Sample Sales And Warehouse Sales
What is a 'sample sale'?
A sample sale is a sale where a designer will sort of get rid of whatever samples they have in house. When they're previewing a line and they have items that aren't for sale, they're just for show, eventually those items are going to have to go so they sale the samples items. Hence sample sale.
What is a 'warehouse sale'?
A warehouse sale is when the designer or the brand is getting rid of what was in stock from last season, or just things that they over produced, that they have so many extras of, so they'll just offload it in a warehouse sale. The best warehouse sales are usually, if you're in Los Angeles, television studios that offload all of the wardrobe that they have, for nothing.
What is the difference between a sample sale and a warehouse sale?
The difference between a sample sale and a warehouse sale are that at sample sales, the clothes might be worn already. The clothes might have been used for a photo shoot. It's generally clothes that were sort of kept to wayside; it's almost the redheaded stepchild of the clothing world. Whereas with the warehouse sale, people may have worn it but you're also going to find brand spanking new items, and stuff that they just have so much of that they're just going to sell it in a warehouse sale. So, with the sample sale you get the personal touch of the designer, and with the warehouse sale you get the cleanliness and the knowledge that it's something new.
What are some good tips when shopping at a sample sale or warehouse sale?
My main tip for shopping at a sample or a warehouse sale is to bring cash. They generally don't take credit cards, so you want to be armed with enough cash and maybe stay within your budget. Plan to spend twenty five dollars, fifty dollars and just bring that in cash. I would also suggest don't wear a heavy coat, and maybe wear some trainers or sneakers. Don't carry a heavy bag because you'll be just throwing tons of clothes over your arms for wear. This sounds weird, but wear a good pair of undergarments or maybe even a bodysuit, because generally in a sample sale or a warehouse sale they won't have a fitting room. You'll just have to do it right there in the store.
How can I find out when sample and warehouse sales are happening in my town?
The easiest way to find out about sample sales and warehouse sales - generally sample sales - is to go into the store and ask about them. If it's not a major brand, you're going to be working with a personal designer or buyer, ask them when they are. You want to get online and Google what your favourite brands are, maybe make that personal connection, and ask for when the sample sales are. Always be asking for coupons and getting on lists, because you can get a lot of great tips and discounts when just reaching out even a little bit to the associates.