I don’t know about you, but if I’m about to buy an item that I’ve had my eye on for awhile, I do a lot of research. I price compare, check out online classifieds (Craigslist), try to find alternatives, and really try to shop around. I try to do my shopping frugally.
This isn’t always possible, as sometimes the things I buy need to be tried on in a store, or are products of an impromptu shopping trip. But I try.
I love clothes and accessories. I always have and probably always will. I may be vain, but I’m not ashamed at my crazy closet, 51 dresses, and overflowing drawers. But, shopping gets expensive sometimes, so saving money is also pretty important to me.
Here are some great websites to help you get a head start on saving money on your favorite brands.
RetailMeNot – retailmenot.com
RetailMeNot is a database of electronic and paper coupon codes that can be used at almost any store. A search for Sephora brought up average savings of $11, and coupons for free samples with a purchase.
Great Canadian Rebates – greatcanadianrebates.ca
This website runs differently, in that when you buy something through the site, you get cash back. For instance, a search for Banana Republic shows that you would receive 2.5% cash back if you buy by clicking through GCR.
Zappos – zappos.com
Zappos is known for their shoes, and typically has better prices on shoes than if you buy them from other stores. They do have clothing and other items to chose from, usually at a discount.
HauteLook – hautelook.com
HauteLook was actually on Oprah; it’s a great way to save money on branded apparel and accessories, and they sometimes have high end items like Coach. You need to sign up to be privvy to the deals, and you can refer your friends and get $10 (the link up there is a referral link – feel free to sign up and buy something 😉 ).
Every day, there is a different plethora of brands and products on sale. When you put something in your cart, it holds the item for 15 minutes. I bought a pair of Puma running shoes for $30 on this website earlier.
Overstock – overstock.com
The premise behind this website is that apparently, companies that have an overstock of something sell on this website at a discounted price.
It can be hit and miss, but I do try to look for what I need here before moving onto a full-priced store.
What sites do you use to save money with online shopping?
Thanks for the sites, I was only aware of overstock. I will have to check the others out!
I use Amazon sometimes. I have checked out Overstock a couple times but I thought that most of their stuff was overpriced.
I always try and find coupon codes and save at least $10 once I find one.
I use Amazon a lot but we really don’t buy anything. If we do then I shop at some cheap discount stores (mostly for clothing)
Helpful sites. Some of their business models are quite interesting. I don’t normally shop for clothes or accessories, but maybe I can use them to help with gift ideas for other people 🙂 and of course retailmenot is good for just about anything.
My wife loves zappos–I think it’s where the whole family gets most our shoes. Well, except my work boots. Don’t forget to check Amazon too, they can often have good deals, too!
Ohhhh I’ve used overstock before. It’s great for things like gifts…you know who you need to shop for but don’t know any specifics about what you want to get. Although I did buy a slip cover from them once.
I’m gonna start using retailmenot, too. Looks pretty amazing.
My go-to site for internet bargains is Dealnews.com. I love their “hotness” score – 1 to 5 circles, with 5 being the hottest deals.
Good list of sites, Daisy..
Myself, I ALWAYS check slickdeals.net before buying virtually ANYTHING.. I sometimes even setup “deal alerts” on there that will email me anytime someone else posts a deal matching a keyword.
I check retailmenot for coupons sometimes, but I don’t really do much online shopping, or shopping in general for that matter. I also try to do some price comparisons online, but then I usually still end up buying the item locally.
don;t forget to hit on websites such as Groupon and Livingsocial
I try to search for coupons when we shop online. They are always hit or miss though. Sometimes when we are shopping in a store, I will do a quick search on my phone to see if we could get it cheaper. If we can then we will wait to buy it online. There are times that when we wait to buy it cheaper online we realize we don’t really need the item, and that saves money too.
I usually buy my stuff from amazon too. I’ve wanted to buy shoes from Zappos since they have a ton of cute shoes at a great prices, but I don’t like buying shoes unless I’ve tried them on first.
I like shopathome and ebates for cash back. I also like discount gift card places for gifts etc. I recently bought an Applebees gift card for my SIL, originally $25, got it from Plastic Jungle with 13% discount and went through shopathome for another 2%. Here’s almost $4 in savings!
The only two sites on the list that I’m familiar with are Zappos and Overstock. I’m not a big shopper online or offline, but I agree that the prices on many items are quite expensive and that it’s very helpful to have a shopping alternative. These sites look really good.
Just stumbled across your blog, really good, i’ve saved it for future reference….
Another thing to point out is that if you’re shopping at an actual store and have a smartphone, you can use the RedLaser app to scan the barcode and find comparison prices at other stores and at online retailers.
Excellent list!
I don’t shop online for much except for vitamins and sometimes I buy clothes at Eddie Bauer online. Other than that, if I am shopping online it is usually for travel 🙂
Don’t forget beyondtherack.com!
I use all of these! I also use cash back sites like ebates. Other coupon sites are coupondad or whatever pops up when I enter it into google. I also price match and check out the price matching policy. Some credit card companies also allow price matching so check out your policies! I agree with DebtsnTaxes – when I am at the store, I always check online to see if I can get it cheaper on Amazon or Ebay. If so, then I hold off. Sometimes this prevents me from buying it at all 🙂
I have to admit, I’ve never used any of those sites except Zappos, and I’ve heard of Overstock. I’ll have to check some of them out!
Since I am from Barbados, almost any site I use online saves me money, even after I pay shipping, it’s even better if I have family/friends travelling as I save even more. I typically stick to amazon though as they are safe and their customer service has been excellent so far.