I was chatting to my Mum a couple of months ago about online shopping and she mentioned that I should share my favourite sites with my sisters. I thought 'yes that is a good idea' particularly while the Australian dollar is strong. However, I then proceeded to do nothing with that thought.
Today I was thinking through when I should order the next set of Ethan's piano books, and that reminded me that I needed to share some links with my sisters. So without further ado here are some of my favourite sites for online shopping (posted on my blog in case this information is useful to others, not just my sisters)...........
The Book Depository
This is a UK-based site. I buy Ethan's music books from here for about half of the cost I can find them for in physical music and book stores in Sydney. I have also picked up a few good deals on children's books. Huge range. Quick and FREE delivery.
Be aware that if you place an order for multiple books you may receive each book in its own separate package over different days.
Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is a UK-based department store. They charge a flat 15 pounds (approx $23 Australian at today's exchange rate) delivery fee to Australia, regardless of how many items you purchase.
Why I love buying from Marks and Spencer:
Be aware that if you are shopping during a sale you can't deliberate for long over your purchases or you may miss out. I have found that by the time I get to the 'check out' a few items in my shopping basket will have already sold out. This isn't the case with every item, but there are often products on sale where there are 10 or less remaining in a particular size (which you can see when you click on the product). So act fast!
StrawberryNET
This company is based in Hong Kong and has a smart business model (I think so anyway). The Australian rrp for cosmetics is often a lot higher than elsewhere in the world (ie we get ripped off). Strawberrynet enables you to purchase cosmetics at prices closer to that enjoyed in other parts of the world.
This site isn't really useful if your cosmetics are not that expensive to start with. If you are paying Priceline prices this site won't be of much use to you. And lucky you!!
If you are paying David Jones/Myer cosmetic counter prices you need to know about this site! I have very sensitive eczema-prone skin and there are a few cosmetics I use where cheaper alternatives have been a disaster on my skin. For example, this foundation by Lancome is the only one I have ever found that I can wear day after day without having an adverse reaction and this moisturiser by Clinique is absolutely fantastic for my skin. The Australian rrp for my foundation is $68, but the price on Strawberrynet is $36. The Clinique moisturiser costs $83 in Australia, but is $46 via Strawberrynet.
Shipping is FREE! Delivery is quick and comes tied in a cute bow. There are some fantastic specials (Top 20 Specials, 75% off). Also, there are often free gifts with purchase and loyalty bonuses. One of my favourite lipsticks was a free gift from Strawberrynet. I am sure the products are genuine, because my skin would have protested a long time ago if they were not. There are many many positive reviews of this site in the Vogue forums.
All The Deals
The group buying concept is pretty well known, so I won't spend much time explaining it. I like this specific site because it lets me look at all the deals that are being offered by various sites such as Spreets, Scoopon, Cudo etc in one place. We have found some great deals on family activities, eating out etc from these sites.
As a final note, I have never had a single problem with any of these sites. Everything has been delivered on time and in great condition.
If you know any other fanastic sites for online shopping, please share!
Today I was thinking through when I should order the next set of Ethan's piano books, and that reminded me that I needed to share some links with my sisters. So without further ado here are some of my favourite sites for online shopping (posted on my blog in case this information is useful to others, not just my sisters)...........
The Book Depository
This is a UK-based site. I buy Ethan's music books from here for about half of the cost I can find them for in physical music and book stores in Sydney. I have also picked up a few good deals on children's books. Huge range. Quick and FREE delivery.
Be aware that if you place an order for multiple books you may receive each book in its own separate package over different days.
Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is a UK-based department store. They charge a flat 15 pounds (approx $23 Australian at today's exchange rate) delivery fee to Australia, regardless of how many items you purchase.
Why I love buying from Marks and Spencer:
- They send me an email whenever a sale starts (often 50% off).
- The seasons are reversed, so I can order Winter clothes on sale as we head into Winter and vice versa for Summer.
- I don't have to wander around the shops with child/ren in tow while sorting through racks of discounted clothes in various sizes which will then have to be stored at home until the following year.
- A few (well in reality probably about 50) clicks of a mouse after the kids are in bed and my shopping is done.
- The clothes we have ordered have all been great quality. Sizing has also been accurate.
- If your children like Charlie and Lola, Peppa Pig and Hello Kitty (Erica) or Star Wars, Lego and Nintendo (Ethan) this is the perfect place to shop.
- Great basics for ladies and I often find modest dresses (which seems to be harder and harder to find in Australian stores).
- A review section so you can read other people's feedback on the product - fit, quality of fabric etc.
- Some great bargains to be had during sales. For example, Ethan's entire church suit was purchased here at a much cheaper price than I have ever been able to find in David Jones/Myer (ie - the entire suit including the white shirt, 2 ties and a belt cost less than the regular price of just a suit jacket in the former stores). We were also pleasantly surprised to find that the suit is fantastic quality, appearing more like a miniature version of David's suits (fully lined, well cut, great fabric).
- Delivery is fast - about two weeks.
Be aware that if you are shopping during a sale you can't deliberate for long over your purchases or you may miss out. I have found that by the time I get to the 'check out' a few items in my shopping basket will have already sold out. This isn't the case with every item, but there are often products on sale where there are 10 or less remaining in a particular size (which you can see when you click on the product). So act fast!
StrawberryNET
This company is based in Hong Kong and has a smart business model (I think so anyway). The Australian rrp for cosmetics is often a lot higher than elsewhere in the world (ie we get ripped off). Strawberrynet enables you to purchase cosmetics at prices closer to that enjoyed in other parts of the world.
This site isn't really useful if your cosmetics are not that expensive to start with. If you are paying Priceline prices this site won't be of much use to you. And lucky you!!
If you are paying David Jones/Myer cosmetic counter prices you need to know about this site! I have very sensitive eczema-prone skin and there are a few cosmetics I use where cheaper alternatives have been a disaster on my skin. For example, this foundation by Lancome is the only one I have ever found that I can wear day after day without having an adverse reaction and this moisturiser by Clinique is absolutely fantastic for my skin. The Australian rrp for my foundation is $68, but the price on Strawberrynet is $36. The Clinique moisturiser costs $83 in Australia, but is $46 via Strawberrynet.
Shipping is FREE! Delivery is quick and comes tied in a cute bow. There are some fantastic specials (Top 20 Specials, 75% off). Also, there are often free gifts with purchase and loyalty bonuses. One of my favourite lipsticks was a free gift from Strawberrynet. I am sure the products are genuine, because my skin would have protested a long time ago if they were not. There are many many positive reviews of this site in the Vogue forums.
All The Deals
The group buying concept is pretty well known, so I won't spend much time explaining it. I like this specific site because it lets me look at all the deals that are being offered by various sites such as Spreets, Scoopon, Cudo etc in one place. We have found some great deals on family activities, eating out etc from these sites.
As a final note, I have never had a single problem with any of these sites. Everything has been delivered on time and in great condition.
If you know any other fanastic sites for online shopping, please share!
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