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So many of us love brands. It might be a computer or phone, or a perfume or handbag – for lots of us we feel the desire to invest in brands that we’ve come to enjoy. The only problem is the price tag.
Designer items can be expensive. It’s usually for good reason though, like high quality materials, expert craftmanship or technology that’s more advanced than another brand. For those of us who are style and budget conscious, there are some ways to invest without spending big money. Here’s how.
Buy used
There are several online stores that allow you to buy designer labels used. You’re still paying for the prestige that comes with the name, but not as much as you would if you bought the item brand new. You can search Apple’s store for refurbished and approved computers and phones, and check out Mercari and other sites to find a bargain. You might want to make sure that the item is in a mint condition before you buy though, and read up on how to check your purchase is genuine or authentic. Buying used’s a great way to get a bargain, and it’s how I buy a lot of my ‘brand’ name equipment like cameras.
Online factory outlets
Did you know that lots of big brands have online factory stores, or clearance sections? Instead of roaming the designer outlets of the country, you can do it from the comfort of your home. Factory outlets often house overstock items or end of season products but with designer items they’re often timeless. With new collections coming out every season, the price of old ranges often goes down. If you can ever have enough shoes, try Shoeaholics for designer brands.
Save them for birthday gifts
If you have your eyes on a handbag, home accessory, or jewellery that’s a special treat and out of your budget, you could ask friends and family to club together and buy it for your birthday. While you can’t outright ask someone to buy you something, this is often a great idea if friends or relatives find you hard to buy for, or are happy to contribute to something that you’ll really love. If something’s really outside your budget (and your loved ones’ too), you could say that you’d love to receive store vouchers or money into a savings account to reach your goal.
Use voucher codes
Savvy designer label lovers often keep an eye on the sales and discounts. You can sign up for alerts on different voucher sites to find out when there’s a discount on your favourite brands’ products. Check these offers to see how much you could save on big labels, including home, fashion, and beauty products. I always check out cashback sites before I buy too – my favourite is Quidco. If you’re investing a lot of money even a very small % cashback rate can bring in a little bonus. If you sign up for Quidco using my referral link you’ll receive a £4 bonus when you make a purchase. It doesn’t cost you anything but I’ll receive a small bonus too, and you have my biggest thanks!
Take advantage of your size
Designer labels, just like our high street favourites, regularly have end-of-season sales. The more unusual your size is, the better chance you have at getting a bargain. The most popular sizes sell out quickly, so the smallest and largest sizes are often easier to find. I find I’m lucky with shoes (as a size 4) but find sales clothes sell out quickly in my size (16/18) as it’s more popular.
Getting great deals on designer label items is a constant challenge for brand lovers. Use the above tips to secure the best offers and prices, and never stop collecting amazing shoes, scarves, handbags, and jewellery. Take advantage of online and end-of-season sales.
Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash
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