If you love designer fashion but not the hefty price tags, you might be tempted to shop at a designer outlet online. These are websites that offer discounts on luxury brands, such as Prada, Gucci, Valentino, and more. But how much do you save at a designer outlet online? And what are the pros and cons of buying from them? Here are some things to consider before you click “add to cart.”
Do you save at a Designer Outlet Online?
The savings you can get at a designer outlet online vary depending on the brand, the season, the product, and the website. Some websites claim to offer up to 70% or 80% off the original retail price, while others may have lower discounts but more current collections. For example, THE OUTNET is a popular designer outlet online that offers discounts ranging from 30% to 70% on over 350 luxury brands. On the other hand, Bluefly is another website that features designer fashion up to 70% off but also has some items that are up to 90% off.
To get an idea of how much you can save at a designer outlet online, you can compare the prices of the same or similar items on different websites. For instance, a Saint Laurent leather clutch is priced at $659.99 on Bluefly, while the same clutch is priced at $1,050 on THE OUTNET. That’s a difference of $390, or 37%.
Of course, the savings also depend on how much you are willing to pay for designer fashion in the first place. If you are looking for a bargain, you might be happy with a 30% discount on a $1,000 item. But if you are looking for a steal, you might want to wait for a 70% discount or more.
The Pros
Shopping at a designer outlet online has many advantages, such as:
- Convenience: You can shop anytime and anywhere, without having to drive to a physical outlet store or deal with crowds, parking, or salespeople. You can also browse through hundreds of brands and products with just a few clicks and compare prices and reviews easily.
- Variety: You can find a wide range of designer fashion, from clothing and shoes to bags and accessories, at a designer outlet online. You can also discover new or emerging brands that you might not find in regular stores or on websites.
- Quality: You can expect to get authentic and high-quality products from a designer outlet online, as they are usually sourced from the brands themselves or authorized distributors. You can also check the product details, such as the materials, measurements, and care instructions, before you buy.
- Service: You can enjoy fast and secure shipping, easy returns and exchanges, and customer support from a designer outlet online. Some websites also offer free shipping and returns, loyalty programs, and personal stylists.
The Cons
Shopping at a designer outlet online also has some drawbacks, such as:
- Availability: You might not find the exact item, size, color, or style that you want at a designer outlet online, as they usually have limited stock and high demand. You might also miss out on some deals or discounts if you don’t act fast enough, as some items sell out quickly or have a short time limit.
- Selection: You might not find the latest or most current collections on a designer outlet online, as they usually sell past-season or overstock items. You might also find some items that are damaged, defective, or irregular, which are usually marked as such and sold at a lower price.
- Fit: You might not be able to try on the items before you buy them from a designer outlet online, which can lead to sizing issues or dissatisfaction. You might also have to pay for the return shipping or restocking fees if you want to exchange or return the items.
- Trust: You might not be able to verify the authenticity or quality of the products on a designer outlet online, especially if they are from unknown or untrusted websites. You might also encounter some scams or frauds that try to sell fake or stolen products or take your money, and never deliver the products.
The Verdict
Shopping at a designer outlet online can be a great way to save money and find designer fashion that you love. However, you should also be aware of the potential risks and challenges that come with it. To make the most of your online shopping experience, you should:
- Do your research: Check the reputation and reviews of the website, the brand, and the product before you buy. Look for signs of authenticity, such as logos, tags, labels, and certificates. Compare the prices and discounts with those of other websites and retailers. Read the product details, the shipping and return policies, and the customer service information carefully.
- Be flexible: Be open to trying new or different brands, products, or styles that you might find on a designer outlet online. Be prepared to compromise on some aspects, such as the availability, the selection, or the fit. Be ready to act fast or wait patiently for the best deals or discounts.
- Be smart: Use a secure payment method, such as a credit card or PayPal, when you shop online. Keep track of your orders, receipts, and confirmations. Contact customer service or the brand if you have any questions or issues. Return or exchange the items if you are not satisfied with them.
If you follow these tips, you can enjoy shopping at a designer outlet online and get the designer fashion that you deserve.
Where to Buy
If you are looking for some websites to shop at a designer outlet online, here are some suggestions:
THE OUTNET:
A designer outlet online that offers discounts ranging from 30% to 70% on over 350 luxury brands1. You can find clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories from brands such as Prada, Gucci, Valentino, and more. You can also enjoy free shipping and returns, as well as access to exclusive sales and events.
Bluefly:
A designer outlet online that features designer fashion up to 70% off, but also has some items that are up to 90% off2. You can find clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories from brands such as Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Ferragamo, and more. You can also join the loyalty program and earn rewards and perks.
Fashionesta:
A designer outlet online that offers discounts up to 80% on over 150 brands You can find clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories from brands such as Armani, Dior, Versace, and more. You can also get free shipping on orders over $300 and free returns within 14 days.
Tips and strategies to save when shopping at Designer Outlet Online
Always start with the sale section:
Physically located in the back of the store, the clearance rack at an outlet store may offer even larger savings than those found in the rest of the store. For designer outlet online it is normally shows banner on home page and advertisement which directly sends you to Sale or Clearance Page when you click.
Compare prices online:
Before you buy anything from a designer outlet online, it’s a good idea to compare the prices with other websites and retailers. You can use tools like Google Shopping, ShopStyle, or PriceGrabber to find the best deals and discounts on the same or similar items. You can also check the original retail price of the item to see how much you are really saving.
Look for signs of authenticity:
One of the risks of buying from a designer outlet online is that you might not be able to verify the authenticity or quality of the products. To avoid getting scammed or buying fake or stolen products, you should look for signs of authenticity, such as logos, tags, labels, and certificates. You should also check the reputation and reviews of the website, the brand, and the product before you buy. You can use sites like Trustpilot, Sitejabber, or BBB to find customer feedback and ratings.
Use a secure payment method:
When you shop online, you should always use a secure payment method, such as a credit card or PayPal, to protect your personal and financial information. These payment methods also offer buyer protection, which means you can dispute the charges or get a refund if you don’t receive the products or if they are not as described. You should also avoid paying with cash, wire transfers, or gift cards, as these are not traceable or refundable.
Join loyalty programs and sign up for newsletters:
Many designer outlet online websites offer loyalty programs and newsletters that can help you save more money and get access to exclusive deals and promotions. For example, Nordstrom Rack offers a Nordy Club program that lets you earn points and rewards for every purchase. You can also get a $5 coupon when you sign up for their email list. Similarly, Saks Off Fifth offers a More! program that gives you free shipping, extra discounts, and early access to sales. You can also get a 10% off coupon when you sign up for their email list.
The convenient way to get designer fashion
Shopping at a designer outlet online is a smart and convenient way to get designer fashion at a fraction of the cost. You can find amazing deals and discounts on hundreds of luxury brands and enjoy the quality and service that you deserve. However, you should also be careful and cautious when you shop online and do your homework before you make a purchase. By following these tips, you can have a fun and satisfying online shopping experience and get the most out of your money.
