[sloe-eyed]

If both have the bag I want in stock, I'm wondering if there's any incentive to buying iit at a Bal store versus a department store? Return policy is the big thing, and I read on here that Bal stores give you two lifetime returns, but is there anything else that would make a difference for you?

[ladybugfreckle]

that's a hard one... I like NM because I can see it in person. But BALNY you don't have to pay taxes if you aren't in NY or CA. But in general, I prefer to see/feel them before I buy

[brunettetiger]

I like the dept store option to return, but BalNY has amazing quality bags

[MandB]

I liked being able to go to the store and buy my first Bal, but I have bought two more from BalNY because I can't pass up no tax.

[CiaoManhattan]

Balenciaga stores.

I like talking to a SA who's really knows Bbags inside and out... someone who can help me get the most saturated bag with great leather, cause really no two bbags are alike!

[CiaoManhattan]

P.S. I totally adore my SA at Bal LA

[MrsShoeGal]

Since our tax is over 9.0 percent for a luxury item I am all about AR or either BAL stores in the US.

[balihai88]

I like the experience of shopping at the Bal boutique, seeing all the bags and tapping into the SAs' knowledge, and getting the box. Since they don't have that many bags on display I feel like bags at the Bal boutique are less manhandled like floor displays in department stores are. But, the one plus to department stores is being able to think about something for longer than a week and getting a refund if you change your mind.

[madaboutchloe]

Well i'd say bal stores, because they know what their talking about. Whenever you phone up the department stores and ask for something they haven't got a clue what your talking about

[enciell]

If both have good leather quality bags, I would get it from bal boutique. SA in Bal London are quite friendly and helpful. Plus you'll get the pretty balenciaga shopping bag and a nicer receipt in a cute balenciaga envelope

I'm not sure about their return policy, cos I just assumed that it'll be returnable like other shops (oops!). Maybe you can give them a call?

[balthus]

Since Bal will not send pictures & you just get store credit, I'm with Department Stores. I have great relationships with an SA at Barneys (local - can see IRL), Saks, 2 NM's, and Nordstrom's.

I dont know how they do it but even though we have Neiman's & Saks, if I order direct from another store (not using store locator) and ask that my purchase be shipped as a gift, I am not charged tax.

And I can return to my local Saks or Neimans.

Barneys & Nordstroms do charge tax on send.

The Saks & NM SA's really know what I like & I am very descriptive & since I can get my $ back if I do a rturn AND I Saks or NM point or gift cards, I go with them for buying new & RDC for preowned.

[Z&J]

I would never buy from Bal NO RETURNS just exchanges unless I had to. Also if I buy from Saks or NM I can avoid paying tax.

[soul2squeeze]

I prefer shopping in Bal stores. The stores I've been to (London, Paris and Milan) are really beatiful and interestingly decorated and I love walking out with that neat, white Bal shopping bag. The SAs I've dealt with so far have been very friendly and helpful and it gives me an excuse to get out of Denmark.

[obcessd]

I actually prefer dept stores because I can at least look and touch the bag display, I know its their job but I feel guilty asking the SA at Bal NY to bring out the bags to me, but obviously Im just weird.

But I am dying to go into that back room, I am just picturing a rainbow of leather goodiness. It must smell like a brand new car back there

[purplewithenvy]

I love the BalLA store because since I'm in WA I don't get charged tax (whereas from barneys I do...(9.0% to be exact) Plus my SA is extremely knowledgable, honest, and patient and is willing to do anything for me to get my perfect bag! She knows my leather and I fully trust her