Noelle’s knowledge

1:40pm Monday 28th January 2008

Recycling has become the province of the morally righteous, but bargain-hunters have been doing it for decades, says Good Deal diva Noelle Walsh Bargain-hunters have been recycling for decades, whether that's passing on unwanted items via dress agencies, charity shops or over the garden fence, or picking up rejected goods from reputable retailers at lower prices.

Rejected goods may just mean the shopper has discovered the washing machine she ordered doesn't fit. If the packaging has been disturbed, the retailer can't sell again as a first' and the item is then reduced to sell.

Here are some of the ways the modern bargain hunters saves her soul and her money!

www.freecyle.org Rather like eBay but without any price tags, this global website comprises lots of communities offering unwanted goods free as long as you take them away. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer and membership is free. It's a great opportunity to snap up anything from a garden gate to an unwanted fridge, a wetsuit to an old Magimix. Great for students leaving home or first time homebuyers short of funds. The site looks initially as if it only covers Canada and the USA, but click on international' and scroll down to UK and you'll find scores of local communities (including one in Oxford) - or you can start one yourself.

www.bigpockets.co.uk Website selling a wide range of technological, computer and electronic equipment at competitive prices, some of which are refurbished, most of which are new. Next day delivery from £1 to £6. Whether you're looking for joysticks or PCs, printers, webcams or bluetooth, duplicators or cables, CD drives or sound cards, MP3 memory pens or DVDs, Microsoft software or wireless modulators for cars, they have a huge range, though it helps if you know what they are talking about as some of the information is very technical.

www.clearance-comet.co.uk Clearance-comet.co.uk shows scores of products which are all clearance items from Comet stores countrywide, from plasma TVs, computers and phones to fridges, vacuum cleaners, camcorders and dishwashers. Operating rather like ebay, you bid for each item over a certain period of time although you are told the original shop price so you can set a ceiling for your offer. Previously expensive items sold at about half the shop price. Stock is either end of line which is new and boxed; refurbished; ex-display; slightly scratched or dented; or has been used and returned.

www.giftclearance.com Clearance site for wholesalers who supply top retailers countrywide and have stock leftover. You have to buy in bulk, but this usually means only 12 or 24 of an item such as bracelets or candles, which can make great party pack gifts or presents for all your work colleagues. The price per item is very low - for instance a box of 24 bracelets for £30. You can view hundreds of stylish discontinued lines, all at prices which are reduced by between 20 and 65 per cent. Products include candles, frames, cards, glass, silverware, home furnishings and jewellery.

www.kitchenclearout.co.uk Warehouse full of famous brands such as Belling, Smeg, Bosch, Creda, Hotpoint. Every appliance is fully boxed with its own manufacturers' guarantee. All are unused and none are seconds. They are ends of lines, one-offs or discontinued lines and range from fridges and ovens to sinks, taps, worktops and flooring. Visit online, though you don't need to pay online - you can phone to pay and organise delivery. All products sold on a first come, first served basis.

www.whatsmineisyours.com Fashion exchange website, now being dubbed ebay for fashionistas'. Promoted as the place for those wishing to refresh their wardrobe, update your image or clean out your closet, this is the site for you. It specialises in high quality and vintage fashion. Although the listings are much much smaller than on ebay, you can purchase items immediately and outright, or simply swap items. The site provides comprehensive, friendly guides on how to use its different services. Subscription rate differentiate between those just trying the site and regular traders.

n Get a copy of The Good Deal Directory for just £9.99, plus £2.50 p&p by calling 01367 860016

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