Website Wednesday - TaskRabbit

Have you heard about TaskRabbit?  This summer I was researching easy ways to save or make money, and I stumbled across an article from CNN Money that praised the site. Background checked (they require your social security number) Task Rabbits are eligible to bid on tasks posted.  Posters can either set a fixed price or let Rabbits make offers.  Rabbits are rated by Posters so Posters have information on past performance when selecting a Rabbit.

Tasks vary and can be skilled or unskilled but often include things like moving furniture, doing minor home repairs, event help, and online data collection.  I joined the site this summer (after extensive research on them before giving them my social security number). All of the tasks I've completed so far have been virtual, but have included reading and reviewing books (discovered a great author that way!), trying and reviewing a beta version of a cell phone game app, and providing feedback for product reviews.  

I've found it to be an easy way to generate some extra money without taking on a part time job.  The screening process makes it safer than Craigslist.  It can also be a great way to get odd jobs done for a reasonable price.  A friend in another city bought a piece of furniture on Craigslist and then found a Task Rabbit with a truck to pick it up and transport it, resulting in big savings for her.

Check it out, and let me know what you think!

Website Wednesday - Black Friday

Just in case any of you haven't discovered this yet, http://blackfriday.com/ is the go to website that compiles all Black Friday ads and deals.  You no longer have to go out to get the newspaper to see the deals, like I did growing up!  You can search by store or by product with details clear and easy to compare.

There have been a number of news stories lately about how some of the black Friday deals weren't the best deals of the year.  I think that goes without saying.  Of course, jewelry is going to be slightly cheaper in March when the holidays and Valentine's Day have passed, and of course winter coat prices will bottom out in June.  However, if you're in the market for something personally or looking for a holiday gift, this is a great time to do it.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Website Wednesday - Retail Me Not

I don't know about you, but my one of my pet peeves is making a purchase online and seeing a promo code or coupon code box and having nothing to input into it, knowing that I'm missing out on a saving opportunity.

Typically in this event,  I'll google "Company X promo code" and see what I can get. One great consolidated resource is Retail Me Not.  This site is the most comprehensive list I've found of current promo codes for a variety of retailers.  You can search by store or just view the top deals of the day (currently 15% off at Kate Spade, 20% off at Old Navy, and 20% off at Bed, Bath, & Beyond just to name a few) or enter the retailer you're looking for in the search field.  They have a list of deal options from a number of stores including the overall success rate by users.

There is a separate section for all free shipping deals, printable in store coupons, and printable grocery coupons that can be searched by category.

Next time you stumble across a promo code box, and have nothing to enter, give Retail Me Not a quick visit and see if you can get in on whatever deal opportunities are out there.