Gilda Gazor Gazor is a fourth-year
political science student and master bargain shopper. Please e-mail
comments and requests to ggazor@media.ucla.edu. Click Here
for more articles by Gilda Gazor
Prada bags? New entertainment systems? If you’re on an
average college student’s budget, these items may seem like
luxuries you cannot afford. But don’t just choose to live
without them; you can have these luxuries at an affordable price,
and not by shopping downtown for the phonies. Online discount
retailers offer up to 75 percent off brand names, ranging from
blenders to women’s shoes.
For a hip, fashion-oriented site, check out Bluefly.com, which
offers marked-down designer goods. With a variety of items from
clothing and handbags to plates and picture frames, you can’t
go wrong with Bluefly. For women, there are over a hundred designer
labels ranging from basic Ralph Lauren to ultra-chic Miu Miu. For
men, pair a Gucci tie and a Zegna suit for that upcoming interview,
all at an affordable price.
If you are one of those people who prefers to try stuff on
before making a purchase, Bluefly offers a 90-day money back
guarantee (excluding shipping charges). They even provide you with
a pre-stamped addressed label you just stick on your item to send
back, making this process very easy. Items cost only $6 for
shipping and arrive within four to eight business days.
As a bonus, I found two promotional codes to get you an even
greater discount! For an extra 25 percent off Prada merchandise,
enter code: PRADA 21 after your billing information (valid through
March 8). For all other purchases, receive a 15 percent discount by
entering the code: 161 (valid through June 29).
Bluefly is definitely the source for cool fashion trends, but
Overstock.com is the place for cool stuff in general. This site is
loaded with an overwhelming amount of items including waffle
makers, down comforters, cameras and handmade items from around the
world, all at reduced prices.
If you are planning a trip for spring break, there’s a
huge selection of Samsonite bags sold at tremendously low prices.
One of the spiffiest and best deals I found was a Phillips MP3
player for only $109 (marked down from $399).
The best part about Overstock.com is the site’s
user-friendly set up. For example, if you are looking for bedding
items, you simply click under the “Bed & Bath”
header and up pops an organized list of headers to choose from,
based on type (silk, down, etc.) and item (sheets, pillows,
etc.).
If one of those rare occasions where you’re shopping for a
loved one occurs, Overstock.com has a gift center that helps you
find the perfect gift for any occasion. They have different search
categories such as “Age & Gender,” “Lifestyle
& Interests,” brand, price, etc. For example, if you
choose: “Guy 20-somethings,” in the age and gender
category, you get a list of several selections of footwear, ties,
backpacks and more.
The only problem with Overstock.com is the short return policy
““ only 15 days. And be careful when buying lingerie,
swimsuits or media products such as CDs because these are
non-returnable.
The last bargain Web site I found is Smartbargains.com, perfect
for updating your kitchen and replacing that old pan you share with
your roommates. At Smartbargains.com you can get an entire set of
pots and pans for as low as $60!
Smartbargains.com also offers men’s and women’s
apparel, electronics, accessories, jewelry and bed and bath stuff.
There aren’t as many items as at Overstock, but Smartbargains
has a different selection that’s equally low in price.
Compared to Bluefly and Overstock, it’s not as organized,
there’s only a two-week return policy and they charge $7 for
shipping.
The greatest feature of these online retailers is that there are
no scams and there’s no bidding. They offer real brand names
at low prices and all three companies have at least a two-week
return policy. If you don’t like the item, you lose an
average of $5 in shipping costs.
So stop pining over your friend’s new 32-inch TV with
surround sound. Stop wasting your time with distant outlet malls
and downtown fakes. Have the real deal for cheaper online. Ladies
and gentlemen, the online discount shopping revolution is about to
begin.