In today’s Internet shopping realm, it’s almost unheard of that a store, wouldn’t have an online shopping option. Now, we are seeing stores that exist only online, think Shopbop.com and RevolveClothing.com. In addition to these online super stores, one of the latest trends is membership programs with daily deals and flash sales delivered directly to your email Inbox. Each program has its advantages and disadvantages, and operates in its own unique way. It’s important to understand how each one works and what you have to do to benefit from it, before you tread these sometimes-unfamiliar shopping waters. We have done the legwork for you and compiled a list of the best sample sale sites.
Ideeli
Ideeli has exclusive offers from designer brands. Merchandise is most often more than 50 percent off and sometimes even up to 80 percent off. And, unlike many places that will discount a $900 dress to $500 (that’s still not affordable to the average person), they also carry brands with a starting price of $100, marked down to a very affordable $50 and below price point. Another great feature of this site: if you order more than one item, they will ship each one to you as soon as it is available instead of allowing one item to hold up your entire order. Each sale is on a short timeline, usually lasting a day or two. If you aren’t in the market for the latest fashion trends, no worries. Ideeli also offers the latest in home and travel. You have to become a member to access the sales, but it’s totally free and only requires an email and password. There is the option to upgrade to 1st row membership for a fee, which will get you access to sales an hour before 2nd row members. For each friend you invite, you receive a $25 credit with his or her first order.
Rue La La
Rue La La is an exclusive online destination of premier brand, private sale boutiques that are open just two or three days each. The concept is exactly the same as Ideeli but the clothing choices are different. Occasionally, Ruelala also offers home furnishings and travel deals. Joining is free, but by invitation only. You must be invited by existing members. Once you join, if a friend you invite becomes a member, you get $10 towards a future purchase.
Gilt Groupe
This sample sale site maintains a much more highbrow image. Gilt Groupe claims luxury brands and hand-selected styles at members-only prices. Their designer label sales reach up to 70 percent off, slightly less than the other sample sale sites. Access is by invitation only after you register as a member. Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from designers.
Shop It To Me
You can think of Shop It To Me as your personal online shopper. The site scours the Web to find your favorite brands in your size and sends you personalized e-mail alerts, called a Salemail, that feature the latest markdowns, promotion codes from Ondemandly.com, and VIP sale events. It is a great time-saver so that you can take advantage of deals without spending hours online shopping. Shop It To Me is completely free to use and there is no membership required. Just input your preferences and email address and you will receive a Salemail either daily, weekly or twice a week.
These are just a few of the many sample sale site options out there. Some, like One Kings Lane, feature sales on home furnishings exclusively. Be sure to look around to find the one that is best for you – and don’t be afraid to sign up for all of them so you are sure to have some amazing options.
