SAMPLE SALE RULES TO LIVE BY

1. It’s All About TIMING:

Like the saying goes, the early bird gets the discounted Dolce and Gabbana… When you find a sample sale that entices you, tackle it at the beginning of the day on the first day, and the end of the day on the last day. It’s always wise to make your selections before the vultures attack.  And when you go 2-3 hours before the end of the sale on the last day, sometimes the prices will be lowered to get rid of the picked over merchandise. This doesn’t always happen, but can.

2. Start Wheelin’ and Dealin’:

BEFORE you approach the counter to pay, find out who is in charge. Ask if the prices are negotiable. Keep in mind; the more you are buying the more willing they are to work with you. You never know unless you ask! As with most things in life, a pleasant attitude goes a long way. Trust me, it is good shopping karma. Even if you get a NO, you might have broken the ice for the next person. The only thing better than you getting a great deal is you helping someone else get a great deal.

3. Make New Friends, but Keep the Old:

While you are shopping MAKE NEW FRIENDS. Become buddies with whoever is shopping next to you. Smile, be friendly and offer a positive surprise comment whenever the right moment strikes.

*SAMPLE SALE SITUATION

You think to yourself: ‘Oooooh this is cute!’… and before you know it the person next to you is just a fraction of a second faster and picks up the top you already envisioned yourself out to dinner in.  Sadly, your new top is now in her pile.

*SAMPLE SALE SOLUTION

Casually mention to her that you would “love to try that on” when she is finished — with a big smile and hopeful eyes!  With this now implanted in her brain, she should have no problem handing it over – if she even tries it on at all. The odds are in your favor as there are probably other things she wanted more anyway.  Most people won’t care and are happy to oblige, but not if you are elbowing people in the ribs down the rack! (No, I have never done that.) This situation does come up quite often. Express your gratitude thoroughly (lay it on thick) and consider good shopping karma sent your way, my friend.

It is everyone’s right to look fabulous — most importantly, you!   Like any good workout, the more sample sales you do, the easier they get.  Though they do have elements of competitive sports to them, think of it as a way to combine a workout and shopping in one fashion-filled morning.  If you walk away with a find from Tom Ford for the price of a top from Target, believe me you’ll be glad you fought through the fashion trenches!

Holly Wilensky is The Dress Recycler.  She is an independent, free bird, black sheep bargain hunter & gatherer.  As a professional fashionista for many years, the true meaning of joy for Holly is getting great deals on clothes, shoes and accessories!   These days, she digging for deals and reporting the best of the best of her finds to you at The Dress Recycler- Check her out!

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