For some students, the pattern of tedious
emails from colleges, teachers and Edline is broken by daily surprises from a new development in shopping: the online sample sale.
The many online sample sale websites, including ideeli, Hautelook and Beyond the Rack, offer designer clothing at steep discounts. Unfortunately, items sell out quickly and sales only last a limited span of time, usually about two days.
“I like it better than actual shopping because
I don’t have a lot of time to go to the mall and shop,” senior Lauren Harris said.
Harris found out about ideeli from one of her friends and now uses it about twice a week to check out the new sales and buy discount clothing.
“I would definitely recommend ideeli because it’s a great site that caters to you,” Harris said. “It reminds you of sales for certain brands that you like based on a short survey you take in the beginning.”
While these sites are notable for their personal aspects and their great discounts, they are subject to the limitations
of online shopping.
“I’ve been excited to get a new piece of clothing that I’ve ordered online and then when it comes, it doesn’t fit or doesn’t look good,” senior Hayden Sorensen said.
After some experience with the sites, customers are able to sense which purchases
are best. Because items range from jewelry and shoes to apparel and furniture,
many members pick go-to pieces they know will fit and work well.
“I use them periodically when trying to find a dress for a special occasion or new jeans,” Sorensen said.
Hautelook, ideeli and Beyond the Rack each describe themselves as “members-only” shopping sites and offer shopping credits of various amounts if a member refers a “friend” who makes a purchase. Anyone can sign up for Hautelook and ideeli by visiting their website; however, in order to join Beyond the Rack, a current member must send the prospective member
an invitation with a code through the site. Harris found out about ideeli from senior Ashley Kalavritinos.
“Now I’m kind of obsessed,” Harris said.
Because of the time-sensitive nature of the sales and popular brands sold on these websites, as well as daily reminder emails detailing that day’s featured designers, it is easy to become obsessed, especially when the deals, which are up to 80 percent off retail
prices, are so phenomenal.
According to ideeli’s website, their sales begin at noon Eastern time and “last 40 hours or until items are sold out.” Beyond the Rack’s website alerts members about the limited quantity and sometimes “narrow range of sizes” available
for certain items for sale and advise visiting the sales early. The site also limits
the amount of time items can stay in a customer’s shopping bag “to ensure that all members have an equal opportunity to get the items they want.”
Each site has its own advantages and disadvantages, however, with their free membership and exclusive discounts on designer clothing, as well as surprise weekly giveaways on ideeli, online sample
sales are a great way to shop without feeling guilty.
“It is name-brand clothing, accessories
and even trips for a cheaper price,” Sorenson said. “Who wouldn’t mind saving some money?”