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The best shopping sites you’ve (probably) never heard of
These little-known gems deliver big savings

Lala.com Buy and sell used CDs you no longer listen to. Post the titles you want to get rid of, and browse through other people’s inventory. See something you want? Contact the seller to buy it for a buck. If someone wants to buy one of yours, mail it off in the prepaid envelope Lala provides.

DiscountDance.com Cute workout clothes at dirt-cheap prices--a stretchy tie-dyed pullover is $11.45; a seamless tank top with a cutout neckline is $14.45. Pair the tops with summer skirts and shorts.

PriceProtectr.com Just bought something from a major online store? PriceProtectr watches for price drops on that item. If it goes on sale, you may be able to get a refund for the difference--many e-tailers, including Amazon and Target, offer price guarantees ranging from 14 to 30 days.

Restaurant.com Spend $10 and get a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant. You could run up against restrictions--it may, for example, be valid only Sunday through Thursday--but you can’t beat the price.

Rubylane.com An online mall with hundreds of little boutique-y shops. We loved the pearl and silver drop necklace ($80) at the Purrrls Shop and the funky vintage charm bracelet by Elite Repeats ($45), shown above.

Xpbargains.com Skip right to the “coupons” tab--that’s where the good stuff is. You’ll get a list of coupon codes that’ll help you save big at online stores. Among the discounts we found were 15 percent off one item at Barnes&Noble.com and 20 percent off any item at eBags.


Click any of the links below for a selection of articles from the Spring 2007 issue of ShopSmart;)

Editor's Letter
Greetings from ShopSmart Editor-in-Chief Lisa Lee Freeman

Five ways to shop smarter
Online and off, these tips will help you get the best deals

Great sites for gift givers
Fun and funky presents to buy online for grads, dads, brides, and anyone else on your list

How to order wine
Order the right wine at any restaurant (even if you have no idea what you're doing)

Vitamins
Which multivitamins should you take, if any?