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My daughter and I went to an outlet mall on New Year’s Day, she needed some costume jewelry for a play and I needed a new purse. Β Β This mall just happened to have a brand new Coach Outlet store. Β My daughter pretty much squealed and said “Mom, let’s get your purse there!” Β I told her “No, they are too expensive.” and she said “Come on Mom, let’s just look!”.
As soon as we walked in the store, the employee pretty much knew what to say to us to make us stay. Β Β She looked at me and said “Here is a coupon, good for an extra 30% off and then an additional 10% off on top of that.” Β Β Then she looked at my daughter and said “You are a beautiful girl”. Β Β Yep, I like coupons and my daughter loves it when people tell her she’s beautiful. Β Β I’m a little offended that I didn’t get the beautiful comment, but I like coupons better than compliments, so I got over it quickly.
It didn’t take long for my daughter to find a purse that she loved (that I didn’t buy for her!). Β I however took a good hour looking at all the merchandise and deciding if I could spend this amount of money on a purse. Β Β Honestly, I have bought several purses recently and they just didn’t last, so I thought maybe if I spent a little more money it would last me longer.
I finally narrowed my choices down to 4 purses that I really liked, but I couldn’t decide, so we left to check out the rest of the mall for a purse. Β Β We didn’t find anything else I liked, and actually most of the purses were the same price or more expensive than the ones I found at Coach with the killer discount.
So, we headed back to the Coach Outlet store where I finally decided on a purse. Β Β The one I found was actually in the clearance section, so it was 50% off the clearance price, then an extra 30% off, plus, the extra 10% off. Β So the final price on my purse was going to be $101.
Just for fun, here is the breakdown:
$378.00 Β (original price)
$319.99 (markdown price)
-$160 (50% off)
-$48 (extra 30% off)
-$11 (extra 10% off)
Final Price = $101
While I was standing in the checkout line I had a moment or two where I almost changed my mind. Β My daughter did a lot of hand holding and saying “It’s ok Mom, you are worth it”. Β Β You know what? Β She is right – I am worth it! Β I actually love my new purse and have no regrets! Β It really is okay to splurge sometimes.
So, let’s hear from you! Β Do you have something you love that isn’t necessarily frugal. Β I’d love to hear from you Coach loving fans, am I going to be as pleased with my purchase in a couple of months as I am now? Β Also, it would be really helpful if you tell me that I got a killer deal on my purse (or you can tell me that I am beautiful – just kidding!)
Want to be all crazy like me and buy yourself a Coach purse? Β Check our recent retail round-up to see if they have any coupons available.
Oralia says
That is an awesome deal!!! I just prined that same coupon this morning and am thinking about getting myself one as well. I’m sure you don’t feel as guilty when you think of the discount that you got for it. In fact you should be on cloud 9! Coach purses last long I’m sure you’ll enjoy your purse for years to come.
Tina says
It’s always fun to splurge!! Cute purse! And you are beautiful inside and out! Cause your website rocks. =)
Japolina says
It is a great purchase. They are made very well and if you take care of it, you will get years of use out of it. Way better purchase than 3 $30 bags!
Enjoy.
Brandi says
Coach purses (from the outlet only) are my one splurge! But since I only buy them from the outlet, I can feel good about how much I am NOT spending.
I believe that we “coupon” in order to “splurge” in other areas of our life. And this was definitely worth it, it will last you MUCH longer than a cheap purse.
missy says
they have a great warranty on them. my SIL went into the outlet the other day and asked how to clean her purse. They noticed some fraying on her purse and gave her a new one right there. The scary thing is she had to dump out her purse right then. What do you have lurking in your purse?
Kelly says
I LOVE the Coach outlet!!! These purses are one of my few splurges I do for myself. and they are quality purses that LAST!!! so in addition to the money you save in the beginning , you also save over time as they last many years!!
Jen says
I love Coach, and I love the outlet stores. You can sign up for their emails and get their coupons that way too – and then it lets you know when they have the best sales! They may be last year’s designs, but I love them, and it’s such a great deal!
Ashley Baker says
I recently was invited via ebay to shop their online Coach outlet sale!! I was able to nab a really cute purse, and matching wallet for $157 total after tax!! The price before the sale, and extra % off for the sale was a $600 total (before tax!). I know from past experience, that this purse will not only last, but if/when I decide I’m done with it, I will be able to resale it for close to what I bought it for, which means I essentially pay nothing to own a Coach purse for 2 years.
Laquita says
I got a Coach purse a few weeks ago, that was slightly used for $13.00 and it’s a real Coach Purse. I just Love it!!
Mrs H says
oh my. I could never justify $100 for a purse. I get palpitations when i’m at goodwill and reach for a $10 item. I tried shopping at retail outlets, and can’t bring myself to do it. I think of all the other things i could do with that $$.
Erin says
Totally worth the splurge! I used to only buy purses on sale and within months they always started to fray and look awful if a $30 purse made it a year it was a miracle. As mom’s we tote so much junk in our bags and cheap fake leather just doesn’t last. I finally splurged for a purse at the Coach outlet 2 years ago and it looks as good today as it did then. A penny saved is not always a penny earned if you are buying inferior items that need to be replaced more often or just look shabby.
staton angel says
Coach addict here!!!
I never buy over $125.00 at the outlet and its always a clearanced plus discounts item. My oldest is 4 years old and besides having some dirt ( i need to clean) they are in the same shape as when purchased!! they DO last!
On a local FB yard sale site I bought an older style and matching wallet for $40. They are in almost brand new condition and they hold up well
Renee says
I agree with the previous posters, you can’t beat the quality of Coach! The styles are timeless and if you buy the right bag you can carry it almost year-round. I recently sold my gently used 3 year old Coach bag for $50. Factor that into the original price paid of $120 and it cost me less than $25 a year for the use of the bag. I easily save that amount monthly by using coupons! You are beautiful and you deserve a Coach π
Alisa says
We love the outlets. Both my daughter and I have one “real” Coach for special occasions, and some knockoffs that we use for going to work, etc. They are worth every penny. I inherited a Coach that is about 10 years old and the stitching, etc is still perfect.
Stephanie says
When I bought my one and only coach purse from the outlet I was feeling guilty for spending $119. My friend (bless her) explained that if I used the purse every day for 4 months it would be like paying $1/day. That made me feel better. The cost/day goes down the longer I use it!
KB says
I agree with everything everyone has said positive about your purchase. My Coach purses usually last me a year or two. I only replace them because I am bored with the style not due to it falling apart.
And Brandi hit the nail on the head for my family, I coupon and am frugal in some areas of our lives so we can splurge in others. We are currently a family of 3 looking to expand though. I plan to continue using my frugality even when I can’t afford splurges anymore.
Kristin says
I love coach!!! I haven’t bought a new one in years!!! Actually since I started couponing…. Thinking 2013 might be the year I treat myself to a new one. π btw coach holds its value too. I’ve sold several of mine on a resale Facebook local page. Dooney & Bourkes not so much… π I’m sure ur gonna love that purse for a long while!!
gloria says
You won’t regret it! Although its a habit youre starting! Once you carry a nice bag…you won’t go back to spending $30 on a mediocre one! And they last for a long time if taken care of! I have some that look brand new that I have had for 8+ years. especially black leather…it won’t get dirty at all! You will easily get years out of it! My husband reminds me buying a cheap purse is like him buying cheap tools! If you use it all the time…its not something you should go cheap on!
Stacy says
My boyfriend insisted upon buying me a coach purse for my birthday in June. I repeatedly told him it was too much but he wouldn’t listen. We did like you and walked around the rest of the outlet mall looking for something else but found nothing so went back to the coach outlet store and got one there, with a 20% off coupon. He wanted me to have a food purse because the others I’ve had, from Ross or Goodwill were all falling apart and he said this one would last. I can’t remember the exact price now, probably around $150. In September, I noticed the strap was starting to break and I had to quit using it. $150 and it only lasted three months! Ridiculous! I went to Belk, a department store here in the south, on Black Friday and got a Nine West purse, that I like a whole lot more, for half price, which was around $35. It’s holding up quite nicely. I am done with overpriced so-called well made designer handbags! Hope yours lasts longer than mine did.
Stacy says
I should have proof read that before I hit submit. Good bag, not food bag, lol.
Christan says
I bought my first Coach purse last year and my experience was pretty similar to yours. I had a friend with me (a seasoned Coach shopper) so she showed me around.
I’ve always balked at the prices of these purses and wasn’t sure if I could do it, but my hubby had just handed me cash and I found a purse I liked. It’s been over a year now and my purse still looks practically new! No fraying, discoloration, anything. I have used it everyday for this whole year. I am very pleased with my purchase and will be getting another one, for sure. It was worth every penny!
Tina says
First off…. STACY, Coach will replace that purse! They are excellent about that. I own 2 Coach bags and they are 8 and 6 years old. Never a problem. My cousin used to buy one each year with a coupon at the outlet (single mom who does everything for her kids and that is her one thing she does for herself besides an occasional mani.)
Erin M says
Oh, now you’re making me want to go get one. I just spent $35 on a Ross purse and am not happy with replacing a purse every year. What a great investment!
colleen says
You did get a great deal! I have a few Coach purse one of which is 7 yrs old and I is still holding up well, my dad paid 358.00 for it and has since passed so I love using it and thinking about him. I still get compliments on that bag! Funny story about the outlet store…when we were doing some back to school shopping for my 8yr, we stopped in there and I was in love looking at all the deals and 8 yr old take s my hand and say Mom we have to go you are going to spend my clothes money! I wasn’t…
Erin S. says
I have the same story as one of the other Erin’s above. I splurged on a Coach bag at the outlet ($100) 2 years ago and I STILL love it and use it every day- and get a ton of compliments! Prior to that I would buy a nice bag for $30 at Marshalls and like it but it wouldn’t last more than 6 months. So really, Coach is an investment that lasts! Plus, I’m sure when you’re done and sick of it, the resale value will still be quite high.
Good splurge!
Stacy says
I love my Coach purse. I have had mine for 2 years and it still looks great.
Diane says
I splurged about a year ago on $140 Echo shoes for work. I wear them almost everyday and my feet are super comfy. When its something that gets used often like shoes or a purse I think quality does factor in.
Tiffany says
My splurge thing is Dansko shoes. I work on my feet and so I think I’m taking care of my feet. The shoes last forever. I did buy an expensive purse at Nordstrom (I don’t know the brand) about 9 years ago, and it’s still great. I still use it more than any other purse.
sandy says
Us couponers are always buying stuff that are “cheaper than dirt” – surely we deserve to splurge on something for all our hard work!
Now you can go on your coupon and shopping sprees stylin’ in your coach purse!!!
Happy for you!!!
Beth says
LOVE LOVE the Coach Factory online sales for those times when I want to give a really special gift, but still not spend tons of $$$ – they always have lots of under $20 items – kind of unbelievable, really!
Meli says
I agree i have a few coach purses from before i started couponing and they are the only ones that held up. some are over 10 years old and still instyle.
I have a old suede one that needs to be cleaned but dont want to spend the $$ Those of you that said coach will fix it do you know if they will clean it. I dont have the reciept this was my first coach bag ever and a classic i would love to start using it again !! please help.
Dolores says
I did the exact same thing for Christmas! I was in TJ Maxx and saw this really pretty red leather purse by Emma Fox. It was $129. I’ve never owned a new purse in my life (all mine have been Goodwill and E-Bay) and finally bought myself a new one. It was such a thrill to take the paper stuffing out of it! Has that new purse smell. π
Erica says
You will LOVE LOVE your purse. That’s an awesome deal too. I own several coach purses (I am addicted to them, but I don’t ever pay retail for them…actually I’m addicted to purses in general. I love them all.) I often rotate through them, based on my moods or needs and I may even stray from the coach brand purses for some of my others, but I ALWAYS come back to Coach. You will NOT regret the purchase of this purse.
Madelyn says
Love that you purchased a Coach purse, and it’s always nice to get a discount. I have purchased Coach purse’s over 30 years ago when they didn’t have outlets or were they ever on sale, but I do like nice quality things and I would splurge. I still have some of the classics. I do have one suggestion that you don’t leave that Coach tag that is hanging on the handle attached. A quality purse stands on its own and doesn’t need to have those tags attached. I also don’t think they are intended to stay on.
Christy says
@Madelyn No worries! I took that tag off when I took off the price tags.
γ³γΌγ γ’γ¦γγ¬γγ says
First off I want to say excellent blog! I had
a quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing. I have had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there. I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints? Appreciate it!