There's a ton of voucher apps for restaurant and retail vouchers around at the moment, but VoucherCloud is one of the most popular apps thanks to the mobile vouchers that can be used straight from your iPhone or Blackberry. Handy.
Folksy/EtsyThe crafting community has grown to such an extent that they now have their own marketplace, both in the USA and the UK. Etsy.com, the USA version, features thousands of handmade goods and vintage items from crafters all over the world. Folksy.com does the same thing, but for the UK.
Why shop with crafters rather than the high street, I hear you cry? Well, often the pieces offered are cheaper, higher quality and easily customised and personalised. Plus it's a little more eco-friendly and, in the case of Folksy, you're supporting the British trade market. So you get a lovely glowy feeling too.
The Book People.co.ukIf you're lucky enough to have The Book People visit your workplace, you'll know how much money you can save (up to 75%). However, you can now also buy online. A strong rival to some of Amazon's bargain basement prices.
Latest in Beauty.comBeauty fans will appreciate this service, which allows you to try out several brand new products each month for a £1 text message. Mini perfume samples, pots of moisturiser and eye creams will arrive in the post, and all you need to do is give your feedback.
Paid for shoppingMystery shopping is an easy way for retailers to test out how good the customer services is in their
Mystery shopping is an easy way for retailers to test out how good the customer services is in their £100 to be a mystery shopper for the day, and you'll also get the chance to try out restaurants and other services.
Popular mystery shopping sites include RetailsEyes.co.uk and Ukims.co.uk.Swishing
Swishing is where you swap clothes with others rather than selling/buying. Regular events are held all over the UK (Penny Golightly.com usually offers details on these) and BigWardrobe.com allows you to do it online. In theory, you can get a whole new wardrobe of clothes, just by swapping your unwanted items.
Sale Mail
Shop It To Me.co.uk is a service that lets you know what sales are going on with products in your size from your favourite shops. So you don't have to deal with the ultimate disappointment when you spot a beautiful dress...but it's not in your size.
There are plenty of websites dedicated to bringing us the best designer products, and most of them come with a hefty discount too. For your surfing pleasure, I've created a round up of all the top websites to bookmark next time you're on the hunt for a retail treat.
ASOS.com
Probably more well known for it's cheap and speedy imitations of celebrity outfits, ASOS has recently expanded into the higher end of the market. Head to the outlet section (asos.com/red)and you'll discover pieces from Diesel, French Connection and Twenty8Twelve. For a more expensive splurge, click on the designer section (asos.com/designer)
Cocosa.com
Cocosa is an invitation-only fashion destination, giving members a chance to view private designer sales from the comfort of their own homes. Daily e-mail updates alert members as to what sales are coming up, and each sale runs for a limited period of time. At the moment they've got upcoming sales from designers like Twenty8Twelve and Ghost.
If you'd like a code, email me on emma.cossey@gmail.com and I'll send you one!
Rue La La.com
Cocosa only delivers to the UK, but luckily the USA has Rue La La. Another invitation-only site, Rue La La has upcoming sales for 7 For All Mankind and Robert Rodriguez.
You can expect prices to be slashed by up to 50%. Comment below if you fancy an invite.
Brand Alley.co.uk
Brand Alley is a private designer sale site which doesn't require an invitation, just a quick registration. There's often plenty of big brand names and some great end of season sales. Just be aware that delivery can take a couple of weeks.
My-Wardrobe.com
My-Wardrobe is a fashion focused website in the UK that focuses solely on this season's collections. Keep an eye out for the sales, where you can grab some real bargains.
Net-A-Porter.com
Net-A-Porter describes itself as the "world's premier online luxury fashion retailer". It's an A-Z of designer names and editorial pieces.
Achica.com
Achica is a brand new designer discount site, which focuses on homewear, indulgences, kids toys and clothing, sport and garden. Recent sales have included PURE digital radios and TIGI BedHead, and discounts range from 10% off to 50% off. It's another invite only site, so get in touch if you want an invite.
Alternatives also include SecretSales.com and Vente-Privee.com.
Mob/Group DealsGroup buying (also known as mobdeals or groupons) is where a website offers a deal that only becomes available once a certain number of people sign up for it. So, the deal is ‘on’ when they reach their target. Great for spa deals, days out, bargain dinners or one-off experiences.
Here are three of the best sites offering the service.
Wahanda.com
Wahanda was the first site that made me aware of bulk buying, with their daily MobDeals. Currently available in London, Manchester and Birmingham, the spa site offers deals like 3-for-1 power plate classes, a full spa day for under £30 and spray tan deals for under a tenner.
They've recently launched in the USA too.
Groupon.co.uk (previously MyCityDeal)
My City Deal offers deals on everything from meals out and comedy nights to pampering treatments and paintballing days. They’ve got a good coverage of cities, so you should be able to find something close to you.
Groupola.com
Groupola works in much the same way as Groupon, although they’re a bit more limited on locations. Recent deals have included hot air balloon rides in Liverpool, Scuba Diving in Birmingham and Zumba classes in Edinburgh.
There are plenty of other sites offering similar deals, including, Letsgroupit.co.uk, Crowdity.com and LivingSocial.com, but the three above update most often.So, that's a few of my money-saving tips. Got any more? Want to know more? Get in touch on email (emma.cossey@gmail.com) Twitter (@emma_cossey) or my website
www.emmacossey.co.uk.