Gilt sells designer fashion, accessories and more at big discounts, and the sales do not last. The site's own boutique page promises insider access to coveted designers at up to 70% off retail prices, with new sales launching daily.
That sounds great. But flash sales reward people who know the rules, so this guide is built around them.
Rule One: Know How the Site Works
Gilt invented the online flash sale format in 2007, according to public sources, and it is now owned by Rue Gilt Groupe. You join as a member, browse timed sales, and buy before the clock runs out.
Prices are marked down against the full retail price. Stock is limited, so popular sizes go first. That is the thrill and the trap: it is easy to buy something fast that you would not buy slowly.
Rule Two: Learn the Offers Before You Buy
Gilt's own pages did not load for our tools in full, so the offers below come from coupon and review sites. They agree on the main points but not on every detail.
| Offer | What Third Party Sites Report |
|---|---|
| Designer sales | Up to 70% off retail, with some items marked lower |
| New member perk | Extra 10% off with email sign up, and free shipping on a first order in some reports |
| Text alert coupon | 10 dollars off when you join text alerts |
| Clearance | Extra markdowns on selected clearance, with higher percentages claimed on some pages |
| Gilt Unlimited | A paid plan that removes per order shipping fees |
Treat these as leads, not promises. Coupon pages are often out of date, so check the offer in your cart before you pay.
Rule Three: Read the Return Rules First
This is where flash sale sites trip people up.
Sources report that Gilt gives you 21 days to return an item, counted from the shipping date, not the delivery date. Refunds to your card may carry a fee of about 11.99 dollars, while store credit returns are often free. One source says 30 days. The numbers differ, so read the return page.
Also watch for items marked Final Sale. They cannot be returned. Many of the deepest discounts carry that label.
Four Ways to Shop Gilt
Gilt's pages show no fixed prices, since sales change daily. These four areas are the main routes.
1. Women's Designer Fashion
Clothing, shoes, bags and accessories from designer labels. Third party sites mention sales on brands such as Ulla Johnson, Longchamp and Furla.
Check the size chart and the final sale label before you pay.
Best For: Shoppers who want designer labels at a discount.
2. Men's Fashion
Menswear, shoes and accessories on the same flash sale model. Public pages mention designer brands for men and for kids.
Basics like knitwear, shirts and shoes are safest to buy online because fit is easier to judge.
Best For: Men who like a premium label without the full price.
3. Clearance Cut
The boutique page lists a collection called Clearance Cut, built around further markdowns. Coupon sites mention extra percentage cuts on clearance.
Clearance is final sale in many cases, so be sure of your size.
Best For: Bargain hunters who accept no returns.
4. Gilt Unlimited
A paid shipping plan. One review site puts the annual price at 55 dollars, while older sites mention a short term plan. Check the current price on the site.
It only pays off if you order often, since shipping is otherwise a flat fee of about 11.99 dollars, according to one source.
Best For: Frequent shoppers who order several times a year.
Rule Four: Do the Shipping Math
Shipping can quietly cancel a discount. If a 40 dollar item costs 12 dollars to ship and 12 to return, the deal is not a deal.
So compare totals. Add the item price, shipping and any return fee. Then compare it with the full price elsewhere. If you order several items in one sale, shipping per order becomes less painful. If you shop often, Gilt Unlimited may help.
Rule Five: Set a Budget and a Timer
Flash sales use countdown clocks to create pressure. Beat that by deciding your budget before you open the app.
Write down what you actually need. Add items to your bag only if they match. Sleep on bigger purchases if the sale lasts long enough. And remember that new sales launch daily, so missing one is not the end of the world.
A Quick Example of the Math
Imagine a sweater listed at 120 dollars on Gilt, down from 300. That looks like a 60% saving. Now add flat shipping of about 11.99 dollars. The total is about 132 dollars.
If the same sweater is on sale elsewhere for 140 dollars with free shipping, the gap shrinks to just a few dollars. And if you have to return the Gilt sweater for a refund to your card, the return fee could push the cost even higher.
That does not mean Gilt is a bad deal. It means the headline percentage is only the start. Always compare the final total, and check the sale price against other stores before you buy.
What Else Is on the Site
Gilt has also sold home goods, kids' clothing, beauty and experiences over the years, and third party pages mention travel and gourmet offers in past sales. These come and go, so check what is live today.
If you enjoy browsing, the boutique page is the place to start. If you want a specific brand, use the search bar and add the brand to your wish list so you can spot it when a sale returns.
How Gilt Compares
| Category | Gilt | Nordstrom Rack | Saks Off 5th | TJ Maxx |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Known for | Online flash sales on designer fashion | Off price stores and online | Off price luxury | Off price stores and online |
| Model | Timed sales, members | Rolling clearance | Rolling clearance | Rolling stock |
| Discounts | Up to 70% off retail, per Gilt | Check site | Check site | Check site |
| Returns | About 21 days, per third party sites | Check site | Check site | Check site |
| Shipping plan | Gilt Unlimited | Check site | Check site | Check site |
Competitor details are general and change often, so check each retailer before you decide.
Who Should Shop Gilt?
- Shoppers who love designer labels and can wait for a sale.
- People who know their sizes in popular brands.
- Deal hunters who check sales daily.
- Frequent buyers who may benefit from a shipping plan.
- Anyone who can set a budget and stick to it.
- Gift buyers who want a premium label at a lower price.
Questions People Ask Before Buying
Is Gilt legitimate?
Public review sites describe it as a legitimate flash sale site, with rules to read first.
How much can I save?
The site promises up to 70% off retail prices. Real savings depend on the item.
What is the return window?
Third party sources report about 21 days from shipping. Read the return page.
Are all items returnable?
No. Final Sale items cannot be returned.
Is there free shipping?
Gilt Unlimited members get free standard shipping, and some reports mention free shipping on a first order.
Final Verdict: Great Deals for People Who Follow the Rules
Gilt can deliver real designer discounts, but only if you read the return rules, count the shipping and avoid impulse buys. Join for free, set a budget, check the final sale label, and compare the final price with other stores.