Is a designer handbag discount merely urban legend? Designer bags such as Coach, Louis Vuitton and Fendi are amongst the most desirable accessories known to women! The best qualities that one can buy and designs that are fashionable, yet classic, to be held on to for a lifetime.

Here’s the bad news (but please don’t shoot the messenger!) – It is rare to get designer handbags at a discounted price. Put yourself in the shoes of the designer and tell me if you would want your brand to be cheapened by selling it at discount. It gives the impression that the product is in low demand and the price had to be dropped to sell.

The truth is – these bags are in high demand without needing a clearance sale! You might want to disagree – in fact, you saw a Louis Vuitton going for half the price at an online auction just the other week! Sorry, but that discounted bag was highly likely a counterfeit or real but a part of an unfortunate scam.

So one more point to get across is that authentic designer handbags are 99% of the time only sold through the designer’s website or boutiques, which are often specified on their website. Always check the distribution channels of individual designers to guarantee you are getting an authentic and not a fake.

So is there any good news to come out of this? Are their ways to get a designer handbag discount without the risk of purchasing a replica? There might just be some hope to hold on to. Some websites are offering a legitimate service of renting authentic designer handbags. I personally find this a wonderful alternative to those who simply can’t wait to save up for the latest Balenciaga tote or Coach handbag. For an example of the price you can expect to pay for a month’s rental – Coach can cost around $40 whereas a Balenciaga might be around $300 – bargain!

There are other options too. There are premium consignment sites where previously purchased designer handbags (sometimes never used or in top condition) are bought and sold through their website. Each handbag undergoes thorough checks to ensure it isn’t a counterfeit with serial numbers and holograms being the first things looked at. Then it is restored to look brand new. In order to be accepted and sold, the bag must be submitted with at least two original documents to clarify that is authentic. This may include the original packaging or a manufacturer registration card amongst others.

Finally, there are invitation only sites where designer handbags are sold at a discounted price – sales only last around 36 hours though on any given designer so you would have to act quickly to get your desired bag.

As you can see, there are a few ways to get a discounted designer handbag without being at risk of picking up a counterfeit. Always make checks on the websites you are buying from to make sure they are legitimate and read the small print!