Shopping for a shed, carport, or metal garage? This independent guide to Alan’s Factory Outlet covers what they sell, where they deliver, prices and deposits, BBB complaints and public reviews, warranties and wind/snow ratings, and step-by-step tips to avoid costly mistakes.
Alan’s Factory Outlet products: Sheds, carports, and metal garages
Alan’s Factory Outlet is a US dealer that sells and arranges delivery/installation of custom metal carports, garages, and metal buildings, ordered online or by phone. They promote free delivery and installation in eligible states, small deposits to order, and optional 12-gauge framing with a long rust-through warranty.
Alan’s Factory Outlet service area and delivery coverage
According to its public materials, Alan’s Factory Outlet offers free delivery and installation across a wide regional footprint in the South, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Midwest. Always confirm your ZIP code and lead time before placing a deposit.
Company reputation: BBB rating, complaints, and public reviews
- BBB rating: The business is listed on the Better Business Bureau with a strong rating and long accreditation history.
- BBB complaints: Complaints mainly cluster around delivery timelines, communication gaps, and refund expectations.
- Review sites: Public reviews frequently cite easy ordering and visible pricing; negative reviews tend to focus on scheduling delays or spec misunderstandings.
Alan’s Factory Outlet pricing, deposits, and when you pay
Ordering commonly requires a 10%–17% deposit. The balance is typically due after installation (very large builds may require a larger milestone payment). Many product pages publish transparent pricing by size/roof style, which helps comparison shop before you commit.
Alan’s Factory Outlet delivery and installation timelines
Delivery depends on your region, manufacturer queue, and season. Typical windows cited in public docs are roughly 60–90 days for most carports/metal buildings, though backlogs and weather can extend that. Get a written estimate for your ZIP, and keep all emails for reference.
Warranties, materials, and roof styles explained
Standard framing is 14-gauge. Upgrading to 12-gauge generally increases rigidity and often carries a long rust-through warranty (commonly 20 years).
Roof styles usually include regular (rounded), boxed-eave (A-frame with horizontal panels), and vertical (A-frame with vertical panels for better water/snow shedding).
Wind and snow ratings, certification, and engineer plans
Many products are available as certified buildings with drawings that indicate wind and snow load ratings (values vary by state/product). If your county requires stamped plans, ask about engineer-sealed drawings or “wet-seal” options and any extra fees. Verify that the rating type (e.g., 3-second gust vs sustained wind) matches what your building department expects.
Financing and payment options
Alan’s Factory Outlet does not usually offer in-house financing or rent-to-own; however, third-party options may be available. Consider total project cost: building, site prep/slab, permitting, and any equipment rental (e.g., forklift for wider spans).
Common complaints—and how to avoid them
From BBB filings and public reviews, recurring issues include longer-than-expected lead times, miscommunication between dealer/factory/installer, specification mismatches (wind/snow ratings), and deposit/refund disputes. Solutions: request written timelines, require written specs and drawings that match code, and keep a tidy paper trail.
How to buy smarter: a step-by-step checklist
- Confirm service coverage and delivery ETA: Check your ZIP and get the delivery window in writing from Alan’s Factory Outlet.
- Choose framing and roof style: Consider 12-gauge for rigidity and rust-through warranty; choose a vertical roof for better snow/rain shedding.
- Match certification to code: Ask for load ratings and drawings that meet your local building department’s rules.
- Permits and foundation: Clarify slab thickness, anchor/bolt requirements, and whether you need engineer-sealed plans.
- Budget realistically: Add slab/site prep, permits, and possible equipment rental to the building price.
- Document everything: Keep emails and signed order forms. If disputes arise, documentation is leverage.
Pros and cons of Alan’s Factory Outlet
Pros: broad delivery footprint with installation included; visible online pricing; deposit-then-install payment flow; optional 12-gauge upgrade; certified options with drawings available.
Cons: delivery windows can extend; buyer must coordinate permits and foundation; communication spans dealer, factory, and installer; financing typically external.
Is Alan’s Factory Outlet legit?
Yes. Alan’s Factory Outlet is an established dealer with a long BBB presence and thousands of public reviews across platforms. As with any large purchase, match the product’s certification to your local code, clarify installation timing in writing, and maintain a full email paper trail.
Alternatives and comparison shopping
Before you buy, compare at least one local installer and one direct manufacturer. Verify wind/snow ratings, warranty terms, and whether engineer-stamped plans are included or extra. For consumer-protection context and how to safeguard payments, see our reporting on refund disputes and chargebacks, and our report on a visa outlet in India; Atlys – their retail claims vs reality.
Key links for Alan’s Factory Outlet
- Alan’s Factory Outlet official website — Pricing, 3D builder, delivery eligibility
- BBB profile — Accreditation, rating, company info
- BBB complaints — Recent complaint themes and resolutions
- Trustpilot reviews — Recent customer feedback
Editor’s note: This guide will be updated as delivery windows, certifications, and policies change. Always verify current terms on the official site and with your local building department before ordering.
FAQs
Yes. Longstanding BBB presence and thousands of public reviews. Still confirm certifications, permits, and timelines in writing.
Coverage spans many southern and mid-Atlantic states; always verify your ZIP and lead time before paying a deposit.
Typical guidance is ~60–90 days for many carports/metal buildings; season, backlog, and weather can extend timelines.
Commonly 10–17% to place the order; balance is usually due after installation (large builds may require additional milestones).
One-year workmanship is common; 12-gauge framing often carries a long rust-through warranty. Check the exact terms on your order.
Yes, certified options with drawings are commonly offered. Ask whether engineer-sealed plans are needed for your county.
Typically no in-house financing; third-party financing may be used. Budget for slab/site prep and permits as well.
