The 10 Best Places to Buy Discount Designer Bags—& What to *Always* Watch Out for, According to an Expert

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With the right bag, you can rule the world. A great bag can elevate any outfit and lift any bad mood. The caveat? They’re expensive and are only increasing in price. That’s why intel on the best places to buy designer bags for less is some pretty powerful knowledge—and I’ve got all the details for you right here.

Sure, you can head to typical department stores and troll the sale racks or wait for a style you love to get marked down, but this method doesn’t always work. For starters, there’s a lot of waiting involved. Plus, some designer labels have made it so their merchandise will never, ever go on sale (ahem, Chanel). This makes it increasingly alluring to look for deals elsewhere. Luckily, there are tons of options on the Internet for you to consider. Refer to this as your how-to guide for shopping discounted luxury bags.

When it comes to bags, I prefer to do my shopping online. Finding an affordable bag you actually love in a real-life vintage store or consignment shop can be damn near impossible! And wouldn’t you rather buy a designer bag from a site that actually authenticates every single piece before you get it home and realize it’s not the real deal? Many of these sites have entire teams that work to guarantee that your selected bag is legit. Some sites also come with handy apps that you can download onto your phone so that you never miss an alert about a flash sale or must-have new arrival. 

What to Look for and Avoid When Shopping for Discount Designer Bags

According to Nada Shepherd, co-founder of ReSuit, a new fit-based, peer-to-peer clothing sharing app, there are a few things to consider when shopping for discount designer items, especially used designer bags.

First, authenticity. “Ensure that the seller provides detailed photos of the bag from various angles, including close-ups of logos, stitching, hardware, and serial numbers,” she says. Make sure to also pay special attention to the hardware. “Many designer brands will have their logo imprinted on hardware. Also, the quality of hardware with an original bag tends to be more “substantial” than the knock-offs.

Seller reputation is also an important one. “Prioritize reputable sellers with positive reviews, ratings, and a history of transparent transaction,” says Shepherd. “Research the seller’s policies regarding authenticity guarantees, return policies, and customer satisfaction.”

Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Shepherd says to look out for “suspiciously low prices,” adding that “researching the market value of the bag style you’re interested in and comparing prices across multiple platforms” can be helpful.

How to Thrift Designer Bags Online

Shepherd says one of the most important things you can do when shopping for a designer bag online is to educate yourself. “Familiarize yourself with the brand’s hallmark features, authentication guidelines, and common counterfeit indicators,” she says. “Research the specific bag style you’re interested in to distinguish authentic details from replicas. As mentioned previously the devil is in the details.”

Read on to get the lowdown on where exactly to find great designer handbags for less.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Bag Borrow or Steal is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

The Best Sites for Designer Bags for Less