The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchaseChances are that you've likely heard of REI if you're either an outdoor enthusiast or someone who has just had to buy a winter coat once in theirlifetime. What might come as more of a surprise, though, is their $20 lifetime membership program.Although paid retail memberships rightfully inspire some skeptical thinking, this is one that, all things considered, is actuallyan insanely goodvalue.There are the obvious benefits: REI is a household name in the outdoors world for good reason, and carries a dauntingly huge selection. They have a strong sense of community and awesome customer service, the latter of which I'm willing to wager is influenced by the former. If you spend over $50, you get free shipping. And if you want to look online to see if a product is stocked locally to buy and pick up in person at your convenience, you can do that, too.Not to mention, they treat their employees pretty dang well, with some of the best benefits for a part-time jobout there; and that's always something worth supporting, especially if it doesn't change your shopping experience.If you're like most customers, you might be unsure the benefits are actually worth parting with $20 upfront ' even if they are for a lifetime. You might be concerned you won't shop there frequently enough, being more price-tag loyal than retailer. Or, if you're already stocked with gear or just like to travel light, you might be wondering how frequently you'd really use it anyway.But keeping all these things in mind, I'm convinced REI's co-op membership is worth it, even if it's just for a new pair of boots in four years. REI has one of the best, no-questions-asked return policies (though curtailed in recent years due to policy abuse), meaning that if you do buy the same pair somewhere else for less, you may come to regret it when it's not as simple to replace after an unfortunate break. And if you happen to lose your receipt, like most of us are prone to do, your membership keeps a log of everything you've bought, for a seamless process.Andwhen all are considered together, that $20 price tag turns out to be a great value.Below, Itake you through all the benefits that come with an REI membership, so you can see for yourself.DON'T MISS:Patagonia's first sleeping bag is here, and it's just as impressive as the rest of the company's gearSEE ALSO:5 must-have apps for people who love the outdoorsReceive 10% back on your purchasesBasically, everything at REI is perpetually on sale for you. As far as you are concerned, 10% is raining from the sky.When you buy something using your member number, REI gives you 10% of the price back in an Annual Dividend in March. So essentially, they give 10% of your own money back to you.Though you won't receive a refund on certain products (like those already discounted), you willessentiallyhave a coupon to the store in general, which makes spending on best-selling products that never hit the clearance rack feel a little bit better.While the membership is $20, it's also for a lifetime, so it'llpay for itself over time.And even if you don't have much faith in yourself ever dropping enough money to physically see that$20 fee in your pocket again, family members are able to use your membership as well, makingit easierto rack up purchases and your annual return.Get members-only special offersOften, REI will host member-only sales where members can get up to 50% off. Though you only see 10% back of what you buy full-price, you might not have to use that benefit as much as you think.Play, learn, and travel for lessWhen REI boasts about having a community, it's wise to believe them.Most REI stores have frequent classes on subjects that might come in handy for anyone, whether you're looking to take upan activity outdoors and don't know where to start, or even if you want to dare something more dangerous in the wild wheremistakes have serious consequences. In the REI outdoor school, you can learn everything from outdoor survival to fixing your bike.For REI members, these outdoor classes, events, rentals, shop series, and REI Adventures are either massively discounted or completely free. In this case, the membership is often what you make of it.See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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