Photo: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker
As a self-proclaimed expert shopper (hey, it’s literally my job!), I’m willing to go to great lengths when it comes to finding an item I simply need. Whether it’s an amazing pair of jeans, the perfect summer sandals, or an Instagram-famous dress, if an item is sold out, I look at it as an obstacle rather than the end of a journey. With that in mind, today I’ll be sharing five of my best tricks for finding these seemingly out-of-reach pieces since, more often than not, they have worked for me. Plus, as they say, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take!
Scroll through for my top tips and to shop some of my favorite basic (that I'm betting will sell out soon) along the way. Below, five insider tricks on where to find sold-out clothing.
1. Go straight to the source.
Oftentimes, your best bet is to go straight to the source. One way to do so is by simply emailing customer service. They may have intelon if and when an item is coming back or at the very least tell you what days restocks happen on the site. If you’re not shy, you can ask the brand directly on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You’d be surprised how responsive brands can be—even large corporate conglomerates are all about customer engagement these days.
2. Check resale sites.
While there are many associate resale sites with “old” or “used” clothes, when a relatively new item is in demand, buyers oftentimes catch on and are willing to part with an unworn or slightly usedpiece for even a small profit. Be sure to check resale sites such asVestiaire Collective,What Goes Around Comes Around, andThe RealRealfor such pieces.
3. Sign up.
If you’re lucky, the sold-out item you’re coveting will have a waiting list either in-store or online, in which case you can enter your email address or provide your phone number and get notified when it’s back in stock. If that’s the case, definitely sign up butalsosign up for the site’s newsletter regardless. If the item is highly in demand, the general newsletter might notify you of the restock well before the store gets in touch with you personally.
4. Bookmark it.
This is one of my FAVORITE tricks. Whether an item is completely sold-out or just sold-out in your size, bookmark the direct link to the piece on all your devices (cell phone, work computer, laptop) and check it once a day—at least. If someone returns the piece, you’ll likely be one of the first to notice when the site processes it and be able to snatch it up once it’s back in stock. This has worked for me countless times.
5. Let a third party help.
If your own attempts to find a piece are unsuccessful, enlist a third party to help you out—they’re effectiveandallow you to be more effective with your time.Threadsis a personal shopping service that specializes in this for new luxury items. Other options includePS Dept.andThe Bettina Looney Edit.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.
- Explore More:
- Online Shopping
- shopping tips
Greetings, fellow shopping aficionados. As someone deeply immersed in the world of online retail and a self-proclaimed expert shopper, I've honed my skills over the years to navigate the labyrinth of sold-out items. My expertise extends beyond mere speculation; it's grounded in a wealth of firsthand experiences and a nuanced understanding of the intricacies of online shopping dynamics.
Now, let's delve into the insightful article by Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, where she generously shares five of her best tricks for securing those elusive, out-of-reach fashion pieces.
-
Go Straight to the Source:
- Reach out to customer service via email to gather intel on restocks and availability.
- Directly engage with brands on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for timely updates.
- Example items highlighted: Lena Dress from Rixo, Ex Boyfriend Slim Jeans from Ag, Scuffette Ii Slipper from UGG®, and The Medium Tote Bag from Marc Jacobs.
-
Check Resale Sites:
- Explore resale platforms like Vestiaire Collective, What Goes Around Comes Around, and The RealReal for second-hand or unworn pieces.
- Resale isn’t just for old items; it's a treasure trove for in-demand and slightly used fashion pieces.
- Featured pieces include Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress, Tori Heels from Senso, Ezlynn Knit Top from Reformation, and Small Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote from Loewe.
-
Sign Up:
- Join waiting lists in-store or online to receive notifications when sold-out items are back in stock.
- Register for newsletters to stay ahead of the curve on restocks, especially for highly sought-after items.
- Examples showcased: Noelle Jacket from En Saison, Topaz Opal Necklace by Alexa Leigh, Roman Faux Leather Blazer from Pistola Denim, and Ruched Faux Leather Clutch by Rebecca Minkoff.
-
Bookmark It:
- A personal favorite trick—bookmark the direct link to the sold-out item on all your devices and check regularly.
- Swiftly act upon returns, securing the coveted piece as soon as it hits the virtual shelves.
- Notable mentions: Straps Heel Leather Sandals from Mango, La Robe Zucca by Jacquemus, State Street Sunglasses from Ray-Ban, and Phoenix Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt from Nike.
-
Let a Third Party Help:
- If all else fails, employ third-party services like Threads, PS Dept., or The Bettina Looney Edit to assist in your quest.
- These services specialize in tracking down new luxury items, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
- Highlighted items: Sequined Vest Top from H&M, Baby Cord Button Down Jacket by Free People, Hera Mini Shoulder from Cult Gaia, and Stevie 42 Cement Nappa Leather Boots by By Far.
In conclusion, mastering the art of acquiring sold-out fashion items requires a strategic blend of direct engagement, savvy monitoring, and, when needed, the assistance of specialized services. So, fellow shoppers, armed with these tricks, may you never miss out on the fashion gems that elude others. Happy hunting!
