Membership has its perks. Here are the hottest flash-sale websites with notable home and interior design presence.
Be warned. Some of these sites are highly addictive and move you to the “need not want” category very quickly. And don’t get discouraged if you try to become a member and they ask you to wait. The more members they get the better, so they’ll find a way to quickly fit you in.
Fab.com
Offers its members daily sales from well-known and new designers. The merchandise is typically eclectic, quirky products that include artwork, home decor, wearables and more at prices up to 70 percent off retail. Sales launch daily at 11 a.m. CT and run for 72 hours. The site also launched “pop-up shops” that stay open for 30 days and feature products focused around a unique theme like Finnish Design.
It’s a fun site to shop, as you’ll never know what you’ll find that you probably didn’t really need. For the holidays, they’ll be launching two Holiday Pop-Up Shops: top 100 design gifts under $100 and the second for modern holiday décor.
The majority of items are final sale, and the return policy is fairly rigid, so make sure you read up before you order. Shipping fees are fairly standard, and clearly outlined on the website. They hope to launch apps for the iPhone, iPad and Android soon.
Gilt.com
Gilt Groupe offers daily sales of top designer label products at up to 60 percent off retail.
In an effort to better compete in the home goods arena, the site just expanded its Gilt Home section. In addition to the usual “flash” sales that last for 72 hours, they’ve broadened the shopping experience to include ongoing sales and designer boutiques. Gilt Home also includes a smart and savvy Features editorial section with interior design stories and tips. The site offers a broad and unique product selection, and by moving beyond “flash” sales, gives you time to absorb all that’s available.
Not all items are returnable, so pay attention. Eligible return items must be shipped back within 21 days of receipt, and the shipping cost is $5.95 for most orders, unless oversize or special delivery rates apply. Gilt is also available as an app.
MYHABIT.com
Founded by Amazon.com, MYHABIT.com is a private sale site with designer and boutique brands offered at up to 60 percent off. The site offers three to five sales specific to women, men, children and home every day. Each flash sale typically includes 20 to 30 items, starts at 11 a.m. CT and lasts 72 hours.
Items sell out quickly, with free shipping and returns. And while they don’t offer a lot of options, the site tends to introduce unique brands that aren’t often featured on other sites.
OneKingsLane.com
Quickly becoming a poster child among the design crowd, OneKingsLane offers daily online sales of designer furniture, decor, art, gifts, lifestyle products, rugs, kids and bath, tabletop and more, at up to 70 percent off retail. Sales launch each day at 10 a.m. CT and last for 72 hours. There is plenty of variety and a wide price range.
In addition to the daily sales, OneKingsLane lets leading designers present collections of objects, both antique and new, in their Tastemaker Tag Sales. It’s not unusual for these to sell-out quickly, and they aren’t necessarily offered at bargain basement prices. There’s also a Downstairs clearance sale section that refreshes weekly.
Shipping rates are listed on the website, and returns are available on most items within 14 days of receipt. Once you place your return request, they will send you a packaging label and return shipping costs will be deducted from your original form of payment. They have an app for the iPhone and iPad.
Ruelala.com
Offers daily boutiques that open every day at 10 a.m. CT, and typically stay open 24 hours. Their Living sales cover everything from kitchen appliances to decorative accents to furniture and rugs. In general, Ruelala offers very approachable, desirable objects that most of us would use every day.
A member perk is “Still Want It,” so if you get to a sale too late and miss out on an item you want, you can request they look for it. Another feature is The Rue 30. Members pay a flat $9.95 standard shipping fee and for the next 30 days, shipping is free, regardless of the number of purchases you make (oversized items will most likely have additional charges, noted at checkout). Returns are easy too: you have 30 days from the date you received your item to return for either merchandise credit (with free return shipping) or a refund to your original form of payment minus return shipping costs.
The site has apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices, or you can access a streamlined version of the site at m.ruelala.com.
Taigan.com
Offers a collection of online boutiques, designer brands and craftsmen, as well as wineries and artisanal food purveyors. Many of the boutiques are exclusive retailers from cities across the U.S. You can shop by city, store or category. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for luxury or one-of-a-kind products like handmade canoes, arts and antiques, fly rods, designer table linens, artisanal honey and jams, or hand-woven rugs. But be prepared for the price tags.
The site also offers membership into Taigan Gold, with 10 percent savings at participating shops and special privileges. Annual membership is $30. The site is currently offering free shipping on an item (up to $25) if you invite 10 friends to visit taigan.com.
