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Everything You Want to Know about Sample Sales

Sample sales, both the term and the actual events, have reach an almost mythical status in the minds of most shoppers.

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Reality? Well…

The mythical status of the sample sale led to a global rise in the usage of the term “sample sale,” when really the event is more like a designer showcase or warehouse sale. True sample sales take place where samples are created, like New York City and, to a lesser degree, Los Angeles.

Yeah your local PR firm may have scored overstock from your local Macy’s, created an event, and called it a “sample sale,” but that’s mostly an aggressive marketing tactic. Arrive at one of these sales and you’ll find stuff that didn’t sell in stores, in one size only or in a terrible color. Sound familiar? Yeah, it’s basically the same garments you can buy in your nearest outlet mall.

Blurred shot from behind of women in a boutique store shopping sample sale.

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Now, I’m not saying you should skip that Kate Spade sale or avoid a local store’s version of the sample sale. But learning some sale savvy can be the difference between an amazing deal and a common one.

Sample sale pros will already be familiar with these tips, of course. But if you’re a sample sale newbie, use the information below to guide you to better shopping purchases.

Sample sale 101

Selection

In the past, sample sales were limited to sizes 4-6 in clothing and size 7-8 in shoes, which excludes pretty much everyone except Naomi Campbell. Now, thankfully, many designers/stores are expanding their sales to be more like warehouse or stock sales.

Warehouse or stock sales feature a wider range of sizes and styles that were actually produced by the designer for retail. Most notable of this type of sale was the Barneys Warehouse Sales, formerly held in LA and New York twice a year. There, you’d find designer stock from previous seasons.

Discounts

Discounts at sample sales can range from 20% to 90% off retail price. The quality and quantity of merchandise varies as well.

Budget Fashionista tip: For designers, like Kate Spade or Prada, you could probably find better deals by heading to your local outlet mall.

Getting in to a sample sale

There is no set rule of about who gets in or how many people get in. It really depends on the designer or store hosting the sample sale, and space limitations.

My sense from merchants is that, since COVID, these sales aren’t nearly as competitive as they used to be.

Once you’re in the store, you can usually stay as long as you need to. If you leave, the store will probably let someone else in and send you back to the line if you want to return.

Unless you have a connection or special pass, you stand in line. There is no way to know whether you will get into the sale ahead of time.

Sample sales by city

The online sample sale

Online sample sales are a modern invention. They’re not true sample sales — the online seller must have a greater selection of sizes and stock on hand than you’d find in a sample sale. But you can find great designer deals on websites that position themselves as “sample sale sites. Just know that you’re not buying samples. You’re probably buying overstock.

See for yourself with my list of the top 10 flash sample sale sites.

How to shop a sample sale: 12 tips

Budget Fashionista Tip: Get coupon codes now with Capital One shopping. Here's how.

  1. Know the dates. Mark your calendar appropriately. Key sample sale seasons are November and May in New York City. Make sure to arrive early. Many sample sales start earlier than advertised — it doesn’t hurt to stop by a couple of hours beforehand, or even a day or two early in some cases.
  2. It’s all in the preparation. Make your sample sale shopping experience more enjoyable by leaving your excess belongings at home.
  3. Know thyself. You can’t shop all the sales; you must be strategic. Know what designers cut for your body type. Know your size. Know how to separate the junk find from the treasure find. And, most of all, know your budget!
  4. All sales are (usually) final. Make sure you’ve tried everything on and examined your items before you make your purchase. Watch out for a red stamp marked SAMPLE, any garment mutilation, faulty construction, damage, mislabeled sizing, etc.
  5. Wear tight fitting clothing (tank tops and leggings are optimal) so you can change in public (most sample sales have either public fitting rooms or not fittings rooms at all). Also wear shoes like ballet slippers and flip-flops that you can easily pull on and off.
  6. If permitted, bring a big bag with a shoulder strap to carry around the stuff you find. A beach bag is a good choice.
  7. Bring cash, unless you’ve confirmed the store will take credit cards. You will check out faster and it will limit your spending.
  8. Understand the return policy. As noted, all sales are usually final.
  9. In order to not feel overwhelmed by the sale, start at the far right corner and work counter clockwise around the sales floor.
  10. Compare prices of items that may be featured at the sample sale online at sites like Smartbargains, Bluefly, and Overstock to make sure you are actually getting a good deal.
  11. Call ahead to make sure the sample sale is carrying your size. If the sale only has sample size 4 and you wear a size 12, then avoid the sale.
  12. If you can, bring a friend to help you watch over your stuff and to block fellow shoppers.

Domi Monk

Thursday 9th of February 2023

looking for sample sale that have size6 and 8 womens

Catherine Brock

Thursday 9th of February 2023

We sometimes have these on our sample sale calendar: https://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/coupons-deals/#sample

Philip Ribeiro

Monday 23rd of November 2020

Respect to author, some great selective information.