Venture Surplus is an American online retailer specializing in U.S. military surplus clothing, tactical equipment, backpacks, field gear, and outdoor accessories. Operated under Springs Tactical Gear, Inc., the business serves military personnel, outdoor enthusiasts, collectors, and civilians looking for military-issued equipment through its official website, VentureSurplus.com.
The company stands out for its selection of genuine U.S. Government Issue (USGI) equipment, used military surplus, and commercially manufactured tactical products. Before purchasing, however, shoppers should understand the differences between surplus and new equipment, how product condition affects value, and which shipping and return policies apply to their orders.
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Venture Surplus
Online retailer specializing in U.S. military surplus, tactical equipment, outdoor gear, and field supplies.
Private CompanyCompany Information
Colorado Springs, CO 80916-4500, USA
What Is Venture Surplus?
Venture Surplus is a military surplus and tactical gear retailer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Its online store offers equipment originally manufactured for military use alongside products from commercial outdoor and tactical brands. The business focuses on making military-style clothing and equipment available to both professional users and civilian customers.
The company operates under the business name Springs Tactical Gear, Inc., according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB lists Venture Surplus as an alternate business name and identifies Jeffry Radspinner as the company’s owner. Its business profile records a start date of December 19, 2016, providing a documented reference point for its operating history.
Venture Surplus is not a venture capital firm or a financial investment platform. Despite the word “venture” in its name, it is a retail business focused on military surplus, tactical equipment, and related products.
What Products Does Venture Surplus Sell?
Venture Surplus offers a broad selection of military clothing, field equipment, tactical accessories, and outdoor gear. Its catalog includes both genuine military-issued items and aftermarket products, allowing shoppers to compare different options based on price, condition, and intended use.
Military uniforms and clothing
The store sells camouflage uniforms, combat shirts, field jackets, thermal clothing, and cold-weather apparel. Some products are genuine U.S. military issue, while others are made by commercial uniform manufacturers.
Backpacks and field equipment
Options include assault packs, large rucksacks, hydration carriers, canteens, and equipment designed for carrying supplies during outdoor activities.
Tactical pouches and accessories
Customers can find magazine pouches, utility pouches, equipment carriers, belts, and other accessories for compatible load-bearing systems.
Blankets and weather protection
The catalog includes military wool blankets, poncho liners, and clothing intended for cold or wet conditions. These products may appeal to campers and people preparing outdoor kits.
First-aid and emergency supplies
Available categories include first-aid pouches, individual first-aid kits, and selected medical accessories. Buyers should verify whether a kit includes the actual medical supplies or only the pouch.
MREs and military rations
The retailer lists Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), including cases of military-style field rations. These may interest campers and emergency-preparedness buyers, but product dates, packaging condition, and storage history matter.
Product categories are based on Venture Surplus’s published catalog. Availability, prices, and product variations can change.
How Does Venture Surplus Work?
Venture Surplus operates primarily as an online retail store. Customers browse its catalog, select an item and any available size or condition options, place an order, and receive shipping confirmation and tracking information.
The company explains that it obtains surplus from sources including soldiers and government auctions. It says items are inspected when purchased and checked again before shipment. Its product listings distinguish genuine military-issued equipment from commercially manufactured alternatives.
The purchasing process generally follows these steps.
- Search for a product. Browse by category or enter a specific item name in the website’s search field.
- Check the issue type. Look for labels such as USGI, US Army Issue, USAF Issue, or USMC Issue when authenticity matters.
- Review condition and sizing. Check the product description, available sizes, measurements, and any disclosed wear.
- Confirm the total cost. Review the current product price, shipping charges, and applicable taxes before paying.
- Track delivery. Use the shipping confirmation and tracking details to follow the order.
Because surplus inventory often comes from limited batches, the same item may not remain available in every size, color, or condition. The company says it receives new surplus regularly and provides restock alerts for eligible sold-out products.
Is Venture Surplus Genuine Military Surplus?
Venture Surplus states that it specializes in genuine military surplus and inspects equipment before selling it. However, not every product in its catalog is necessarily government-issued. The retailer also sells aftermarket products, so buyers should examine the issue-type label and product description rather than assuming everything is surplus.
Understanding the terminology makes a difference when shopping.
| Product label | What it generally means |
|---|---|
| USGI | U.S. Government Issue equipment |
| US Army Issue | Equipment identified as issued by the U.S. Army |
| USAF Issue | Equipment identified as issued by the U.S. Air Force |
| USMC Issue | Equipment identified as issued by the U.S. Marine Corps |
| Aftermarket | A commercially manufactured alternative rather than an item identified as genuine military issue |
These labels help buyers understand the retailer’s classifications, but they should still check the complete listing for manufacturer, specifications, and condition.
New surplus versus used surplus
New surplus refers to equipment described as unused, although it may have spent years in storage or arrive without original retail packaging. Used surplus refers to equipment with visible service wear that the retailer describes as not affecting its function.
Neither category automatically guarantees that a product will suit every use. For example, a used backpack may be perfectly suitable for hiking, while a buyer who needs dependable equipment for an extended expedition may prefer a more thorough inspection of buckles, seams, zippers, straps, and fabric.
For protective equipment, the standard should be higher. Items such as body armor and helmets require particular attention to model, certification, damage, age, and storage history. A surplus listing should not be treated as proof that an item meets current protection requirements.
Venture Surplus Prices and Shipping Policies
Venture Surplus lists prices directly on its product pages. Costs vary considerably by product type, brand, availability, and condition, so there is no single price that represents the entire catalog.
The following examples illustrate prices displayed on the retailer’s website when researched for this article. They are reference prices, not guaranteed quotations.
| Product | Listed price |
|---|---|
| USGI military poncho liner | $19.99–$39.00 |
| USGI MRE case of 12 | $69.99–$79.99 |
| USGI wool blanket | $54.99 |
| US Army medium rucksack | $149.99 |
| US Army BDU shirt | $9.99–$29.99 |
| US Army 3-day assault pack | $29.99–$189.99 |
Prices are from the official product listings and may change. Confirm the current price and availability on the Venture Surplus website.
Shipping and delivery
According to the company’s published FAQ, Venture Surplus aims to ship orders within one business day, Monday through Friday. Standard shipping within the continental United States usually takes two to five business days, while expedited shipping typically takes one to three business days. These are stated estimates, not delivery guarantees, and seasonal demand can affect transit times.
The website advertises free shipping on orders over $80. Customers should confirm eligibility, exclusions, and the final shipping charge at checkout before placing an order.
Does Venture Surplus ship internationally?
The company’s published FAQ says it ships within the United States, to APO/FPO military addresses, and to Canada. It does not list general international shipping to every country. Customers outside these destinations should contact the retailer before ordering rather than assume delivery is available.
International customers should also consider import duties, local restrictions, customs clearance, and whether a particular product is permitted in their country.
What is the return policy?
Venture Surplus states that it accepts returns within 30 days of purchase, with tags still attached. Returns are free on qualifying orders of $80 or more, while sale and closeout items are final sale and consumables cannot be returned.
Read the current returns policy before ordering, particularly if buying discounted items, rations, or equipment with specific condition requirements.
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Is Venture Surplus Legitimate or a Scam?
The available evidence supports identifying Venture Surplus as an established retail business rather than an anonymous shopping website. Its official store publishes product listings, contact information, shipping details, and return conditions. The Better Business Bureau also maintains a business profile for Springs Tactical Gear, Inc., identifies Venture Surplus as an alternate name, and lists the business as BBB accredited with an A+ rating.
These details are useful indicators of business transparency, but they do not guarantee that every transaction will be problem-free. BBB accreditation and ratings are not government certifications, and they should not replace an independent review of the product, payment terms, and current customer feedback.
Before placing an order, shoppers should consider the following checks:
- Verify the domain. Make sure the address is
venturesurplus.comand not a lookalike website. - Read the complete listing. Confirm whether the item is new, used, military-issued, or aftermarket.
- Review the return terms. Some discounted items and consumables are excluded.
- Use a traceable payment method. Choose a method with appropriate transaction records and dispute procedures.
- Keep order documentation. Save the receipt, order confirmation, product description, and tracking details.
The company’s published contact details also provide a way to resolve questions before purchasing. Its customer support team can be reached by phone at +1-719-999-5008 or by email at support@venturesurplus.com. The published support hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time, excluding federal holidays.
Venture Surplus Reviews and Customer Experience
Venture Surplus emphasizes product inspection, accurate condition descriptions, and customer support as part of its retail service. Its official website displays customer ratings on selected product listings, while the BBB maintains a separate business profile. These sources provide different kinds of information and should not be treated as interchangeable evidence of overall customer satisfaction.
The retailer’s model has several potential advantages. Customers can browse military-style equipment in one place, compare new and used surplus, and find products that may be difficult to locate at conventional outdoor stores. Its published sizing information, restock alerts, and customer support channels can also help buyers make more informed choices.
There are limitations to consider, too. Surplus stock is inconsistent, used equipment can show visible wear, and a discontinued item may not return to the store. A low price does not necessarily mean a product is the best value if its condition, compatibility, or intended use does not match the buyer’s needs.
For a balanced assessment, read recent reviews from independent platforms and look for specific details about order accuracy, delivery times, product condition, returns, and how the company handles complaints. Individual ratings alone cannot establish the quality of every product or transaction.
Who Should Buy From Venture Surplus?
Venture Surplus may be useful for several kinds of customers, depending on what they need and how they plan to use the equipment.
| Customer type | Potential benefit | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Military personnel and veterans | Access to military-issued clothing and equipment | Confirm exact model, issue type, and compatibility |
| Hikers and campers | Durable packs, blankets, clothing, and field accessories | Check weight, comfort, weather resistance, and wear |
| Collectors and military enthusiasts | Access to surplus items and older equipment | Verify markings, authenticity, and condition |
| Emergency-preparedness buyers | Rucksacks, blankets, and selected ration products | Check storage history, dates, and suitability |
| Budget-conscious shoppers | Lower-cost used and surplus equipment | Compare condition and replacement costs |
Venture Surplus is less suitable for shoppers who require every product to be brand-new, who need guaranteed long-term stock availability, or who cannot accept uncertainty about the history of used equipment.
For specialized protective gear, buyers should prioritize documented specifications and current safety requirements over price alone.
Venture Surplus vs. Regular Outdoor Retailers
Venture Surplus and conventional outdoor retailers can serve overlapping audiences, but they do not always offer the same shopping experience.
Venture Surplus focuses heavily on military-issued gear and surplus inventory. Traditional outdoor retailers often provide a broader selection of current-season recreational equipment, with standardized product lines and more predictable restocking.
| Feature | Venture Surplus | Conventional outdoor retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Military surplus and tactical gear | Outdoor recreation and camping |
| Used equipment | A notable part of its surplus offering | Depends on the retailer |
| Product availability | May vary by surplus batch | Often more consistent for current models |
| Authentic military issue | Available on appropriately labeled listings | Depends on the store |
| Best comparison method | Check issue type and condition | Compare specifications, warranty, and intended use |
Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on the equipment required, the importance of authenticity, the buyer’s budget, and whether the item must meet specific safety or performance standards.
How to Contact Venture Surplus
Customers can contact Venture Surplus through its official website or the following published channels. For questions about a particular item, including condition, sizing, or compatibility, contacting the retailer before purchase can help avoid unnecessary returns.
- Official website: www.venturesurplus.com
- Customer support email: support@venturesurplus.com
- Phone: +1-719-999-5008
- Published support hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time, excluding federal holidays.
- Storefront: US Surplus, 2475 S. Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado, as listed in the company’s FAQ.
For current hours, directions, and ordering information, consult the retailer’s official contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venture Surplus
1. What is Venture Surplus known for?
Venture Surplus is known for selling U.S. military surplus uniforms, backpacks, tactical pouches, blankets, field equipment, first-aid accessories, and MREs. It also sells commercially manufactured tactical products.
2. Is Venture Surplus a legitimate website?
Available business records support its legitimacy as a retail operation. The website publishes customer service and return information, and the Better Business Bureau lists its operating company, Springs Tactical Gear, Inc., as an accredited business with an A+ rating. These indicators do not guarantee every transaction, so customers should still review the relevant policies.
3. Does Venture Surplus sell genuine USGI equipment?
Yes. The company says it specializes in genuine U.S. Government Issue equipment. It also sells aftermarket gear, so shoppers should check the issue-type label and the individual product description before purchasing.
4. Does Venture Surplus accept returns?
The published policy allows returns within 30 days of purchase, with tags attached. Qualifying orders of $80 or more receive free returns, while sale and closeout items are final sale and consumables cannot be returned. Check the current policy for full conditions.
5. Does Venture Surplus ship outside the United States?
The company’s FAQ lists shipping within the United States, to APO/FPO military addresses, and to Canada. It does not confirm general shipping to all other countries, so customers elsewhere should contact support before ordering.
6. Is Venture Surplus good for camping and emergency preparedness?
It can be a useful source of backpacks, blankets, weather-resistant clothing, and selected ration products. Buyers should check the condition, weight, fit, storage history, and suitability of each item for the intended activity. Surplus protective equipment should not be assumed to meet current safety standards without appropriate documentation.
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