Designer on a Dime: Tips on How to Score Great Deals on Luxury Items

Whether you’re shopping for Kate Spade or Gucci, everyone knows that designer items come with the large price tags. Some may argue that it’s because of the quality, while others argue that you are just paying for the name. However, we know that they are expensive, and these items never go on sale.

But, there is a way to get these items discounted — the preloved market.

For many bags, this is a great way to score some deals if you play it right. There are many sites such as the RealReal and Poshmark that offer so many luxury listings. But, the real confusion is trying to find a great deal on the item that you’re interested in, and if it’s authentic.

Over the past few months, I’ve become an expert consignment shopper and seller. Well, I would like to think that I am anyways. I have been able to score bags at such a huge discounted rate and my collection has definitely grown. So, I decided to come up with some tips to help those who want to have high fashion but want the low price tag score the same deals that I have.

Do your research on the bag: When shopping online for a bag or anything on the preloved market, make sure you research it. If it’s still a bag that’s being made new, what is the price of the new version? How much of a discount are you getting? Will the quality last? And, if you don’t like the purchase, how much can you sell it for? That way, when you find a bag at the price and condition that you want, you know you are getting a good deal.

Be patient: I purchased my Louis Vuitton Neverfull when my mom’s estate finally wrapped up. The bag new is $1,500. I paid about $670 for it on a local consignment site. It took me about six months to find a bag in the condition that I like and at a price that I wanted to pay for the bag. I don’t regret waiting whatsoever. I am a huge believer of the gut feeling, so if it doesn’t feel right or if you’re not willing to get a bag in that condition, then don’t. Trust me, there are more of whatever item that you wish to get.

If something is too good to be true, then it probably is: If a Louis Vuitton bag is $200, then it’s probably fake. When browsing on Poshmark, I’ve seen bags that are too low if that makes sense. Avoid those.

Check out local consignment stores: Local consignment stores are the hidden gems of finding great deals and great finds. I typically browse Uptown Consignment, and over the year that I’ve been selling there, I have found some great deals. For example, I found a Dooney and Bourke purse new with tags. The price tag read $198, but I paid $25. And I love it! Another route to do is check Instagram for smaller consigners that deal with designer goods, because many of them ship! One of those is Closet Connection Resale, where almost all of my purses have been purchased. No matter what route you decide to go with, you can find great deals.

Recognize that it’s Not Going to be In Perfect Condition: 9 out of 10, these bags have been used before. Some items will have wear, tarnish, scratches, etc. And, that’s ok. With Louis Vuitton, that can get fixed down the line. Tarnish can be cleaned. That said, many of the items may be new with tags and just sat in the closet for many years. Whatever the reason is, do expect some items to have wear, because they have been worn.

Message the Seller, if you Can: I have never used Fashionphile or the RealReal, so I don’t think that you can do it this way. However, the best way to get a good deal is to just ask questions about the bag. One of the things I love about using Poshmark or Closet Connection Resale is that I can ask questions about the condition of the item, and what it can fit. That has been helpful for making better choices on whether or not I want to pull the trigger. And, one thing that is helpful about this trick too, is if the seller is not responding, then the listing is a scam. So, it’s a win-win.

So, those are my tips on how to score a great deal on the pre-loved market. Have you shopped consignment for designer items? Let me know in the comments below.