Gilt Outlet

Everything You Need to Know About Shopping Smart on the Popular Discount Site

Gilt Outlet is an online discount retailer that offers designer brands at heavily reduced prices. As an off-price site, Gilt sells past season merchandise and overstock items from top designers and brands. With daily flash sales and limited-time offers, it can be tempting to shop on impulse without fully understanding how Gilt works.

This comprehensive buying guide covers everything you need to know to strategically shop on Gilt Outlet and get the best deals on coveted items. Read on for tips and advice on creating an account, finding deals, understanding the return policy, shipping costs, customer service, and more.

What is Gilt Outlet and How Does it Work?

Gilt Outlet is the off-price clearance site for Gilt, an online luxury fashion retailer. While Gilt offers end-of-season markdowns on its main site, Gilt Outlet focuses exclusively on deeper discounts on past season merchandise and overstock products.

The site functions as a flash sales marketplace, with new sales launching daily at 9AM EST and lasting 36 hours while supplies last. The key to scoring deals is to sign in right at 9AM to browse that day’s new sale items before they sell out.

Gilt Outlet prices are 60-80% off retail, more deeply discounted than the main Gilt site. However, the catch is that merchandise selection relies heavily on surplus overstock, so item availability is inconsistent. Patience and persistence are required to snag the best deals.

Is Gilt Outlet Legit? What Brands Are Available?

Yes, Gilt Outlet is a legitimate and reliable way to purchase brand name products at steep discounts. As the sister site to Gilt, it has access to overstock merchandise from hundreds of upscale designer brands and retailers. Some examples include:

• Apparel: Calvin Klein, Vince, Theory, Milly, Ralph Lauren
• Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, Tory Burch, Cole Haan, Brooks Brothers
• Handbags: Tod’s, Longchamp, Rebecca Minkoff
• Accessories & Jewelry: David Yurman, Marchesa, Kate Spade New York
• Home Goods: Nespresso, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Waterworks

Gilt has partnerships with these brands to sell their surplus and past season products on the outlet site. All items are guaranteed to be 100% authentic.

How to Find the Best Deals on Gilt Outlet

Finding the steepest discounts on Gilt Outlet requires strategically navigating the site:

• Sign up for email alerts – Get notifications for upcoming sales in your favorite categories
• Browse early in the sale – The best selection is available at 9AM EST when the sale opens
• Search strategically – Sort by percentage off, newest arrivals, or almost gone
• Compare prices – Reference original retail prices listed to identify deepest price cuts
• Checkout fast – Items sell out quickly, so purchase coveted finds ASAP
• Persist and have patience – If you don’t find what you want one day, try again the next
• Use the filters – Filter by size, color, brand, category, and more to narrow your search

What is Gilt Outlet’s Return Policy?

Gilt Outlet offers free returns within 30 days of the ship date for a full refund or site credit. Items must be returned in original condition with tags still attached.

For returns, Gilt Outlet offers multiple options:

• Print a free return shipping label on their website and send your return via USPS
• Drop off your return at a local FedEx drop-off location with the provided label
• Returns to their site credit can also be done via any FedEx Office location

There is no return option for final sale items, so check carefully before purchasing.

How Often Does the Inventory Change?

The inventory on Gilt Outlet fluctuates daily, with new items launching at 9AM EST each morning a sale runs. Even if you don’t find what you want one day, it helps to persist and keep checking back.

There is a constant influx of new overstock as Gilt acquires surplus merchandise from brands. Popular categories like apparel and accessories tend to see a rotating selection of items, while home goods or kids’ items may vary more sporadically.

Signing up for email alerts in your preferred categories can help you stay on top of new arrivals in items you want to shop most. Sales typically refresh with new finds a few times a week.

Are There Membership Fees for Gilt Outlet?

The good news is there are no membership fees to shop Gilt Outlet. Anyone can visit the site, browse available sales, and make purchases for free.

However, creating a free account unlocks perks like email sale alerts, expedited checkout, and access to special member-only promotions. Signing up is quick, easy, and required to shop, so it is highly recommended.

With a free account, you can also manage order history, save billing/shipping info, track packages, and utilize customer service features. There are no commitments or monthly charges just to shop on the site.

How to Sign Up for Gilt Outlet

Signing up for a new account with Gilt Outlet takes just a few minutes:

1. Go to www.gilt.com/outlet and click “Sign In” in the top right corner.
2. On the login page, click the link for “New Customers: Sign Up”
3. Enter your email address and create a password for your account.
4. Fill in your shipping and billing information, including name and address.
5. Click the “Create Account” button to complete your signup!

Once registered, you can select email preferences for sale alerts, shipping updates, style recommendations, and more in your account dashboard.

What Are the Best Deals on Gilt Outlet Right Now?

As an off-price clearance site, the selection on Gilt Outlet is always changing. But some of the best current deals include:

• Women’s apparel – Designer dresses 60-80% off, Vince tops under $100
• Shoes – Stuart Weitzman heels 50-75% off, Tory Burch sandals under $150
• Handbags – Longchamp totes 60% off, Rebecca Minkoff crossbodies under $100
• Men’s apparel – Suits and sport coats 70% off, premium denim under $100
• Home goods – All-Clad cookware up to 75% off, luxury bedding 50-60% off

Signing up for alerts and checking the site daily lets you stay on top of the most newly added discounted items across all categories. Act fast, as the best deals go quick!

How Long Do Sales on Gilt Outlet Last?

Flash sales on Gilt Outlet are live for 36 hours only, from 9AM EST on the launch date through 9PM EST the following day. This short time frame creates urgency and exclusivity.

If an item sells out during the sale period, it will be noted as “Out of Stock.” Once the 36 hours elapses, the sale concludes and any remaining inventory is removed from the site.

So if you see something you love, add it to your cart ASAP! The one exception is Waitlist items, which allow you to request sold-out products should more stock become available down the road.

Does Gilt Outlet Offer Free Shipping?

Gilt Outlet offers free standard shipping on all orders over $100. For orders under $100, there is a $5.95 flat rate shipping fee.

Expedited and overnight shipping upgrades are also available for an added cost. Shipping timeframes range from 2-7 business days for standard delivery.

You can combine multiple items from the same or different flash sales into one order to qualify for free shipping. Just be mindful of the 36-hour sale windows when coordinating timing.

How to Track My Order on Gilt Outlet

There are a few ways to track your order status on Gilt Outlet:

• Check your email inbox – A shipping confirmation with carrier tracking info will be sent once your order ships
• Sign into your account – Your order history has real-time updates on processing status
• Use the order tracker tool – Enter your order number and email on the Gilt site to check
• Check the carrier website – Use the shipping company tracking number to check delivery status

Reach out to the Gilt Outlet customer service team if you have any trouble locating tracking information or run into delivery issues.

Can I Use Promo Codes on Gilt Outlet?

Yes, Gilt Outlet offers several ways to save with promo codes:

• Email signup code – Get 15% off your first order for new email subscribers
• Referral discounts – Refer friends to get $25 off your next order
• Gilt City coupons – Check Gilt’s daily deal site for brand coupons
• Loyalty program perks – Earn free shipping and bonus discounts through their membership program
• Holiday sales – Look for sitewide codes offered during peak season sales events

Promo codes can be found on the Gilt Outlet website, through promotional emails, or via third party deal sites. Account holders also have access to member-only offers.

What Payment Methods Does Gilt Outlet Accept?

Gilt Outlet accepts most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.

They also accept PayPal and PayPal Credit as payment options during checkout. At this time, Gilt Outlet does not accept debit cards, checks, money orders, or cash payments.

Using credit cards provides additional protections for items not as described and fraud coverage. Be sure to check your issuer benefits guide for details before making purchases.

How to Contact Gilt Outlet Customer Service

Gilt Outlet offers customer service by both phone and email:

• Phone: Call 1-855-445-8085 (available 7 days a week from 9AM-9PM EST)
• Email: Email [email protected] and include your order number
• Chat: Live chat agents are available during business hours through the site
• Social: Direct message @GiltService on Twitter or Facebook

Some common inquiries include order status, returns, price adjustments, site feedback, account issues, and general questions. Have your account info handy for easy reference.

Are There Product Reviews on Gilt Outlet?

Yes, Gilt Outlet has a reviews section on each product page where customers can leave ratings and feedback after purchase. This includes sharing sizing, fit, quality, and satisfaction.

Reading reviews can provide helpful insight from real customers on running true to size, comparing to photos, and more. Keep in mind experiences can vary.

There is also a general customer reviews section with testimonials on shopping experience, site ease of use, product availability, and customer service interactions.

How Do I Cancel an Order on Gilt Outlet?

If you need to cancel a Gilt Outlet order, the process depends on its status:

• Prior to shipment – Login to your account, navigate to your order history, and click “Cancel Order”
• After shipment – If the package is en route, you will need to wait for delivery, then process a return request
• Final sale items – Unfortunately final sale purchases cannot be cancelled or returned

For cancellations, act quickly within the sale time period. Reach out to customer service for help if you run into any trouble with an urgent cancellation request.

Does Gilt Outlet Sell Authentic Products?

Yes, all products sold on Gilt Outlet are 100% authentic and come directly from the brands themselves. Gilt has partnerships with designers to sell their surplus and excess inventory.

Shoppers can feel confident knowing they are receiving genuine, high-quality items – just marked down because they are past season. Any defects are minor and disclosed.

Gilt Outlet also offers a money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with the authenticity of a product you ordered. Simply reach out to their customer support team.

How Does Gilt Outlet Compare to Other Discount Sites?

Here is a brief overview comparing Gilt Outlet to other popular off-price and discount retailers:

• Nordstrom Rack – Gilt offers more high-end designers at steeper discounts, but has less consistent inventory
• Saks OFF 5TH – Similar range of luxury brands but Gilt Outlet has faster-changing flash sale model
• Amazon Outlet – Amazon has advantage of wider assortment but quality varies more than Gilt
• Rue La La – Nearly identical flash sale model but Gilt edges out on brand selection
• 6pm – Zappos’ outlet features big range of mid-tier brands, Gilt showcases higher end designers

The flash sale format gives Gilt Outlet an edge for scoring short-lived lightning deals. Its luxury brand portfolio outpaces many discount stores.

Conclusion

For shoppers willing to put in the time, Gilt Outlet offers an excellent opportunity to purchase coveted designer fashion and home goods at truly unbeatable price points. Items often retail for several hundred to even thousands of dollars—snagging them 60-80% off is a huge deal.

Success on the site requires diligence, speed, and a savvy shopping strategy. But the rewards of routinely scoring luxury goods at outlet-level prices makes it worthwhile for seasoned bargain hunters.

Hopefully this comprehensive buying guide provides all the must-know tips and tricks for navigating Gilt Outlet seamlessly. Happy deal hunting!