We've heard the stories — lines wrapped around the block or women battling over half-price Gucci. Getting a good deal requires a little effort.

The ticket to discounted designer duds is often found at sample or warehouse sales, and Atlanta has plenty to offer in the next few weeks.

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In its purest form, a sample sale occurs when fashion houses or designers sell samples they have used to promote the line to stores or magazines. These sales often get confused with warehouse sales, which allow designers or boutiques to clear out overstocked merchandise. Some Atlantans are unfamiliar with these kinds of sales because few major designers are based in the area. That's changing, with help from Jenn Ripley and Melissa Murdock.

Ripley works her New York connections to bring $1,500 Lanvin dresses — which normally retail for $5,000 — to Atlanta with LUXE sample sales. Murdock, owner of Sandpiper boutiques, organized local store owners to launch a seasonal boutique warehouse sale that takes place this weekend. But getting the best deal at a sample or warehouse sale requires a little planning. Here's what you need to know:

Sample sale

• Definition: High-end designers and fashion houses sell sample items to the public at a deep discount. These sales frequently occur in cities with large fashion communities, such as New York, Los Angeles, or London, said Kathryn Finney, creator of the Budget Fashionista online shopping guide.

• Pros: High end designer clothing and accessories discounted 20 percent to 80 percent.

• Cons: Sample sizes are made for models, so clothes sizes typically range from 2 to 6. Shoes range from 10 to 12. Some items may be damaged or worn, and the merchandise is often out of season. But in sunny Atlanta, shoppers can buy spring and summer clothing at the end of the season and wear it for a month or two, Ripley said.

• Before you go: Leave your child, big coat, arthritis, credit cards or shopping bags at home, said Finney. They'll only slow you down.

Warehouse sale

• Definition: Designers or stores give hefty discounts on overstocked items from the past or current season. It's one last chance for stores to clear the floor for new items.

• Pros: Warehouse sales offer more size choices and include in-season clothing.

• Cons: Communal dressing rooms are typical.

• Before you go: Murdock said it's important to arrive early and be patient. She added that it's best to grab all the items you want, then head for the fitting room. Modest shoppers should wear bike shorts or exercise clothes for quick changes.

Ready to shop?

• AmericasMart Corporate Fridays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 21. Showrooms in Building 3 are open for shoppers seeking jewelry, handbags and clothing at wholesale prices. Some showrooms offer sample items. Bring $25, a picture I.D. and a business card with your name on it. It's located at 240 Peachtree St. N.W.

• LUXE sample sale: Aug. 26-27. To attend the invitation-only event, you must sign up at luxeatlanta.com. This sale will feature Jimmy Choo, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana at 70 percent off retail prices.

• Intown Boutique Warehouse Sale: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 21-22. Twelve boutiques, including Bill Hallman, Bella Azul, Cherry Bomb, Demure, Mitzi and Romano, Veruca and Wish, offer up to 90 percent off store merchandise. 728 Ralph McGill Blvd, 404-876-6055.

• Boutique Warehouse Sale: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 22 and noon to 5 p.m. July 23. Now in its third year, this bi-annual sale will feature 20 boutiques, including Sandpiper, Tulipano, Bloom, Kaleidoscope, Sabot, Pink Lemonade and Mark Edge with items discounted 50 to 80 percent. Market at the Works, 711 Trabert Ave. off Howell Mill Road, 770-433-2989. Only cash and checks will be accepted.

• The Children's Boutique Warehouse Sale: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 29 and noon to 5 p.m. July 30. The sale includes 12 children's stores such as Baby Cakes, Mint Julep, Frou Frou and Discovery Toys. Market at the Works, 711 Trabert Ave., 404-876-1359.