Issue Date: June 8, 2003
Click, drag and power-shop
When it comes to online shopping and finding a bargain, women -- especially those with children -- rule. They trade tips, swap coupons and track deals with the skill of a trapper stalking furry beasts. Patrick Byrne, the chief executive officer of Overstock.com, where deals on everything from duvets to digital cameras are to be had, knows this. "We don't do advertising," Byrne says. "We count completely on female word of mouth."
Of course, there's no reason guys can't get in on the action, too. The key is to tap into the Internet's huge network of knowledgeable bargainistas. Dig a little at iVillage.com and learn from shoppers themselves about coupons and sales -- online and off -- on everything from a chicken dinner to Rugrats videos. Choose "Message Boards" and then "Sale Alerts!" under the "Coupons" header. I found a link to a 50% off coupon on a compact disc at Borders.
DealofDay.com features links to coupons, sales and free shipping. But it's the site's message forums that let you mine the collective knowledge of thousands of bargain-hunting members. If you're looking for a good price on something specific, choose "Forums" from the main page, post your request in the "Help Me Find a Deal!" section, and let the tips roll in.
We posted a request for help finding a good deal on a Razor Scooter, and within 24 hours someone sent us a link to a great sale at Amazon.com, along with a coupon code to get an extra $5 off -- bringing the price of that nearly $120 scooter down to just under $40 (plus shipping).
-- Christina Wood
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