As the summer approaches it seems people are looking for deals on items they may need for the summer. Some of the sites I am submitting will be my trade secrets. Please feel free to send me some of your own special sites for the future.
One thing to note is there is no special secret on how those websites make money. Some of them are legitimate bargain sales sites. Some of them are just sales that are coming from the companies directly. There are many vendors that offer these deals. You sign up with them and can list them on your site. The way you make money is either sales via your site or advertising. But don’t be fooled and think some sites have an inside track with those companies.
The one site I go to daily is Spoofee.com. This site not only gives you sales, it shows you where to go to get that deal. They rate the deals by stars. If they are “burning hot,” go get your credit card. Some of them are amazing.
The other site I like is Woot.com. Back in the day, they only had one item per day that was a super deal. Now some larger company bought them and the site has sections. Electronics, kids, house etc. The sales last until the item is sold out. Some of the items may be refurbished and some may be new. Woot will tell you. Every so often Woot.com has a Woot-off. This is where they list super discounted items and then list more of them until they are sold out. I have caught myself waiting and refreshing on a Woot-off.
Woot.com has internal payment and via Amazon pay. Amazon doesn’t protect the item, but Woot does. Woot has a great return policy. But beware, some items cannot be returned; they will tell you this. Some of those non-returnables include shoes and mattresses. I have purchased lawn furniture and mattresses. The mattresses came in these big sleeping bags that you cut open and then let the mattress expand. Very cool.
Of course, many have heard of Dan’s Deals. This site is frequented by many in the Jewish community. There are deals on the site, and many people will comment on how to get these items. The most popular are travel miles and discounted tickets. I met two people who are big fans and have flown to Israel on the Dan’s Deals methods.
Many of the bargain sites, except for the ones I mentioned, make you opt in to a mailing list. I stay away from any site that forces you to sign up for a mailing. Signing up for a mailing will result in tons of spam coming your way.
That leads me to my next conversation. Rule of thumb: Do not use your company email to purchase items from any store. It could risk the reputation of the company and bring unwanted spam to the company email. I see this very often. Email is not private and is owned by the company your work for.
If you want to minimize the email, usually there is an unsubscribe option on the bottom of the email. Most senders of email blasts want people who want the email. They don’t want to force it on you.
Lastly: If you have a service or event to announce or sell, use Mailchimp or Constant Contact. Both have free options. They will give you feedback about who opened the email, who’s email is incorrect and more.
Please send me your favorite shopping website.
Shneur Garb is the CEO of the IT Garb Consulting Group in Teaneck. Questions and comments can be sent to [email protected].
By Shneur Garb
