Many designer shoes can cost upwards of $500 or more, and people are still scrambling to get their hands on a pair.  Rather than waiting for the end of season sale, now you can find current styles online for less than retail price.  Some online retailers can slash up to $100 off the retail price and sell it to whoever bids the highest.  You can pay via credit card and receive the shoes in the mail in a matter of days.  In times of rising gas prices, you can save yourself the hassle of driving 10 miles each way to the mall, which can cost more than shipping, not to mention the time you'll save.  

The best deals you'll find on designer shoes are at auctions.  If the seller starts the auction at a low price, and you happen to be one of the few people who actually bids on it, you can get a great deal.  Many sellers post their items as "Buy It Now", meaning the price is already set.  However, some start the bidding low so that they will get lots of viewers and bidders.  If you time it right, you can pick up shoes like this for ridiculously low amounts of money.  The beauty of auction sites like eBay is that they're free, and all you need is a computer and an internet connection.  You can usually pay with a check or money order, but with Paypal, you can use your credit card and the transaction is quick and easy.  Sellers on eBay range from companies getting rid of old stock, to people who bought the wrong size and need now want to get their money back for the shoes they bought.

If you hope to get your hands on a pair BCBG, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, or Lanvin shoes, but are living on a budget, you can still pick up the pair of your dreams if you are patient and persistent in scouring eBay for it.  

The beauty of the internet is that it evens out the playing field for those who aren't filthy rich.  Now, even average citizens can save their earnings and pick up a pair of designer shoes at a discount price, all with the click of a button.  Ebay that sells more than 8 million items each year, so you know that their system works, and their inventory is incredibly extensive.  You can search by price, size, brand, width, and heel height.  Furthermore, you can sign up for e-mail alerts that tell you when new items have been posted in the category of your choice.  Win an auction on eBay and you can pay immediately, and expect to see the shoes on your doorstep in a matter of days.