Member’s Only – Scratch and Dent Sale

In the old days when we used lots of SIGG fuel bottles, REI used to sell a lot of them. Then each year at the Scratch and Dent Sale, they would unload the SIGG bottles with a ding or dent for $1.00 each. Those of us who used a lot of them would snatch them up at that price, since most bottles would have a ding or dent after the first trip or two anyway.

One year I bought a pair of X-C skis that had been used in the rental program, except these looked completely new and already had bindings mounted. $10.00

–B.G.–

Something that I wondered about earlier today:

It was those two depts specifically where I heard them use the Return policy as an enticement to buy.

I presume they get a commission on the sale. I wonder whether they get dinged if their sale is returned (the cash register receipt should enable that)?

— MV

FWIW, Nordstrom has a comparable return policy. They also have plenty of running shoes and hiking shoes. Keep the receipt and you can return just about anything there. This might be a good option for those of you who feel that REI isnt 'just another corporation' and is instead a 'coop'. You shouldnt feel bad taking uncomfortable shoes there at least.

Given so many different stores with different policies spelled out (and merchandises priced accordingly) — I find it strange that some people will stick to any one philosophy — like "If you tried the shoes and they can't be sold as new anymore, then don't take them back. It's your mistake!".

Well, that "principle" can make perfect sense in some stores. And be completely silly at others (such as REI)! Outright abuse aside, REI wants you to buy your shoes and try them out with full confidence that you can return them later for any reason whatsoever — because REI believes that's a business model that works for them!

"REI wants you to buy your shoes and try them out with full confidence that you can return them later for any reason whatsoever — because REI believes that's a business model that works for them!"

Well, I guess I never had that approach, nor have I heard it espoused by anyone working there, so it makes no sense to me. And the one time I tried to return clearly defective footwear there, I was (surprisingly) not allowed to.

If this is their actual business model, as put forth by the management of the company (not just by individiual salespeople moving product), then I say feel free to buy shoes, wear them as necessary (whatever that means?) to see if they work for you, and return them if they don't.

However, to me, that gets out into a big grey area, throughout which will all find levels of reasonable and appalling behaviour.

Anyway… whatever.

The thing is, is that if you return something with a scratch or dent- it goes in the scratch and dent sale…

they don't worry if its 'like new' because they have the scratch and dent sale. Nordstrom has 'The Rack'. Most stores don't have the scratch and dent sales. I've heard that MFGers don't want people to sell stuff that the store gets vendor credit for. Cause the store gets paid twice:

Customer returns item
store gets credit from vendor for 'defective' product
store then sells returned merch AND gets the credit

Maybe REI doesn't have return credit lines. Maybe their so huge (and make vendors so much $) they have deals with vendors that exempt them from this rule.

Also- People are lazy- they might just live with an ill fitting shoe, even if they could return it. That has to account for some of the reason for their policy. Albeit not much!

DaveT:

Best way? Ask REI directly. I realize you were told "no" once — but that runs counter to their stated policy.

Brandon,
You don't want these. I went through three sets of these and RETURNED them all. The first broke during a fall and I took them in to see about replacing the broken section. They gave me a new set instead. (That where I learned about their exchange policy.) The second and third were returned because the locks are pieces of %^%$. I finally gave up and will order a set of GG Lightrek 4's whenever they are availible.

Do we have a time yet? I'll make the trek down from Canton to join the festiviti and meet some other ATLBPL.

The perimeter store is having their scratch and dent 3/14/10 (pi day!). Doors open at 11 a.m. Another option if you can't make it to the main ATL. I'll be making this one.

I'm willing to be there by 6am. No earlier. What's good for everyone else? Who for sure is gong?

Justin- Is it daylight at 6A? as of now I plan to be there, probably closer to 7A. The weather forecast looks good, maybe a little on the cool side, but sunny.

Your call. I'm in.

I'll be there. I'll be the tall freak wearing a black zip up Arc'teryx Hercules Hoody. I'll bring coffee. :D

Hey, Juston are you bringing the coffee?

Of course. I just know of two people coming for sure right now. Unless we get there at the same time, it might be a little cold.

Setting here at REI. Got here at 6am. I'm 7th in line. Woot!! I'm gonna buy it all!!!!! LOL

Just got back form the REI S&D sale. Completely out of control. They let everyone in at once. Not the 10 at a time i'm used to. Anywho… I didn't go to buy anything anyways.

Got to meet my first BPL member. It was a pleasure meeting you Greg.

I don't really see myself going to another S&D sale ever again. Too much craziness for me. :D

Best way to describe it….. The day after Thankgiving at Walmart. It was bizarre to see people with armload of pack or trekking poles. I suspect many of these items will be resold because it made no sense. The swarm of humanity was amazing.

On a brighter note… It was great meeting Juston. Nice to finally meeting a BBL member from ATL. I also have all the gear I ever need, especially from REI so I wasn't there to shop.

So after all the planning, did Juston really bring the coffee? It was hard to tell if who was going to bring it :D

How the hell do you grab backpacks, tents and bags with coffee in hand? Amateurs! :)

So after all the planning, did Juston really bring the coffee? It was hard to tell if who was going to bring it :D

Smart a$$. ;)

Of course I did. I actually brought extra for a lot of people in line. I got there at 6am. Greg didn't get there till after 8am. It was long cold and gone by then.

I never got to go…. :(

Man I went to the one in January.

It was nutso, and it was 25deg outside, I got two things for my Dog that didn't fit, and a down vest that weighs too much to take hiking..

;)

You guys find anything good?

Not at all. We were within 10 people from the front of the line. They opened the doors and let everyone in. People ran past us like animals. The trekking poles were the first victim, followed by backpacks, sleeping pads, and shoes. It looked like ants feasting on a morsel of food left behind by a careless child. It was worth getting up and waiting in the cold to be able to sit back and take it all in. The human mind becomes focused on the task at hand. Pushed aside is humanity and respect for fellow man.