Deals, Steals and Group Buying Power

Who doesn't like to save a few bucks, and even better yet save mucho bucks. With the plethora of group buying sites cropping up on the web you can save anywhere from 30%-80% on 5-star hotels, luxury brand items, or local eateries and activities. For those of you that may be wondering "what is the catch" so far I have not found one as long as you pay attention to the fine print and the expiration dates. To date I have enjoyed huge discounts on clothing, shoes, trying new places to eat and a white water rafting trip to Maine with friends -- all purchases I was very happy with and got a little extra "happy" from the savings in my wallet!

Check out some of the most popular discount and group buying websites:

Rue La La is a great shopping destination for everything from clothing, luggage, cutlery, shoes, vacations, gifts, and really the list just goes on!

Ideeli if you are looking for designer labels, jewelry, candles, linens, housewarming gifts, deals on Zagat rated eateries you will find it on Ideeli.

Get Sugar offers local deals on services and merchandise from some of the Boston area's best spas, salons, stores and businesses.

SWIRL by DailyCandy offers great deals through the newsletter site Daily Candy. It's a place to buy clothes and accessories at up to 80% off from already known designers and buzz-worthy fashion-world newbies.

Buy With Me uses a "power in numbers" approach with local merchants to get us deals that often seem to good to be true. They offer a new deal everyday and you typically have about a week to make up your mind before the deal runs out.

Tippr is a newer website offering local deals utilizing collective buying. What sets Tippr apart is that they offer additional incentives if the deal of the deal of the day sells over their expectations, you the buyer get a nice little added bonus to the deal. Who doesn't like a little extra?

Living Social offers one fantastic deal every day with discounts of up to 90% at local restaurants, bars, spas, theaters, and more.

Groupon was the first group-buying power site that I came across last year and have been a fan ever since. Groupon offers local deals that allow us to enjoy the great things in our community, such as restaurants, salons and spa, sports, music, local tourist attractions, etc. You just might consider skydiving if you can try it as 80% off....why the heck not!

(If I have left any out, please feel free to leave a comment, share, share and share alike)