Steep & Cheap has a rating of 2.3 stars from 97 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Steep & Cheap most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and return label problems. Steep & Cheap ranks 93rd among Outdoor Equipment sites.
No positive highlights yet
I love their products and the shipping is very quick. Like they do ship the same day! Best deals and more.
First time using Steep&Cheap and also the last time. Purchased an item and filled out order online. I'm on the 37th floor of a 50-story office building. When filling in the shipping address, I included my firm's name and floor on the second street address line. Received an email order confirmation that showed the full shipping address. But the following week I received a shipping status update that stated that DHL had an incomplete address with only the street address and couldn't deliver. Called S&C customer service, and this person had the product resent and waived the shipping charge. But once again I ended up with the same deal whereby I got an email order confirmation showing the complete shipping address but subsequently got a shipping status update from DHL with only the street address. I then chatted online with S&C customer service, and this time I was told that the product would be resent via FedEx 2nd Day. This time I never even received an email order confirmation showing that the product was being sent via FedEx. When the product didn't show up, I called customer service AGAIN, and this time I just had them cancel the order. I've been a member of REI for over 25 years and was drawn in by the cheaper price offered by Steep&Cheap. But I've learned my lesson. They're cheaper because they aren't paying to have a highly reliable order system process. I won't be using Steep&Cheap again.
First time using Steep&Cheap and also the last time. Purchased an item and filled out order online. I'm on the 37th floor of a 50-story office building. When filling in the shipping address, I included my firm's name and floor on the second street address line. Received an email order confirmation that showed the full shipping address. But the following week I received a shipping status update that stated that DHL had an incomplete address with only the street address and couldn't deliver. Called S&C customer service, and this person had the product resent and waived the shipping charge. But once again I ended up with the same deal whereby I got an email order confirmation showing the complete shipping address but subsequently got a shipping status update from DHL with only the street address. I then chatted online with S&C customer service, and this time I was told that the product would be resent via FedEx 2nd Day. This time I never even received an email order confirmation showing that the product was being sent via FedEx. When the product didn't show up, I called customer service AGAIN, and this time I just had them cancel the order. I've been a member of REI for over 25 years and was drawn in by the cheaper price offered by Steep&Cheap. But I've learned my lesson. They're cheaper because they aren't paying to have a highly reliable order system process. I won't be using Steep&Cheap again.
This company showed up on my credit card as a $310 charge for 2 shirts I never ordered. When I called to check on that false order they said "Oh looks like that order was cancelled due to inaccurate billing information" I said BUT you charged my card anyway! "oh, not sure why we did that"- they then asked me to hold for 23 minutes, and the result was "Oh I can't figure it out, I have to check with someone in the morning! I had to cancel my credit card right before Christmas and report fraudulent activity because this company can't follow general business practices - "if wrong billing information is provided don't process the order!"
Got a sweet deal on some shoes! The only issue was I didn't get a confirmation email that they shipped and the shipping information was never updated. But when I reached out to them they responded very quickly and I still received them in a timely manner. Would definitely shop with them again
Ordered a pair of boots that I needed for work with overnight shipping before noon MST (according to their shipping policy, noon is the latest to order something and have it shipped out the same day for overnight / next day shipping). I talked to two separate customer service agents who both confirmed that my order would be shipped out the same day. Four days later, I had to drive to the local FedEx and pick up my boots because they still hadn't been delivered. The customer service here is a joke as well as the actual service
Products used:
Winter boots
I too would have given them 5 stars a couple years ago. They use to have a great selection of items but now seem to only have ski poles, goggles and helmets. I miss the old steep and cheap.:-( I also agree that their prices on some things are still too "steep".
Read the reviews and save yourself the hassle of trying to return an item you didn't order, or never receiving your order at all and having to fight for a refund for a month and a half like I did. Trust me, it's not worth the $10-$20 you may save ordering from this company. Order from a reputable online retailer so if something goes wrong you will actually get what you paid for and will have saved the stress this "retailer" has caused.
Products used:
Never received product
I did happen to take a look at this website prior to ordering some socks from them. I was very skeptical about dealing them them based on the low score that they received here. But I figured I would take a risk and try it out. I'm not sure where SaC is based out of, but I was a little surprised that 5 pairs of pretty low-profile socks that came to less than 1 lb shipping weight had a tax and shipping combined rate of nearly $14 (6.55 tax + 7.28 shipping). That part seemed a little steep, but hey, I guess "steep" is part of their name. Also upon ordering I did receive an e mail stating that I had been added to their newsletter, however I quickly responded back to tell them to take me off any lists, and they were prompt with responding that it would be no issue. I ended up receiving the package quickly and the correct product arrived and in good condition. So no problems there. I would definitely not want to shop at SaC as a primary outlet for outdoor gear. I would rather use eBay as I can usually get much better deals. The reason I used SaC on this occasion was because they were having a sale on Darn Tough socks and all DT socks come with a lifetime warranty and it's hard to find the ones you need any cheaper than $20 per pair. SaC had them for a little over $13 a pair and after tax and shipping, came to about $16 per pair. Still a decent savings on something I only have to ever buy once. If I had to buy more DT socks, I would check out SaC again, but as stated before, under most circumstances, I can find better prices elsewhere.
Bought a jacket and returned it, because it wasn't a good fit and it was a cheap material. When I place the order initially they said it will cost $6.99 for a shipping return label. After I returned the jacket I got a refund that was missing $18.91. When I called to ask for an explanation they said it was the $6.99 label cost plus $10.95 shipping cost. They are overcharging people with those returning costs. They made some money on my back but lost a customer.
Tip for consumers:
They suck!
Products used:
Jacket
I am a verified, first time buyer and had ordered some items online based on their listed item price. At the time of the payment process, they bait and switched ALL their listed prices to a higher cost. A legit business would never do this. BEWARE!
I've contacted Steep&Cheap and am awaiting their reply, if they ever do reply. I've also contacted my payment center of this transaction.
Tip for consumers:
Buyers Beware! Not worth the hassle of being scammed.
Products used:
Clothes
I received two camping stools from this company. One had a cracked plastic foot on one leg. I requested a replacement plastic part over a dozen times and they have not responded to me in any case at any time. I would never buy anything from them again and will be disputing my Credit Card charge tomorrow.
Placed an order and they needed my card...no. Sounds like the same bait and switch going around the web.
Products used:
Ordered and was told to call and give card information. SCAM
I bought my sleep number bed about 3 years ago. From day one it has been a nightmare. After 1 month one side stated deflating. They came out and said they'd fixed it. No they just made it work for 4 days. I called them back and they told me I couldn't return my bed because I had a " warranty claim ". Since then I have made multiple attempts to get this piece of crap fixed but they conventionally loose there signal or hang up on me. When I say multiple, I have tried over 100 times. Great company here! Good luck! I spent $7000! That's a great company! They should be on the Forbes 500! I'm sure I'm the only one!
Yes, I've ordered hundreds of items from S&C or WhiskeyMilitia (backcountry.com) since 2007. I can tell because they keep your history readily available online.
Some people on this site seem to have had problems. I have had none. Once I messed up and ordered too quickly trying to snag a deal at the last minute and got the wrong size. It was simple to return and doesn't even require talking to them since they mail you a return slip.
No, there are not "knock offs". These are closeouts, last year models, odd sizes, etc. or otherwise good deals used to increase customer base and incentivize future purchases..
Tip for consumers:
Shipping can sometimes be $$$ if you're use to amazon prime
Watch your credit card statement immediately after a purchase. They bill for several cents more than what they tell you on your bill. I caught them and they said they HAD to do it that way to prevent fraud. Seriously. They finally did straighten out the credit card charge. I only noticed because my new credit card company, Capital One, immediately texts me when a vendor charges my card. Otherwise I probably would not have noticed. And would they have corrected it if I had not? I dunno, but I have NEVER experienced this with ANY other vendor, online or brick/mortar. Sounds VERY odd. It will be my last purchase from Steep & Cheap.
Tip for consumers:
Quote from the email I received from them:
"Our system does authorize a bit over the billable total, typically 4-5 cents prior to shipping, however, you should see reflected on your statement the final billing of $91.17 being settled off of our first authorization of $91.21. I can assure you this is not a scheme, but our system's way of authorizing your card and preventing fraudulent transactions. "
Products used:
Sleeping bag
Ordered a jacket and based on the website "Orders placed before 5PM, MST ship the same day. Ordered before 5PM MST and my order did not ship the same day. Waited until the end of the next day and called, was told "you picked economy shipping, so we have 5-10 days to get your item to you" So I asked about the websites shipping info and was told "That is only for people who pay for priority or overnight shipping"
Based on what I read, it would seem normal to think all orders ship the same day and the only difference would be the time it takes to reach you. Apparently SteepandCheap.com does not feel that is the case and they will sit on your order for days before shipping.
The extra week to get my item doesn't matter. Just wish they were clear on their website.
I love their products and the shipping is very quick. Like they do ship the same day! Best deals and more.
Products used:
Jackets and jeans
So, my gear is lost in the mail. Not really their fault, but? I paid for shipping and the item is now 15 days out with no sign on tracking of when I am going to get it. I sent 2 emails with no response. I then called. I was basically told that "thats the thing with the steep and cheap" - its old products and you are getting a discount. No help, no consideration on my price for shipping - nothing. Never buying from either site again.
I bought an expensive jacket that arrived with a nonfunctional zipper. The vendor is charging me return shipping for their garbage.
Tip for consumers:
Buyer beware
Products used:
None - defective
I am shopping from Backcountry from last more than 5 years. They were really good with top customer service. I spend thousands of dollars on outdoor gear each year. Recently their customer service went really downhill and really rude. They are more focused on sponsoring youtubers and giving them free gears than giving a good customer service. I am switching to Mossejaw and Campsaver and they are way better. Moosejaw's outlet website will charge you for a freaking shipping. Stay away from Backcountry!
Try putting something in your cart on Steep & Cheap and let it sit there for a few weeks to watch the prices fluctuate depending on the particular sale. I did this with two items while I debated whether to splurge or not and I was shocked how the prices went up when the company offered a sale (say $40 off a $200 purchase) and back down again when the sale expired. If you read this review and others here, I think the theme will become clear. This is a company with shady practices. For some, the deal might be worth it; for me, I'd rather support a company that has the same kind of values I try to uphold in the backcountry.
Tip for consumers:
Don't bother to wait for a sale. The inflated prices erase any savings.
This is how they treat you when they send you the wrong product. In fact, they pictured a product they didn't even have in stock to begin with. I'll be returning the shoes ASAP. Seriously, WHAT ARE THEY THINKING? Dogfunk.com was WAY better than backcountry.com (which owns steep and cheap and they bought out dogfunk). Steep because they're full of themselves and cheap because they're slimy.
Tip for consumers:
Just know that you will get good gear from great manufacturers but from a lousy warehouse. They lack professionalism and general people skills.
Have spent thousands at S&C over the years -- was a little late getting a return back (two $90 shirts that don't fit, tags attached, unworn) and they basically told me to pound sand, escalated to manager, also told, "too bad, that's the way it is".
Times are tough for some of us, Steep & Cheap just doesn't care.
Edit: It gets better, I went back to the product page for the items I was attempting to return and the return policy on that page stated:
"100% Guaranteed Returns
New, unused gear can be returned at any time for a full refund to your original method of payment. If the original method of payment is unavailable, we'll issue your refund in the form of store credit."
Confronted with this Steep & Cheap honored the return (they'd be liable to false advertising claims if they didn't) but I had to proofread their website for them in order to make that happen. Do better Steep & Cheap and Backcountry.
Tip for consumers:
They want your money and brand loyalty but they give little in return.
I bought a pair of pants for $73 dollars and was only refunded for $53! You will not get back shipping and tax and then they charge you another 6.99 for the label which comes out of what out of what you paid originally! You will basically just be giving them money.
Guess I should have read the reviews as they have the same story.
POOR!
Don't waste your time. They couldn't even get me a simple order. Use Moosejaw or one the many other options for outdoor gear.
Recently ordered from this site and it's been a pain in the butt, so much that I would have rather have paid full price on another site to have better service. (1) I paid a few dollars extra for faster shipping and it did not arrive on time (2) when I wrote to ask about this, the reply was unrelated and unhelpful and I received no further help (3) you can't make a return by using an order number, they make you log in, but you have to call if you need to reset your password. Ancient practice.
Deep discounts on outdoor gear & apparel. Steep & Cheap offers steals on camping, hiking, skiing, cycling gear and more.
Is this your business?
Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and manage your listing.