Who Owns Steep & Cheap? The Complete Guide to the Popular Outdoor Retailer
As an avid outdoor enthusiast, you probably know that Steep & Cheap is one of the best places to find unbelievable deals on gear and apparel. But have you ever wondered exactly who‘s behind this website slinging such amazing discounts on quality merchandise? I did some digging into Steep & Cheap‘s origins and business operations to unearth all the details on who owns this budget gear paradise.
Backcountry.com Owns and Runs Steep & Cheap
Steep & Cheap is owned and operated by leading outdoor retailer Backcountry.com. Based in Park City, Utah, Backcountry has grown over the past 25+ years into an e-commerce juggernaut selling clothing and gear across all outdoor pursuits.
Backcountry acquired Steep & Cheap back in 2008 in order to diversify its sales channels beyond just Backcountry.com. It was a smart move – Steep & Cheap now generates over $150 million in annual sales!
While Steep & Cheap runs as its own distinct brand, the two companies share inventory, warehousing, and customer service resources. This gives Steep & Cheap the scale and expertise of a larger corporation while maintaining its own unique identity.
The Backstory of Backcountry.com
Let‘s take a quick look at how Backcountry became such a dominant force in online outdoor retail:
- Founded in 1996 by entrepreneur Jim Holland in Park City, UT
- Originally started by selling books online
- Quickly pivoted to outdoor gear & apparel in the late 90s
- Raised $7 million in funding in 1999 to expand the business
- Opened a massive 126,000 sq ft warehouse & office in 2007
- Acquired Steep & Cheap in 2008
- Bought cycling retailer Competitive Cyclist in 2011
- Acquired dirt bike gear retailer MotoSport in 2015
- Passed $1 billion in annual sales around 2018
Backcountry now sells over 600 outdoor brands with a catalog of 100,000+ products – everything from skiing gear to hiking boots to climbing equipment.
Through strategic acquisitions of companies like Steep & Cheap, Backcountry continues to dominate more corners of the online outdoor gear market.
What Kind of Gear Can You Get on Steep & Cheap?
Since Steep & Cheap is all about deals, the gear selection is always changing based on what excess inventory they acquire. But here are some of the most common categories you‘ll find:
- Skiing & snowboarding equipment
- Hiking & backpacking gear
- Climbing hardware and apparel
- Trail running shoes and clothes
- Cycling apparel and components
- Camping equipment and accessories
- Paddle boards and kayaking gear
Some top outdoor brands frequently featured include:
- The North Face
- Patagonia
- Columbia
- Merrell
- Marmot
- Arc‘teryx
- Black Diamond
The selection is always changing, so check back often to find the latest deals. Pro tip: Set up gear alerts so you‘re notified anytime your favorite brands are posted!
How Does Steep & Cheap Offer Such Deep Discounts?
You see jackets and gear for 50-70% off and think, how is this possible?! Here‘s the business model that allows such aggressive discount pricing:
- Backcountry buys **excess inventory and past season products** from brands
- These products are then sold through Steep & Cheap at **deeply discounted prices**
- The short **limited-time deals** create urgency to buy
- Brands quickly shed old inventory and Backcountry gains huge margins
- Customers win by scoring **amazing deals** on great gear
Outdoor brands produce gear long before seasons start and often overestimate demand. Steep & Cheap gives them an efficient sales channel to clear out their closets season after season.
In 2021 alone, Steep & Cheap sold $153 million worth of discounted items – up 15% from 2020! Their model clearly works well for all parties involved.
How Do Returns and Warranties Work on Steep & Cheap Orders?
I know buying discounted gear online makes some people hesitant about return policies and product warranties. Here‘s exactly how they work when you order through Steep & Cheap:
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30 Day Returns – Items can be returned within 30 days in new condition.
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15% Restocking Fee – Returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee deducted from refund.
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Customer Pays Return Shipping – You pay to ship items back to Steep & Cheap.
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Original Manufacturer‘s Warranty – All products retain the original brand‘s warranty.
While Steep & Cheap‘s return policy is strict compared to mainstream retailers, it‘s industry standard for discount sites selling surplus goods. Knowing the warranty stays intact provides peace of mind on purchases.
Perks of a Steep+ Membership for Serious Shoppers
Steep & Cheap recently launched a membership program called Steep+ with extra benefits for frequent shoppers:
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Early Access to deals before the general public
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Free 3-5 Day Shipping on orders over $50
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Free Returns with no restocking fee
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Bonus Sweepstakes Entries to win free gear
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Members-Only Exclusive Deals
A Steep+ membership costs $20 for the first year, and renews at $35/year after that. There‘s also a 30 day free trial to test it out.
For hardcore Steep & Cheap shoppers, the free shipping and returns perk alone can easily offset the membership fee. It really enhances the saving potential!
How Does Steep & Cheap Compare to The Clymb?
The Clymb is probably Steep & Cheap‘s closest competitor when it comes to discounted outdoor gear. They share similarities but have some distinct differences:
| Steep & Cheap | The Clymb | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Selection | Wider selection with access to all major brands via Backcountry inventory | More niche and boutique brands |
| Membership | Optional paid membership | Required paid membership to shop |
| Return Policy | 15% restocking fee, customer pays return shipping | Free return shipping, 60 day return window |
| Mobile Experience | Sleek mobile apps and shopping features | Clunkier mobile access |
In my experience, Steep & Cheap generally has better brand selection, pricing, and convenience. But The Clymb is also a solid place to search for deals on gear you need.
Is Steep & Cheap Legit? 5 Signs It‘s Safe and Reliable
Seeing jackets discounted 70% off retail makes some gear deals seem too good to be true. But Steep & Cheap is 100% legitimate – here‘s why you can shop with confidence:
- Run by established retailer Backcountry.com with over **$1 billion** in sales
- Features recognizable **premium outdoor brands** like The North Face
- New products are **excess inventory**, not counterfeits or used
- Prices aligned with **past season markdowns** at other retailers
- Secure **SSL encrypted** checkout and payment processing
Stick to brands you know and trust, pay with a credit card for protection, and buy with peace of mind knowing Steep & Cheap is a credible retailer.
How to Get in Touch with Steep & Cheap Customer Service
If you ever have an issue with your Steep & Cheap order, here are some ways to get help:
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By Phone: 800-409-4502
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Email: [email protected]
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Live Chat: Available via website during business hours
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Online Support Ticket: Submit anytime on their website
As an outdoor enthusiast myself, I know gear issues can pop up once you hit the trails or slopes. Don‘t hesitate to reach out to the Steep & Cheap customer service team for quick help!
The Bottom Line – Who Owns and Operates Steep & Cheap
In summary, Steep & Cheap is owned and operated by leading outdoor gear retailer Backcountry.com. It serves as a discount sales channel to move surplus inventory in partnership with the top outdoor brands.
For deal-seeking adventurers, Steep & Cheap provides access to some of the best limited time bargains on gear around. Just be sure to understand the return policies before you buy.
With new deals launching daily, set those alerts and keep checking back to score big savings on the best outdoor apparel & equipment!