Startup Profile: Skiing Is Believing for GetOutfitted

by Daniel Kayser
October 31, 2013

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Colorado is known for many things, but if you were to ask people from around the globe what it is they associated most with the state, they're likely to mention its world-class skiing. Known as a playground for powder-loving people both in the US and abroad, the skiing scene in Colorado can be equal parts invigorating and intimidating if you don't know where to go or have the right equipment when you get there. Obviously, a weekend on the slopes isn't the cheapest of excursions either, which is why GetOutfitted Founder and CEO Julian Flores is seeking to offer a service that will allow users to rent what they need, experience our beautiful backcountry, and return their ski equipment hassle free.

The idea started when Flores, a self-professed mediocre skier himself, got a spark of inspiration from an unlikely source. "I first started testing the concept after my wife rented a designer dress through the mail, which was a brilliant service that is oddly underdeveloped outside fashion and film (Netflix)!," said Flores. "I have to confess that I'm not even a good skier and have used the high cost of entry to the activity as my excuse for not going for years. I realized that I myself have been dying for this kind of service for years and quickly started getting positive feedback from potential customers. So I went to work building the company for me and them!"

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And so, the idea of Get Outfitted was born. The company, which is now live in beta at GetOutfitted.com, is currently testing various ways to meet the customers' needs, including a la carte and more "curated" bundles. While some people are highly brand educated and want to build their own custom look, GetOutfitted recognizes that others will use the service for the convenience of knowing they arrive at the resort with a head to toe look that will keep them warm and dry, regardless of what brand is on the label. In both cases, Flores is looking to offer customers a great rental experience full of fun surprises that will cost them less than 15% of what they would spend at retail.

Just like the various slopes that accommodate a range of experience, GetOutfitted is aiming for a broad spectrum of customers. From families to novices, travelers to the hardcore set, GetOutfitted and its investors think what they're offering is an obviously needed, value-adding service for a lot of people that's continuing to take shape. "Since we're young, we're expecting our customers to tell us exactly how and why they are using our service so we can build it to meet a lot of needs," Flores said.

Of course, planning plays a big part in a successful skiing trip, but the service is also seeking to provide a solution for people looking for a last-minute lift ticket. "In most cases, planning your trip in advance will work best, but we'll have no problems overnighting gear to most places if needed," said Flores. "Observant skiers may find us on mountain market-testing a whole myriad of interesting ways to address our customers' immediate needs so keep a look out and score some free swag if you catch us!"

While the Colorado-based company is definitely focusing partnership efforts on a local level to take advantage of the resources and resorts in our own backyard, GetOutfitted's core service is built on parcel delivery from carriers like UPS and FedEx so the company is able to ship anywhere in the US from day one of operation. Outfitting skiers with the proper gear is currently the primary goal of the business, but Flores recognizes that there's a lot of potential for growth within the service to expand into areas of the skiing experience beyond the equipment rental itself. "GetOutfitted is currently best positioned to integrate seamlessly into and enhance a family's on-mountain experience, but not necessarily to dominate the flow of activities…yet," Flores told me. "We're setting up partnerships with many great businesses so our customers can get everything they need to have an incredible experience." Oh, and just in case you were wondering, purchasing the equipment your rent is indeed an option and something that Flores feels might end up being a backbone of the company. "I think there's a huge appeal in a "try it and buy it" model and we may very well become the best way to do that."

No matter how big things gets though, Flores is focused on offering a personal feel to the company's community since he understands what its like to need a service like the one GetOutfiited is offering. "As the founder of the company, it's really important to me that our customers can engage with me and us deeply to help build a community," said Flores. "We fully expect our customers to generate and share content, reach us through various channels for customer service, and to interact with each other directly. This is NOT a company of zombies behind computers so expect personality, authenticity, and humor. Please shut us down the second we seem anything like a car rental company."

While GetOutfitted is just getting underway, it's aiming to get out of the gate with the right foot forward before taking on steeper goals. "We are taking our time this ski season to create the best possible customer experience before going big," said Flores. "I believe firmly in a "nail it, then scale it" approach so expect us to fine-tune this service with our early customers who we'll rely on heavily for honest feedback. As for expanding to other outdoor activities, all I will say is that there is a reason we're not called "GetSkiOutfits!"

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