12 Ways to Save on Prada

Prada may just be the gold standard of fashion, but unless you’re rolling in the dough, shopping there might be a pipe dream. Of course, dreams aren’t always out of reach. While Prada sales are hard to come by, there are a few ways you might be able to score that designer shirt you covet — without cashing in your 401K.

Here are 12 ways to save on Prada.

1. Sign Up for its Newsletter

Prada sales may be few and far between, but they do happen, and signing up for the brand’s newsletter is a surefire way to be one of the first to know about any promotions or in-store events.

2. Follow Prada on Social

Besides the newsletter, be sure to follow all of Prada’s social sites for promo updates, as well. Check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and never miss a savings opportunity again.

3. Shop Online

Rather than buying Prada products directly from Prada, you’ll likely save a bunch if you do some research and find products online instead. Check eBay and Couture USA for pre-used options. Authenticating any product you want to purchase should be your first task when shopping online, though, so be sure to ask the seller how they can assure you what you’re buying isn’t a knock-off.

4. Use Coupons From Online Shops That Sell Prada

Places like Overstock.com occasionally offer Prada products, so sign up for their newsletters to get exclusive coupons to put towards your Prada purchases on those sites.

5. Use Your Department Store Perks …

Places like Bloomingdales and Nordstrom sell Prada products, so if you can use points accrued on your department store credit cards (you can find a full review of Nordstrom’s credit cards here) or coupons and promo codes these places have sent you on Prada items, you’ll save a ton of cash.

6. … or Rewards Credit Card

A good rewards credit card can at least give you some kickback in the form of points, miles or cash back when you buy designer duds. You can find some of the better credit cards for shopping here. Just be sure to pay your balances in full each month. Otherwise, the rewards you earn will just be for naught. And, if you’re eyeing a new credit card, check you credit before applying. You’ll want to be sure you can qualify. (You can view two of your credit scores for free on Credit.com.)

7. Make a Friend

If you spend enough time in a Prada store — even if you’re not buying — you’re bound to come across the same sales associates time and again. Be friendly with them and let them know how interested you are in actually buying, once the price is right. Sales associates are the gatekeepers of sales, and you never know when your new friend might be able to tip you off to an upcoming one.

8. Ask for a Discount

If you think asking for a discount at a place like Prada will make you seem cheap, it’s time to reframe your thought process, savvy shopper — especially if you’ve already taken the time to do No. 5, it never hurts to ask what a sales associate can do to help you walk out of the store with your favorite item.

9. Consider Purchasing Abroad

This option would take some real research, but if you’ll be traveling abroad soon, it might be worth checking out the Prada sites for the country you’ll be in to see if their offers are cheaper than in the U.S. Of course prices fluctuate all the time, so one day something that’s cheaper in Milan might be more expensive the next, but it’s worth looking into.

10. Peruse the Duty-Free Section

Speaking of travel, check with any airports you’ll be visiting to see if they offer Prada in any of their stores. If they do, you might be able to make use of the duty-free shops to score some Prada deals.

11. Shop at a Prada Outlet Store

Savvy shoppers who are really up on their Prada products can find good deals at a Prada outlet store and save some money in the process.

12. Follow a Prada Forum Online

Google ‘Prada blogs’ and you’ll get millions of results. Of course not all of these options will be worth your time, but some of the Prada blogs and forums out there — like Purse Blog and Passion for Prada — just might help you score a deal.

Want more luxury brand hacks? You’re in luck — we’ve got a full 10 ways to save at Louis Vuitton right here.

Image: pcruciatti

Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.