The growth of estate sale shopping is astonishing, with many of these events taking place in your local area in the near future.

Are you the type of person who enjoys buying designer purses and shoes? If so, you know one thing to be true: buying new from a retail outlet or direct from the company can be costly.

Fortunately, there are other avenues to consider with a growing number of people shopping for these items at estate sales.

If you plan on doing this, here are three tips to guide you:

1. Make sure you are getting the real thing. For example, there is nothing worse than thinking you are getting a real Coach purse just to find out later on that you purchased a fake.

Here is a great piece on detecting authentic from fake.

2. Are you okay with the condition? The item you are buying was likely used in the past. While there is nothing wrong with this, it may mean it has signs of wear and tear. As long as you are okay with this, based on the asking price, you should feel confident moving forward. Just make sure you are well aware of the condition of the item.

3. Is it still hot? Let’s face it: the most popular designer purses and shoes from 2010 may not do much for you right now. Before you buy, take a strong look at the item and make sure it is something you will feel good about using. In other words, don’t make a purchase simply because of the brand.

If buying designer purses and shoes at estate sales piques your interest, let this advice point you in the right direction.