Tips for High End Bargain Hunting

Think you can't afford nice things? Think again. Even if your bank account falls more into the "99 percent" rather than that elusive "1 percent" zone, it doesn't mean luxury items are completely out of reach. In fact, recent statistics have shown that "aspirational shoppers" are on the rise. (An aspirational shopper is one whose income isn't high enough to support true luxury shopping but who still has a desire for designer items.) Where in the past, aspirational shoppers would run up credit cards and go into debt for high end items, today's aspirational shoppers are much more savvy, buying luxury items with a smaller price tag. This strategy is a win-win for consumers and luxury brands. Consumers are snagging those plum items but aren't going into debt to do so while the luxury brands are enjoying increased sales overall. So if you've been eyeing designer clothing or home furnishings, the good news is they are indeed within reach. It just takes a little planning and smart strategizing. The following is a list of tips that will help you find the best prices for those high end must-haves on your list.

• Buy online. There's no need to pound the pavement in search of the perfect deal. Online retailers such as

Fine Brand Sales offer a wide variety of luxury products from home decor and dining to jewelry and accessories - all genuine products at deeply discounted prices. When shopping online, don't forget to look for trust seals to help ensure a safe shopping experience.

• Keep an eye on your local newspaper. If you live in or near a major metropolitan area, your local newspaper can be a great source for information on "flash" sales at your favorite high end retailer. These sales are often announced with short notice and only last a day or two at most. Don't want a paper on your porch? Check out a digital edition instead.
• Go to auctions. Auctions can seem intimidating but they don't have to be. Simply choose your auction, browse items in their catalog before the event, then use your credit card to register to bid. Checking out auctions is often well worth it, as items worth several thousand dollars can often be snagged for only a few hundred.
• Embrace imperfection. Are you handy with DIY? If you are willing to fix a crack here or a chip there, you can also get incredible deals on furniture and other household items. For example, one savvy designer bought a marble fireplace mantel worth around $10,000 for only $200 at auction because it had a crack in it. The crack is now fixed and thousands of dollars were saved. Additionally, some luxury furniture pieces end up with scratches or dents. If you can overlook that, you can also save big bucks.
• Take last year's model. "Oh, that is so last year," can actually be a good thing. Just like last year's car models go on sale as the new model years roll out, the same goes for some high end items. When retailers have last year's items left over for designers who release new pieces each year, they're going to do whatever they can to move last year's merchandise quickly.
• Know when to splurge. Some items are worth the splurge. For instance, you spend a third of your life sleeping so a good mattress and fine linens are well worth it. On the other hand, don't spend a grand on a decorative pillow when a thirty dollar pillow will work just as well.

About the Author: Thomas M. Bird is a design maven and contributing writer who enjoys helping clients get luxury items at bargain basement prices.

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