Woot.com Review

There are very few new things under the sun, but even so, Woot.com is pretty unique. The site's catch is simply advertised: "One day, one deal". Woot's customers check their websites (either http://www.woot.com or sister site http://wine.woot.com ) every day to see what the latest "Woot" is. At midnight, CST, a new deal is posted. The downside of Woot is that it appeals to impulse shoppers. You may not need the item that's up on the page, but something about the fact that it's usually a killer price and available for a limited time only makes it more appealing.

Using Woot.com
Shopping at Woot is very simple. If you see something you want on any given day, simply click on the big yellow button to buy it and check out using Paypal. Your purchase will be processed and for a flat $5 shipping fee, your item will be delivered. The flat rate shipping fee applies to everything purchased at Woot, even large and bulky items like widescreen televisions. Woot also runs specials: Two for Tuesdays and the occasional "Woot Off" where an item is up until it sells out, when it's replaced by another item.

Woot sells gadgets and gizmos; some that you can't live without and some whose usefulness you can't even fathom. I've purchased a Roomba from Woot, as well as a couple of iPod accessories, a temperature/humidity gauge and an FM transmitter. I have saved $20-$40 on various purchases, based on prices found on other standard websites. Woot has a forum feature, where members can discuss the day's product. The forum is a great way to read feedback from others: Invariably someone will post links to reviews of the product as well as its retail price elsewhere to help you assess if you're getting a good deal.

Cat's Bottom Line
Woot is a really fun site, and I always enjoy checking it out every morning. I've gotten some great deals through Woot and I've always been pleased with the quality of the items I've received, and how quickly they arrived. The key to using Woot wisely is to realize that it appeals to your instinct to impulse shop, and to step back and really assess if you can use what you're looking to buy. If not, don't buy the product! I also wouldn't purchase any big ticket items from Woot, such as their televisions or home theater projectors, just because their customer service policies are fairly restrictive and direct you to the manufacturer, rather than to them, in case of problems. But aside from those caveats, I love Woot. Go Wooting and have fun!