Is it possible to have too many handbags? From clutches to totes, a chic designer handbag provides a way to pull your whole outfit together with style. Unfortunately, designer bags can put some serious strain on your budget. Quality models from high-fashion brands like Chanel or Balenciaga easily running upwards of 3K. Yet if you know where to look, you can snap up designer handbags at lower prices. Although they require a bit of an investment, they’re built to last and could become an heirloom in your closet that you’ll enjoy for many seasons to come. So how can you find a designer bag for less? Start with the following tips.

 

Shop vintage.

While scoring a mint-condition vintage Birkin bag in a thrift store is about as likely as spotting a unicorn, consignment and vintage stores often offer a wide range of high quality handbags. Many of these hold designer labels, and because so many handbag styles come back into fashion they can often look very current. Scope out your neighbourhood for local vintage shops, or take a look online to see what’s out there.

Shop on eBay.

There are some brands that are unlikely to ever offer sales, but if you’re willing to buy the bag slightly used you could take advantage of a discount by shopping on auction sites like eBay. You’ll have to check in frequently to avoid getting outbid at the last minute, however! Competition can be very fierce for the best deals.

Sign up for deal sites.

Flash sale and daily deal sites like Gilt, Rue LaLa, and Hautebook offer another way to get your hands on a designer handbag for less. In this case, they have the added bonus of being brand new. Sign up for the mailing lists and you’ll be alerted about daily sales. Like eBay, however, competition can be stiff and stock can be limited, so you’ll need to be ready to hit the buy button as soon as the product goes on sale.

Follow your favourite brands.

You’ll stand a far better chance of getting a good deal on a high quality designer handbag if you do your research first. Browse several websites to compare prices. For example, you may see a wide selection of Michael Kors handbags here, but you can also follow fashion magazines and blogs as well as the Michael Kors social media account. This lets you know when a new bag is available, and when it goes on sale.

Sign up for sale notifications.

Speaking of sales, they are a good, old-fashioned way to acquire the handbags you covet at a discount. End-of-season sales can be particularly fruitful, and don’t discount the holiday rush to pick up something special for yourself. Sign up for sale notification from shopping sites, so that you receive an alert as soon as your favourite brands go on sale. Just remember that they might be discounted even further than the initial drop in price, if you’re willing to wait!

These are just a few tips to keep in mind as you start shopping around for handbags. Designer handbags still can cost quite a pretty penny, but if you’re willing to save up, you’ll end up with something that will last you for many years.

How do you save on handbags?