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Keep Up With Black Friday Deals Online
As I'm sure you're aware, Black Friday is coming. If you're still having nightmares from last year's crowd-checking events the day after Thanksgiving, then you always have Cyber Monday to look forward to! But before we get into that, I'd first like to introduce you to a few websites: iBlack Friday, BlackFriday.net, and TheBlackFriday.com.
Website of the Day: Filler-Item Finder
You know how great it is when you find exactly the item you were looking for on Amazon, but then realize you only have to spend a tiny more to get free super-saver shipping? You don't want to overspend, but you also can't think of anything else that you'd want to buy. This has happened to me many times when the amount I have to spend is less than five bucks.
Website of the Day: Offers.com
If you're a regular online shopper and you want to make sure you're getting the biggest bang for your buck, Offers.com is sure to save you both time and money. Similar to Retail Me Not, Offers.com aggregates all of the best promos and deals from around the web — organizing coupons and promo codes by category and store.
I not only like the fact that the site makes sure to verify each offer before posting it, but that they also have a travel section, so you can easily search for vacation deals.
Website of the Day: Grechen's Codes
Good economy or bad economy, everyone loves getting a discount, and I can safely say that every purchase I have made in the last few months online has not been without a coupon code.
I usually use Retail Me Not, but I discovered a new coupon site that focuses on women's clothing and accessories, and I'm a little unhealthily obsessed with it: Grechen's Codes.
Who's Grechen?
Website of the Day: PriceGrabber and ShopGreen
Oh, how I love to comparison shop. Of course, I have my iPhone stocked with apps to help me compare prices while on the go, but if I'm planning a purchase ahead of time, I like to check PriceGrabber to get the best deal possible.
But what sets PriceGrabber apart from most shopping websites is its dedicated eco-friendly section called ShopGreen.
Website Alice Shops For All Your Home Essentials For You
I won't bore you with tales of how busy I am these days, because come on — aren't we all?
Everyone around me seems to always be swamped, and rarely has time to shop for stuff that's essentials (not shoes, bags, and clothes. Somehow I always make time for that).
Try On Ray-Bans Virtually With the New Online Mirror
The trendy and hip sunglasses company Ray-Ban is attempting to make the sunglasses shopping experience a bit easier with their new Ray-Ban Virtual Mirror download. Using 3D technology, this cool tool is similar to the IBM Virtual Mirror since it allows you to try on the goods without needing to be in the store. Now there's no guarantee how accurate this new service is, but at least it will let you know if those black Audrey Hepburn glasses are going to look chic or just cover half your face.
Good Idea/Bad Idea: USB Card Swiper For Online Shopping
Online shopping just got a whole lot easier — or more dangerous, depending on your shopping self-control (personally, I identify a little too well with a certain fictional character).
The SmartSwipe USB Card Reader ($87) plugs into your computer's USB port, and from there, when you want to check out at an online store, you swipe your card, just like you'd do at a department store counter.
SmartSwipe's main selling point is in its security — but the fact that you don't have to key in your credit card number makes an online impulse purchase way too easy.
Website of the Day: FatWallet
I'm a super saver. Not only do I check out Retail Me Not before any big purchase, but I also have my eyes peeled for new coupon websites. Ebates, anyone?
Geek Out: Do You Trust Online Reviews?
When buying something online, I almost always gravitate toward websites that provide me with customer reviews, like Amazon, Zappos, Overstock, etc.
It makes me feel just a little bit more secure that I'll like my purchase. But that doesn't mean I don't take each review with a grain of salt, especially since too many reviews can be overwhelming, and now I have another reason to be wary; the gadget accessories giant Belkin has been accused of paying for positive reviews of its products on Amazon.
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