Getting around a sample sale in one piece is not quite the same as going to the seasonal sales on the high street. What are the real sample sale rules?
If you go to a sample sale you can expect to find new or old retail stock such as fashion or homewares, and some ex-display or sample clothing. Womenswear tends to be in sample sizes, generally UK size 8 to 12, but you can often find larger sizes if certain labels are being stocked, particularly Ghost. Sizes aside, there are also some superb deals to be had on accessories such as designer shoes, bags, scarves, sunglasses, belts, hats and jewellery.
Rule 1: Be on the list
Get yourself onto mailing lists for sale tip-offs, and sign up for free membership with as many of the big sample sales retailers as you can. These companies will feature frequently on this site, so check the Hurry, hurry, hurry and Clothes and accessories forums regularly for details. You can also find mentions of them on fashion and design websites, and in the local press. If you have membership, you’re likely to be invited to members-only pre-sales events where you can snap up the best bargains and one-offs before the rest of the crowd pours in. Some companies will ask you to pay for membership, but I’d suggest trying out one of their standard sale days first to see whether they’re stocking the kind of merchandise you’re interested in before parting with any cash.
Rule 2: Have an agenda
Make a list of things you need and set a rough budget. If possible, allow some funds for one or two non-essential purchases as well – it’s good to be slightly flexible in case something special turns up unexpectedly. As a rough rule of thumb, you’ll get the best value out of everyday items rather than special occasion wear, so skew your shopping in that direction if you’re on a tight budget. Look ahead to see what’s going to be in fashion next season and invest in pieces that might have more longevity.
Rule 3: Battle dress
Clothing sample sales tend to have either one massive semi-open changing room, or no changing room at all, so be prepared. I turn up dressed in something that allows me to try other clothes on over the top of it, usually a vest top with built-in bra and opaque shorts-style pants, and shoes I can easily slip off. If I’m shopping for dresses or skirts then I wear lightweight trousers, and if I’m shopping for trousers I start with a lightweight skirt. I never wear anything expensive in case it gets stolen while I’m changing, and I leave bulky bags, coats and jackets at home.
Rule 4: Bring a friend
It really helps to have someone with you so that you can look after each other’s bargains and belongings while you’re trying things on. If possible, pick someone who’s a different size in clothes and shoes and who has different taste from you, then there will be no arguing over the same merchandise.
Rule 5: Expect the worst
Although I’m sure that your behaviour will be most charming and impeccable, please watch out. Not to put too fine a point on it, you get some right bitches at these events. These idiots might push you aside to get to a rail of clothing, try to snatch items from your hands or sneak them out of your trying-on pile when you’re not looking, or tell you something really doesn’t suit your body shape and colouring, dahling, so they can run off with it themselves. Beware of shoplifters too. Take no rubbish from these types.
Rule 6: Arrive early
Get to the pre-sale, or be there on the first day when the doors open. I know that many sample sales organisers say that they replenish their stock daily, but I’m not sure I believe it’s always the best stock. If you can, avoid bringing large shopping bags and prams as you’re not likely to be allowed in with them.
Rule 7: Grab first, ask questions later
Don’t have a general wander around the room first – do a sweep of the whole place and pick up anything and everything that looks likely the second you see it. Chances are, it’ll be gone if you go back for it two minutes later. If you’re only interested in one designer then make a beeline for that rail first, then look around the rest of the sale afterwards if you have time.
Rule 8: Trying on is vital
If at all possible, don’t buy anything without trying it on first. Some garments end up in sample sales because they’re overstocked, but others end up in sample sales because they’re badly designed, badly cut, or plain old damaged or otherwise faulty. Check carefully for snags, rips, wear and tear, stains, dodgy seams and zips and so on, as returns are not easy to obtain after a one-off sale. If you end up with a ‘yes’ pile that’s far more than you can afford, go back to your shopping list and pick one thing you just love to bits, plus the items you think you’ll truly get the most use out of. Try not to buy for a fantasy life you don’t have: leave the salopettes where they are unless you’re a regular skiier, and don’t buy clothes to ‘slim into later’.
Rule 9: Getting the perfect fit
Stand up, walk and sit in the garment if possible – it should fit and flatter at all times. If you’re saving over £100 on an item of clothing, it can be worth spending, say, £12 or so to get it tailored afterwards to get the exact fit you want. Having said that, it should be a pretty good fit in the first place, otherwise extensive alterations can more than wipe out the savings. If something’s too small then it’s usually going to stay too small, unless there’s loads of fabric in the seams that can be let out.
Rule 10: Pay with cash or card
Many places refuse to take cheques, and some make a small charge for using a credit card. If you’re spending over £50 then a credit card gives you more protection than cash if there’s a dispute later, so weigh up whether it’s worth stumping up the fee.
That’s my ten points’ worth – do you have any sample sale tips of your own?
