Flubit users can get money off Amazon goods right away with its new Instant Offer function.
All you have to do is enter an Amazon UK URL on the website and get a quote.
Flubit insists that it's not a price comparison site or a search engine, nor is it a store to browse and discover deals. But if it's not a shop, comparison website or search engine, just what is it?
How it works
Flubit is an online shopping service, ‘creating’ better offers on products that are already on the market.
It works with hundreds of online merchants to get you a personalised, cheaper price on a wide range of products listed on Amazon. You can have your offer sent by email, a tweet or a Facebook post.
With its Demand service, you have to wait up to 48 hours to get the lower price sent through. As it stands, over 85% of Demands have received offers, but if Flubit can’t create a better offer, you’ll be notified within 48 hours.
After accepting the offer, you finish the purchase through Flubit and the item will be delivered to your door. But don’t worry, Demanding an offer doesn’t mean that you have to buy the product.
Just bear in mind that it can’t create offers on contracts, second-hand products, tickets, downloads, reservations, fashion, vehicles and items that require installation.
Standard delivery time is between three and five days but some sellers do offer next day delivery. All standard delivery charges are included in the price.
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The Instant Offer service
Now Flubit users have the option of requesting an Instant Offer. As the name suggests, this means you get an immediate offer where possible, though chances are it won't be as good as if they waited with the Demand service.
Putting it to the test
We had a go at getting three different products cheaper: a digital camera, a toddler car seat and a coffee machine. Here's how we got on.
Sony DSCW800 Compact Digital Camera in silver (£59.99)
There was a tiny saving of £1.80 on this camera, bringing the price down to £58.19.
It would take 1-2 days handling and 3-5 days for delivery, which costs £3.95. To save the faff, it might be better to go with Amazon if you can get free delivery.
Britax First Class Plus Group 0+/1 Baby and Toddler Car Seat in Black Thunder (£79.99)
The saving on this item is a little more substantial, coming down to 77.59 (£2.40 less than Amazon).
We'd be hanging about for quite a while, though. There's an estimated 1-2 days on handling and 3-5 days on delivery on this item, too. Delivery is free, but through second class on Royal Mail.
AEG Lavazza A Modo Mio Favala Plus Pod Coffee Machine (£44.99)
Flubit couldn't give us an instant cheaper price on the coffee machine, suggesting that it might not be all that comprehensive. However, it did suggest the Demand option as an alternative. Bad luck for anyone who needs their Lavazza coffee fix in a hurry.
Our verdict
If you're looking to save a bit extra, Flubit’s Instant Offers will shave a little off Amazon’s prices at short notice, but don’t expect more than a couple of quid in savings.
However, it's still worth at least trying the Demand function if you can spare the time as you'll have access to a wider range of products at a lower price.
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