Good for part time college work - Customer Service Specialist REI Employee Review

3.0
May 12, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The discount was great and all my coworkers were super nice. Managers were always willing to help and as long as you gave enough notice, they would usually give you the time off you needed. They worked well with my school schedule. The training was very thorough and I felt prepared by the time I was on the floor.

Cons

The emphasis on the memberships was sometimes overwhelming. I understand that REI is a co-op and survives because of memberships, but my hours got cut because I only met 98% of my goal and I always felt like managers were hovering over me when I tried to sell the memberships. Also, I worked there right when the return policy changed so there were many, many unhappy customers. I didn't make a living wage, but it was fine for a few months.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
Jun 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good managers, deals, coworkers, products

Cons

No cons, I really liked my time.

3.0
May 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Most coworkers, some managers, discounts, outfitting people properly without extra nonsense

Cons

Some truly horrible managers, pressure to sell credit cards is a morale killer, the union people. Employees drinking the union kool aid fail to see the company’s position, REI cannot give higher pay, better benefits , consistent hours, etc… with the erratic revenue stream that comes in , if a 5 year average is X in revenue and 5 year average is Y on wages and costs, how are they supposed to increase wages and benefits? It’s numbers and they don’t line up, if REI gives the increases which increases the expenses greatly, they will cut staff, a lot fewer employees which will eliminate a bunch of union supporters, an REI job is not supposed to be a lucrative deal, when you get hired the part time , part time plus and full time options are there and you choose what you want fully understanding what hours you are going to get at minimum, they will hire those positions on a need basis, to cry later that you don’t make enough money is your fault, the terms were clear and you signed off on them. The union is promising rainbows , reality will be far different, careful what you wish for

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All