Have you ever sat and thought of wanting something, but didn’t know what? Women are so plagued by advertisements that it can lead to buyer confusion. Certain brands just dominate the magazines, and that’s often all we really see. But what else is out there in the world for an economical shopper to know about?
College women are on a budget, but that doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice high-quality products. Here are a few websites I’ve found that are reliable (based on personal experiences) for being cost effective, fun and informative.
1. Etsy.com – the community based online shopping site devoted to giving artists an opportunity to make and sell their creative works. Etsy has gained popularity recently, but just to highlight some of its benefits:
· Shipping is no different than most other sites.
· Anyone with an account can personally contact artists and have something made specially if that’s an option. So, bargaining can and sometimes is a factor. This feature is a huge plus for people who want unique items!
2. Amazon.com – the ever-efficient, ever-popular site for buying textbooks and randomies. While Amazon might not be a secret, per se, they offer a benefit for students that very few people on campus are aware of.
· Changing the email address of your account to your Illinois.edu email secures you a free Prime account. This upgraded account offers free shipping on many products, or what they refer to as “expedited’” shipping. With this perk, you can get an item in 1-3 days sans the extra cost!
3. Littleblackbag.com – the site that helps you find the items you didn’t know you were looking for. This website is marketed to people who are looking for deals as well as ideas for new products (usually at a discounted price). As of February 5, 2013, Little Black Bag began listing an array of items at 70% off. Some benefits of this website are:
· There’s no charge to use the website.
· It’s completely interactive, meant to engage the buyer and make the online shopping experience fun and entertaining.
· You pick an item, and other items are picked for your “bag” for your style. You can swap for other items; it’s an ongoing trade, and you checkout when you feel you’ve got the best deal.
Stumped on what to get your best friend for her birthday? Want to let your mom know subtly that she ought to update her wardrobe? Littleblackbag.com can make the gift giving experience much easier.