What is an online sample sale?
Sample sales started as a way for high-end brands to move product without devaluing their brand. Historically, this was through a “sample” sale in large metropolitan areas, like New York City & Los Angeles — but there are now many online shops dedicated just to sample sales. While the phrase “sample sale” makes it sound like you’ll be browsing through products that didn’t quite make the cut from designer brands, it’s just a way for designers and retailers to clear excess high-end inventory — a win-win for all!
Are sample sales just for fashion and the ladies?
No! While many of the sample sale sites largely focus on women’s apparel, most of them also offer children’s and men’s apparel, jewelry, beauty products and home goods. Here’s a breakout of online sample sale websites…
Online Sample Sale Sites
Rue La La
Membership: Free
Type: Invite-only (get an invitation code from Frugal Bon Vivant)
Shipping: $9.95
Countries: US only
Referrals: $10 credit after a friend’s first purchase
Returns: free return shipping within 30 days for a merchandise credit, excluding final sale items
Time/Duration of Sale: 2 days (usually) starting at 8am PST
Product Categories: Women’s and Men’s Apparel, Accessories & Shoes, Home Goods
Previously Featured Brands: D&G, Dior, Gucci, Havaianas, KitchenAid, Lacoste, Lululemon Athletica, Marc Jacobs, Puma, Riedel, Rock & Republic etc
Featured Rue La La sample sales on the Frugal Bon Vivant
Gilt Groupe
Membership: Free
Type: Invite-only
Shipping: $8 average (location-based)
Referrals: $25 credit after a friend’s first purchase
Countries: US only
Returns: free return shipping within 21 days for a merchandise credit, excluding final sale
Time/Duration of Sale: 36 hours starting at 9am PST
Product Categories: Women’s, Men’s (Gilt Man), & Children’s Apparel, Accessories & Shoes, Jewelry, Beauty Products, Home Goods, and Travel (Jetsetter)
Previously Featured Brands: Kate Spade, M Missoni, Marc Jacobs, Moleskine, Orla Kiely, Stila, Valentino, Victorinox etc
Featured Gilt Groupe sample sales on the Frugal Bon Vivant
Hautelook
Membership: Free
Type: Private Sale (register for access)
Shipping: $7.95
Referrals: $10 credit after a friend’s first purchase
Countries: US & Canada
Returns: $5 return shipping within 14 days for a merchandise credit, excluding final sale
Time/Duration of Sale: 2 days (usually) starting at 8am PST
Product Categories: Women’s, Men’s, & Children’s Apparel, Accessories & Shoes, Jewelry, Home Goods
Previously Featured Brands: Junk Food, Lancome Paris, Marc Jacobs, Matiko, Viking etc
ideeli
Membership: Free or upgrade to “1st Row” (shop 1-hour early & 1st row-only sales) for $6.99/month
Type: Invite-only
Shipping: $10 average
Referrals: $25 credit after a friend’s first purchase
Countries: US only
Returns: within 14 days for a merchandise credit, excluding final sale
Time/Duration of Sale: 2 days starting at 9am PST
Product Categories: Women’s Apparel, Accessories & Shoes, Jewelry, Home Goods
Previously Featured Brands: L.A.M.B., Lacoste, Lacoste Home, Lucky Brand, Nicole Miller etc
Jetsetter
Membership: Free
Type: Invite-only
Shipping: free
Referrals: $25 credit after a friend’s first purchase
Countries: US only
Returns/Cancellations: No cancellations
Time/Duration of Sale: 5-7 days starting at noon PST
Product Categories: Travel
Previously Featured Travel Deals: Ace Hotel New York, Caesers Palace Las Vegas, Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo