Here are some Groupon alternatives and shopping tips from consumer and retail expert Andrea Woroch. (Reuters)
You don’t need to gather store flyers and drive all around town to find the best deal on a product. Smartphone apps allow you to immediately check the competition's prices on items. Check out PriceGrabber.com, RedLaser and ShopSavvy which allow users to scan barcodes to get product prices at local retailers. (Reuters)
Amazon offers free shipping for many items when you spend at least $25 throughout the year, but during the holiday season, other retailer including Best Buy and ShoeBuy.com also offer free shipping. To find a list of free shipping sites, check out FreeShipping.org. (Reuters)
Don’t forget to periodically check retailers’ websites. Many stores, including Target and Overstock.com are posting daily deals directly on their sites.
Many brands offer special discounts to consumers if they follow them on Twitter or ‘Like” them on Facebook. Foursquare users who “check-in” can also expect to get beefed up in-store coupons or restaurant freebies year-round.
SalesLocator.com’s app can help you track down the best local deals right in a user’s proximity. (Reuters)
In an effort to boost business on their websites, newspapers often post daily deals for local stores and restaurants.
Sites such as BeyondtheRack.com, JetSetter.com, Gilt Group and HauteLook offer great deals on designer and luxury goods. (Reuters)
Finding appropriate attire for all the holiday festivities can be a drain on your wallet. Websites such as RentTheRunway.com allow you to rent clothes and look good at all the parties for a fraction of the cost and without cluttering your closet. (Reuters)
Sites such as GIftCardGranny.com let you sell your gift cards for cash to be used whenever and wherever you want. They also sell gift cards at a discount so you can buy gift cards for friends, family, or even yourself, at reduced prices.
Not sure what to do with gifts you don’t want or anything else that may be taking over your closet or basement, but don’t want to re-gift them? Swap them for something else at websites such as Swap.com, thredUp.com, BookMooch, and Listia.