Shopping pre-sale is a great way to see what bags will be on sale, as well as secure yours before the crowds! Huge tip: Nordstrom and Saks 5th are having their (pre-) sales now through June. I myself pre-saled a bag two days ago.

4. eBay

I know what you’re thinking: yes, there will be fakes. This is where you’re going to need to be a bit of a connoisseur about your bag, because even a little bit of knowledge about its leather or hardware will help you avoid most of the fakes. That said, many of the sellers are just like you and I, in that they bought a nice bag and want to sell it (maybe to fund their next bag). In fact, some people shop at eBay not for the prices but solely because they’re seeking a bag that’s sold out in stores, or discontinued.

Most of these bags you find on these sites will be used. However, since we’re talking premier designer here, they will be cared for to some minimum, such as conditioning the leather or storing the bags within dustbags. The key here is to get the bag you’re considering authenticated at The Purse Forum, where members who are experts about minuscule details of the brand will help you identify whether the bag you’re considering is authentic. There’s some risk involved with shopping at eBay or Bonanzle, but if you’re smart about the process, you can score big.

5. Consignment Shops

The RealReal, Ann’s Fabulous Finds, etc. are the places where rich people sell their bags when they’re too lazy (or unlearned) to attempt eBay.

The prices may be a little bit higher since now there is a middle man: the consignment shop who takes in the goods and sells them for the owner. However, authenticity is much less of an issue here. Customer service is also up. This is because consignment shops have an incentive — like regular businesses, they want things to run smoothly, and to maintain their reputation. Thus, they will take the pains to authenticate their bags, clean them up, and provide good customer service.