How to Shop Sample Sales in New York

Sample sales can be great ways to get deals and steals on designer-brand clothes. But first you have to know where and when these sales are!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with internet connection
• Good pair of walking shoes that you can easily slip off
• Clothes that will be easy to try things on top of, or slip off in layers
• Cash or credit card (depends on the conditions)
• Subway map (if you are not from the area)

1. If you live in New York or are coming for a visit, log onto a website that allows you to see a listing of sample sales. I recommend TopButton.com; they not only list the days, specific hours and locations of each sale, but they also inform you what kind of payment is allowed. (For example, some only take cash, while others prefer credit cards.)
2. Chart each desired sale on a subway map to ensure that you will be able to hit as many as possible. Arrive as early as possible, and be prepared to stand in line outside the building. Choose the sale of the designer or store that you want to go to the most; you'll have more energy and be able to get first dibs (for the most part, see Step 3).
3. Be prepared for all sorts of strange behavior: there could be extreme or no heat; disorganized racks of clothes; and yes, if there are no dressing rooms, some women are known to change right there and then, stripping down to their skivvies, in order to try on clothes. Wear a thin t-shirt and leggings or skinny jeans to try on clothes without resorting to this.
4. If you find something you like, hold onto it! If you put it back on the rack even for a moment, chances are, it will disappear very quickly!

Tips & Warnings

• Bring enough money but be careful to budget if you are an impulse shopper!
• NEVER set your bag on the floor while trying on clothes! Personal items get stolen quite frequently among the chaos.