Members-Only Online Sales: A Good Deal?

By now it's a good bet that you've been "invited" to a members-only website that offers daily/weekly sales.  Yes, I'm talking about Hautelook.com, Gilt.com, RueLaLa.com, Ideeli.com and the like.  While the discounts may seem great as listed on the website, make sure of the following:

1. The listed retail price is the actual retail price (sometimes the discount is overstated due to an inflated retail price);
2. The item pictured matches the item description/details (sometimes they don't match);
3. You know the shipping fee (it can really add up and take away from the discount);
4. You don't need the item in a hurry (shipping is slow...very slow);
5. You've reviewed the return/refund policy (which is usually very strict or non-existent); and
6. You know your size in that particular designer (see #5 above).