Last weekend I spontaneously hit up a Rebecca Minkoff sample sale and got this beautiful Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody Exclusive Love with Gunmetal bag for a steal.  While it normally retails for $295, I only paid $75! Here’s what I learned while navigating through this very fabulous sample sale.

Believe it or not, this was one of my first sample sales. I usually avoid them due to my lack of funds (a girl has to pay rent). However, when my friend Joel told me about it on our way out of pilates, I couldn’t resist taking a peak. I got an amazing new bag and learned a ton about sample sale strategy.

Know when to go

The best times to go to a sample sale are on the first day and the last day. The first day has the best selection while the last day has the lowest prices. I personally prefer to go on the last day because it’s really the only day where these high end items are affordable. Plus you’ll watch the prices go down before your eyes as they keep lowering them throughout the day. If you go on any day that isn’t the first or the last day, you’ll get neither the lowest prices nor the best selection of products so shoot for prime times.

Stay focused

When you walk into a sample sale, it’s easy for your mind to go all over the place. Between all the people running around frantically and the tables piled high with designer deals, it’s hard to focus on finding the best deals for you. Just take a deep breath and focus on going through one table or rack at a time. Don’t move on to the next until you’re done going through the first rack. That way you get a good look at everything.

Only buy if you’re in love

One of the biggest mistakes people make at sample sales is buying things just because. If you love the brand, it’s tempting to buy designer items just because they’re cheap or discounted. I mean who wouldn’t want a Marc Jacobs bag for $50? However, if you wouldn’t pay full price for it, you shouldn’t buy it on sale either because you’re never going to use it. There’s nothing wrong with leaving a sample sale empty handed. So don’t settle for anything less than true love.

Accept defeat

Chances are there’s going to be a moment where someone else snags an item that you’re absolutely head over heels for. Accept the loss and move on. You can’t beat yourself up over your first love.

Go at it alone

While you may have gone to the sample sale with friends, there’s no need to remain attached at the hip while searching for deals. You’ll never be able to concentrate if you’re chatting. Separate and talk about your finds over coffee after.

There’s always sample sales coming up in NYC. Find more upcoming sales here.

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