I have been a member for a while and I'm quite pleased with the overall experiences. I also agree with Jasonst, the credit card really isn't a worthwhile deal.
However, between the rebates, the garage sales (if you can get to one), the outlet, and the customer service, I think it's an overall fair deal.
I have purchased on line without any problems and agree about their shipping costs...cut me a deal on shipping if I spend a hundred, or even better...Free shipping for REI members.
The one thing I would like to mention about the prices is that they offer a lot of free clinics and workshops. Basic business says that nothing really is free, so all the little perks, whether you use them or not, increase the cost to operate.
Ease of return is also a factor. I haven't returned anything purchased on line, but I recently brought back a pair of gaiters with a broken zipper that I bought in November. Dan, the manager at the Reading, MA store, gave me full credit with no problems.
In the end, I'd give them thumbs up.
Bill