Sample sales

[WalkingInArgentière]

I’ve not been to one before but am considering taking the plunge and have found a few websites that list sales.

Does anyone have any tips?

Are they busy? Do you need to turn up early and queue? How do they work?

Do you just turn up and buy what you want?

Depends what the sale is. There was a multi-brand one on Regent St last weekend. Very long queue. I’ve been to quite a few - queues moved quickly and I browsed at my leisure.

Towards the ends of the sale, they tend to slash prices. How busy they are depends on brand and location. I’ve picked up some fabulous bargains.

Chicmi lists online and in-person sales.

Having worked in the industry, and run many a sample sale myself, I would say they're only really worth it if you have quite quirky or unusual style and/or are not needing the most common sizes.
Because usually thing that end up in sample sales are the things that didn't sell the first (or second, or third!) time round.

I’ve been to several for one brand over the years. They give the door money to charity so it’s overall a good thing. I look back and wish I’d bought far more, as the prices have risen so much and I still see items on ebay that I know sold for far less at the SS.

I think you have to know what you want to prevent being overwhelmed, and go as early as possible.

I've been going to sample sales for years as there are lots in the area where I live. The rule of thumb is get there are early as you can and be prepared to queue to get in. People will start queuing hours and hours before very popular sales. Easier if you're a student or don't work but it can be difficult if you're restricted by work commitments or childcare.

Post-Covid some venues insist you book a timeslot in advance. Timeslots will go very quickly for popular sales. This can mean if it isn't quite as manic inside.

Some sales are a horrendous scrum of people. There are 'professional' sample sales shoppers (usually people selling to make a profit on Ebay etc) and they will grab multiples of the same item not leaving anything for anyone else. It can be quite soul destroying to arrive at a sale when these people have ripped through the contents and left very little in their wake. They can be quite rude and aggressive too. Certain sales attract these types more than others. I avoid those sales as much as possible. Some sales will limit the number of popular items you can buy to prevent this.

Most sales are free to get in but some will charge an entrance fee (usually donated to charity).

I love a sample sale. Been to quite a few and have just booked in to go to another one next week.
they are generally long lines (if not time slotted) but they move quite fast. I think if you are deciding between a few items then carry them around with you so you don’t decide one and it’s gone when you go back to get it.

make sure you know what types of things you want before you go so you don’t get over excited and buy lots of random things.

I tend to only go to bag sales or clothes ones I know the sizing on so risk not trying it on as hate communal change rooms.

The secret is to not have expectations and if you find something you like GRAB IT and don't put it down unless you are 100% sure you don't want it.
Know your prices ,sometimes the sale price of the actual collection is not much more expensive than some sample sale prices (you also save yourself the queue and the "bun-fight" for the best items 😉. Give it a go,you may find a gem !

I agree. The Matches sample sale comes to mind! They would have to pay me to attend ...no thanks!

Thank you all.

Some great advice and information there.

Think I’ll bite the bullet and try one. Unfortunately I’m restricted to weekends unless I take a days holiday and can’t for the particular sale I have in mind. Will arrive early and try to grow a rhino hide.