The Outnet is a designer discount e-tailer. Boasting over 350 designer names including Stella McCartney and Christian Louboutin, the site has gained a significant amount of momentum over the years. Scrolling through The Outnet presents a multitude of enticing designer products for up to 85% off their real retail price. That’s right, 85%.
A designer product is usually accompanied by a heavy price tag to match. Are these insane discounts too good to be true? While it’s perfectly normal to question the legitimacy of discount sites, The Outnet sources 90% of their products directly from the designers. So, we really are receiving an authentic product for an irresistible price.
What is The Outnet?
Launched in 2009, This London based retailer is building a strong name for itself. The Outnet stocks a steady stream of previous season goods from luxury brand names to 170 countries. Until 2015, the site’s merchandise came from its sister site, Net-A-Porter, but now source 90% from the luxury brands directly.
When the site first launched, buying discounted end of season stock wasn’t common and many brands were quite shy to promote their affiliation with these types of retailers. The Outnet have revolutionized the discount model and names such as Victoria Beckham have collaborated with the e-tailer on exclusive capsule collections.
Own Brand Label
The remaining 10% of The Outnet’s stock is from their own brand label, Iris & Ink.
In contrast to the trend-led items that dominate the new-in section, Iris & Ink is focused on sustainable, well-made classics. The collection focuses on stylish wardrobe investments that you can easily slip into your capsule wardrobe and love for years to come.
Iris & Ink is the only label on The Outnet that isn’t discounted. However, the brand is still affordable with prices for their cashmere accessories starting at $60. The label couldn’t have come at a more relevant time, with a sustainable-focused style at the forefront of the conscious consumer’s mind. The wardrobe essentials can be mixed with existing pieces in your wardrobe.
Considered Customer Journey
When you’re shopping for premium products, you expect your journey to be seamless from start to finish. The Outnet offers full 24-hour customer service. This is one of the most important aspects of any brand. If you’re unsure of the fit, how to style an item or want to know the finer details of a potential purchase, The Outnet customer service team can be contacted via live chat, email or phone at any time.
The site also offers a wealth of product care information. From hand-wash only guides to caring for cashmere, The Outnet has put a ton of attention into ensuring consumers are fully informed and able to keep their purchases in perfect condition.
Fit Finder
It can be hard to know what will fit without trying it on first, especially as sizing varies from brand to brand. The Outnet is partnered with Fit Finder to ensure you find an item that fits perfectly. The process is quick and easy. Simply answer a few questions and Fit Finder’s sizing technology will identify the exact fit for you.
Easy Returns
Even when you’ve had such a great customer journey, from initial purchase to the parcel landing on the doorstep, sometimes when you try an item on it just doesn’t feel right. A common concern about discount retailers is that the items are non-returnable. That’s completely false.
The site offers a full refund on orders sent back in their original condition within 28 days of purchase. The Outnet team intricately inspect their returns and anything that is sent back without tags or shows a slight sign of wear will encounter a fee taken off the refund. The only flaw in the returns process is that The Outnet does not cover return delivery fees.
For more information about sending an item back, check out the returns policy.
Summary
So, is The Outnet legit? 100%.
The fashion industry can move so fast, one day a style is in and the next it’s considered outdated. With sustainability in mind, The Outnet has given luxury brands the opportunity for their products to be appreciated beyond their typical lifespan. All items sold are shipped with their original tags and packaging, just like they would if you were purchasing them directly from the source.
Their attention to detail when it comes to customer service is next to none, they’ve actually been rated 4.1 stars on Trustpilot. Whether you’re unsure about the fit, finer details or care instructions of a product, The Outnet are available whenever you need them – Even for those of us guilty of a 1 am shopping binge.
Just remember the next time you’re about to splash out on a multi-thousand dollar Oscar de la Renta dress, it might well be on The Outnet for a major discount in a few months time.