Carrying a luxury handbag is the perfect way to complete any outfit. However, high-end purses are expensive, sometimes costing thousands of dollars. If you want to make a fashion statement without draining your wallet, check out these 8 ways to buy luxury bags on a budget. From checking resale sites to shopping at thrift stores, these money-saving strategies will help you score the purse of your dreams.
1. Check Resale Websites
If you’re trying to buy luxury bags on a budget, luckily there are resale sites specifically designed for purse lovers. Fashionphile, Yoogi’s Closet, and The Real Real all sell secondhand luxury accessories at discounted prices. Some of the items look like they’ve barely been used, allowing you to get a great deal without sacrificing aesthetics. You may even be able to find rare and discontinued bags on resale sites.
2. Go to Thrift Stores and Estate Sales
If you’re open to a used or vintage bag, try hunting at thrift stores and estate sales. I usually have the best luck finding designer accessories in wealthier areas. For this method to work, you need to be well-educated on designer goods and have an eagle eye for fashion. Otherwise, you may accidentally pass over a high-end bag or fall for a fake.
3. Shop Seasonal Sales
Designer goods usually go on sale at the close of the fall/winter season and the end of spring/summer. Since designers need to liquidate old inventory before fashion week, you can often find discounts up to 80%. Keep in mind that you may not have as many colors, sizes, and styles of bags to choose from. But it’s always possible you’ll get lucky and score your dream bag.
For example, I found the red Stella McCartney crossbody bag I had always wanted at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale for just $300. This was a bargain compared to its normal retail price of nearly $1,000.
4. Try the Outlet Mall
Many people associate outlet malls with lower-end brands. However, there are designer outlet malls where coveted designers like Gucci and Burberry offload older inventory. I recently visited the Fashion Outlets of Chicago and saw amazing deals on designer accessories. You may also get lucky at department store outlets like Saks Off Fifth and Nordstrom Rack.
5. Buy From a Friend
One of the best ways to buy luxury bags on a budget is to get them from friends. If your bestie is a fashion lover, she may have older designer bags she’s willing to part with. Since she knows you’ll take good care of her beloved purse, she may be willing to cut you a deal on it. Buying bags from friends you trust can also ensure you receive an authentic bag.
6. Rent It Instead
Figuring out how to buy luxury bags on a budget can be challenging. High-end bags are usually in demand, which is why luxury designers can command exorbitant prices. One way to get around this is to rent the bag you want instead of buying it.
Renting designer purses from services like Rent the Runway and Bag, Borrow, or Steal will enable you to try out different styles. You’ll not only save money but also have the flexibility to swap out your bag based on the season and your current outfits. In some ways, renting luxury bags is actually more fun than owning them!
7. Ensure It’s Authenticated
Nothing is worse than buying a bag online only to realize it’s a fake. To ensure you aren’t wasting your money, look for a bag with a certificate of authenticity from a reputable service like Real Authentication. If you’re buying a luxury item on certain resale apps like Mercari or Poshmark, they may offer authentication services to give customers peace of mind.
You should also educate yourself on the features of the handbag you want. Study pictures from the designer’s website so you can spot obvious fakes with glaring errors. This will help you avoid getting scammed and buy luxury bags on a budget.
8. Get the Down-Low on Deals
If you want to buy luxury bags on a budget, you have to stay informed about sales. One way to do this is to subscribe to brands’ email lists. They’ll usually send an email blast to subscribers to let them know about sales and clearance events, and may even offer you exclusive discounts. Befriending a sales consultant at your local department store can also pay off. If you give them your contact info, they may be able to update you about sales on the bags you’re most interested in.
Don’t Give Up!
The key to buying luxury bags on a budget is to be persistent. You can’t give up after a few weeks or even months of trying. You never know when your dream bag is going to show up at a thrift store or estate sale, so you have to keep looking. To improve your chances, consider asking your friends and family to help with the search. Happy hunting!