So, what exactly is an Online Sample Sale?

If you’re an avid shopper, you may already know about these, like GiltGroupe.com and RueLaLa.com, where “members” can buy discounted designer wear available in limited quantities for a limited time.   If you are new to the world of Online Sample Sale Sites, here’s a rundown:

First, forget the whole sample sale thing.  The goods aren’t really samples.  The goods aren’t even only clothes. These websites sell designer clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories for women, men, and children, along with home decor items, gifts and occasionally travel deals.  Always at least 50% off retail and often, a lot more.  Every day is a new sale, starting at a specific time (this differs by site) and ending within two or three days.  Quantities are limited and when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Gilt Groupe, RueLaLa, Ideeli, Hautelook, Editor’s Closet, Swirl by Daily Candy, Billion Dollar Babes.   And One King’s Lane for high-end home.  Each site features at least one new line or designer each day, five days a week.  Several sell on weekends too.  Truly a shop-a-holic’s dream – or nightmare –  depending on your willpower.

These websites are not exactly a secret, but they are “exclusive” in that you have to be a member or subscriber to access and purchase from each online sale.  Fortunately, since they are in the business of making money, membership is easy.   And it’s free.   Just register and wait a few hours, or a few days, and voila, you are a shopping member.

What’s the catch?  Well, returns for one.  Most sites accept returns only for store credit, and some categories of items are not returnable at all.  The deeper the discount, the more likely it will be “Final Sale, non-returnable.”   Also, the good stuff goes faaaasssst.  Often in minutes after the sale opens.  And you have a limited time to keep items in your cart while you peruse.  A snooze-you-lose function so that the hoarders don’t keep all the good stuff in their carts for hours.

You can save serious money if you shop wisely.  I buy many of the gifts I need to give, getting something really nice for less than half the price.  The shopping experience is smooth and painless,  except when what you want is “already in another member’s cart.”  And you will get $10-$25 in store credit every time you refer a friend and they buy something.  That helps when you find yourself stalking your inbox waiting for the next sale reminder.

Who’s Who is the Online Sample Sales?  If they were magazines, here’s who they’d be:

Gilt Groupe is Vogue/Elle/Town & Country.

RueLaLa is Lucky/Instyle/MarieClaire.

Ideeli is Glamour/Lucky/Redbook.

Hautelook is Instyle/Allure/Self/Shape.

Editor’s Closet is……well, hard to pin down.  Kind of Cosmo, kind of Self.  Lot’s of accessories.

For a table of which site has what designer on sale each week, visit our “scoop online” page, here.