If you shop online at all, I'm sure you've noticed the major influx of "Daily Deal" websites and "Invitation Only" Shopping sites lately. This is another evolution of online shopping that can be utilized to save money, but it is very easy to get overwhelmed in the masses. I thought I'd take some time to De-Mystify the new phenomenon that is rapidly becoming the best way to save money shopping online.
Basically,
these sites leverage the power of collective bargaining to secure incredible deals for the public on everything from local restaurants to designer brand items to entertainment.
Most will typically offer a
short-term daily deal with 50-90% off on goods or services,
so that these deals can sell out quickly. Some bargains available in select cities or zip codes are for online products, and can be purchased regardless of where you live. (Groupon is an example)
The majority of these sites also offer incentives such as signup bonuses or credits for referring your friends and family.
Group buying, also known as "social buying", is definately here to stay and these sites are a great way to get serious discounts on everyday items, as well as gifts, entertainment and dining!
I've compiled my list of favorites below. I have personally purchased from these sites and was thrilled with the amount of money I saved and the shopping experience.
TOP 3 DAILY DEAL SITE RECOMMENDATIONS
GROUPON: The original group buying site and one of my personal favorites! Each day, Groupon features an unbeatable deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in your city.
HOUSEWARE DEALS: Completely focused on Name Brand Houseware Items, featuring 1 item per day at up to 90% off Store Prices
EVERSAVE: Become a member by subscribing to their daily emails and they'll send you 1 unbelievable local and/or online deal per day.
$2 Signup Credit To New Users
MAMAPEDIA: Features new "Sweet Deals" listed by city each day for shopping, dining, entertainment and more.
Similar to Groupon & Eversave but
5% off purchases gets donated to the school of your choice!
TOP INVITATION ONLY SALE SITES
MODNIQUE Get a
$5 FREE Credit with Free Membership to their Exclusive Shopping Site - Deals up to 90% off Retail Change Daily
RUE LA LA Invitation Only Shopping Site featuring Top Designer Brands up to 90% off Retail - New Sale Events Daily - Items Sell Out Quickly - Earn Shopping Credits for Referring Friends
BEYOND THE RACK Get a
$10 FREE Shopping Credit to signup for access to Member Only Sales Events that change daily. Sale Events feature Top Designer & Name Brands up to 90% off Retail
The web is very quickly being flooded with this new genre of shopping sites. With the Christmas season rapidly approaching I much prefer utilizing these sites and likely getting a better deal to fighting the crowds. I'm already halfway through my shopping list!
Have you used these deal sites to save some money and if so, which ones are your favorites?
can help you recreate that special evening in the comfort of your own home. 
and flowers. 
