Flash sales websites are all the rage these days – they’re those great sites where you can get huge discounts on lots of different things like vacations, spa services, or pretty much anything you can imagine. But you only get the discount for a short period of time, usually two or three days, and then the sale is gone in a ‘flash’.
Arguably the largest segment of this business model would have to be high-end fashion. Sites like Rue La La, ideeli, and HauteLook (which Nordstrom just bought for $270 million) specialize in offering up to 80% off designer duds if you can beat the clock. And not to be left behind, Amazon.com just recently entered the fashion ring with their flash sales site MyHabit.com. While there isn’t a whole lot they can do to reinvent the wheel, Amazon has added a few features to enhance your shopping experience. MyHabit.com offers discounts of up to 60% off, and shoppers can see video of the clothing on real models so you can get a 360 degree look at how the clothing actually fits. The membership is free to join, and you also get free four-day shipping and free returns.
With so many flash sales sites available, choosing one basically boils down to where you can get the best deal on the designer you’re looking for. But if you’re a hardcore shopper and your inbox can handle it, join a few different ones, sign up for the sale notifications, and let the discounts come to you!