Rescu. give you all the insider advice on the latest phenomenon in shopping; exclusive online shopping clubs.Many clever shoppers are jumping on board with the latest shopping idea; online shopping clubs. These exclusive member shopping clubs are popping up all over the internet, and across the world. Australia is one of the leaders in this phenomenon, with a number of popular shopping clubs under our belt.
How do they work? Each website holds sales that are only on for a limited time, and only available privately to their members. Most stock for sale is up to 80% off RRP, and the products on offer range from kids wear, to accessories, shoes and high end clothing.
Within Australia, the three most popular shopping websites are all private member clubs. OzSale came in first, followed by brandsExclusive and Buyinvite. We have seen a distinctive increase in these clubs, as they lead the way ahead of brand websites such as Sportsgirl or Witchery.
So who is shopping at these exclusive clubs? Recent research shows that 62.7% of shoppers are female, and 48.5% are aged between 25- 44 years. This phenomenon is becoming so popular that many people choose to shop conveniently via the internet rather than in store.
If shopping online is something you love, we have done the research for you on the best online shopping clubs across Australia.
The Best Online Shopping Clubs To Join
OzSale- The Biggest and Most Diverse Range of Products
ozsale.com.au
It is clear to see why OzSale are the leaders amongst the Australian online shopping clubs. The site boasts some great statistics, proving that they are the ones to follow; a new member will join every 41 seconds to OzSale, and a product is sold every 18 seconds- this team must be busy!
How to Become a Member
Joining OzSale as a member is a simple, quick process. You are required to fill in a short form, and submit, and the rest is done for you. Members are also approved straight away.
What They Offer Their Members
So what sets them as the industry leaders? This lies in the diversity of their product range. OzSale cater for everyone from women’s apparel and accessories, to kids and baby, men’s wear, beauty and lifestyle products. Recently they have sold brands such as Hugo Boss, Diesel Kids and Miessence Beauty. What we also love about OzSale is their no fuss, easy returns policy.
Founder Jamie Jackson explains “Over the past four years, we have built up long term strategic relationships with international fashion brands in Europe, US and the UK all of whom sell their excess stock through our sites. In addition we now have an experienced team of buyers sourcing product form the Australian market.”
Rescu. Roadtest:
Our editor is a devotee of OzSale. Since becoming a member last year, she’s been keeping the origin of her John Galliano boots, Burberry Trench, Sergio Rossi Bag and mountains of designer baby gear a secret. She also let it slip that OzSale also has incredible beauty buys all sourced from the original distributor so you know it’s the real deal.
Cocolee- Specialising in Australian Designers and Key Fashion Trends
cocolee.com.au
With founder Nedahl Stelio behind the scenes of Cocolee, this shopping destination is arguably the most chic and fashion conscious amongst the pack. Nedahl was previously the editor of Cleo Magazine, so she really has her finger on the pulse, and selects a great edit of what is available in the market for her members.
How to Become a Member
Membership is free and easy to achieve, and once inside the club you have access to a range of high end women’s brands. Nedahl explains “Labels spend thousands of dollars cultivating their brand profile and image. We want to offer an outlet for brands to clear their stock while still maintaining that image.”
What They Offer Their Members
Cocolee offers a point of difference for their members, through an array of designer pop up sales, with huge discounts. Cocolee have sold some of Australia’s greatest designer labels including Maurie and Eve, Shakuhachi, Natasha and more.
Cocolee is not only a sales website it is a fashion community and a key source of fashion and celebrity inspiration. Nedahl writes her daily blog with tips and insider gossip, creating the ultimate fashion destination for all your needs. There is also a virtual marketplace where you can swap, buy or sell your old clothes with other members!
brandsExclusive- Offering Premium Fashion and Lifestyle Brands
brandsexclusive.com.au
Sydney based shopping club brandsExclusive, create a unique experience for their members with an extremely private yet stylish club.
How to Become a Member
Whilst it is free to join, in order to do so you must submit a reason as to why you would love to become a member. It is then up to one of the current brandsExclusive members to confirm your reason and your shopping experience can then begin! We tested this out, and were approved within two days.
What They Offer Their Members
brandsExclusive sell over 300 different labels and have a strong focus on premium fashion and lifestyle brands including CK Jeans and Dolce and Gabbana accessories. This invitation only club is based on a unique no-inventory model and offers up to 80% off RRP.
More recently, the site set themselves apart from their competitors by introducing an iPhone app, allowing their members to shop whilst in transit! Founder and managing director, Daniel Jarosch explains, “quantities are limited and can sell out within a few hours. That’s why it’s important that our members can access our service anytime, including on the move.” This is the ultimate iPhone app for shopper-holics!
Buyinvite- A Great Selection of Lifestyle Brands
buyinvite.com.au
Buyinvite pride themselves on offering member only private sales for ‘smart shoppers’. With a vast range of labels, this shopping club is a popular haunt for shopper-holics.
How to Become a Member
You won’t need to wait to become a member at Buyinvite. You can create your member profile on the homepage for free and instant access to the sales.
What They Offer Their Members
With discounts of up to 90% off RRP, Buyinvite offer a range of products, from fashion labels to home wares and even stationary. At Buyinvite you will be shopping for your kids, your parents and yourself; with the diverse range of products including some very lust worthy items. Buyinvite have recently sold brands including Hannah McNicol, Zanerobe and Bauhaus.
Thread People- A Great Mix of High End International Brands with Australian Street Wear
threadpeople.com.au
Thread People are the new kids on the circuit of online shopping clubs, but they are quickly proving they are ones to watch.
How to Become a Member
Joining Thread People is a free and very simple process, simply fill out the homepage form and you have direct access to your new account.
What They Offer Their Members
Thread People have created a fashion hub of pop up sales, Thread TV, and their fashion news blog. You can shop for everything from street wear to high end international brands, whilst keeping informed with the latest news in the fashion industry. They have even included a sales calendar so you can keep track of what’s coming up!
At Thread People you can shop at up to 75% off on international brands like Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and Marni, or choose from Karen Walker Eyewear, Jayson Brundson or Alice McCall on a local scale.
Why Shop At An Online Shopping Club?
This new emergence of online designer shopping clubs is only increasing in popularity and at a rapid speed too. So what sets these clubs apart from other online stores like EBay?
Risk is associated with online shopping, particularly with websites such as EBay, whereby you are relying on an individual seller to provide you with a quality item. Everyone knows someone who has had an EBay horror story, the product is marked or ruined, or doesn’t meet the description. That’s where these exclusive shopping clubs set themselves apart, by selling designer quality products that are guaranteed to be genuine rather than fake.
Not only is it safer and easier to shop at these online exclusive clubs, they also all provide ‘sales emails’ to their members so that you won’t miss out on a sale! In addition, each club offers their members $10 when they refer a friend to the site. Shopping just got a whole lot easier!
Image source: ozsale, cocolee, brandsexclusive, buyinvite, threadpeople
