A New Way to Shop: Sample Sale Websites

It used to be that only New Yorkers (and those visiting New York) had access to shopping the hottest sample sales – purchasing authentic designer items from such names as Carlos Falchi, Kate Spade or Versace for 50% off or more. But thanks to the Internet, all savvy shoppers who yearn to look designer-delicious  for half the price have access to the same type of stylish bargains.
Sample sale websites have reached great popularity over the last two years, hitting the retail market just as the economy began to take a turn for the worse. Most, if not all, are member-only retail websites; with about half requiring an invitation from an existing member in order to join, while the other half require no such invitation and anyone can sign up.
“Sites that require an invitation to shop their sales have managed to retain the feeling of being a savvy shopper in the know, privy to an exclusive insider event,” explained Elle U., creator of SimplySampleSales.com. Elle also created a Designer Sample Sale Guide, which lists every sample sale website in existence. “While, both open-invitation and invitation-only sample sale sites have become increasingly popular, I’ve found that the latter has created a much bigger buzz, bringing in potential shoppers attracted to their privileged events,” she finished.
In addition, to a thorough guide, Simply Sample Sales also includes links with active invitations. So, if you’re in need of an invitation to shop, the Simply Sample Sales Designer Sample Sale Guide is the way to go.  Elle’s goal is to make sure shoppers are always looking their best. In addition to the sample sale guide, Elle and her team of blogging fashionistas also post current information on other retail sales and giveaways.
Gilt, Rue La La, Portero Private and Hautelook appear to lead the pack as the most popular sample websites, offering trend-setting fashion brands as well as luxury items (think Chanel) for anywhere from 25% to 80% off the original price. Other sample sites also gaining in popularity include ideeli, Editor’s Closet, Billion Dollar Babes, The Top Secret and Beyond the Rack. However, more appear as each month passes and one wonders, is it worth signing up for all the sample sale sites? And, which ones are the best ones?

Elle’s top ten sample sale website picks are: Haute Look, Rue La La, Billion Dollar Babes, Gilt Groupe, Gilt Fuse (an extension of Gilt Groupe), Beyond the Rack, Editors’ Closet, The Top Secret, Reverse and Juxzy.
I have personal experience shopping at Gilt, Rue La La and Hautelook, and at all three sample sale websites I’ve had great experiences. But because of that, I’ve not made a purchase at any other sample sale website. However, I am signed up as a member at all the others. I don’t mind the extra email. That’s something to consider when deciding how many sample sale sites to join.
At Gilt, Rue La La and Hautelook, I nabbed great bargains, found fabulous fashion, experienced impressive service and satisfactory shipping. If you are concerned about trying out a sample site, search the Internet for reviews, including comments on Twitter. Also, continually visit sample sale websites and read their blogs. The information provided on their sites and blogs, or lack of, will be a clear indicator as to the professionalism and accountability.
Elle had more advice for curious shoppers, “While sample sale shopping has become the newest ‘must’ for all frugal fashionistas, there are still a few drawbacks to some that a shopper should keep in mind. For example, some sites have a ‘you bought it, you keep it’ policy. That means no returns or exchanges. There are quite a few sample sale sites (such as Gilt and Rue La La) that offer returns, free returns in some cases, on almost all items available. Also, there’s usually no such thing as free shipping in the sample sale world. If you’re already dishing out a few hundred dollars for an ‘it’ handbag, the extra shipping cost shouldn’t be a deal breaker. But, if you’re spending just a few dollars on a small purchase, you can expect to add another $5-$10 for shipping and handling,” she said. Readers should take note that at The Top Secret, you can receive $15 off your order by using code: Simply Sample Sales.
Elle added, “Another thing to keep in mind is that some sites charge a monthly fee for membership. If you’ve found incredible deals in the past that you’re too afraid to miss out on in the future, the fee may be worth it. With so many sample sale sites now offering a chance to find coveted designer items at up to 90% off, I would suggest joining them all but leaving the extra membership costs for the true die-hards.” In addition, bookmark and visit SimplySampleSales.com for guidance and information regarding online sample sale websites. And, good luck shopping!