When you’re searching for a gift that’s truly out of the ordinary, you’ve likely come across Uncommon Goods. This online marketplace stands out with its curated collection of creative, quirky, and often handmade items that you won’t find in a big-box store. But with any online retailer, a crucial question arises: is Uncommon Goods legit?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the company. We’ll explore its history, ethical practices, product selection process, shipping and return policies, and overall customer experience. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what this retailer is all about and can decide if it’s the right place for your next unique find.
Table of Contents
- What is Uncommon Goods?
- How Does Uncommon Goods Find Its Products?
- Is Uncommon Goods Ethical? A Look at Its Business Practices
- The Shopping Experience: Ordering, Shipping, and Returns
- Discounts and Sales: How to Find a Deal
- Uncommon Goods Reviews and Reputation
- The Verdict: Is Uncommon Goods a Legit Site?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Uncommon Goods?
Before diving into policies and products, it’s helpful to understand the about uncommon goods story. The uncommon goods history began in 1999 when founder Dave Bolotsky visited a craft show and was inspired to create an online marketplace connecting artists and makers with a broader audience. What started as a small venture has grown into a Brooklyn-based company with a mission to offer a platform for creativity.
So, what is uncommon goods company at its core? It’s an e-commerce retailer focused on providing unique, design-driven products. The collection includes everything from home decor and kitchen gadgets to handmade jewelry and personalized items. Many shoppers looking for uncommon gifts find the site to be a primary destination. We’ll explore the product range further, but to answer the question, what does uncommon goods sell, the simple answer is: thoughtfully curated items that tell a story.
How Does Uncommon Goods Find Its Products?
A key part of the uncommongoods brand is its unique product assortment. The company doesn’t just sell mass-produced items; it has a dedicated buying team that searches year-round for goods that meet specific criteria. They scour craft shows, artist portfolios, and even online submissions to find their next bestsellers.
Every product is evaluated based on a set of questions designed to ensure it’s a true “uncommon good”:
- Does it serve a purpose or solve a problem?
- Is it beautifully designed?
- Is it handmade with exceptional skill?
- Does it use unusual, reclaimed, or recycled materials?
- Is it made without leather, fur, or feathers?
- Does it inspire wonder?
This meticulous curation process is central to the company’s identity and a primary reason customers seek out uncommon goods gifts. They even have an in-house team that develops exclusive products, further setting their catalog apart from stores like uncommon goods.
Is Uncommon Goods Ethical? A Look at Its Business Practices
For many modern consumers, a company’s ethics are just as important as its products. So, is uncommon goods ethical? The evidence strongly suggests a deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Uncommon Goods is a certified founding B Corporation, a designation it earned in 2007. B Corps are for-profit companies certified to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This community includes well-respected brands like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s, placing Uncommon Goods in good company. This certification alone answers many questions about whether is uncommon goods a good company.
The company’s commitment extends to several other key areas:
- Sustainability: Catalogs are printed on FSC-certified paper, packing materials are environmentally friendlier, and they encourage artists to use sustainable or recycled materials. All products are free of leather, feathers, and fur.
- Giving Back: Through its “Better to Give” program, the company donates $1 for every purchase to a non-profit partner of the customer’s choice ($2 for Perks members). Since 2001, they have donated over three million dollars.
- Fair Labor: The company reports that its starting pay for hourly workers is more than double the federal minimum wage and has advocated for paid family leave and higher wages in New York State.
These practices demonstrate a business model that prioritizes more than just profit, reinforcing its reputation as a legitimate and conscientious retailer.
The Shopping Experience: Ordering, Shipping, and Returns
A smooth and reliable shopping experience is crucial for any e-commerce business. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when you place an order with uncommongoods.
Ordering and Gift Options
The checkout process is straightforward. A popular feature is the ability to add gift options. If you’re wondering, does uncommon goods gift wrap, the answer is yes. For a fee of $5.95, you can have your items placed in a reusable drawstring gift bag with a personalized gift card. You can also add a free gift message to the packing slip. Importantly, packing slips never include pricing information, making every order “gift-ready.”
Shipping
When it comes to delivery, how does uncommon goods ship? The company uses major carriers like UPS and USPS. Orders are dispatched from one of two main locations. So, where does uncommon goods ship from? Their primary warehouses are in Brooklyn, NY, and Indianapolis, IN, though some custom-made items ship directly from the artist.
They offer several shipping tiers, from Economy (3-7 business days) to Express (1 business day), with costs based on the order value. While there isn’t a sitewide policy for uncommon goods free shipping, members of their “Uncommon Perks” program receive free standard shipping on all U.S. orders for an annual fee.
Return Policy
One of the most impressive aspects of the company is its return policy. Unlike most retailers that impose a 30 or 60-day window, Uncommon Goods has a “forever” return policy. You can return an item at any time for any reason (with a few exceptions, like custom-made items and fine jewelry). This flexible, customer-centric policy is a significant factor when determining if is uncommon goods reliable.
Discounts and Sales: How to Find a Deal
While the company prides itself on the unique quality of its handmade products rather than deep discounts, there are still ways to save. So, does uncommon goods have sales? Yes, they maintain a dedicated uncommon goods sale section on their website where items are marked down anywhere from 10-70%.
New customers can get a $5 promo code by signing up for the email newsletter. The company also sends a $5 code for the first birthday or anniversary reminder you add to your account.
Many shoppers ask, does uncommon goods have black friday sales? While they may offer special promotions during peak shopping seasons like uncommon goods black friday or uncommon goods cyber monday, their main focus remains on their curated collection rather than sitewide blowouts. For frequent shoppers, the Uncommon Perks program is the most consistent way to save on shipping costs.
Uncommon Goods Reviews and Reputation
When evaluating a company, it’s always wise to look at reviews. A quick search for uncommon goods reviews or uncommongoods.com reviews reveals a generally positive sentiment from customers who appreciate the unique product selection and gift-centric nature of the site. Many shoppers use platforms like uncommon goods trustpilot to share their experiences.
The company itself highlights positive feedback, with one customer stating, “Uncommon Goods is my first stop for gift shopping. Thanks for scouring the planet to find these little gems for us, and for being the kind of company I can feel good about supporting.”
While individual experiences can vary, as with any retailer, the public perception aligns with the company’s mission. Formal ratings, like those from the uncommon goods bbb (Better Business Bureau), can provide another layer of insight for those doing their due diligence. Overall, the available reviews of uncommon goods and general uncommon goods website review feedback point toward a trustworthy and well-regarded business. The question of is uncommon good seems to be answered with a resounding “yes” by many of its loyal customers.
The Verdict: Is Uncommon Goods a Legit Site?
After a thorough review of its history, business practices, and policies, the answer is clear. Uncommon Goods is a legitimate, ethical, and reliable online retailer. So is uncommongoods com legit? Absolutely.
Here’s a summary of the key factors that support its legitimacy:
- Long-Standing History: Over two decades in business.
- Certified B Corporation: Meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance.
- Ethical Sourcing: Focuses on handmade, recycled, and sustainable products while avoiding fur, feathers, and leather.
- Transparent Policies: A customer-friendly “forever” return policy and clear shipping options.
- Positive Reputation: Strong brand identity and positive customer feedback.
Whether you are looking for uncommon goods mother’s day gifts or something for uncommon goods fathers day, you can shop with confidence. The company has proven that is uncommon goods a reliable website is a question with a positive answer, backed by years of ethical operation and a commitment to creativity. It’s more than just a store; it’s a platform for artists and a source of delight for shoppers seeking something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns uncommon goods?
Uncommon Goods was founded by Dave Bolotsky, who remains the company’s CEO. It is an independently owned business.
Where is uncommon goods located?
The company’s headquarters and one of its main warehouses are located in Brooklyn, New York. They have a second warehouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
What can I find if I evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on birthday gifts?
If you evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on birthday gifts, you’ll discover a vast selection of personalized items, unique gadgets, handmade jewelry, and experiential gifts like DIY kits and classes that are perfect for celebrating a birthday.
What options are there if I evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on christmas gifts?
When you evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on christmas gifts, you’ll find festive decor, unique stocking stuffers, personalized family gifts, and cozy winter-themed items, making it a one-stop-shop for holiday needs.
What should I expect if I evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on gifts for women?
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As you evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on gifts for men, you’ll discover unique barware, personalized hobby-related gifts, clever tech gadgets, and outdoor accessories that go beyond the typical tie or wallet.
What kind of products appear when I evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on anniversary gifts?
When you evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on anniversary gifts, you’ll find personalized keepsakes that commemorate special dates, romantic couple-centric games and kits, custom wall art, and elegant handmade items perfect for marking the occasion.
What is available if I evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on graduation gifts?
When you evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on graduation gifts, you will find inspirational decor, personalized keepsakes for their new chapter, practical items for a new home or office, and unique accessories to celebrate their achievement.
What gifts are available if I evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on gifts for mom?
If you evaluate the e-commerce retail company uncommon goods on gifts for mom, you will discover a heartwarming selection of custom family-themed art, handmade jewelry, relaxing spa kits, and unique gardening or kitchen tools perfect for Mother’s Day or her birthday.
Is uncommon goods legit reddit discussions suggest it is?
While this article is based on the company’s official information, many shoppers turn to forums for firsthand accounts. When searching for terms like is uncommon goods legit reddit, you will often find user-generated discussions and reviews that can provide additional perspectives on their shopping experiences.
Are there other sites like uncommon goods?
Yes, there are other websites like uncommon goods that focus on unique or handmade items. However, the combination of B Corp certification, a “forever” return policy, and a highly curated catalog makes the uncommongood shopping experience distinct among companies like uncommon goods.
Do you have an uncommon goods catalog?
Yes, Uncommon Goods mails a physical uncommon goods catalog 4-6 times a year. You can sign up to receive it on their website, where you can also view a digital version.
