Whether it is a pair of heels, a handbag, or an ultra-stylish coat, designer clothing can be incredibly expensive. However, if you know a few secrets, there are many ways to get designer clothing at a discount; here’s how.
Know What You Want
The first thing you need to do is establish what you want and what you are looking for. Whether it be designer jackets from Sass & Bide or a pair of Jimmy Choo heels, make a shortlist of your must-have items.
This makes it far easier to narrow down where you should be looking and also block out sales and discounts that don’t apply to you.
Start Price Tracking
Once you know what you want, start price tracking these items. Using the online sites is much easier, and this will allow you to not only keep track of the price, but also the availability.
Availability is the one speed up that can be disastrous for your hunt. As the price drops, more and more people will begin buying, and you don’t want to miss out on your chance. Pouncing on the item at the right time is important, as discounted items are, more often than not, not restocked.
Look for Discount Codes
While this may be difficult, especially for designer items, always be on the lookout for discount codes. For instance, the Versace store may not offer a discount code, but a website or retailer that stocks Versace items may offer a code.
These codes may not make a world of difference, but if you get lucky, you may find one that offers something like a 2-for-1 deal, or free shipping and returns.
Sign Up for Newsletters & Alerts
This is one of the most important steps for your hunt. Newsletters and price alerts are the best way to stay on top of sales and to know when something is on sale or, even better, when it is about to be on sale.
Many retail websites will have a newsletter option, while some will also offer an alert system if you are looking for a particular color or size of an item.
Seek Out Sample Sales
Sample sales are another way to find designer items at almost unbelievable prices. In simple terms, sample sales are used by retailers to shift excess stock, damaged stock, or clothing they used for mannequins, photoshoots, etc.
While the items may need a wash and won’t always come in the original packaging, you can find everything from sunglasses to dresses at discounted prices. Be aware, though, many of these sales don’t always offer items in every size or variation, but they are still worth checking out.
End-of-Season Clearances
Almost every retailer has end-of-season sales as the weather starts to change. Once again, they are trying to shift old stock, and they offer this stock at, sometimes, massive discounts. If you visit at the right time, you may find an absolute bargain.
However, like the sample sale, you won’t find every size and variation, but there is still a good chance you will get lucky and find exactly what you are looking for.
Secondhand Stores
One of the tried and tested methods for finding designer clothing at discounted prices is to hunt through secondhand stores. While you may not always be successful, there are plenty of gems hiding on the rails.
While the clothing may not be the latest releases, and will most definitely need a wash, they are the perfect places to find incredible vintage items.
Bulk Sales
One of the newest trends popping up around the world is bulk sales. These involve buying a bag of clothing, usually a set weight, at a certain price. What sets these apart from secondhand stores is that these bags are often packed with old stock, sample stock, etc.
While you may not find items like a Chanel LBD or a three-piece Hugo Boss suit, you have a shot at finding basics like t-shirts, shorts, etc.
Find Discount Resellers
In this day and age, there are countless resellers who are doing the heavy lifting of finding designer items for you. These resellers go to the secondhand stores, sample sales, etc, buy what they want, and then stick them on their e-stores.
While they do add a premium to the original price, more often than not, the price they offer will be lower than if you were to buy the item yourself. You also tend to have more options, as many go out of their way to find all the variations and as many sizes as possible.
Damaged Items
Finally, don’t be put off by damaged items. Designer retailers will often sell damaged stock at a discounted price to try to recoup some of their money. However, when it comes to clothes, “damaged” doesn’t always mean what you think it means.
Everything from a frayed hem to a tiny hole in a handbag caused by a misplaced label is all considered “damage,” meaning you can find designer items at a highly discounted price that has damage that you need to try really hard to find and see.
