Is outlet mega sales legit or scam? Reviews and complaints

Are Those Mega Online Outlet Sales Really Legit? Let’s Take a Closer Look

The allure of incredible deals and discounts reaching up to 90% off can make those mega online outlet sales seem almost too good to be true. However, savvy online shoppers know to approach any deal with healthy skepticism. In this article, we’ll scrutinize these types of massive sales events more closely to help determine what’s really behind them and how to shop safely.

Red Flags to Watch For

When evaluating any outlet sale site, event, or ad, there are certain signs that indicate it may not be on the up-and-up:

• Unknown or unbranded retailer – Established brands like Nike or Adidas have their own official outlets, not obscure third parties.

• No addressing of sizing, returns, etc. – Legit retailers clearly outline policies; vague sites omit crucial details.

• Poor grammar, English, website design – Sloppy presentation reveals an unprofessional operation.

• Aggressive marketing – Spammy Facebook ads or links on shady sites are cause for concern.

• Low stock, limited sizing – Claims of limited supply boost urgency but ring untrue if few options remain.

• Untrustworthy payment processors – Using only Bitcoin or payment upfront via wire transfer avoids protection.

So with any site new to you, do your homework carefully looking for such warning signs before spending money. Reputable online merchants earn trust over time through honest transparent business practices.

The Lures and Tactics Used

While some sales are perfectly legitimate promotions, others rely on deception to lure unsuspecting customers. Understanding their common tricks can help you avoid being taken for a costly ride:

• Urgency and scarcity ploys – Claims of limited stock pressure rushed uninformed purchases.

• Discounts of 70-90% regularly – Legit deals don’t routinely offer such deep, unsustainable price slashes.

• Fake before/after pricing – Inflated MSRP is shown crossed out to make savings seem larger than reality.

• Poor quality or counterfeit goods – Real luxury brands closely control distribution and won’t sell via unknown third parties.

• Bait and switch – Orders are canceled or items substituted for junk once payment is processed.

• Vague cancellation/return terms – Tricky fine print prohibits dissatisfied customers from getting refunds.

Staying savvy means recognizing when deals are too good to be true. Don’t fall victim based on friendly marketing alone – validate claims thoroughly first.

Case Studies of Known Scam Sites

Let’s examine two well-documented cases of deceptive online outlet stores to see their methods in action:

Volcomsale.shop

This mysterious site promised savings up to 90% on name brand clothes like Volcom and Quiksilver. However, complaints emerged that items never shipped while payment disappeared. Reviewing the signs shows:

• No company information provided on poorly designed website
• Vague sizing charts without actual product photos
• Aggressive Facebook ads without customer reviews
• Payment only accepted via PayPal friends/family to avoid chargebacks

After taking money from hopeful buyers, the site and social media presence vanished without a trace. A classic bait and switch scam exposed.

Bigbashsales.com

Another outfit claiming unsustainable savings on top electronics, jewelry and more. But a closer analysis reveals telltale deception like:

• Inflated MSRP strikethrough pricing on ordinary unavailable items
• Very limited stock in a few random sizes across categories
• Grammar errors and suspicious reviews on Trustpilot
• Refunds denied even for unfulfilled orders

Customers who researched thoroughly avoided being scammed, as this site also shut down leaving angry victims in its wake.

How to Shop Outlet Sales Safely

While attractive deals may catch your eye, practicing caution helps avoid regrettable losses:

• Verify the business is legitimate through official branding, Better Business Bureau reviews, and a physical address

• Check websites for proper grammar, SSL security, and transparent policies

• Beware murky deals spread via spammy Facebook ads or forum posts

• Research discount claims by comparing to real prices on official brand sites

• Use reliable payment services like PayPal which offer purchase protection

• Ask for receipt and tracking details to ensure merchandise is shipped promptly

• Keep screenshots of deals in case refunds or chargebacks later need substantiating

With diligence, it’s very possible to take advantage of genuine online outlet savings without risking your money on questionable operators. A little healthy skepticism helps you shop with confidence.

But Are Any Online Outlet Sales Actually Real?

After examining so many deceptive websites masquerading as deals, a burning question remains – do authentic mega outlet sales online even exist? The good news is yes, there are certainly trustworthy outlets providing real bargains if you know where to find them:

• Brand-run outlets & warehouses like Nike Factory Store, Adidas Outlet or Coach have been in business for years offering 20-50% savings on both new and slightly irregular items.

• Large retailors like Nordstrom Rack, Macy’s Backstage or Saks Off 5th Avenue clearance racks located in physical stores also operate respected online presences.

• Resale sites like Poshmark and ThredUp let individuals bargain hunt for NWT or gently used luxury apparel at fraction of retail.

• Seasonal sales at trustworthy multi-brand retailers like Revolve, ASOS or Need Supply often reach 40-60% off new collections with speedy shipping.

With a bit of homework, you can easily track down real deals direct from known quality online fashion, shoe and accessory merchants. And better still, feel entirely confident your order will arrive as promised.

Wrapping Up

While it can be tempting to chase wild mega sale promotions across social media, adopting diligence before risking any money well serves savvy online shoppers. Fact-checking questionable sites thoroughly protects your wallet, while supporting legitimate retailers rewards you with real and lasting value. With care, you can absolutely score genuine outstanding bargains in style – just be sure to thoroughly vet sources for that peace of mind. Happy and safe outlet shopping!