L.L. Bean gets rid of lifetime returns thanks to customers 'interpreting our guarantee well beyond its original intent'

It's Bean swell.

Anyone wishing to take advantage of this legendary return policy can rot in h-e L.L., as the famous Maine-based retailer is finally making some changes.

Once known for offering a lifetime replacement on all its products, L.L. Bean announced Friday that it's imposing a one-year limit on most types of returns.

In a letter from Executive Chairman Shawn O. Gorman posted to Facebook, he cited a problem with some customers who have exploited the policy as the reason for the shift in their "100% satisfaction guarantee."

"Increasingly, a small, but growing number of customers has been interpreting our guarantee well beyond its original intent," said Gorman. "Some view it as a lifetime product replacement program, expecting refunds for heavily worn products used over many years.

"Others seek refunds for products that have been purchased through third parties, such as at yard sales."

Gorman added that if, after a year has passed, one of their items is found to be "defective in any way," L.L. Bean "will work with our customers to reach a fair solution."

As it stands, their revised policy will also prohibit returns or exchanges of any kind if the product has been damaged.

Those who suspect they've intentionally wronged the business founded by Leon Leonwood Bean in 1912 have also been put on notice, as the new policy states they may also turn down exchanges citing "on rare occasions, past habitual abuse of our Returns Agreement."

Lastly, you'll also now need proof of purchase for refunds or exchanges.

"If you provide us your information when you check out, we will typically have a record of your purchase," their website states.

"Otherwise, we require a physical receipt."