Slickdeals: How to Find the Best Deals Online, Shared by Real Shoppers

A free deal-sharing community where millions of bargain hunters post, test, and vote on the best prices so you do not have to hunt alone.

“Class, why search for a bargain all by yourself when a whole crowd of very determined cheapskates is already doing it for you? Today’s handout is one of my favorite study groups.”

What is Slickdeals?

Slickdeals is one of the oldest and largest deal-sharing websites in the United States, running since 1999. Instead of a company deciding which sales to show you, regular shoppers post the bargains they find on groceries, household goods, clothing, electronics, travel, and more. Other members then check those deals, comment on them, and vote them up or down.

The result is a constantly updated list of prices that real people have looked at and liked. A deal with lots of thumbs-up has usually been checked by plenty of eyes. A deal that turns out to be a dud tends to sink quickly, often with a helpful comment explaining why.

Why I assign it to my students

Most coupon sites show you whatever the stores want you to see. Slickdeals is different because the community does the homework. That matters when every dollar has a job.

• Real people check the price. Members often compare a deal against other stores and price history before you ever see it.
• The comments are gold. You will find warnings about shipping costs, sizing, quality, and better alternatives.
• It covers almost everything. Pantry staples, paper towels, vitamins, small appliances, shoes, gifts, and even hotel and airfare deals.
• It costs nothing. Browsing is free, and you do not need an account just to look.

How to use Slickdeals, step by step

1. Start with the Frontpage. These are the most popular deals, chosen from what the community voted highest. It is the easiest place to begin.
2. Search for what you actually need. Type a specific item, like “laundry detergent” or “air fryer,” into the search bar instead of browsing everything. A list protects your budget.
3. Read the comments before you click. Look for notes like “price went back up,” “only in some stores,” or “cheaper at another shop.”
4. Set up a Deal Alert. With a free account, you can ask Slickdeals to email you or send an app notification when a deal appears for an item you are watching. This is the lazy saver’s secret weapon, and I approve.
5. Visit the Freebies section. The community also posts free samples and genuinely free offers. Read the comments to see which ones actually arrived.

Is Slickdeals good for seniors and fixed incomes?

Yes, especially for planned purchases. If you know you will need a new vacuum, a space heater before winter, or a gift for a grandchild’s birthday, a Deal Alert can quietly watch prices for you. When the price drops, you get a note, and you decide. No daily searching, no pressure.

The site is busy, so it can feel crowded at first. Try this: use the search bar for one item at a time, and ignore the rest. You can also use the free Slickdeals app on a phone or tablet, where the text is easier to read and alerts arrive right on your screen.

Things to watch for

• Prices change fast. A deal posted this morning may be gone by lunch.
• Some deals are only for members of a store’s rewards program or need a coupon code.
• Slickdeals links lead to other stores, so return policies and shipping depend on the store where you buy.
• Never share your passwords or payment details anywhere except on the store’s own checkout page.

Professor Ima B. Cheap

Deals, prices, and site features change often. Cheap101 is not affiliated with Slickdeals. Always check the final price and the store’s terms before you buy. More handouts: Cheap101 Class Handouts · Coupons and deals guide