Ask A Detroit Expert: Tips On Finding Deals Shopping Online
Shopping online may not be as easy as it is to just walk into a brick and mortar store to buy what you're looking for right then and there, but if you're smart about it, you can not only find some great deals online, but you can also find a better selection and more competitive prices. In Metro Detroit, an increasing number of folks are becoming savvy online shoppers and looking for ways to get the best bang for their buck. Enter Patty Buccellato, a longtime consultant with a website of her own and years of experience in helping Detroiters do their personal shopping.
Courtesy of Patty Buccellato
Patty Buccellato, AICI, CIP
Refined Images
Rochester Hills, MI
(248) 650-2916
www.refinedimages.net
Patty Buccellato is a Certified Image Coach and founder of the Rochester Hills-based company, Refined Images. With more than 20 years of experience within the image industry, Patty is an expert at bringing her clients out of the closet with a personal style that suits their body, psyche and circumstance. Patty is also a contributing style advisor on FabOverFifty.com and MyStyleGenie.com, and is the creator of the popular "Image On A Dime" workshops for women. She is a featured co-author in the popular book series "Stepping Stones to Success," along with topic experts including Jack Canfield, Deepak Chopra and Dr. Denis Waitley. Patty has appeared multiple times on Fox News and was recently featured on the self-improvement show, "A Whole New You," on WXYZ-Detroit Channel 7.
Begin every online shopping session at a shopping portal that earns you rebates (i.e. Ebates.com). One click from a site like this takes you to your preferred store and earns a check in your mailbox. If you're going to shop, you may as well be paid for it.
Before checking out of any retailer's online shopping cart, do a browser search for "'X' (store) promo code" or "'X' (store) coupon code." You may end up with free delivery, a percentage off your purchase or both. Many online retailers now offer a promotional code or coupon in their checkout process and many websites, such as RetailMeNot.com, can offer these codes so you get the deals.
Shop stores that have a policy of free shipping and free return shipping. When buying clothing or shoes, it can be inevitable that items may need to be returned or exchanged, and making sure that your shipping never costs a penny, no matter which way it is going, is the best way to cut out any extra, unexpected costs.
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Price compare your search for specific items at Amazon.com to find the online source with best pricing. Make a visit to eBay.com as well. You may find your item sold by a private party, often "NWT"(New with Tags), and for quite lower than a retailer's price.
Rental of formal wear has been a familiar concept for ages. Now, websites like Gwynniebee.com (inexpensive "fast fashion") and Renttherunway.com (designer fashion) provide subscription boxes for short-term wardrobe updates (think of it as a Netflix for your closet). This way, you get the best of the fashion world and shopping experience, all while not breaking the bank in an effort to stay on top of the changing fashion scene.
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