Outer: Ultimate Brand Review And Rating

The Outer website strikes a harmonious balance between elegance and functionality, mirroring the ethos of their outdoor furniture collections. Its streamlined navigation ensures you can effortlessly find product specifications, vivid imagery, and insightful details about their eco-friendly practices. While it serves as an inviting gateway to the Outer experience, the website skillfully leaves room for exploration, encouraging visitors to engage more deeply with their story and product offerings while maintaining a crisp, inviting aesthetic.

Outer's Ease of Navigation

• The Outer website offers a straightforward navigation experience, which is crucial for consumers exploring outdoor furniture options. The clear categorization into product types like sofas, sectionals, and chaise lounges, along with easy-to-use filters for price, seat count, and frame type, enhances the shopping journey.
• Another good feature is the intuitive sorting capability, which aligns with user expectations by offering recommended, price, and seat count sorting.
• The product pages on Outer's website are a highlight, showcasing detailed images and essential information like pricing, warranties, and material descriptions at a glance. This transparency and depth of detail are commendable.
• While the website's overall ease of navigation is praiseworthy, a potential area for improvement could be the visibility of the 'Shop Now'  or ‘Buy Now’ call-to-action buttons. In a market where immediate visual cues are crucial, ensuring these buttons stand out could further streamline the shopping process, guiding users more effectively toward making a purchase.
• The Outer website’s responsive design adapts well across different devices, offering a consistent shopping experience whether on desktop, tablet, or mobile.
• The educational content available on Outer's site adds significant value to the customer's browsing experience. Sections about the story of the brand and the materials they use not only inform the user about the unique aspects of the products but also demonstrate Outer's expertise and commitment to quality.

Outer's Information Available “At-A-Glance” 

• Each Outer sofa listing prominently displays the item's name, price, and any current discounts, making it simple for me to assess value at a glance. The inclusion of the OuterShell® feature on applicable products is a brilliant touch, signaling innovation and care for customer convenience.
• The product images on Outer are strikingly clear and informative, offering a visual summary of the product's quality and style. The color preview option further enhances the browsing experience.
• Outer's product listings thoughtfully include sofa warranty information, reflecting the brand's confidence in their furniture's durability. This detail is invaluable for me, helping to gauge the long-term value of my investment.
• The inclusion of material and care information for each product, like the weather-resistant OuterWeave™ fabric, is incredibly helpful. It allows me to understand what I'm buying and how to maintain it.
• For me, the availability of various seating counts and frame types right on the overview page is a testament to Outer's commitment to variety and customization. Nonetheless, the website could benefit from a feature that allows quick comparisons between different models or configurations, aiding in more nuanced decision-making.
• The presentation of customer reviews and ratings for each product provides immediate insight into user satisfaction and product performance, which I find incredibly reassuring. Outer could enhance this by summarizing top pros and cons, as identified in customer feedback, to provide at-a-glance insights that could influence purchasing decisions.

Outer's Product Images  

• The Outer website impressively showcases its outdoor sofas and sectionals with clear, high-resolution images that vividly capture the textures and colors of the materials. I can almost feel the quality through the screen! While these images provide a solid understanding of what to expect, incorporating interactive 360-degree views could further enrich the potential buyer's visual experience.
• I would love to see Outer present its outdoor sofas from multiple perspectives, offering views from different angles that highlight the design and functionality of each piece. This thorough visual representation is crucial for online shoppers.
• The zoom-in functionality on Outer couch images allows customers to scrutinize the craftsmanship and material details more closely.
• Close-up shots on the Outer site do a commendable job of illustrating the fabric quality and the robustness of materials like their unique OuterWeave™.
• The brand also includes a variety of images in real-life settings to demonstrate how each sofa or sectional adapts to various outdoor environments and decor styles.
• The inclusion of scale references in Outer's product images is a smart touch, helping to communicate the actual size and proportion of the furniture.

Outer's Quality of Product Information 

• Outer's product descriptions are impressively detailed, highlighting the unique features and benefits of each piece, such as the patented OuterShell® and the innovative OuterWeave™ fabric. These descriptions delve into the nitty-gritty of what makes each product special, providing potential buyers with a clear understanding of the item's value.
• The technical specifications provided on Outer's website are thorough, covering essential measurements and material details. This level of detail is invaluable for customers needing to understand how each piece will fit into their outdoor spaces.
• Material information on the Outer site is detailed, specifying the types of fabrics and materials used and their environmental certifications, such as FSC® certified teak.
• Construction details are well-covered, reassuring customers of the quality and durability of Outer's furniture. The information about frame construction, cushion support, and weather resistance is particularly beneficial.
• Outer provides clear information about warranty and care instructions, which is crucial for outdoor furniture. This transparency helps establish trust and sets expectations for product longevity and maintenance.

Outer's Extra Bells & Whistles 

• Outer's Neighborhood Showroom program, initiated in 2018, offers a novel approach to shopping for outdoor furniture by allowing potential customers to experience Outer products firsthand in actual customer homes across the United States. Interested buyers can easily find and visit a Neighborhood Showroom nearby or engage virtually.
• Outer's initiative, outerLABS, embodies their commitment to innovation and community engagement, fostering a collaborative environment where customers can directly contribute to the product development process. By inviting community feedback on prototypes, understanding everyday outdoor challenges, and sharing insights into their design and manufacturing processes, Outer aims to create products that genuinely address consumer needs and enhance outdoor living, ensuring every innovation is purposeful and environmentally conscious.

At the heart of Outer's customer experience lies a well-organized shipping strategy, emphasizing predictability and trust. Their approach to lead times and deliveries showcases a brand that values customer satisfaction and strives to exceed industry norms in service and reliability.

Outer's Made to Order Products: When it comes to made-to-order products, such as Outer’s Veranda Collection, it takes 8 to 10 weeks before the products are delivered.

Outer's In Stock Items: Whether customizing your own sofa or sectional or ordering other in-stock items, Outer can ship the items in 1 to 2 weeks.

Outer's Shipping Time: It typically takes an additional 2 to 3 weeks for the order to be delivered to your location after it has been dispatched.

At Couch.com we’re committed to furnishing our audience with crucial information to help make well-informed decisions when shopping for their new sofas. We place immense value on customer fulfillment. How does Outer fare in providing services and resources that are truly customer-oriented? 

“Shopping in a retail store is just not a desirable experience. How can you buy outdoor furniture when it’s been protected 24/7 indoors? It’s never seen a drop of rain or bird poop or a ray of sunshine,” said Outer co-founder and CEO Jiake Liu about real customers hosting showrooms in their own backyards. So that is where our idea for our Neighborhood Showrooms came from. And it was perfect for us, since we didn’t have the money initially to open up retail showrooms. We don’t give them sales scripts. In fact, we tell them not to sell, like the Tupperware model. We just ask them to invite their neighbors in and provide an authentic experience. It’s special to us and it works,” he added.

Outer's Warranty:

• Outer offers an impressive 10-year warranty for their teak and aluminum sofas and chairs, demonstrating their confidence in the durability and longevity of these products. This decade-long coverage is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring purchasers can enjoy their outdoor furniture with peace of mind for many years.
• The warranty for Outer sofas specifically covers critical aspects like broken frames, loose joints, and defects in workmanship and materials that could affect the structural integrity or drastically alter the appearance of the furniture.
• While the warranty is comprehensive, it is also clear about what is not covered, including minor cosmetic cracks, variations in color or texture, and damage from improper use or maintenance.
• To benefit from the warranty, customers need to be the original purchasers and use the products only in residential settings. Claims require contacting Outer's customer service, providing proof of defect, and may necessitate photos or other documentation.
• Outer also provides a 5-year warranty for cushions purchased with their sofas, addressing concerns like seam slippage, zipper malfunctions, and excessive fading. The same is true for the wicker components of Outer outdoor sofas.

Outer's Return Options:

• Outer offers an exceptional 365-day return policy for their sofas, which significantly surpasses industry standards and provides customers with ample time to ensure their satisfaction with the purchase.
• While the generous return window stands out, it's important to note that returns incur a 20% restocking fee plus the cost of return shipping. This is a crucial detail for customers to consider, as it impacts the refund amount.
• Outer accepts returns of seating and soft goods only if they are undamaged and unmodified, emphasizing the need for products to be in resellable condition.
• Built-to-order products are not eligible for returns or cancellations three business days after purchase.
• Initiating a return with Outer involves contacting their customer service via email, which is a straightforward process.

Outer's Delivery Options & Costs:

Outer offers a comprehensive delivery service that includes scheduled freight shipping for sofas, sectionals, and single modular chairs via FedEx or FragilePAK. This service encompasses delivery to the chosen area or room, unpacking, assembly, and removal of all packaging materials. The tiered pricing based on the number of seats:

• $275 for 1-3 seats
• $375 for 4-6 seats
• $475 for 7+ seats

When ordered alongside larger items like sofas, certain products such as fire pit tables, large outdoor rugs, and dining sets ship for free.

• Recognizing the diverse needs of their customer base, Outer accommodates unique delivery situations, such as deliveries to apartments or condos, which may require special arrangements or a Certificate of Insurance (COI).
• Compared to some competitors, Outer does not provide an expedited shipping option, which might be a downside for customers needing their furniture promptly.

Outer's Financing Options:

• Outer partners with Affirm, a well-known financing company, to offer customers the option to "buy now and pay later," making their outdoor sofas more accessible.
• Customers can choose from various term lengths for their financing plans, including 12, 18, or 24 months.
• Financing through Affirm ensures customers face no hidden fees, offering clarity and predictability in monthly payments.

Is Assembly Required?

• Outer teak seating products are delivered fully assembled so all you have to do is unpack them and arrange the pieces. Meanwhile, other Outer outdoor sofas require minimal assembly, such as attaching their legs. This takes only a few minutes and can easily be done using the tool that comes with the package. Of course, they also have a white glove service that takes care of everything if you need help with the assembly.

Outer's Customization Options:

• You can choose the best fabric color that suits your style on most Outer outdoor sofas. If you choose to build your Outer modular sofa, you can pick the frame material, fabric color, and the perfect configuration that fits your space.

Does Outer Offer Free Fabric Swatches?

• Yes, you can order free fabric swatches from Outer. You can also talk to their specialist if you need to ask for details about their products. They even offer free design consultations where you can work with an expert hand in hand so you can achieve your vision. This consult does not require any purchase. Wow!

In the realm of outdoor living, the resilience of furniture is a key concern. Outer aims  to deliver outdoor furniture that excels in quality, durability, and sustainability. But how does Outer's craftsmanship and material selection measure up?

“We have the world’s first outdoor sofa that’s as comfortable as a bed, as durable as camping gear, and uses proprietary weather/life proof materials that are 100% recyclable,” Liu said. The question remains on how these elements coalesce to ensure Outer's furniture withstands years of outdoor use, reflecting their core promise of lasting quality and exceptional value.

Outer's Quality of Materials:

• Outer's proprietary OuterWeave™ fabric is engineered specifically for outdoor use, showcasing a robust and tightly woven structure that offers resistance to water, stains, mold, and fading.
• For the framework, Outer utilizes Grade A, FSC-certified teak, known for its superior durability, strength, and resistance to weathering. Teak is a high-density hardwood, rich in natural oils, making it resistant to rot and decay – far surpassing softer woods like pine in both durability and quality, providing a sturdy foundation for their sofas.
• In addition to teak, Outer employs powder-coated aluminum frames, which offer a lightweight yet strong alternative.
• The cushions are crafted using a triple-layer memory foam, which is designed to mimic the ergonomic support of a luxury mattress. This material selection not only enhances comfort but also contributes to the cushion's durability, maintaining shape and comfort over time, unlike standard foam options that can quickly compress or lose resilience.

Outer's Cleanability:

• Outer's sofas are upholstered with their proprietary OuterWeave™ fabric, renowned for its ease of cleaning and resistance to various elements. Its resilience means that most spills and stains can be cleaned with just a hose down or mild soap solution, simplifying maintenance considerably.
• Outer's commitment to durability extends to its sofa frames, constructed from materials like powder-coated aluminum and Grade A teak, which are inherently resistant to weathering and corrosion. To clean these frames, a simple rinse with a garden hose or a mild soap solution is typically sufficient. For aluminum frames, avoid harsh chemicals and pressure washing to maintain the integrity of the coating. Teak frames can be cleaned with a soft brush and soapy water, though they naturally weather to a silver-gray patina over time.
• Outer's all-weather wicker is designed to withstand the elements while maintaining its aesthetic appeal, making it relatively easy to care for compared to traditional wicker materials. To clean wicker frames, it is advised to gently vacuum or brush off loose dirt before wiping down with a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes that could damage the wicker's surface. For more thorough cleanings, a hose can be used to rinse the wicker gently, followed by air drying in a shaded area to prevent direct sunlight damage.
• Outer's fabric options are designed with outdoor usability in mind, featuring colors and patterns that minimize the appearance of stains or dirt. The patented OuterShell® cover adds another layer of protection, shielding the cushions from light rain and debris and aiding in the overall cleanability of the sofa. The removable cushion covers on Outer's sofas enhance the furniture's cleanability, allowing for machine washing on a gentle cycle with cold water and air drying.

Outer's Quality of Construction & Manufacturing Origin:

• Outer is based in Santa Monica, California but the furniture pieces are manufactured in the factory owned by the family of CEO Jiake Liu.
• Outer’s OuterWeave™ fabric provides a soft, yet durable touch, which likely outperforms standard outdoor fabric options in terms of longevity and maintenance.
• Outer utilizes robust materials for their frames, including aluminum and Grade A teak, which are known for their durability and resistance to the elements. Such materials surpass common softwoods in longevity and stability, ensuring the sofas can withstand various outdoor conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
• The Outer aluminum sofa frames are built with best-in-class welds to ensure their structural integrity. They are also finished with top-of-the-line powder coating for protection against the elements.
• Outer uses rust-proof legs crafted by lost wax casting for the legs of their outdoor sofas. This means they formed the legs in wax and then built a cast around it.
• Aside from having really thick cushions for comfort, they have double-stitched seams at different stress points to ensure they remain intact.

The synergy between you and your chosen brand is pivotal, particularly in an era where values and ethos play significant roles in purchase decisions. Let's delve into Outer's world, exploring how their sustainable practices and design ethos might align with your lifestyle, ensuring that your investment in their outdoor furniture is more than just functional—it's a statement of your values and a nod to conscious living.

Outer's Key Differentiators & Unique Facts:

• Outer stands out in the outdoor furniture market with its unique Neighborhood Showroom program, initiated in 2018.
• As a proud partner of 1% For the Planet, Outer actively supports environmental non-profits, reinforcing their mission to inspire outdoor living while contributing to global environmental solutions and community-based conservation efforts.

Outer's Sustainability:

Outer is redefining outdoor living with a strong commitment to sustainability. By focusing on durable, eco-friendly materials and innovative designs, they aim to minimize environmental impact and promote conscious consumerism.

• Outer incorporates 30% recycled materials into their HDPE wicker, transforming over 99 plastic water bottles into durable furniture for each chair, underscoring their commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy practices.
• Outer's teak collections boast FSC® certification, ensuring the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests. The brand's commitment to replanting trees and leveraging teak's natural carbon absorption capabilities exemplifies their dedication to environmental stewardship and climate change mitigation.
• Opting for solution-dyed fabrics, Outer minimizes water usage and prevents chemical runoff, showcasing a greener alternative to traditional fabric dyeing processes and emphasizing their pledge to prevent environmental contamination.
• Embracing a comprehensive approach to sustainability, Outer ensures that their sofa sets are fully recyclable, from aluminum frames to repurposable foams, aligning with international recycling standards and facilitating end-of-life recycling.

Outer's Overall Brand Presentation:

• Outer impresses with a strong commitment to sustainability, quality, and community engagement. Their innovative Neighborhood Showroom program, coupled with eco-conscious materials and designs, reflects a dedication to environmental responsibility and customer connection. By prioritizing durable, recyclable materials and fostering direct consumer interaction, Outer successfully markets their sofas as not just furniture but as part of a larger movement towards sustainable outdoor living and community involvement.