Gilt Groupe is a recently-launched shopping website geared towards the would-be fashionable who are held back only by their monthly credit card limit. Essentially an online version of a NYC sample sale, the site offers deep discounts on high quality luxury merchandise from various designers - for both men and women - each week without having to skip lunch (for those in New York) or hop a flight (everyone else).
With steals to be had, the competition for limited stock can be treacherous (if you've been to a NYC sample sale, you have an idea of what is in store for you), but you can have an edge over the rest to look good with these ten easy tips for how to get the best deals on Gilt Groupe.
1. Register! Registration is free, but you can join by invitation only.
Click here for an invite to set up an account.
2. Monitor the weekly listings of designers. If you are unfamiliar with certain brands, research the cut and style of the designers for recent and current seasons. In the past, designers have included Christian Louboutin, Michael Kors, Diesel, Stella McCartney, Earnest Sewn, Cavali, Marc Jacobs, Seven for All Mankind, Steven Alan, Filippa K, Alexander McQueen, Band of Outsiders, Jil Sander, Burberry Prorsum, Helmut Lang, John Varvatos, Theory, Rag & Bone, Acne, Ralph Lauren Black/Purple Label, Cole Haan, Thom Browne, Issey Miyake, Oliver Peoples, Hyden Yoo, Zac Posen, Cynthia Rowley, Vera Wang, Judith Ripka, and tons more.
3.
Log-in in advance of the sale, know what you are looking for, and be prepared to act quickly once the sale begins.
4. When the sale starts,
view the page beginning at the bottom or middle of the page. Because items sell out quickly, you will have an advantage over most people who read from the top of the page down. But also know what you want:
accessories are generally placed at the bottom of the page. 5. Click on items piece by piece.
Do not open multiple tabs or windows to view items.
6. Immediately check if there is stock item by item, and
add items immediately to your cart when available.
7. Unsure about an item? The shopping cart gives you 10 minutes to place an item on hold. However, you can reset your 10 minute window by initiating the checkout, but not completing the payment.
In fairness to other users, this tactic should be used sparingly. Remember, you will receive free shipping on all items ordered within one hour of each other if you need time to think about additional items.
8. Item you want sold out in your size?
Add an e-mail notification to become aware if someone later returns the item.9. If you don't want it, you can return it for store credit. Most unworn items can be returned within 14 days, and return shipping is free.
However, especially note that women's handbags cannot be returned.
10. Item out of season or you are an unusual size?
You might be able to hold off buying initially and wait for the item to be re-listed on the site in a future sale, usually at a discount.
