If you've got a few designer bags in your closet, then you're well aware of the hefty price tag that may come with those purchases. Finding deals can be challenging, especially with the increasing amount of websites selling fakes. Here are our expert tips to help you score a great deal on your favorite designer brand while making sure you're not getting ripped off.

Shop Friends and Family Sales

woman with black quilted handbag

You can get rare discounts during stores' friends and family sales. Retailers like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue have friends and family sales with discounted prices on luxury designer handbags. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale usually happens in July and Bloomingdales Friends and Family sales happen a couple of times throughout the year.

Shop Outlet Stores

woman in black with beige handbag

Skip the department stores and try your luck at outlet stores. Saks Off Fifth is an outlet store for Saks Fifth Avenue that offers steals on Versace, Sam Edelman, Longchamp, and more. You can also shop Bloomingdale's Outlet for deals on Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, and more. One thing to keep in mind is many items are usually discontinued, last season, or unpopular colors, so you might have to adjust your expectations.

Buy Seasonal or Discontinued Colors

colorful crossbody handbags

While this may not make sense for every bag lover, shopping for last season's bags or the not-so-popular colors can pay off big time. Most designer brands offer a sale section directly on their site. Throughout the year, they'll offer coupon codes to stack with sale prices to save you even more, but they are usually restricted from coupons when sold at department stores.

Open a Store Credit Card

woman paying with credit card

Many retailers offer discounts for opening a credit card. Not only could you get a discount on your handbag, but you can score discounts on other purchases throughout the year that you put on your store credit card. We recommend only doing this if you have the means to pay off the balance each month. We don't condone accruing debt to purchase luxury items, but if you have the funds to pay it off in full, by all means, reap the rewards!

Check the Authorized Retailers List

woman on laptop

Designer brands have authorized retailer lists that will tell you which stores are authorized to sell their brand, so you know you're getting an authentic handbag. Check with the customer service department of the brand directly if you're not sure. Another perk of purchasing this way is the warranty usually still comes with the product even if you're buying from an authorized seller and not directly from the brand.