Overstock will not be a stock website, though it’s a web site with a stock (NASDAQ: OSTK).
The positioning has made a reputation for itself as something like a web-based outlet mall that originally specialized in home décor but has expanded to sell every part from jewelry to electronics and sporting goods.
The brand is understood for its deep discounts and low price points in comparison with other retailers, and it seems to have a reasonably decent status.
However the query is: How good is Overstock really?
This Overstock review seeks to let you know just that.
The History of Overstock
Originally an organization named Discounts Direct, Overstock got its semi-misleading name when it was purchased by a person named Dr. Patrick M. Byrne back in 1999.
Overstock did brisk business under—and maybe despite—Byrne’s tenure, including going public in 2002 and reporting its first billion-dollar yr in 2010.
By the point Byrne announced his resignation and claimed the FBI made him engage in an intimate relationship with a notorious Russian spy, Overstock had established itself as one among the premier online sources for closeout and discount home furnishings.
The corporate is currently headed by CEO Jonathan E. Johnson as Byrne, its former head, pursues a brand new profession in peddling misinformation and ridiculous conspiracy theories.
Overstock’s Product Offering
Overstock began with furniture and residential décor, but its catalog has ballooned within the 23 years because it was founded.
Along with their array of interior and exterior furniture and décor, Overstock now sells bedding (including mattresses), appliances as small as blenders and as large as gas ranges, grills, trampolines, swing sets, tents, exercise equipment, and products from dozens of other categories.
A few of Overstock’s inventory is manufactured specifically for the positioning, but most of it comes from the roughly 3,000 third-party vendors that partner with Overstock to sell goods on their site.
Most of Overstock’s revenue comes from the sale of third-party goods on their site.
Overstock’s Product Quality
Most of Overstock’s inventory comes from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.
There are many name-brand goods available on the positioning, and there are only a few reviews or reports available claiming that any of the products were fake or lower quality than what you’d find at one other retailer.
The low price points and steep discounts on Overstock may give some buyers pause.
Normally if you see a product available for significantly lower than on one other site you’d assume that there was some form of scam involved.
Overstock is aware of the importance of maintaining status in such a competitive space, nevertheless, so that they implement strict quality control to ensure that no consumer receives counterfeit or defective products.
Overstock’s Prices
Overstock’s business model relies on the competitive edge it gets from its low price points and discounts.
They’re so pleased with their low prices that they even put real-time price checkers on their product pages to point out how much you’d save if you happen to bought from them as a substitute of their competitors.
A variety of aspects contribute to Overstock’s ability to supply products at such low prices:
- They purchase and sell liquidated inventory from other retailers
- Advanced logistics capabilities tailored for furniture and residential furnishings
- The Club O Loyalty Program that increases customer retention
- Long-term mutually useful relationships with vendors and manufacturers
The firm lists these aspects as a part of the way it stays competitive as a part of its latest 10-K report back to the SEC.
They aren’t exactly forthcoming on any of the specifics, however it is smart that they’d keep them under wraps.
Overstock Customer Experience
Overstock and its mobile app are very easy to navigate.
Finding the products you’re on the lookout for is quick and simple, and so they have the identical smooth purchasing process as distinguished rivals like Amazon.com.
Reviews for Overstock are just about what you’d expect: A ton of fine reviews which might be drowned out by the hordes of pissed off customers who had a nasty experience.
The great reviews are very complimentary about how easy it was to purchase and have products shipped to them, how the products arrived on time and in good condition, and infrequently that Overstock was quick to exchange an item that was broken or damaged in transit.
Among the negative reviews are your typical sour grapes, but there’s a reasonably disturbing trend that arises if you read through enough of them.
A variety of buyers report battling Overstock customer support personnel for returns, account credits, and (apparent) pricing and financing mistakes.
One reviewer reports receiving a rug from Overstock that was infested with moths which went on to destroy just about all of their clothes.
One other reports a giant purchase being canceled unexpectedly or notification.
Someone calling themselves Deepwoods said they paid for 2 chairs, received one, and was never made whole.
So it looks as if you’ll have a fantastic experience if you happen to buy from Overstock…
…so long as nothing goes mistaken.
If something does go mistaken, well, it looks as if you’re in for a fight.
Taking Stock of Overstock’s Stock
Overstock’s stock OSTK is currently trading at $29.14, with its 52-week range being between $24.69 and $111.28.
The corporate posted overall sales earnings of $2.76 billion in 2021, a ten.53% increase from the previous yr.
Its earnings have been on a slow but fairly regular upward trend over the past five years—apart from 2019’s painful 19.88% decrease from 2018.
The firm’s 2021 gross income of $606.04 million represented a ten% increase from 2020, and its net income of $155.38 million was a rise of 75.18% over the previous yr.
Overstock employed 1,350 full-time employees as of December 21, 2021, and reported difficulties find the form of talent it felt it needs moving forward, particularly in relation to finding software engineers and technical staff.
The firm reported hiring 177 latest non-customer service or warehouse staff in 2021 along with 55 latest customer support and warehouse personnel.
The environment wherein Overstock operates may be very competitive and can likely remain so for the foreseeable future. E-commerce is a crowded field, and there are relatively low barriers to entry for brand spanking new firms attempting to get into the market.
For instance, we wrote a review on one other popular e-commerce website, StockX, which deals in shoes, electronics, collectibles, and more.
The positioning Wayfair is of particular concern for Overstock as a result of similarities between their product offerings and business models, and can likely remain a source of consternation in the longer term.
That said, the threats Overstock faces seem like threatening its growth, not its survival.
The corporate’s financial situation stays stable enough to guarantee continued business and modest profits for a minimum of the subsequent few years.
Conclusion
Overstock is an e-commerce site that focuses on home furnishings, décor, and plenty of other product types, most of that are supplied at a reduced price by its almost 3,000 partners.
The firm leverages these relationships, its logistics network, and other aspects to make their price points as low cost as possible for all their products.
Overstock works hard to provide every customer a fantastic experience, though it looks as if they need to speculate more of their customer support in the event that they actually want to attain that goal.
Have you ever had any experience with Overstock before reading this review? Tell us within the comments below!