WHAT ARE FLASH SALE SITES?
You’ve probably heard of the latest e-commerce craze, flash sale websites! Last year alone, the top flash sale businesses raked in an estimated 2 billion dollars. These membership-based, free websites sell significantly discounted merchandise… everything from home goods, to clothing and accessories. The companies buy unsold merchandise in bulk and are able to turn around and sell the items for less.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
They are mostly free, membership-based sites. Once you sign up via email, you receive sales offers daily. The items are sold on a first come first serve basis. The sales are limited to a 24 to 72 hour period. Flash sale sites can be a great way to save money on luxury, or more expensive items!
BUSBEESTYLE.COM’S TOP FIVE FLASH SALE WEBSITES
1) GILT.COM
– Designer Clothes, Accessories, Kids, Home Goods, Travel
– Shipping is $5.95
Gilt Groupe was one of the first flash sales sites to launch in 2007. They are also one of the most popular and most successful. The site offers high-end designer clothing, accessories, shoes, as well as carefully selected goods for both your children and your home. For those who love to travel, there is also a section called “Travel” offering all-inclusive package deals to everywhere from India to France. The site caps shipping at $5.95, dollars less than other flash sales sites.
2) HAUTELOOK.COM
– Designer Clothes, Accessories, Kids, Home, Beauty
– Free Shipping on Goods over $100
HauteLook is one of my favorites for clothes and accessories. I love the selection and I believe the prices are often lower on Hautelook.com than other flash sale websites. The best part about Hautelook.com is the offer for free shipping on orders over $100. That’s a good deal because you are talking about potentially saving another 10%.
3) ONEKINGSLANE.COM
– Home Goods, One-Of-A-Kind Pieces
– Shipping Depends on Cost of Order
I am obsessed with this website. I have ordered everything from rugs to lamps to accents. You can find really great pieces for at least half off retail. And, you don’t have to even leave your house! I literally decorated most of our home with pieces I found on this site. I think it’s easy to default to PotteryBarn.com or Restoration Hardware because you know the items will be high quality and stylish, but the problem is either A) everyone recognizes the pieces or B) you’ll see them in someone else’s home. That’s the beauty of a site like this… you find interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces!
4) THECLYMB.COM
– Outdoor Gear – Camping, Cycling, Surfing, Climbing
– Book “Adventures”
A site for thrill-seekers! TheClymb.com sells high quality gear for outdoor activities like camping, cycling, surfing and climbing. You can also book all-inclusive, amazing adventures, like trekking through the Himalayas or a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon. Perfect gift for the man or woman who has everything!
5) ZULILY.COM
– Kids’ Clothing, Accessories, Toys
– New Sales Start at 6AM
Zulily.com definitely caters to mommies and opens up new sales first thing in the morning at 6. Sales are between 24 to 72 hours long. I have purchased adorable dresses and shoes for my daughter. I also like to buy toys that I know are great (brands like Melissa & Doug). Zulily is the ideal place to stock up on gifts for children’s birthday parties.
FLASH SALE SITE TIPS
– Beware High Shipping Costs
– Check Return Policy
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