[pct-l] REI changes return policy to return before 1 year

[JPL]

I don't see it quite that way.  My guess is that the abuse just got beyond 
what they could tolerate and stay in business.  But that's just a guess 
since they don't release (that I know of) their data on this matter. 
Perhaps when REI got started they felt that they could do this and make it 
work, especially as a co-op.  But things change, times change.  It'll be 
interesting to see if other stores (thinking particularly of LL Bean) will 
toss their life-time return policy too.  I don't fault REI at all on this. 
As far as the capitalism "charge" goes, well yes what do you expect.  A 
company trying to stay in business and protect the bottom line.  I'm glad 
they're doing what they have to do to remain a viable company.  I'll gladly 
keep shopping there.


-----Original Message---
From: Herb Stroh
Sent: Thursday, June 06, 2013 4:08 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] REI changes return policy to return before 1 year

I have a little bit different take on this.



REI was certainly aware that their generous return policy would be abused by 
some. They made a business decision that the policy would enhance their 
bottom line. They could-and did-advertise the return policy as a means to 
attract sales and members. I have purchased items at REI when I could have 
bought them cheaper elsewhere because I knew I could always return it, and I 
am sure many others have done the same. The wide open return policy has 
certainly generated tremendous good will-note the many posts so far 
supportive of the company. That is not to say it is ok to be a free-rider 
who returns fully used-up gear for refund. But REI is a big boy, and kept 
this policy in place for a long time as a part of its' business model. This 
suggests that the policy was perceived as creating sufficient additional 
sales/memberships that the losses due to abuse was a reasonable cost of 
implementing this marketing strategy. Because that business model no longer 
works they have now made a cha
nge.



I don't see issues of corporate greed, nor do I perceive REI as a victim. 
They came up with an innovative means of distinguishing their brand and 
building good will that was apparently successful for a long time. And while 
I do not think it is appropriate to return used gear, it was a term of the 
contract which REI offered to its members and they had the right to exercise 
it.



Herb





I think many people are missing what Brick is saying.  He is pointing out

the hypocrisy of the American corporate/business culture compared to

individual behavior.  Corporations are lauded and investors are thrilled

when they squeeze every last cent out of contracts, pay the absolute

minimum amount of taxes (even by off-shoring money and technically not

breaking any laws), nickel and dime employees, and get communities to give

them tax "incentives", whereas individuals (such as those returning REI

merchandise) are somehow supposed to answer to a higher moral authority,

try and perceive the intent of a return policy, and consider the welfare of

the employees that sell to them.



Aren't corporations were people too?  Shouldn't they be answering to that

higher moral authority too?



Mark




Herb Stroh  |  Partner
Sinsheimer Juhnke McIvor & Stroh, LLP
1010 Peach Street  |  PO Box 31  |  San Luis Obispo, CA  93406
P 805 541 2800  |  F 805 541 2802
HStroh at sjmslaw.com<mailto:HStroh at sjmslaw.com>   | 
www.sjmslaw.com<http://www.sjmslaw.com/>

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