Out of the Sandbox Review

Out of the Sandbox is a privately held company based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, specializing in the development of premium Shopify themes. Since launching its first theme, “Responsive,” in 2011, the company has built a reputation for creating high-quality, customizable, and performance-driven themes tailored to the needs of e-commerce businesses. Their themes are designed to enhance user experience, improve conversion rates, and provide seamless compatibility with Shopify’s ecosystem, including the Online Store 2.0 framework.

Out of the Sandbox’s portfolio includes popular themes such as Turbo, Flex, Retina, Parallax, Mobilia, and Superstore, each catering to different business needs and aesthetic preferences. The company also offers tools like the Theme Updater app to ensure themes remain up-to-date and compatible with Shopify’s evolving platform. With over 800 positive reviews on the Shopify Theme Store and thousands of stores powered by their themes, Out of the Sandbox has solidified its position as a trusted name in the e-commerce design space.

Key Features of Out of the Sandbox Themes

Out of the Sandbox themes are renowned for their extensive feature sets, which prioritize flexibility, performance, and user experience. Below are some of the standout features that make their themes a popular choice among Shopify merchants:

1. Mobile-First Design

In an era where mobile commerce is booming, Out of the Sandbox themes are optimized for fast loading and smooth browsing on mobile devices. Themes like Turbo and Flex incorporate responsive designs that ensure a seamless experience across smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Features such as mobile-friendly navigation and quick-load imagery enhance the user experience, which is critical for reducing bounce rates and boosting conversions.

2. Extensive Customization Options

One of the hallmarks of Out of the Sandbox themes is their high degree of customizability. Merchants can tailor their storefront’s appearance and functionality without needing advanced coding skills. Themes like Flex offer pre-built layouts and support for custom CSS, allowing users to create unique designs. Features such as customizable cart notes, slide-out carts, and in-store pickup options further enhance the shopping experience.

3. Performance Optimization

Out of the Sandbox places a strong emphasis on performance, with themes like Turbo offering “Ludicrous” and “Sport” speed settings to optimize load times. Fast-loading pages are essential for improving SEO rankings and retaining customers, particularly for high-traffic stores. However, some users note that resource-intensive themes like Turbo may require additional optimization to maintain peak performance.

4. Integration with Shopify Online Store 2.0

All Out of the Sandbox themes are compatible with Shopify’s Online Store 2.0 framework, ensuring long-term functionality and support for the latest Shopify features. This integration allows for dynamic sections, enhanced product pages, and improved app compatibility, making it easier for merchants to create modern, feature-rich stores.

5. Marketing and Conversion Tools

Out of the Sandbox themes come equipped with built-in marketing tools to drive sales. Features like promo popups, stock counters, trust badges, and predictive search with auto-complete suggestions help improve user navigation and encourage purchases. These tools are particularly valuable for brands focused on visual storytelling and high-impact imagery.

6. Theme Updater App

To address the challenge of keeping themes updated without losing customizations, Out of the Sandbox offers the Theme Updater app. Available in free and Pro plans, this tool allows users to update their themes while preserving custom code and settings. The app also supports themes from Pixel Union and Archetype, adding versatility for Shopify merchants.

7. Robust Customer Support

Out of the Sandbox is known for its “legendary” customer support, which includes detailed setup guides, video tutorials, and direct assistance. While some users have reported slow response times, the company’s commitment to resolving issues and providing resources is a significant draw for merchants.

Pricing Structure

Out of the Sandbox themes are premium products, and their pricing reflects the quality and features offered. Pricing varies depending on the theme, but here are some examples of popular themes as of 2024:

Turbo: Approximately $350–$425, designed for high-traffic stores with a focus on speed and performance.
Flex: Around $350–$495, offering extensive customization for versatile store layouts.
Retina, Parallax, Mobilia, Responsive: Typically priced between $180–$280, catering to smaller or mid-sized stores.
Superstore: Priced at approximately $400–$500, ideal for large catalogs and complex stores.

These are one-time purchase prices, with no recurring fees unless you opt for additional services like the Theme Updater Pro plan or paid support packages. For example, some users mention paying $129 annually for ongoing support, which they find worthwhile for regular updates and assistance. Refunds are available for Turbo, Flex, and Superstore within 14 days of purchase, but this policy does not apply to themes listed on the Shopify Theme Store. Always check the official Out of the Sandbox website for the most up-to-date pricing.

Pros of Out of the Sandbox Themes

Out of the Sandbox themes offer several advantages that make them a top choice for Shopify merchants:

High-Quality Design: Themes are visually stunning, with a focus on professional aesthetics and user-friendly interfaces. Customers praise themes like Retina and Parallax for their clean, responsive layouts.
Conversion-Focused Features: Tools like promo popups, trust badges, and predictive search are designed to boost sales and enhance the shopping experience.
Flexibility for Non-Developers: Extensive customization options allow users to create unique stores without coding expertise, making the themes accessible to a wide audience.
Long-Term Compatibility: Integration with Shopify Online Store 2.0 ensures themes remain relevant as the platform evolves.
Positive Reputation: With over 800 positive reviews on the Shopify Theme Store and a 4.0–4.5 rating across platforms like HeyCarson and TenereTeam, Out of the Sandbox enjoys strong customer approval.

Cons of Out of the Sandbox Themes

Despite their strengths, Out of the Sandbox themes have some drawbacks that potential buyers should consider:

High Cost: Premium pricing (up to $500 per theme) may be a barrier for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
Performance Issues: Some users report that resource-intensive themes like Turbo can slow down sites if not properly optimized, requiring additional investment in speed enhancements.
Customer Support Challenges: While support is generally praised, some customers have experienced slow response times (up to two weeks) or unhelpful resolutions, particularly for complex issues.
Learning Curve: Advanced features, especially in themes like Flex, may require time to master, particularly for users new to Shopify.
Controversial DMCA Practices: Multiple reviews highlight instances where Out of the Sandbox filed DMCA takedown notices against customers, alleging unlicensed theme use, even when proof of purchase was provided. These actions have led to significant frustration and distrust among some users.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

Customer reviews of Out of the Sandbox are mixed, reflecting both its strengths and areas for improvement. On platforms like the Shopify Theme Store, HeyCarson, and TenereTeam, the company enjoys high ratings (4.0–4.75) based on thousands of reviews. Customers frequently praise the themes’ design quality, ease of customization, and conversion-driven features. For example, a review from Toren Technical Apparel highlights the Parallax theme’s responsive layout and brand-aligned aesthetic, while Baja Bob’s Cocktail Mixes notes the Mobilia theme’s ease of setup for e-commerce beginners.

However, negative feedback centers on customer support and business practices. Some users report delays in support responses, with one customer noting it took over two weeks to resolve a bug, requiring multiple follow-up emails. Others express frustration with Out of the Sandbox’s DMCA takedown notices, describing them as aggressive and unfair. One Trustpilot reviewer claimed their store was threatened with shutdown despite providing proof of purchase, calling the company’s behavior “despicable.” These incidents have led some to question Out of the Sandbox’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

On the positive side, users who pay for ongoing support (e.g., $129/year) often report better experiences, with one Trustpilot reviewer praising the Turbo theme’s flexibility and the support team’s responsiveness. This suggests that investing in premium support may mitigate some of the challenges faced by free-tier users.

Alternatives to Out of the Sandbox

For merchants seeking alternatives to Out of the Sandbox, several other Shopify theme providers offer competitive options:

Pixel Union: Known for themes like Empire and Startup, Pixel Union focuses on clean designs and performance. Their themes are often priced lower than Out of the Sandbox’s, with similar customization options.
Archetype Themes: Offers themes like Impulse and Prestige, which emphasize modern aesthetics and conversion optimization. Archetype themes are popular for their simplicity and speed.
Shopify’s Free Themes: Shopify provides free themes like Dawn, which are suitable for small businesses with basic needs. While less feature-rich, they are cost-effective and easy to use.
Maestrooo: Specializes in high-performance themes like Warehouse and Focal, ideal for large catalogs. Maestrooo themes are often praised for their speed and affordability compared to Out of the Sandbox.

Each alternative has its strengths, but Out of the Sandbox remains a top choice for merchants prioritizing customization and premium features, provided they can navigate the higher cost and potential support challenges.

Who Should Use Out of the Sandbox?

Out of the Sandbox themes are best suited for:

Established E-Commerce Businesses: Merchants with high-traffic stores or large catalogs will benefit from themes like Turbo and Superstore, which are optimized for performance and scalability.
Brands Focused on Visual Storytelling: Themes like Retina and Parallax are ideal for businesses that rely on high-quality imagery and immersive designs, such as fashion or lifestyle brands.
Merchants Comfortable with Customization: Users who want to create unique storefronts without extensive coding will appreciate the flexibility of themes like Flex.
Businesses Willing to Invest in Support: Those who can afford premium support packages or are comfortable troubleshooting independently will get the most value from Out of the Sandbox.

Conversely, small startups or businesses with limited budgets may find the high cost and potential learning curve prohibitive. In such cases, free Shopify themes or more affordable alternatives like Pixel Union may be better options.

Conclusion

Out of the Sandbox has earned its place as a leading provider of premium Shopify themes, thanks to its innovative designs, extensive customization options, and conversion-focused features. Themes like Turbo, Flex, and Retina offer merchants the tools to create professional, high-performing online stores that stand out in a competitive market. The company’s integration with Shopify Online Store 2.0 and tools like the Theme Updater app ensure long-term compatibility and ease of maintenance.

However, Out of the Sandbox is not without its flaws. High pricing, occasional performance issues, and inconsistent customer support are notable drawbacks, while controversial DMCA practices have damaged trust for some users. Merchants considering Out of the Sandbox should weigh these factors against their business needs and budget, and explore alternatives like Pixel Union or Archetype Themes if cost or support is a concern.

Ultimately, Out of the Sandbox remains a strong choice for established e-commerce businesses seeking premium themes with robust functionality. By investing in their themes and support services, merchants can build a visually stunning and effective online store that drives sales and delights customers. For the latest pricing and theme details, visit the official Out of the Sandbox website at outofthesandbox.com.