5 Tips for Scoring Discount Designer Handbags

by Myscha Theriault on 14 September 2010 8 comments

Photo: Liu Wen Cheng

Drooling over a luxury bag, but know it's not in your budget? Got an upcoming job interview where you'd love to be able to pull out a Prada and make a splash? We don't all have celebrity budgets, but those shopping for an executive-level replacement job and needing discount designer handbags for a great price will find relief with these tips from an industry expert.

Sarah Davis, founder of Fashion Phile, a resale company for gently-used designer bags, knows how to get great deals on authentic luxury pocketbooks, tote bags, and more. Since she owns the largest pre-owned luxury handbag business in the country, I couldn't resist picking her brain on behalf of you, the readers. Here are her top tips for getting great bags for less. (See also: 5 Ways to Live Like a Celebrity for Less)

It doesn't always pay to wait for a discount

Certain brands like Louis Vuitton or Hermes never have sales. Ever. So if you don't want to pay full price, shopping for them second hand is your only alternative. The good news? Because these particular brands never discount, they retain their value. This means you can always get a reasonable amount of cash back if you tire of your bag's design down the road. It also lets you know to be very wary if you see a bag listed as belonging to that label for a price that's too good to be true.

One exception to this rule is Coach. They are known to discount, and also have outlet stores, making them a HUGE bargain on the used market.

Ask about online options

If you enter a consignment store and see a bag that's nearly what you want, ask the clerk or store owner if the shop has an online presence as well. Chances are the store's inventory runs much deeper than what you see on the shelves. Fashionphile.com, the online component to Davis' Rodeo Drive store, is where over 70% of her inventory is sold. Another 20% of her bags are sold on Ebay. This is good news if you're looking for loads of options within a certain price range, and the items on the shelves aren't quite meeting your needs.

Buyer beware

It's a jungle out there, and counterfeiters are more sophisticated than ever. Going crazy with your credit card at online auction sites might not be your best bet unless you know for sure the seller is reputable. In higher-end consignment stores, ask if they have an authenticator on staff. Experienced professional sellers of luxury items shouldn't balk at this request. If one isn't available, snap a high-quality photo and head on over to The Purse Forum, where handbag experts will give you their opinion on an item's authenticity. For free.

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Look for an authenticity guarantee

According to Davis, any luxury reseller worth their weight in buttery leather should be willing to offer a 100% money back guarantee when it comes to the authenticity of one of their handbags. If they won't, it's a huge red flag that the item in question is not a safe purchase.

Cash in on your closet

Vintage bags in pristine condition might perform better than other financial investments. Who knew? While I wouldn't recommend anyone to start planning their retirement by investing in designer pocketbooks, I did find the following anecdote of interest. One of Fashionphile's clients had a smaller Louis Vuitton item in her closet purchased in the 1980s for less than $300. They resold it for her for over $500. Not bad.

To be sure, collecting a closet-full of discount designer handbags isn't the budget for most of us. That being said, having one or two multipurpose bags in a timeless style is a good idea if you can afford it. One strategy I use for higher-quality pieces is to not use them all the time. I keep them stored safely in a closet and only use them when the situation demands it. That, plus a timeless style ensures I'm always able to pull off the look I need without the cost becoming a regular line item in our monthly budget. Walking in to an interview where you want to command a higher salary sporting a Prada instead of a penny-pinching bargain bag can do nothing but help you. So if you find yourself in a situation where you've got to "play the game," so to speak, get out the Gucci and tuck it away safely after the event.

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Got your own great tip for getting discount designer handbags for less? Sound off below in the comment section!

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14 Sep. 2010 | 6:49 AM Nick

Good read! I have two things to add.
First, I work for a company that (among other things) helps designer handbag companies police their product and the general rule was that if it was sold outside of their stores and a few retailers it was fake. Each brand has a relationship with a few retailers. So find out what retailers your desired bag company is associated with and check them out if you want a real one and a chance for a decent price.

Second, and here is where the "discount" advice comes in. Some retailers will have coupon days (some of which often exclude designer bags, but keep checking). Other retailers will give discount cards if you have an out-of-state license. Macy's in NYC has an 11% discount card (or at least they did last time I was there) for out-of-staters. This is generally to reverse NYC's 8.something% sales tax, but if you're there you can save shipping and taxes. Then JUST ASK AT THE REGISTER FOR A DISCOUNT. Seriously, just ask.

I remember going into Nordstroms with my mother-in-law, who was shopping for a "fancy purse" (my quotations, not hers). She found one that she wanted and it was $400.00. She was ready to buy it but I begged her to go to the register and say "this is a really nice purse, but it's very expensive. I really want to buy it, but can't justify the cost. Is there any chance you have any coupons or other discounts you could apply to my order?" $75.00 off! That's right - $75.00 for three sentences! She was amazed.

I used that story in a post about this a while back and still hear from people amazed at the $75 discount with three sentences. Try it out. Be nice and sincere. You may be surprised.

14 Sep. 2010 | 10:18 AM Myscha Theriault

Thanks for the comment, Nick.

So cool your Mom got the discount! I also really like the tip about using the store coupons to apply to the handbag purchases. Very savvy.

14 Sep. 2010 | 9:23 AM Guest

I have to say that I am surprised that no one has commented. How about buying the bags at discount prices and selling them to pay off bills?? This article seems to encourage shopping for something that is frivolous. I had hoped that it would speak to finding a good 'connection' to purchase and how to re-sell the bags.

Also, as a frugal person, I do not wish to work for a company that would be so easily impressed with my handbag and not my abilities. If carrying a Prada hinges on my getting a job or a raise, then what does that say about the quality of the company?

Sorry, I can't like this.

15 Sep. 2010 | 7:26 AM T. Thema Martin

Contrary to popular belief, Hermes does have sample sales. Therefore, you can get a new bag directly from them at a reduced rate.

15 Sep. 2010 | 9:36 AM Myscha Theriault

Thanks, Thema!

That's a great tip. Glad you stopped by to share it.

16 Sep. 2010 | 5:03 AM Guest

I remember almost not renting to a potential tenant, because both times I met her she had a different high end designer bag. This told me that she was not someone that could handle money and would in turn be unable to pay her rent in the future. Anyway, I went against my first instinct and rented to her anyway. As of today she is a month late on her rent. However, she has lovely PRADA, COACH, and GUCCI bags.
Atleast I have managed to collect alot of late fees from her.

16 Sep. 2010 | 9:39 AM Myscha Theriault

Interesting story, but I don't think that just because someone has expensive things doesn't mean they don't know how to handle money. That seems like a dangerous path to go down. Plenty of people who know how to save still have nice things. They just simply don't spend money on other things they consider frivolous. In this case however, it definitely sounds like she is having a hard time keeping it together, but I don't think it's sound to base every decision on that model. To each his own, however.

21 Dec. 2011 | 7:50 AM Discount Designer Handbags by Mystique Boutique

There are so many fakes out there, and it's unbelievable. I don't know whether or not it means the fakes are getting better or the designer bags' quality is getting worse. I actually never knew that LV & Hermes bags were never discounted...ever. But don't some online sellers get these bags at wholesale sometimes? I've seen them selling for less they are worth on discount handbag sites, but now I have to wonder if they are real or not. I will have to look into it further.

Our best high end bags are Marc Jacobs & Tory Burch. Both fantastic brands! :)