SF Secrets to Great Deals

[agbassano]

OK, I'm a total noob here

But what are the SF secrets to great deals? It seems everyone scores big and eschews Ebay etc.

What are your secrets?

ANY help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Philip1978]

The secret is waste lots of time looking and waiting.

 

[osc]

Originally Posted by DrCool1978

The secret is waste lots of time looking and waiting.

+1 - Do a search and find all the places SFers shop at, then research what you like and look out for it everyday (some of those sites only have 1 day sales) - patience is key

 

[ppllzz]

Originally Posted by DrCool1978

The secret is waste lots of time looking and waiting.

too true.

 

[Nataku]

I'm assuming the guys who get good deals on eBay search daily for "buy-it-now" items where the seller has no clue what he has, ie: Kiton suit buy-it-now for $150. Some must also page through hundreds of pages looking for that one mis-spelled or poorly advertised item.

Non-online shopping takes a lot of work, a lot of gas ($) and exploring. You're in NYC, so you're probably better off than those of us elsewhere. You've got a great public transportation service and lots of high-end stores to send their overstock and past-season goods to discount stores. You also have many thrift stores that probably get a ****-ton of high-end stuff. The bad part you've got a lot more competition for the deals due to the large population of the city and their knowledge (most people here in Minnesota have no clue what Brioni and Kiton are. In NYC, I'm sure there are a lot more guys who are aware of their existance and their quality-level)

 

[antirabbit]

What they said.
Honestly, the best advice is to learn and remember as much as you can about labels, brands, and construction.
Several times I have purchased based on how well something was made, not knowing it was a spectacular find, and they were.
Education is key.

 

[alliswell]

Also - know your size in everything. You'll need to know what your size in the Vass U last is, so that when a pair goes on sale in B&S you'll be able to act.

 

[DocHolliday]

For me, it's not that hard or time consuming. I check eBay once a day, visit my local discount stores when I feel like it, and check out Yoox/STP/etc. now and then. I often check B&S several times per day, but the cumulative time required is less than 10 minutes, I'd guess.

If you don't like bargain hunting, I guess it would be a chore. But I find the thrill of the hunt most of the fun.

 

[dfagdfsh]

Doing 'personal favors' for the SA.

Let me put it this way: bring condoms.

 

[lee_44106]

Originally Posted by Teger

Doing 'personal favors' for the SA.

Let me put it this way: bring condoms.

Ha, I knew it!

All you guys on the streetwear section who like tighty jeans are the ****!

 

[Mr. Moo]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

For me, it's not that hard or time consuming. I check eBay once a day, visit my local discount stores when I feel like it, and check out Yoox/STP/etc. now and then. I often check B&S several times per day, but the cumulative time required is less than 10 minutes, I'd guess.

If you don't like bargain hunting, I guess it would be a chore. But I find the thrill of the hunt most of the fun.

This is exactly how I do it.

 

[babygreenspots]

Really, being in NYC gives you a huge advantage over everyone else in the world.

 

[SwedishFish]

I'd also add that risk taking is necessary, especially when buying online. I have gotten some absolute steals off ebay, but I've also experienced a few fiascos. Right now I'm waiting on a suit that--if it fits--may be my best purchase ever, but the measurements stated by the ebay seller has me worrying that I might be in for an unpleasant surprise. I agree with Doc that the thrill of the hunt is the most fun.

 

[grimslade]

Ask us again when you have 4,000 posts. Noobs don't get to learn the real secrets.

 

[babygreenspots]

Try Ina's. They have two locations in Nolita. Also, Gentlemen's Resale on east 81st Street. Also, Tokyo 7, right south of St. Mark's.