REI Members sale: Save 20% off regular item and 30% off outlet item

Here is the deal – if the system is abused – it will be changed to prevent such actions in the future. Which may come as a removal or the "return anytime warranty", reduction of the dividend or other measures.

The same thing happened with Costco when people were buying flat screen TVs, computers and cameras, only to return them 2 years later (when those items became obsolete in technological terms) and used the full refund to buy new electronics. This is the reason why Costco now has 90 day exchange/return policy on all major electronics.

Now, what i can also tell you is that REI is allowing this use of coupons KNOWINGLY. As someone who works with computers and supports corporate networks with web-stores,I can assure you that these things are well known to the management. And if you can use the coupon for two separate purchases – it is because a decision was made to allow for such behavior. Programmers can disable this "bug/feature" at any moment. In fact, they are receiving real time statistics on orders, profits, number of sold items and coupon use.

If you have some doubt – call them and ask if it is OK to use coupon multiple times. This should resolve any ethics questions.

As an update – i stopped by today to return something I've bought at REI (no, i didn't use it and return – it was new with tags and all).

I forgot to ask them about the Coupon being used multiple times, but I did notice that their Merrel shoes were $24-35 more than the same exact model I've just seen at Dick's Sporting Goods. I believe that this "extra padding" allows them to let customers use coupons multiple times and return used items after a period of time. Even with the 20% off, some of the items are more expensive than they are at other non-discount retailers. Now that doesn't mean this is true for all of their inventory, but definitely is true for some of it.

I like, REI, i will continue to shop there, but will also go elsewhere for better deals.

Yepper Yuri. I noticed they jacked the Granite Gear Blaze AC60 up 20 bucks for the sale too.

Just used it again for the wife and the dog!

Cheers …

And…back on topic!

Picked up an Ortovox S1 with my 30% coupon today. The first time I stopped by, the employee I spoke to said the coupons didn't work on beacons. Turns out, it's only the 20% off of full price items that is inapplicable to beacons. Clearance beacons are fair game! Out the door, $278. Here's to hoping I never have to use it.

Maybe this will help settle the ethics debate.

I used my 20% off on a $100 purchase last week at my local REI store.
Today, I stopped back at REI to use the 30% off clearance before the coupon expires tomorrow. After I got home, I took a look at my receipt and noticed that the REI associate had also taken 20% off my most expensive regular priced item. ($7.50 pair of socks)
I did not ask for, or mention the 20% discount and only asked that the 30% be applied to my clearance item. I also noticed while at the register that the 30% discount was taken BEFORE I even gave the associate my membership info.
It seems REI is not even attempting to track the discounts and will apply them to your purchase as long as you a member.
Doesn't seem like there should be any concern over ethics here.

My local REI today, quite openly (they were telling everyone) was honoring the 30% off on an UNLIMITED quantity of clearance items. FYI.

REI released new REI 2013 coupon code last week. It’s valid for one regular priced item until may 27th, 2013.