From: AZcachemeister <>REI is a Co-operative. As such, the members are the 'owners'. I have been a member since I was 15, which is 37 years of satisfaction. As a part owner, I take exception to being called a 'ripoff'!Now, now, now stevey... :) The ripoff thing was partly a joke... although I do find REI to be much more expensive than other places. I dont think I have ever bought something from REI... but have gone in there looking for something many times. I just always end up finding what I am looking for cheaper elsewhere! So no, they arent a ripoff, just more expensive than some other places! But that is understandable, since they have to pay all their members off every year! :) LOLOne of the things to be kept in mind when shopping at REI , is that members get approximately 10% of their total purchases returned to them in their yearly dividend. Basically any money left over, after operational expenses are covered, is returned to the members. This fact, combined with the wide selection and liberal return policy, pretty much squashes the ripoff theory!That is actually pretty cool. 10 percent can add up if you purchase a GPS unit or two and some camping gear from time to time. That could amount to a couple hundred bucks at the end of the year!Too bad they don't carry balloon envelopes, you could be getting a $200 dividend, Scott!Lets see, 10 percent of $18,000.... I hope they give me more than $200!!!!!!!! :)) Scott Team Ropingthewind ____________________________________________________________ Az-Geocaching mailing list listserv@azgeocaching.com To edit your setting, subscribe or unsubscribe visit: http://listserv.azgeocaching.com/mailman/listinfo/az-geocaching Arizona's Geocaching Resource http://www.azgeocaching.com