This is just a short list of the sites I check regularly and potentially spend unbudgeted money on. It's a bit dangerous putting them out there - you have to have some control. I have to have some control when I look at them.
I have to do a quick search most days and check, "Is this really a good price for this item?"
I have to read reviews for the item from other sites and decide if it's really a good deal, or an attempt to unload merchandise that isn't moving.
Recently one of these sites offered heart rate monitors from a manufacturer I had never heard of. A quick search showed me that the deals were pretty good. The full description on the manufacturer's website described exactly what I had been looking for. However, I could find no reviews on the brand online, at any site. I regretted not making the purchase, but convinced myself it was not the day to buy. About a week later, I was at Dick's Sporting Goods and checked out the heart rate monitors. I found that all the ones by the unknown manufacturer were on clearance. What's more, standing there in the store I was unable to successfully get a reading on any of them. Suddenly I felt a bit better about skipping over the online deal.
OK, the sites:
www.woot.com: One Deal, One Day. Mainly electronics, (often refurbished), but I have seen everything from mattresses to compost pails. And the best part? Always $5 shipping, which on large items like mattresses or over-sized televisions is a significant consideration. Items can sell out, though, so I always check on it in the morning.
www.thefoundary.com: Generally high-end items, from home-goods to children's accessories (toys, diaper bags, furniture) to personal care items. There's always something interesting on here, and the deals stay up for a few days (unless they sell out), so you have time to consider the purchase (which, since we're often looking at items like a rug, couch or other significant purchase, is nice)
www.groupon.com: This one is pretty well known. I would mention that you should remember to look at other cities in your area, as well. And, since these are local deals and pretty much always a good deal, don't rush to purchase every one that you think "Oh, I would use that." For example, I always check restaurant.com before I Groupon a restaurant gift certificate.
www.restaurant.com: A double deal here. Restaurants have to choose to sign up for it, and then it is discounted gift certificates to the restaurant (i.e. $10 for a $25 gift certificate).
- Never pay the $10 though - You can get a $10 certificate for $3 if you have a MyPoints account (free), a Borders Rewards card (free), or a multitude of other memberships (or even as a benefit through some employers).
- The downside is that you really have to read the fine print. You can't use a gift certificate with a $25 face value and only purchase $25 worth of food. It is generally $50 total bill required. It may or may not include beverages. Sometimes, this is still a great deal. However, there is a restaurant we love (11Worth) which is very budget friendly - We generally eat there for $10 - $15 total. For $3 we can get a $25 gift certificate, but we would need to spend $50 in one visit. You need at least 6 really hungry people to make that a worthwhile deal. But if you have 6 or 8 people to feed, then it's a great deal. Just read the fine print.
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