Buying experience in Gucci Europe

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J

Jen Meyers

Member
Jul 13, 2017
10
29
#1
Hey everyone!

So I’m planning to go to Italy soon and I while I’m there I hope to visit a few boutiques. I’m most excited for Gucci. I usually like to buy my bags from Europe since they’re cheaper — coupled with the VAT waived and the price is even lower!

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has experience about the buying process for international customers, specifically VAT process? Do they waive the VAT during time of purchase or do you have to go about it the old fashioned way and do a ton of paperwork?

And does anyone remember the percentage Gucci deducts? On their online store, I found the VAT they charge to be about 18%.

Thanks!
 
#3
The SA at time of purchase will prepare the paperwork for you. At the airport you can go to the customs desk and get your VAT back, just arrive early so you have time to stand in line. I remember it at about 18%.
 
#4
Hello, Having my sister doing some travel in Italy, and found out the soho disco bag is cheaper 890 euros. When I called the Gucci in Rome I was asked if she will be traveling directly to the US. I thought she was, and said yes. Then I was quoted 729 euros. Just found out her flight leaves from Florence to Paris to LAX. Called them back, and they said she wont be eligible for the 729 euros pricing? It was my understanding the pricing is based on having a US Passport. Anyone has had any experience with this?
Also are there any charges when arriving to the US?

Thanks,
 
#5
ucci75 said:
Hello, Having my sister doing some travel in Italy, and found out the soho disco bag is cheaper 890 euros. When I called the Gucci in Rome I was asked if she will be traveling directly to the US. I thought she was, and said yes. Then I was quoted 729 euros. Just found out her flight leaves from Florence to Paris to LAX. Called them back, and they said she wont be eligible for the 729 euros pricing? It was my understanding the pricing is based on having a US Passport. Anyone has had any experience with this?
Also are there any charges when arriving to the US?

Thanks,
Click to expand...
She can get the VAT refund at the airport. She will need to present her boarding pass showing that she is leaving the EU that day and her passport showing that she is not an EU resident.
 
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#6
fabuleux said:
She can get the VAT refund at the airport. She will need to present her boarding pass showing that she is leaving the EU that day and her passport showing that she is not an EU resident.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the details. So it does not matter than she will be leaving Italy (where she purchased the purse) to go to Paris for a layover to then get to LAX? As long as her flight ticket shows the final destination of US, she will get the VAT refunded to her?
Are there any forms she can print and complete in advance?
I am assuming the purchase can be made days before her departure or is there a time limit to get the VAT? Thank you Thank you :)
 
#7
Whenever I've bought overseas (Louis Vuitton), the merchant filled out the forms for me and I got them stamped and dropped them off at my airport of departure. Shouldn't matter that she has a layover in Paris.

She has to bring her passport with her when she makes the purchase, though.
 
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#8
I have purchased at that very Gucci in Rome. You tell the SA, show them your passport, they will fill out the paperwork and give it to you. You will give that paperwork to customs at the airport before you depart and they will refund the VAT.
 
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