Finding Outlet Prices Online

With back-to-school shopping just around the corner, parents are looking for deals on new clothes and supplies. These days, you don't have to jump in the car and drive to the outlet malls for a bargain. Sue Perry, Deputy Editor for ShopSmart Magazine, offers six websites you can visit to get outlet prices from home.

If you looking for electronics, you can visit BestBuy.com and click on the "Outlet Center" tab for discounts on name-brands. You'll find discontinued, closeout, overstock, and refurbished equipment. Check out the Deal of the Week for bigger savings. Shipping varies by weight or number of items and returns are 14 to 30 days from receipt, depending on the item.

A computer is probably on the shopping list for your child headed off to college, but you might not be able to afford a brand new one. DellOutlet.com is the site to visit for a "certified refurbished" computer or printer with the same warranty as a new one. The website also sells "previously ordered new" systems that were canceled or never opened and "scratch and dent" products that perform perfectly. Shipping is free for these items and returns can take place 21 days from shipping.

If you visit LandsEnd.com and click on "Overstocks," you'll have access to deeply discounted apparel, accessories and home items. These products can be overstock, discontinued or imperfect. By clicking the "On the Counter" section, you'll see items that start at a 25% discount, and by the end of the week reach a 75% discount. Shipping starts at $5.95 and returns are unlimited.

Overstock.com is another popular website where you'll find savings of 70% or more. Their collection includes home items, apparel, jewelry and baby essentials. You can also bid on auction items, shop for a new or used car, or even browse home sales. If you join their Club O membership for $19.95 annually, that will earn you free shipping and 5% off most orders. Standard shipping is a $2.95 flat rate and returns are 30 days from receipt.

The people at Zappos have created 6pm.com which features footwear, apparel, bags, accessories, beauty and home products for 75% or more off. Items come from companies like Nike or even Givenchy. You can also follow 6pm.com on Twitter (www.twitter.com/6pm_com) for exclusive discounts. And fans on Facebook and Twitter can vote every week for one brand they want to see discounted more and the winner goes on sale over the weekend. Shipping is a $6.95 flat rate and returns are 30 days from purchase.

And finally, SmartBargains.com offers up to 70% or more in savings on clothing, home items, shoes and jewelry. Click on "SmartCoupons" before you start shopping and you can find deep discounts on designer clothes. If you join their SmartShoppers Club with a $9.95 annual membership fee, your shipping starts at $2.95, you'll get notified of special deals, and you get early access to certain sales. Standard shipping starts at $9.95 and returns can be made 30 days from receipt.

For more information on how to snag a bargain, and other consumer advice, visit ShopSmart.com.
by Jenn Eaker