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For over two decades, The House has been a go-to destination for winter sports enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and action sports lovers across the United States. Whether you're gearing up for your first day on the slopes or you're a seasoned rider looking for the latest equipment, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate The House's extensive selection while maximizing your savings. From product categories to insider shopping tips, we'll cover everything you need to know about buying from The House.
What is The House?
The House (www.the-house.com) is a leading online and brick-and-mortar retailer specializing in outdoor gear, winter sports equipment, and action sports products. Founded in Minnesota, The House has built a reputation as one of America's largest suppliers of snowboards, skis, skateboards, bikes, and outdoor apparel.
The company offers an extensive selection from top brands at competitive prices, making it a favorite among budget-conscious enthusiasts and professionals alike. With both an online store accessible nationwide and a physical retail location in Saint Paul, Minnesota, The House serves customers across the country with a wide range of products for every season and skill level.
Product Categories: What The House Offers
Winter Sports Equipment
The House is particularly renowned for its winter sports inventory:
Snowboarding Gear:
- Complete snowboard packages (board, bindings, and boots)
- Individual snowboards from Burton, CAPiTA, Lib Tech, GNU, and Arbor
- Snowboard bindings including Union, Burton Step On, and traditional strap bindings
- Snowboard boots for all riding styles and ability levels
- Snowboard accessories: wax, tuning tools, stomp pads, and leashes
Skiing Equipment:
- Alpine skis from Rossignol, Salomon, K2, and other premium brands
- Ski bindings compatible with various boot systems
- Ski boots for beginners through expert skiers
- Ski poles, tuning equipment, and accessories
- Cross-country and backcountry skiing gear
Outerwear and Apparel
Stay warm and dry with The House's extensive clothing selection:
Winter Outerwear:
- Ski and snowboard jackets from Volcom, 686, Burton, and The North Face
- Insulated and shell snow pants and bibs
- Base layers and mid-layers for temperature regulation
- Gloves, mittens, and hand warmers
- Beanies, neck gaiters, and balaclavas
Accessories:
- Goggles from Oakley, Smith, and Anon
- Helmets with safety certifications
- Socks designed for winter sports
- Backpacks and gear bags
Action Sports
Beyond winter sports, The House carries year-round products:
Skateboarding:
- Complete skateboards and custom builds
- Decks, trucks, wheels, and bearings
- Protective gear and skate shoes
- Longboards and cruiser boards
Biking:
- Mountain bikes, road bikes, and BMX
- Bike components and accessories
- Cycling apparel and helmets
- Bike racks and storage solutions
Watersports:
- Wakeboards and wakesurfing equipment
- Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)
- Water skis and accessories
- Watersports apparel and life jackets
Outdoor and Camping Gear
The House also supplies hiking and camping essentials:
- Tents and sleeping bags
- Hiking backpacks and hydration systems
- Outdoor clothing and footwear
- Camping accessories and cookware
Featured Brands Available at The House
The House stocks equipment from the industry's most trusted names:
Snowboarding Brands:
- Burton - Industry leader in snowboarding innovation
- CAPiTA - Known for eco-friendly manufacturing
- Lib Tech - Famous for Magne-Traction technology
- GNU - Rider-focused designs and graphics
- Arbor - Sustainable snowboard manufacturing
- Union - Premium binding specialist
- Ride Snowboards - All-mountain versatility
Ski Brands:
- Rossignol - French heritage and performance
- Salomon - Technology-driven ski equipment
- K2 - American innovation since 1962
- Atomic - World Cup racing pedigree
- Fischer - Cross-country and alpine excellence
Apparel Brands:
- Volcom - Stone-inspired outerwear
- 686 - Technical performance clothing
- The North Face - Outdoor industry icon
- Patagonia - Environmentally conscious apparel
- Arc'teryx - Premium technical gear
How to Save Money at The House
1. Shop Seasonal Sales and Clearance
Timing your purchases can lead to massive savings:
End-of-Season Sales:
- Late March through April: Winter gear markdowns of 30-60%
- September through October: Summer equipment clearance
- Previous year's models at significantly reduced prices
Outlet Section:
- Dedicated outlet category with permanent discounts
- Discontinued models and color variations
- Overstock items at reduced prices
2. Use Promo Codes and Coupons
The House regularly offers promotional discounts:
Where to Find Codes:
- Visit couponreals.com for the latest The House promo codes
- Email newsletter subscribers receive exclusive discount codes
- Follow The House on social media for flash sales and special offers
- Text message promotions (sign up on their website)
Common Discount Types:
- Percentage-off your entire order (typically 10-20%)
- Dollar-amount discounts on minimum purchases
- Free shipping codes (on orders that don't qualify for automatic free shipping)
- Category-specific discounts (e.g., 25% off outerwear)
3. Take Advantage of Free Shipping
Save on delivery costs with these strategies:
Standard Free Shipping:
- Most orders over $99 qualify for free shipping
- No promo code needed for qualifying orders
- Applies to standard ground shipping
Tips to Reach the Threshold:
- Combine multiple items in one order
- Stock up on accessories like wax, goggles, or socks
- Bundle gear with apparel purchases
4. Shop Last Year's Models
Previous season equipment offers excellent value:
Benefits:
- Technology changes minimally year-to-year
- Save 20-50% compared to current models
- Same quality and performance as newer versions
- Great option for beginners and intermediate riders
Best Categories for Previous Models:
- Snowboards and skis (graphics are the main change)
- Boots (fit matters more than the latest features)
- Outerwear (style updates don't affect warmth)
5. Package Deals
Complete packages can save money over buying separately:
Snowboard Packages:
- Board, bindings, and boots bundles
- Pre-matched components for your skill level
- Save $50-150 compared to individual purchases
- Perfect for beginners getting started
Ski Packages:
- Skis with mounted bindings
- Complete setups save time and money
- Expert staff recommendations for proper fit
6. Price Match Considerations
While The House's prices are typically competitive:
- Compare prices across retailers before purchasing
- Factor in shipping costs when comparing
- Check if competitors include taxes in their pricing
- Consider The House's customer service value
7. Join the Email List
Newsletter subscribers enjoy exclusive benefits:
- Early access to sales before public announcement
- Subscriber-only promo codes (often 15% off)
- New product launch notifications
- Seasonal buying guides and gear recommendations
8. Shop the Physical Store Location
If you're near Saint Paul, Minnesota:
- Address: 300 S Owasso Blvd E, Saint Paul, MN 55117
- Try before you buy (especially important for boots)
- Speak with knowledgeable staff in person
- Avoid shipping costs entirely
- Sometimes find in-store only deals
Store Hours:
- Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Payment Methods Accepted
The House offers flexible payment options for your convenience:
Online Purchases
- All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit cards
- PayPal for secure checkout
- Shop Pay for faster processing
- Affirm buy-now-pay-later financing (for qualifying purchases)
In-Store Purchases
- Credit and debit cards
- Cash
- Checks (with valid ID)
- Gift cards
Financing Options
For larger purchases, The House partners with Affirm:
- Split purchases into monthly payments
- Approval process during checkout
- Various payment term options available
- Interest rates vary based on creditworthiness
Return and Exchange Policy
Understanding The House's return policy ensures a smooth shopping experience:
Standard Returns
General Policy:
- 90-day return window from date of purchase
- Items must be unused and in original condition
- Original packaging required
- Proof of purchase necessary
- Return shipping costs are customer's responsibility
Non-Returnable Items:
- Clearance and outlet items (sold as-is)
- Items that have been used, installed, or assembled
- Special order or custom items
- Electronics and software (after 30 days if opened)
- Bikes, kayaks, canoes, tents, and drones (30-day return window)
Electronics and Special Items
30-Day Return Policy Applies To:
- Electronics (must be unopened and unused)
- Skateboards
- Bikes
- Software
- Bedding
- Tents
- Drones
- Kayaks
After 30 days, defective items must be handled through the manufacturer's warranty.
Manufacturer Defects
If Your Item is Defective:
- Contact The House customer service immediately
- Defects covered within manufacturer's warranty period
- Some issues may need to be handled directly with the brand
- Keep all original packaging and documentation
How to Initiate a Return
Step-by-Step Process:
- Contact customer service at (800) 409-7669 or through the website
- Provide your order number and reason for return
- Receive return authorization and instructions
- Package items securely in original packaging
- Ship back using your preferred carrier
- Retain tracking information
- Refund processed within 5-10 business days of receipt
Important Notes:
- Refunds issued to original payment method
- Shipping charges are non-refundable
- Restocking fees may apply to certain items
- Promotional discounts will be deducted proportionally for partial returns
Customer Reviews: What Shoppers Are Saying
Positive Experiences ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Perfect Snowboard Setup!" - Jessica L., Colorado "Ordered a complete snowboard package from The House and couldn't be happier. The board, bindings, and boots were perfectly matched for my intermediate skill level. Price was $200 cheaper than my local shop. Shipping was fast and everything arrived in perfect condition."
"Best Prices on Ski Gear" - Michael T., Vermont "I've been buying from The House for 7 years. Their prices consistently beat everyone else, especially on previous season models. The quality is exactly the same as buying current year, but I save hundreds. Customer service has always been helpful when I've had questions."
"Great Selection and Fast Shipping" - Amanda R., Minnesota "As a local, I love being able to visit the store in person, but I usually order online for convenience. The website is easy to navigate, and they ship incredibly fast. My last order arrived in just 2 days even with standard shipping."
"Saved My Season!" - Chase M., California "Broke my bindings mid-season and needed replacements fast. The House had exactly what I needed in stock, applied a 15% discount code I found, and shipped the same day. Back on the mountain within 3 days. Highly recommend!"
Constructive Feedback ⭐⭐⭐
"Customer Service Could Be Better" - David K., Oregon "Product quality and prices are excellent, but had trouble reaching customer service when I needed to modify my order. Phone lines were busy, and email responses took 2 days. Once connected, they were helpful, but getting through was frustrating."
"Shipping Delays During Peak Season" - Sarah P., Utah "Ordered in late December and my package took 10 days to arrive instead of the 3-5 days advertised. I understand it was holiday season, but better communication about delays would have been appreciated. Product was exactly as described though."
"Return Process Could Be Smoother" - Brian W., New York "Needed to return boots that didn't fit. The return policy is fair, but having to pay return shipping on a $300 item felt expensive. Would love to see free returns like some other retailers offer. That said, my refund was processed quickly once they received the item."
"Hit or Miss with Customer Service" - Jennifer S., Washington "I've ordered multiple times with mixed experiences. Some orders were perfect - fast shipping, great communication. Others had issues that took effort to resolve. Seems like they may be understaffed during busy periods. When things go smoothly, it's great. When they don't, it's challenging."
Overall Ratings Summary
Based on reviews across multiple platforms:
- Overall Experience: 3.7/5 stars
- Product Selection: 4.5/5 stars
- Pricing and Value: 4.6/5 stars
- Shipping Speed: 3.8/5 stars
- Customer Service: 3.2/5 stars
- Product Quality: 4.4/5 stars
- Website Usability: 4.3/5 stars
Most customers agree that The House offers excellent prices and product selection, though customer service experiences can vary. Shopping during off-peak seasons typically results in better experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Shopping Questions
Q: Is The House a legitimate retailer?
A: Yes, The House has been in business for over 20 years and is a well-established retailer. They have a physical store in Minnesota and are an authorized dealer for all major brands they carry.
Q: How long does shipping take?
A: Standard shipping typically takes 3-7 business days. Most in-stock items ship within 24 hours of order placement. Expedited shipping options are available for faster delivery.
Q: Does The House ship internationally?
A: The House primarily ships within the United States. For international orders, contact customer service for availability and shipping costs.
Q: Can I track my order?
A: Yes, tracking information is emailed once your order ships. You can also track orders on The House website using your order number.
Product Questions
Q: How do I choose the right size snowboard?
A: Snowboard size depends on your height, weight, and riding style. The House website includes detailed sizing charts for each board. When in doubt, contact customer service for personalized recommendations.
Q: Are the products authentic brand-name items?
A: Yes, The House is an authorized retailer for all brands they sell. All products are 100% authentic, not knockoffs or replicas.
Q: What's the difference between this year's and last year's models?
A: Most changes year-to-year are cosmetic (graphics and colors). Core technology typically remains the same or changes minimally. Previous year models offer excellent value with nearly identical performance.
Q: Do you sell used or refurbished equipment?
A: The House sells new merchandise. Outlet and clearance items are new but may be discontinued models or overstocked items.
Pricing and Discounts
Q: Where can I find The House promo codes?
A: Visit couponreals.com for current discount codes. Also sign up for The House email newsletter for exclusive subscriber-only codes.
Q: Does The House offer price matching?
A: The House does not have a formal price match policy, but their prices are typically very competitive. Contact customer service if you find a significantly lower price elsewhere.
Q: Are there student or military discounts?
A: The House occasionally offers special promotions for students and military personnel. Check their website or contact customer service for current programs.
Q: When is the best time to buy winter gear?
A: Late season (March-April) offers the deepest discounts as retailers clear inventory. However, selection is more limited. For the best combination of selection and price, shop in November or wait for holiday sales.
Returns and Exchanges
Q: What if my boots don't fit?
A: Boots can be returned within 90 days if unworn and in original packaging. Unfortunately, return shipping is at your expense. Consider ordering multiple sizes if unsure, then return what doesn't fit.
Q: Can I exchange an item for a different size or color?
A: Exchanges are handled as returns followed by new purchases. Return your item, receive a refund, then place a new order for your preferred size or color.
Q: What if I receive a defective item?
A: Contact The House customer service immediately. They'll work with you to resolve the issue through replacement, repair, or refund depending on the situation.
Q: Are sale items returnable?
A: Regular sale items can be returned following standard policy. However, outlet items marked as clearance are sold as-is and cannot be returned.
Technical Support
Q: Can The House help me choose the right equipment?
A: Yes! Customer service staff are knowledgeable about the products they sell. Call (800) 409-7669 or use the chat feature on their website for personalized recommendations.
Q: Do you offer binding mounting services?
A: Binding mounting is not offered for online orders. If purchasing in-store at the Minnesota location, inquire about installation services. Otherwise, take equipment to a local shop for mounting.
Q: How do I care for my equipment? A: The House blog includes detailed care guides for snowboards, skis, and other equipment. Regular waxing, edge tuning, and proper storage extend equipment life.
Planning Your Purchase
Before You Buy
Research Phase:
- Determine your skill level and riding style
- Read product reviews on The House website
- Watch video reviews for visual demonstrations
- Check The House blog for buying guides
- Compare similar products within your budget
Sizing Phase:
- Consult sizing charts for boots and apparel
- Measure yourself accurately
- Read customer reviews for fit feedback
- Consider ordering multiple sizes (return what doesn't fit)
- Contact customer service with specific questions
Budget Phase:
- Set a realistic budget including shipping and taxes
- Check couponreals.com for current promo codes
- Compare package deals vs. individual items
- Factor in essential accessories (goggles, gloves, etc.)
- Consider previous year models for better value
What to Consider
For Beginners:
- Start with package deals for matched components
- Choose forgiving, all-mountain equipment
- Don't overspend on your first setup
- Consider renting before buying if unsure about the sport
- Read beginner-specific buying guides
For Intermediate Riders:
- Upgrade individual components as needed
- Explore specialized equipment for your preferred terrain
- Balance performance features with budget
- Consider last year's high-end models
- Invest in quality boots (most important piece of equipment)
For Advanced Riders:
- Focus on specific performance characteristics
- Don't be afraid to invest in premium equipment
- Consider multiple setups for different conditions
- Stay current with technology innovations
- Professional fitting for boots may be worthwhile
Contact Information and Customer Service
Main Contact Information
Customer Service Phone: (800) 409-7669 Available Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST
Website: www.the-house.com
Email Support: Available through contact form on website Response time: 24-48 hours
Live Chat: Available on website during business hours Fastest way to get quick answers
Retail Store Location
The House Outdoor Gear 300 S Owasso Blvd E Saint Paul, MN 55117
Store Phone: (651) 490-9485
Store Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Social Media
Stay connected for deals, new products, and riding inspiration:
- Facebook: @HouseOutdoorGear
- Instagram: @thehouseoutdoor
- Twitter: @thehousemn
- YouTube: The House Outdoor Gear
Order Support
Track Your Order: Use the order tracking tool on The House website Enter your order number and email address Real-time shipping updates
Modify or Cancel Order: Contact customer service immediately after placing order Changes may not be possible once items have shipped Cancellations processed before shipment receive full refund
Lost or Damaged Shipments: Contact customer service within 48 hours of delivery Provide order number and photos of damage The House will work with carrier to resolve issues
The House's Commitment to Riders
Expert Staff
The House employs riders and outdoor enthusiasts who:
- Use the products they sell
- Provide honest recommendations
- Stay current on industry trends
- Offer technical expertise
- Understand different skill levels and riding styles
Quality Selection
Every product sold meets The House's standards for:
- Brand authenticity and authorization
- Quality manufacturing
- Performance characteristics
- Value for price point
- Customer satisfaction history
Educational Resources
The House provides free resources including:
- Buying guides for all major product categories
- Video reviews demonstrating products in action
- Blog articles covering techniques, destinations, and gear care
- Sizing charts and fit guides
- Customer reviews for peer feedback
Is The House Worth Shopping?
The House offers compelling advantages for winter sports and outdoor enthusiasts:
Pros:
✅ Competitive Pricing - Often beats retail stores and many online competitors
✅ Huge Selection - Thousands of products from top brands
✅ Previous Year Savings - Deep discounts on last season's equipment
✅ Free Shipping - On orders over $99
✅ Established Business - Over 20 years of operation
✅ Authentic Products - Authorized dealer for all brands
✅ Educational Content - Helpful buying guides and reviews
Cons:
❌ Variable Customer Service - Experiences can be inconsistent
❌ Return Shipping Costs - Customer pays to return items
❌ Peak Season Delays - Shipping can slow during busy periods
❌ Limited Try-Before-Buy - Only possible at Minnesota store
❌ Outlet Items Non-Returnable - Clearance sales are final
Bottom Line:
The House is an excellent choice for budget-conscious riders who know what they want or are willing to research products carefully. The combination of competitive pricing, extensive selection, and regular promotional discounts makes it possible to outfit yourself for winter sports at a fraction of retail costs.
For best results:
- Shop during off-peak seasons when customer service is more responsive
- Use promo codes from couponreals.com to maximize savings
- Order with enough time to handle potential exchanges
- Save on previous year models without sacrificing quality
- Join the email list for exclusive deals and early sale access
Whether you're a first-time buyer gearing up for your inaugural season or a veteran rider looking to upgrade your quiver, The House provides access to quality equipment at prices that keep the sport accessible. With proper planning, research, and smart use of discounts, The House can help you get on the mountain without breaking the bank.
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