Sierra Trading Post
The Sierra Trading Post website is a medley of various items. I wouldn’t say it’s the best designed website, nor is it particularly beautiful. It is sort of dry but homey, with a touch of country. The company has such a large amount of products, and the items change so much. The website simply does its job, and I don’t mind that it’s the most glamorous design. There is quite a bit of information to sort and absorb when you visit the site, and it seems like they did a good job.
The website is divided up into many categories. The main index consists of:
Outdoor Apparel & Gear
Men’s Clothing
Women’s Clothing
Shoes & Boots
Kids’ Corner
Home Décor
You can create an account/register, so that your information is saved for purchases. It also keeps track of your order history. It is a valuable function which expedites the shopping process, with shopping cart, saved shipping and billing information, and so on. When I moved to a new apartment, this was one of the easiest experiences I had in changing my mailing address.
There are plenty of Search functions. You can search by keyword, item #, size, brand name, and more. I have found that searching for an item is pretty simple.
Paper Catalogs
You can get on the Sierra Trading Post mailing list for paper catalogs. It is easy to go overboard with these, because not only are there are quite a few available, but they tend to come fast and furious. Sometimes I start to feel a little guilty because I’m using so much paper by getting all these catalogs, but I truly look through them all. The good thing is, you can always change your catalog address or preferences at the click of a button once you login.
Catalogs are free, and you can choose from about 7, such as “Sierra Woman”, or “Sierra Outdoors”.
The only downside to the catalogs (as they actually warn you!) is that the items may quickly go out of stock, even before you might receive your catalog. The problem is because of shipping times and delivery issues (sending catalogs to various parts of the country and so on).
Bargain Barn
One place you can shop on the site is the Bargain Barn. Often, I just like to peruse this part of the site in hopes that I will find something wonderfully cheap! For example, last year, I almost ordered an amazingly cheap pair of winter clogs after browsing the site (but decided not to spend the money!). However, it is important to realize that things sell out quickly. You also have to keep in mind that the Bargain Barn has limited supplies. I have held off ordering something for a few hours, only to find out that it has been sold out, or at least in my color/size. When browsing, too, I have to remind myself to see what sizes are available, before getting overly excited, because many times, especially with shoes, they have just a size or two left – and it is a less popular size. This isn’t a bad thing- it simply shows that the website is popular and that the deals get eaten up right away!
Prices & Discounts
One of the main reasons I shop at Sierra Trading Post is for the prices. It is hard to find an item I like in the store and then find it at this merchant. You’ll have more luck trying to find something cheap by browsing. For example, I needed cheap but good snowshoes. I compared them in the store, and then on Sierra Trading Post, and was able to find a very reasonably priced pair- well below that in the store.
Discounts, online coupons, and sales are wonderful incentives. I subscribe to e-mail alerts and some catalogs, and it can really make a purchase significantly cheaper than if you were to buy it in the store. I regularly get online coupons for things like free shipping or 20% off.
Some examples of things I’ve bought or considered have included:
Tyr swimsuit: $14.35
Sugoi Women’s Running Shorts: $11.96
Tubbs Adventure 25 Snowshoes: $115
Atlas 1030 Snowshoes: $179
Calculate in 20% off, and that’s pretty good! Prices change according to season and stock, so in the spring or summer, something like snowshoes will be very cheap. Fall or winter might be a good time to check out the swimsuits leftover from the summer.
Customer Service
I have actually used customer service a few times, but never because Sierra Trading Post was at fault! I have returned things because the item did not fit. You simply fill out the return slip that comes with the invoice, put the item back in the envelope it came in, and affix the mailing label provided. That simple. Actually, you do have to pay your own postage, but that is understandable when you’re basing a return on your own opinion.
There is a 1-800 number for customer service, which I have not used. (They are on Mountain Standard Time, which works out well for me in NY!). I have, however, used the Online Live Support, which is basically a chat function. Although it was a little slow going back and forth between myself and the customer service representative, I was able to change my order with no problems or hassle whatsoever. It was 11pm NY time, and I was able to get Live Support (Sierra Trading Post is in Wyoming).
Sierra Trading Post is very intent on providing good customer service. You can read about this on their website or in their catalogs. They have a 100% Guarantee, and are very customer-friendly.
Ordering & Shipping
As I mentioned earlier, ordering is simple when you’ve registered on the site (required). Once you’ve registered, it is very easy to log in and use the information you’ve saved. You just add items to your shopping cart, check out, apply coupons, confirm information, and you’re set.
I usually pick between a few shipping rates. But the prices change greatly between $4.50 Surface shipping and $34.00 2-day Express shipping (for a purchase of over $200). There are plenty of options, and as I mentioned earlier, there are plenty of free-shipping promotions.
I have never gotten packages late. I get an e-mail telling me when the order ships out, and then I have a good estimate of when I’m going to get the order. Soft items are shipped in a strong bag, which has been really great when I’ve lived in an apartment complex, and the item can be stuffed in a small mailbox!