How to Score at a Sample Sale
Photo Credit: 1
Ever since I spent my entire summer of 2008 in New York City, I cannot bear to buy designer pieces at full-price.
You see, New York City is abundant with sample sales, which used to be special events for designers and showrooms to discard their sample pieces from previous seasons. Nowadays, the term “sample sale” is used liberally to pertain to almost any sale in the city that is discarding last season’s pieces, whether or not they are samples. Still, you can get some great deals at these events — if you know how to search and when to search.
Even though schoolwork has kept me on campus more often then I’d like, I still make time for the occasional sale. If you ever find yourself in New York City or at a sample sale elsewhere, here are some tips for scoring a good deal:
- Dress comfortably and functionally. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and standing (and maybe running back and forth) and tight, formfitting clothes just in case there aren’t any dressing rooms. Your shoes should also be easy to take off (no elaborate lace-up thigh-high boots!). This isn’t a boutique that will turn its nose up at you for wearing bike shorts, so swallow your pride and dress shamefully. The important thing is that you’re able to try on clothes with ease and swiftness. Just make sure to bring your credit card.
- Bring a map (or directions) and a list of addresses, hours, and phone numbers. My father taught me to be over-prepared at all times, and it’s come in handy in most situations. If you want to be efficient, make a plan. Find out the most efficient way to get to the sample sales and plot out a course to get from one place to the other. If you’re lost, you can call the place or ask a passers-by for directions using the list of addresses.
- Shop early. Sample sales don’t open too early in the first place — usually about 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m –, so you should be able to get out of bed on time. However, you’ll probably find a line of eager shoppers waiting outside the building by 9:45 a.m. if the sale is at 10:00 a.m. Just get there early. You’ll be wearing comfortable shoes anyway, so standing in line should not be a problem.
- Check your items for quality because they are usually final sale. It is likely that some pieces made be damaged, so be sure to review your potential purchases before you hand over your credit card. True sample pieces may also be sized differently from retail pieces. In other words, make sure you know exactly what you’re buying.
- Do not exceed your budget. Okay, a $700 Derek Lam jacket that was originally $3,000 can seem like a great deal, but you might be eating cereal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the next two months. It’s okay to splurge a little at a sample sale, but you still have to budget. Then again, you can be like me and prioritize fashion over food.
- Do not buy something just because it is cheap. Look, you put in all of that effort to get to the sample sale — don’t waste your hard-earned money on something that you’d never wear.
To find sample sales in New York City, visit Fashionista, Clothingline, and New York Magazine’s Fashion Blog: The Cut. Even if you don’t live in the city, you can still enjoy designer goods at discount prices through online “sample sale” shopping websites. For more information on online sample sales, plus a list of our favorites, see The Ultimate Guide to Online Sample Sales!
Spend wisely and you’ll score some amazing pieces! Some of the things I’ve bought at sample sales include Sonia Rykiel sandals, a Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, a Hanii Y blazer, a Botkier bag, Hermès scarves, By Francine silk dresses, Bill Blass jackets, and Wolford stockings.
Have you ever shopped a sample sale?
If so, what did you score? Do you plan to visit any sample sales next time you’re in NYC? What about online sample sales – what’s your favorite online shopping destination? Leave us a comment!
Posted on on January 5, 2010 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: How To, Online Sample Sales, Sales, Sample Sales, Shopping, Tips
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angie
I used to be a fashion buyer so I‘ve actually organized a few sample sales. It is possible to score and that’s fabulous. But you have to be sample size to make the clothing work, which is usually a US size 4. Smaller, larger, petite or tall and you’re resigned to accessories only. Also, remember that sample sales are precisely that – a sale of SAMPLES. Half the time, the samples being sold are not perfect prototypes in terms of fit and fabric quality. Buyers receive many samples and all of them get sold at a sample sale – imperfect samples included. But it’s always worth going if you have the time an energy as long as you have a discerning eye.
JG
Never shopped a sample sale. Although it looks quite overwhelming, I would dare to give it a try. Not a sample size though so maybe I should hit up the accessories!
Breanna
Great post! I especially like the last one – because this is what can happen very likely. And thanks to angie for the tips too. I’m a size 4/6, so maybe there’s a hope for me, yay.
Grace
Do they have these in LA? Looks awesome!
Meagan
Man, I wish I lived somewhere with sample sales. I’ve checked out online ones like Gilt Groupe and HauteLook, but the prices are still just a wee bit too high, especially if I’m buying it online and I’m not 100% sure it’ll look good on me.
Emily
Yeah, sample sales aren’t really my thing, but these all seem like useful tips. Although damn, I’d never buy designer tights because a) I am soooo hard on my tights, and b) I have a kitten. But I envy you yours!
Kim - Cal State
oooh one day i will go to new york and experience this magical event, but until then, i will only dream about it. and great tips! i wish i could try them out.
alexa
Sample Sales are great, especially for accessories. and a lot of sales have various sizes in clothes/shoes, it just depends on the company. while some designers have their own sales, a lot of stores have warehouse sales too where you can get awesome deals. sales def. aren’t limited to NYC either, loomstate/rogan has a warehouse by me on LI and they’re always having sample sales, just look around online and in your town for fliers and stuff. and here’s another good site for nyc/la sales: http://www.thesavvy.com/
Bryannah
Loveee it! :) if only there were sample sales in LA? i don’t usually see them around… =/
HAHAHA! I just noticed that the guy in the green shirt in the photo has something wet on his back! :O
:] great post!
Mae
Some day I will go to a sample sale. :)
Oh, it will be such a rude shove into the city life. Haha.
Let’s do it!
Jen
Thanks, I can’t wait to hit up on of these on my next NYC trip.
Midtown Girl
Excellent tips! I made the mistake of wearing loubies for one and almost twisted an ankle trying to find my right size thru all the racks! XO Amy
Chelsea Morgan
“Then again, you can be like me and prioritize fashion over food.”
Too funny, very Carrie Bradshaw…”When I first moved to New York, I often bought Vogue instead of food, because I felt it fed me more.”
-Carrie Bradshaw :)
Madeleine
I don’t plan to visit any sample sales next time in NYC because I imagine they’d probably be priced too high for my budget so I’d probably end up disappointed. My favorite online shopping destination is dELIA’s because they’re clothes are trendy, cheap, and fit my XL- sized body well.