If you ever have a chance to stop by a sample sale for your favorite designer, go!
I may have even timed my NYC trip to coincide neatly with the DVF sample sale because my beloved watercolor print DVF dress was a $50 find on the sample rack last year.
Sample sales are usually located in major cities or at least the city where the designer originated. If you happen to be in that city and have time, check out what sample sales are going on at that time.
Why? Here is one of my best deals ever: a $2 silk, sequin and mother of pearl embellished dress at Hayden Harnett (retail $350 or so). Â Seriously. Â While that was a once in a lifetime deal, I’ve also gotten great pieces at 50% off or more from Theory, Nanette Lepore, Lauren Merkin and more. Â It’s like getting designer duds for Gap prices.
Reara Draped dress, Neiman Marcus, $365 (but $150 or less if you’re at the sale and it’s available!)
Here are a few tricks I use to score at sample sales.
1. Know the details for the designer that you’re stalking
Get the details on when and where sales are being held! I’ve noticed that some designers hold their sales at about the same time once or twice a year. These are usually off-site (not at the brand’s retail store). I find Racked and Daily Candy (Topbutton too in NYC) to give good information in the US. I find local papers, including free daily newspapers, to be reliable sources of sale information outside the US.  Also visit shopping forums including the Deals and Steals Thread on Purse Forum.
Reara Draped dress, Neiman Marcus, $365 (but $150 or less if you’re at the sale and it’s available!)
2. Get there early
If it’s a pretty popular sale (DVF, Hermes), get there on the first day if possible and when the sale first opens to the public. Â While many sales may restock, you have the choice of the best selection on the first day or at the beginning of the day during this sale period.
If it’s a pretty popular sale (DVF, Hermes), get there on the first day if possible and when the sale first opens to the public. Â While many sales may restock, you have the choice of the best selection on the first day or at the beginning of the day during this sale period.
3. Hover
If you can’t find anything you want immediately, don’t fret just yet. Â Many shoppers grab more than they are willing to buy just so that they can decide about it later. Â If you see something you like on someone else’s arm, don’t be afraid to ask her if she will keep it or be aware if she drops the item later. Â Also keep close to the rack of your choice. Â Staff are likely constantly refilling the racks with new stock or fitting room cast-offs.
4. Don’t let the price do all the talking
A low price shouldn’t mean that this item should come home with you. Â Will you really wear that neon floral hat even if it is $10? Â Lower priced items at a specific sale may also indicate slight damage. Â If it is fixable (like a zipper), go for it. Â If it is something like fabric tears (which can’t easily be fixed), put it back and move on.
5. Go more than once
If you have the time, visit the sale more than once. Â The best selection is in the early days of the sale while the lowest prices may take place during the last day or two of the sale. Â For example, most sales will reduce their prices even further on the last day so it’s a great time to visit in terms of pricing though you are faced with a limited selection.6. Bring a little cash just in case
Ok I usually use credit cards at sample sales, but once in a while, certain sales will offer you an extra discount if you pay cash. Â So why not save if you can offer cash right?Do you have any tips for scoring at sample sales?
I think sample sales are big in the states and major cities like Toronto and Montreal. Ottawa just isn’t a fashion hub so we don’t have many sample sales here.
I wish we did!
Thanks for the tips! I have always been a bit nervous about sample sales, just because I imagine them all to be like that scene in Confessions of a Shopaholic where the girls are fighting on the floor over a pair of Gucci boots. But I’m being ridiculous because it sounds like there are some great deals to be had!
I love samples sales! I haven’t been to one in a while, but the last one I went to I scored several clutches and my everyday bag!
I just went to a sample sale recently and it was great.
These are some great tips! I haven’t been to many sample sales as there aren’t a ton here in Chicago, but the ones that I have been to have really been worth it! Someday I’d like to go to one in NYC and hopefully score something fabulous like you have in the past!
You are an expert, my dear 🙂 xoxo
Great tips! I’ve never seen a sample sale in DC, but maybe I just haven’t been looking hard enough.
Great tips! I am yet to visit a sample sale!
♡ from © tanvii.com
these are wonderful tips. i don’t think there are many sample sales here in phoenix, but it would be great to stumble upon one the next time i’m in NY.
I’ve never been to a sample sale, but these are great tips for when I finally get to go!! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Thanks for the tips!!
xoxo, chrissy from the perfect palett
great tips! Unfortunately its been a while since I last went to a sample sale. No big designers on the big island. When I lived in NY I would go to sales with friends on my lunch break!
Great advice!! I don’t usually go to sample sales because I can’t deal with the crowds but there are certainly wonderful finds to be snagged!!
gosh, I just don’t know if I have the energy for that! i need to try it sometime though, do you go to many?
great tips! i’ve never been to a sample sale, but am dying to go to score some great things.
I’ve never been to a sample sale but your tips sound like great ideas.
I wish I had the chance to use these tips. But I don’t think I will ever have the chance to rummage through a sample sale. Sigh.
You have me dreaming though! 😉
ah… love sample sale. : ) x
Great tips love!! This is awesome 🙂 Hope you are well too! xo
Never have been. Congrats on your steals!!
awesome tips! sample sales can be crazy and overwhelming…these are good!
Hello!! Thanks for visiting my blog, and yeah! it would be great to follow each other!!
Great tips btw, I’ve never been to a sample sale, but with those discounts I’d like to go.
So following you now!
Byee
Great tips! I need to find a sample sale to go to, never been to one!
~Pau
http://www.lilbitsofchic.com
We dont have sample sales here, which is a pity, but these tips are awesome for any sale 🙂 Happy Wednesday xxx
I shall bear the above tips in mind. Have yet to sample a sample sale;-)
Nice tips
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Great tips! I would add that one should dress strategically. Many sample sales I’ve been to didn’t have change rooms, or just had an open area for ladies to change in. Wearing tight-fitting, layerable clothing and slip-on shoes allows one to quickly and easily try on items.