Most of us will spend less in 2009. Much less. And use coupons. Many will seek reliable
recommendations when we do. If that’s true for you, check out this service. Ever see something a friend bought and want to get it too? Before you buy something online, see reviews from others in a trusted online community. If you are proud of what you sell online, then sell more by enabling prospective buyers to
see your customers’ opinions. That’s the business model of George Eberstadt’s startup network, TurnTo. 
How does his firm make money? “When a user sees a ‘trusted reference’ on one of our partner sites and then goes on to purchase we get a small commission on that purchase.”
Some trend forecasters cast this as part of the new normal social shopping. No, not the usual “does it look good on me?” kind of face-to-face group wisdom activity. Yet this online way to compare shopping recommendations may help us wade through this precarious economy.
BenMark thinks, “The service is particularly well-suited to ticket and events ecommerce…someone can go online and see what concert their friend is going to, and then buy tickets to that same show.”
Several sites are competing for the chance to make us smarter shoppers, able to get better bargains.
Interesting idea Kare. It’s interesting seeing people become frugal again–when did this go out of style anyway?
matt perhaps it is more in style with more people. some of us Danes find it is a natural inclination and we are forever seeking ways to not feel guilty and be more self-indulgent
Frugality to me is not buying more for less. It is about not buying at all. One day I looked at my shoes in the closet and the thought came to me, “How many pairs of shoes did my grandmother have?” Probably two. I realized if I never shopped again I would have more than she ever had. I went on a shopping diet a year ago December and spent less than $250 on clothes and shoes in 2008. This year I will do better!
Rita
For me frugality is buying (quality: cost for use) just what I need and not more. And, as one does that one realizes how one can thrive of the essentials when they are well-made.