Graduating is a massive milestone. Whether you’re finishing high school, college, or another significant educational chapter, you want to look your best in that cap and gown as you walk across the stage. But, let’s face it, graduation gear can be pricey. Enter Graduation Outlet, an online retailer offering caps, gowns, tassels, diploma covers, and more at competitive prices.
Is Graduation Outlet legit, though? Can you really get quality gear without breaking the bank? In this article, we’ll dive into the details to see if this retailer lives up to the hype. So, if you’re shopping for graduation day, stick around for a comprehensive review.
What Is Graduation Outlet?
Graduation Outlet is an online store specializing in affordable graduation apparel and accessories. They cater to individuals and institutions alike, selling everything from traditional caps and gowns to honor cords and diploma covers. Established to make graduation products more accessible and affordable, Graduation Outlet aims to provide quality gear at competitive prices.
But is the store everything it claims to be? Let’s dig deeper into what they offer and whether it’s worth your time and money.
Product Range: What Can You Buy at Graduation Outlet?
Graduation Outlet’s product line covers just about everything you could need for your graduation day. Here’s a closer look at their offerings:
1. Caps and Gowns
The iconic graduation cap and gown set is the cornerstone of any commencement ceremony, and Graduation Outlet has you covered. They offer options for various academic levels—from kindergarten to Ph.D. regalia. Customers can choose between basic and premium options, depending on the level of formality and the fabric’s quality.
2. Graduation Tassels
No cap is complete without a tassel, right? Graduation Outlet offers graduation tassels in a wide range of colors and styles to match your school or personal preferences.
3. Diploma Covers
After all your hard work, you’ll want a diploma cover to protect and showcase that important document. Graduation Outlet offers customizable diploma covers with embossed school logos or plain options, depending on your needs.
4. Honor Cords
If you’re graduating with honors, you’ll likely need an honor cord. These cords come in various colors and represent different academic achievements or honors societies.
5. Graduation Hoods
For those obtaining advanced degrees, graduation hoods are an essential part of the regalia. Graduation Outlet provides these in different colors to signify various academic disciplines.
Is Graduation Outlet Legit?
When it comes to online shopping, legitimacy is a big concern—especially when the event is as important as graduation. Nobody wants to end up with cheap, low-quality gear that doesn’t arrive on time. So, is Graduation Outlet a trustworthy place to shop?
1. Customer Reviews
The best way to gauge a company’s legitimacy is through customer feedback. Graduation Outlet has generally positive reviews, with many customers praising the quality of the products and the affordable prices. Most reviews highlight that the items look and feel as expected, which is a relief when buying online.
However, some customers have noted longer shipping times or issues with sizing, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.
2. Payment Security
Graduation Outlet offers secure payment options, including major credit cards and PayPal, ensuring your financial information is protected. This adds another layer of trustworthiness to their operations.
3. Customer Service
Good customer service can make or break your experience. Graduation Outlet appears to offer a responsive customer service team, according to online reviews. Customers have mentioned that inquiries are generally handled in a timely and professional manner, making the overall experience smoother.
Quality: Do You Get What You Pay For?
One of the biggest concerns when shopping for affordable graduation gear is whether the quality will meet your expectations. After all, you don’t want to receive a flimsy cap or gown that looks cheap in pictures.
1. Fabric and Construction
Based on customer reviews and product descriptions, Graduation Outlet uses high-quality polyester fabric for most of their gowns. The premium versions of their products are made from thicker materials that offer a more polished and formal look, while the basic options are perfectly fine for less formal ceremonies.
2. Customizable Features
If you’re looking to customize your graduation gear, Graduation Outlet offers several options, especially with diploma covers and honor cords. You can also choose from a variety of tassel colors and styles to match your school or personal preferences.
3. Durability
While most customers report that the items are well-made and durable enough for the ceremony, some note that they are not designed for long-term use. This isn’t surprising, considering that most graduation gear is intended for one-time use.
Pricing: Is It Really Affordable?
One of the main reasons people turn to Graduation Outlet is because of their low prices. The site offers significant discounts compared to what you might pay if you go through your school or a local retailer.
1. Caps and Gowns
You can expect to pay between $15 to $50 for a basic cap and gown set, depending on the level of education and the material’s quality. Premium sets can go up to $100, but they still fall below the average prices at many other retailers.
2. Accessories
Items like tassels, cords, and diploma covers are also priced competitively. A basic tassel can cost around $5, while a more elaborate honor cord could be priced at around $10 to $15. Custom diploma covers are a bit more expensive, but the pricing is still reasonable compared to other options on the market.
Shipping and Delivery: What to Expect
1. Standard Shipping Times
Graduation Outlet offers standard shipping, which usually takes about 5-7 business days within the U.S. However, some customers have reported delays, especially during peak graduation seasons.
2. Expedited Shipping
If you’re in a rush, expedited shipping options are available for an extra fee. This can reduce your delivery time to 2-3 days, which might be worth it if you’re cutting it close to your ceremony date.
3. International Shipping
Graduation Outlet does offer international shipping, but be sure to check estimated delivery times and costs, as these can vary significantly based on location.
Returns and Exchanges: Can You Get a Refund?
Sometimes, things just don’t work out, and you need to return or exchange an item. Graduation Outlet has a return policy, but it’s important to note that customized items (like diploma covers with your school’s logo) may not be eligible for returns. Be sure to double-check the policy before making your purchase.
1. Return Window
The return window is generally 30 days from the purchase date, but items must be in unused condition and in the original packaging.
2. Restocking Fees
Some items may be subject to a restocking fee, so read the fine print carefully if you think you may need to return or exchange your order.
Pros and Cons of Graduation Outlet
Before making your decision, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Affordable Prices: Significantly cheaper than many competitors.
- Wide Selection: Everything you need for graduation in one place.
- Custom Options: Personalize items like tassels and diploma covers.
- Secure Payment: Safe checkout options like PayPal and credit cards.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Shipping: Some customers report longer delivery times.
- Limited Returns on Custom Items: Customized products may not be eligible for returns.
- Quality May Vary: While most reviews are positive, some report that basic items can feel cheap.
Final Thoughts: Is Graduation Outlet Worth It?
So, is Graduation Outlet legit and worth the hype? In most cases, yes. The prices are hard to beat, especially if you’re on a budget, and the range of products is impressive. While there may be occasional hiccups with shipping or quality, the overall experience seems positive for most customers.
If you’re in need of affordable graduation gear, Graduation Outlet is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to order with enough time before your ceremony, especially if you’re customizing any items.
FAQs
1. Is Graduation Outlet safe to use?
Yes, Graduation Outlet is a legitimate website that offers secure payment options like PayPal and credit cards.
2. Can I return custom items to Graduation Outlet?
Custom items, such as diploma covers with school logos, are typically not eligible for returns, so make sure to check the return policy before purchasing.
3. How long does shipping take?
Standard shipping typically takes 5-7 business days within the U.S., but delays can happen, especially during peak graduation seasons.
4. What sizes are available for caps and gowns?
Graduation Outlet offers a variety of sizes to fit different body types, including plus sizes. Be sure to check the sizing chart on their website.
5. Are the prices at Graduation Outlet lower than at other retailers?
Yes, Graduation Outlet is known for offering competitive prices, often lower than what you would pay at a local store or through your school.
