The Truth About REI's Price Match Policy: 4 Things You Must Know Before You Buy

The question of whether REI Co-op offers a price match is one of the most common and confusing queries for outdoor enthusiasts looking to save money on premium gear. As of December 17, 2025, the official answer is a definitive No—REI does not price match with competitors like Dick's Sporting Goods, Backcountry, or Amazon. However, this simple answer hides a crucial and often overlooked savings opportunity: the REI Price Adjustment Policy, which allows you to get money back on recent purchases if the item goes on sale internally. This policy, combined with the Co-op's unique membership benefits, is the true key to maximizing your savings at the retailer.

The confusion often stems from the fact that while they reject external competitor pricing, REI is very clear about honoring a lower price on their own items *after* you’ve bought them, provided you meet a few strict criteria. Understanding the difference between a competitor price match and an internal price adjustment is essential for any savvy shopper planning their next big gear purchase, especially around major sales events like the REI Anniversary Sale or the Labor Day sale.

The Official REI Co-op Pricing Policy: Price Match vs. Price Adjustment

To set the record straight: REI Co-op does not participate in a traditional price matching guarantee. This means if you find a North Face jacket or a pair of Salomon hiking boots cheaper at another retailer, REI will not drop their price to meet the competitor's offer. Their stance is rooted in their identity as a member-owned cooperative, focusing on providing value through quality, expert advice, their generous return policy, and the annual Member Dividend, rather than engaging in a price war with every major competitor.

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However, the real saving grace for customers is their robust Price Adjustment Policy, which acts as an internal price protection guarantee. This policy is the mechanism you need to focus on to ensure you get the best possible deal on your gear and apparel.

How the REI Price Adjustment Policy Works (The 14-Day Rule)

The REI Price Adjustment Policy is your golden ticket to savings *after* you've made a purchase. The rules are straightforward, but the adherence to the timeline is critical:

• The Window: You must request the price adjustment within 14 days of the original purchase date.
• The Condition: The item you purchased must go on sale at a lower price at REI Co-op (either in-store or on their main website) during that 14-day period.
• The Match: The product must be exactly the same: the same product number, color, and size.
• The Process: You can request the adjustment by visiting an REI store or by contacting their customer service team with your order number and proof of the new, lower price.

This policy is particularly valuable when you buy an item just before a major sale event is announced. If you buy a tent on Monday and it is included in a 20% off sale on Friday, you are eligible to receive the difference back, provided you are still within the 14-day window. This avoids the need to return and repurchase the item, streamlining the process for the customer and the co-op.

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Key Exclusions and Restrictions to the Price Adjustment Rule

While the 14-day price protection is a fantastic benefit, there are several important exclusions that can void your eligibility. Being aware of these restrictions will save you time and frustration when seeking a price adjustment.

1. The REI Outlet Exclusion

Perhaps the most significant exclusion is purchases made through the REI Outlet. Items bought from the Outlet section—which features clearance, overstock, and discounted merchandise—are explicitly excluded from the price adjustment policy. The price you pay for an Outlet item is considered the final price, and REI will not honor a lower price if it drops further. This is standard practice for many clearance or discount retailers, as the pricing is already aggressive and designed to move inventory quickly.

2. Purchases Made with Coupons or Special Offers

If your original purchase was made using a coupon, a special promotional offer, or a member-only discount that has specific Terms & Conditions, it may exclude you from a further price adjustment. For example, if you use a 20% off coupon and the item later drops by an additional 10% for a general sale, the initial coupon use might complicate or entirely prevent the adjustment. Always review the fine print of any coupon or promotional code before checkout.

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3. Used Gear and Garage Sale Items

Items purchased through the REI Used Gear program (formerly the REI Garage Sale) are also not eligible for a price adjustment. These items are sold "as is," often at significantly reduced prices due to their condition or being returned. The pricing on used gear is dynamic and based on individual item assessment, making it impossible to apply a standardized price protection guarantee.

Beyond Price Matching: The True Value of REI Co-op Membership

Since direct competitor price matching is off the table, the real value proposition for the dedicated outdoor shopper lies in the REI Co-op membership. For a one-time fee of $30, you gain access to benefits that, for many, far outweigh the small potential savings from a price match elsewhere.

• The Member Dividend: The cornerstone of the Co-op model. Members typically receive an annual dividend of 10% back on eligible full-price purchases. This dividend is distributed the following March and can be used on future purchases, effectively acting as a massive, store-wide discount.
• Exclusive Sales and Coupons: Members get exclusive access to major sales events like the highly anticipated REI Anniversary Sale and the Labor Day Sale, often including 20% off one full-price item and 20% off one Outlet item coupons.
• The 1-Year Return Policy: Arguably the best in the outdoor industry, members have a full year (365 days) to return items for any reason if they are not satisfied. This peace of mind is a significant factor in the overall value calculation.
• In-Store Services: Members receive discounts on bike shop services, ski/snowboard tuning, and rentals, further deepening the long-term value of the membership.

For those who frequently purchase high-ticket items like tents, backpacks, or technical apparel, the annual 10% dividend alone can quickly surpass any potential savings from a one-time price match at a competing retailer. This focus on long-term loyalty and member benefits is the "different way" the Co-op operates, making it a unique player in the outdoor retail space.

In summary, while REI does not offer a competitor price matching guarantee, you should absolutely leverage their 14-day internal price adjustment policy. This price protection, coupled with the substantial savings and benefits of the Co-op membership, ensures that you are consistently getting great value for your investment in high-quality outdoor gear.