfaction guarantee, I look at their higher prices as an insurance policy for the gear. I would never return something for something stupid like a bad color, but if I bought rain gear and was told it would work and came to find out a year later it didn’t it would go back, to questions asked. Other than REI, I reserve returns for unused or defective stuff that is within their stated return period.

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jcavenagh

07/03/2012 11:27AM

Ragged is correct about REI.

LNT - The road to success is always under construction. http://hikingillinois.blogspot.com/

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Sierra1

07/03/2012 12:47PM

Normally before I buy a product I try to look at it first hand to get an idea of the quality and usability of the item. That tends to cut way back on the returns I have to make. If it breaks or leaks or does anything else that denotes a failure in quality it goes back for replacement or refund. If I break it or wreck it in anyway it's mine regardless if the item was working before I got hold of it. The store is not responsible for my breaking it. Having come from a retail background I've seen about every excuse for returning something. The only reason I took it back was because the store had a "We take anything back" policy.

The only outdoor piece of gear I've returned in the last few years is a crank radio that wouldn't pick up stations. It went back to the store after a week in the woods and was replaced with the same unit. The retail store was great to work with.

Watch out for that rock!!!........ Oooo.... That's going to leave a mark...

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Goby

07/03/2012 01:31PM

I fall into the "I've researched the item" so I know what I'm getting category. I've returned a few things to Cabelas when they make me back order multiples of one item (the store can stock it then). I can't remember the last piece of equipment or clothing, etc, that I returned for any other reason. I do like shopping in the dings and dents sections of Cabelas and REI and the other outdoors gear stores. I can usually get a really good deal on the item and often the issue is cosmetic only. So to whoever is returning things b/c it was the wrong color or size, or the logo wasn't printed right, THANK YOU!

Tight Lines

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Excarpi

07/03/2012 04:51PM

quote Ragged: "It depends where I bought it, if its REI I return it if I’m not happy, often I pay much more there just for their lifetime satisfaction guarantee, I look at their higher prices as an insurance policy for the gear. I would never return something for something stupid like a bad color, but if I bought rain gear and was told it would work and came to find out a year later it didn’t it would go back, to questions asked. Other than REI, I reserve returns for unused or defective stuff that is within their stated return period. "

Agreed. I bought a base camp water filter. Used it once and it clogged after 3 days. Thought it was user error or something. I bought a new filter element and brought it again the next year. Same thing happened. Brought the filter back to REI and told them I only get one use out of each filter in the BWCA. The lady told me they should never have suggested that filter and that I needed to exchange it for a Sawyer filter. She returned it no questions asked, even applied the 20% off coupon I originally used to the new filter.

I buy from REI for problems like that and they will continue to get my business.

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BWPaddler

07/10/2012 12:56PM

quote SourisMan: "Quite a number of people here mention that they return gear after use, sometimes because the item didn't perform satisfactorily. It makes me think that my opinions about when gear can be returned might be too narrow. Basically, if I use something once or twice, I consider it mine. If I'm not happy with it, I chalk it up to a bad purchasing decision. I know there are lots of variables involved, but I'd be curious to hear what others think about returning gear."
Yes, if used and it works as expected, it's mine. If NOT used, I may return if I find something better or cheaper... but not if I've actually used it.

The REI tags with "reason returned" make me want to vomit. Wrong size just kills me. Wrong size with tags still on and UNused maybe. Wrong size and obviously worn multiple times? Really?

Stood in line there behind someone returning a well-worn ANCIENT jacket - admittedly from the customer more than 10 years old, with a failed zipper. Ummmmmm, if you can get 10 years use of a jacket, I cannot believe you'd take it back when you break the zipper. The clerk asked woman why she was not happy after using it for 10 years - lady said well I thought you had a lifetime guarantee. Clerk said yes, if you don't believe the product held up as you would expect, we will take it back. SAD! That hurts ALL of us when those costs have to be spread out among the profits of that business.

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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OBX2Kayak

07/10/2012 10:11PM

Hmmm ... I cannot remember returning a single item during my entire life. Guess I am just a wimp but, most of the time I do not think it is worth the extra effort to return stuff.

"I go because it irons out the wrinkles in my soul" -- Sigurd Olson

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snakecharmer

07/11/2012 06:12AM

If an item is under a warranty, and it fails, it goes back. It doesn't matter how long I've had it. The warranty was the reason I bought it and not something comparable.

"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after"
~ Henry David Thoreau

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OldieMoldy

07/13/2012 07:09AM

By and large I believe in owning my mistakes, but with the tsunami of junk coming from China, no quality control and sizes that seem to be a rude joke played on the consumer, it doesn't bother me a bit to take it back.

Now if it's made here and by some small guy struggling to survive I'll keep it, might not buy another but I'll keep it.

But really, when I'm camping, I don't need all that much gear, and the best of it is simple and functional. As a potential consumer I'm bombarded with inducements to buy the latest thing, more bells and whistles than you can shake a stick at.

Now I'm a grownup and I ought to have enough sense to keep hold of my wallet, but the store is working to move me to an impulse purchase, if they have a liberal return policy, I use it. After all we are playing by their rules.

Best Wishes, Rob

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packslight9410

07/16/2012 09:29PM

I won't return stuff after use unless it fails. That being said I sure love it when others return their gear to rei. I have gotten some amazing deals in the scratch and dent section. Thanks returners! Buy the way.... Who ever returned to kimtah rain coat that I bought for 180 off retail.... A special thanks to you.

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Jeffrey651

07/16/2012 10:34PM

quote packslight9410: "I won't return stuff after use unless it fails. That being said I sure love it when others return their gear to rei. I have gotten some amazing deals in the scratch and dent section. Thanks returners! Buy the way.... Who ever returned to kimtah rain coat that I bought for 180 off retail.... A special thanks to you. "
+1.
A special thanks also to the person who returned the $90.00 Big Agnes Insulated Air Core mattress that had a leak and reeked of campfire. Paid $4.82 for it and sent it to BA. They're replacing it under warranty :)

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Frenchy19

07/16/2012 10:56PM

quote Jeffrey651: "quote packslight9410: "I won't return stuff after use unless it fails. That being said I sure love it when others return their gear to rei. I have gotten some amazing deals in the scratch and dent section. Thanks returners! Buy the way.... Who ever returned to kimtah rain coat that I bought for 180 off retail.... A special thanks to you. "
+1.
A special thanks also to the person who returned the $90.00 Big Agnes Insulated Air Core mattress that had a leak and reeked of campfire. Paid $4.82 for it and sent it to BA. They're replacing it under warranty :)"

Which drives the retail price up. Glad you're happy.

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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mjmkjun

07/17/2012 05:59AM

I recently returned Exped Air Pillow because after only 6 or 7 nights it started to deflate. Developed a slow leak. I really handled that item with care. It was NOT used frequently or consistently thru several seasons before it failed. Whether it's a design or production flaw, Exped ends up being responsible for it in the end.
I am aligned with what OldieMoldy posted. Advertising hype, outsourcing for junk quality goods and the intangible factors of buying goods online all contribute to consumer returns. It's just not simple as it use to be. However, it should be honest on consumers' part. "Wrong color", and the like, are lame and ridiculous, IMO.

Another example: You purchase a piece of clothing (online or otherwise). Before wearing, you wash it according to tag instructions. The item frays or seams come aprart, or fabric shrinks or twists strangely. When you try to return it you can't because you laundered it once. So you eat the loss and don't purchase from said vendor again. Period.

In the end, return policies like REIs are smart business--as long as honesty and integrity remain in the equation.

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overthehill

07/17/2012 02:41PM

Seldom return unless it is a blatant ,nearly immediate failure. I usually go by "I picked it;I eat it." If I DO go to return something I'm loaded for bear.

Not to Hurry-Not to Worry

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jcavenagh

07/17/2012 05:05PM

I sometimes will order 2 sizes of something online. Once I am able to try on then I will return the one that doesn't fit. But I have a business and I try to treat other folks the same way I want them to treat me. So I don't abuse liberal return polices.
I do prefer to shop local if I can. E.G. today I stopped at the REI as I was driving out from downtown and picked up a few last minute items for tomorrow's trip. My small local outfitter shop doesn't carry the stuff I need, so I had to go to REI.

LNT - The road to success is always under construction. http://hikingillinois.blogspot.com/

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Jeffrey651

07/17/2012 07:13PM

quote Frenchy19: "quote Jeffrey651: "quote packslight9410: "I won't return stuff after use unless it fails. That being said I sure love it when others return their gear to rei. I have gotten some amazing deals in the scratch and dent section. Thanks returners! Buy the way.... Who ever returned to kimtah rain coat that I bought for 180 off retail.... A special thanks to you. "
+1.
A special thanks also to the person who returned the $90.00 Big Agnes Insulated Air Core mattress that had a leak and reeked of campfire. Paid $4.82 for it and sent it to BA. They're replacing it under warranty :)"

Which drives the retail price up. Glad you're happy."How does this drive the retail price up? I didn't send it to Big Agnes to get a new air mattress. I sent it to them because they offer to repair and return leaking pads for $10.00. They instigated the coverage under warranty. I don't understand.

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ozarkpaddler

07/17/2012 10:57PM

quote overthehill: " Seldom return unless it is a blatant ,nearly immediate failure. I usually go by "I picked it;I eat it." If I DO go to return something I'm loaded for bear."

That's me too.

"Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." Mark Twain

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bwcadan

07/25/2012 05:31PM

I do not like to return items, but do expect an item to perform as expected. Ads and propaganda can be confusing the facts vs expectations. That said, I never expect a cash refund and will spend more if needed to get over what is the credit.

the greatest come backs are reserved for those with the greatest deficits.

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Corsair

07/25/2012 11:22PM

Having worked in retail, I am very opposed to returning items I screwed up. I would never buy something to use it and plan to return when I am done.

Now if it's a defect or outright failure I will exchange it. I have no problem with store credit either.

"Pack lightly, Tread lightly"

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