[DIYSteve]

Following REI's lead: Update: L.L. Bean scraps unlimited return policy, blames surging abuses Company executives says too many customers were returning worn-out items years after they were purchased.

[RumiDude]

Yep, the dirtbag gear scam has come full circle and everyone has to pay for it. Rumi

[AlpineRose]

[DIYSteve]

[Ski]

I am not in the least bit surprised that L.L. Bean finally had to abandon its former return policy. American consumers have become spoiled by liberal return policies, and some choose to abuse retailers like the lady who returned her Christmas tree to Costco on January 4. Another retailer that's being taken advantage of by low-life chiselers is Home Depot. (How about buying a brand-new washing machine, taking it home and removing it through the bottom of the box, putting the old washing machine in the box, and returning it for a full refund?)(Sorry, no link - this one and a number of other anecdotal reports about Home Depot abuse were in another thread on another forum.) Anybody who thinks that the remaining straight-shooters aren't paying for this kind of abuse is only fooling themselves.

[RumiDude]

[DIYSteve]

[Bernardo]

Offer a generous return policy. Drive competitors out of business. Act like a monopolist. That seems as likely as human beings behaving worse.

[RumiDude]

[DIYSteve]

[Bernardo]

Those are good points. I was thinking about the long term history of the industry when both those companies were growing relative to mom and pop competitors who couldn't match their selection, prices, service, return policies, etc. The boot's on the other foot now with the online retailers. So you all think it's people changing and not industry conditions?

[Tom]

I suspect REI is not losing money as a result of people trying in store and buying online cheaper. People are just buying online cheaper. Similarly I suspect it's not return abuse leading to changes in return policy but rather just another way to cut costs to be able to compete.

[Bernardo]

REI financial statements indicate that revenue, profits, and book value all increased for the last year reported. Same store sales were up a healthy 4%. Why do some think they are struggling?

[Tom]

No idea. I am always skeptical of financials. I would venture to guess most here shop on Amazon for their hiking gear now. I don't think I bought a thing at REI for the last 2 years.

[Julia]