Paris trip for Hermes

[papertiger]

Please try to stay on topic. I realise because of the complexity of some of the posts members may veer off but in answer do not 'go there'.

For info and questions on US customs please post on the thread below: post https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/us-customs-discussion-airports-importing.905560/

Detaxing (to US from Europe) https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/best-way-to-detax-after-h-in-europe.178302/

or non-US destinations: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/does-h-store-paris-wants-to-ship.605014/page-3

For questions relating to prices https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/reference-hermes-current-prices.102567/page-357

For traveling with boxes https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...me-hermes-boxes-when-traveling.1044553/page-5



I will leave this reminder as a sticky because tthis is often a thread that new members (or new Hermès lovers) post on - hopefully temporarily.

 

[NanamiRyu]

May I know how did you get the full 20% refund? Although I didn’t buy anything from FSH during my last visit in 2016, the SA told me they only give 10% max via cc. I got that same rate back for my purchases from H at Cannes last Dec, so I presume it’s the same. I did enjoy 13% refund from my Chanel purchase @ Rue Cambon in 2016 n was given a choice to opt for cash refund.

Will be most helpful to know because I’m visiting FSH in Jun. TIA.

You know how EU prices already have tax added, instead of tax being added when paying in the States. When you have things sent to your home, you don't pay any tax. It's sort of like how you pay no tax for items sent from say, Nordstrom, if you live in a state without a Nordstrom.

I've done some shopping from Europe this way in the past and sometimes it's great. Shipping fee is usually high but when the rates are in favor, you can save a lot. SAs take the tax off the price on the tag, so you feel like you save even more. But depending on the items, you might be charged very high rate of duty or whatever service charge carriers might add on. The last time I did it, UPS tacked on something like $360 for two Gucci sweaters sent from Paris. I still paid less than US price as the exchange rate was good back then and EU price was lot lower for those items. But it really depends on each case.

 

[Kkho]

Hi everyone! I’m going to be in Paris in June and only have my sa’s first name to hopefully be able to find her at FSH when I’m already there. I was wondering if anyone can perhaps put me in contact with their sa so I can either let them know ahead of time when I’m there and my wishlist or maybe they can put me in contact with her prior to me getting there? It would be greatly appreciated!!

Suggest you make an appt like everyone else. Go back and read the thread for the last 6-8 months. Unless you know your SA’s email, I don’t think anyone will hold anything for you unless you are a regular or VIP.

 

[Hillychristie]

You know how EU prices already have tax added, instead of tax being added when paying in the States. When you have things sent to your home, you don't pay any tax. It's sort of like how you pay no tax for items sent from say, Nordstrom, if you live in a state without a Nordstrom.

I've done some shopping from Europe this way in the past and sometimes it's great. Shipping fee is usually high but when the rates are in favor, you can save a lot. SAs take the tax off the price on the tag, so you feel like you save even more. But depending on the items, you might be charged very high rate of duty or whatever service charge carriers might add on. The last time I did it, UPS tacked on something like $360 for two Gucci sweaters sent from Paris. I still paid less than US price as the exchange rate was good back then and EU price was lot lower for those items. But it really depends on each case.

Thank you!

 

[Lukas62]

Congrats!!! Is this a sellier?

I feel like I won the lottery! After all the drama with flight cancellations due to the snow storm hitting NYC and Air France going on strike I made it to Paris a day earlier than I planned and my Hermes angel came through with this beautiful bag. Presenting my Togo Kelly 32 color Etoupe with PHW. I can’t stop smiling I’m so happy. Switching my bag out now to wear her and off to enjoy the rest of my vacation.

View attachment 4009150
View attachment 4009151

ongra

 

[divinexjanice]

Congrats!!! Is this a sellier?


ongra

Looks like retourne since there are no stitches on the side that's characteristic of sellier.

 

[QuelleFromage]

Thanks. I think we agree. I would never make a trip specifically to Paris to visit FSH or get the Birkin/Kelly. We were already planning to go there (and were very close to just doing Barcelona instead, in which case definitely no Hermes bag purchases would've happened). And had my hotel (the Crillon) not been across the street, I probably wouldn't have even tried for FSH. I don't like to take huge chunks of time out of my day to shop for things as I visit Paris mostly for food, art, museums, etc. But the appointment process (including the previous two requests) and bag purchase process literally didn't take more than 30 minutes. IDK if I'm special (i think every millenial suffers from special flower syndrome) in that they "decided" to let me purchase one (and that too a neutral color...). I refuse to believe that I am, and therefore the other conclusion must be that getting the bag just isn't that hard. Just don't do peak travel times like weekends, esp holiday weekends, holiday seasons, peak tourist high seasons, etc.

But yes, obviously, making a trip to Europe JUST to purchase the Birkin at a lower price defeats the purpose of that trip. It helps that I'm frequently in Europe for work anyways . With that added convenience. there's rarely any point to buying any of my European-made luxury goods in the US. True to form, I've bought all my Chanels, Hermes, Celines, Rolexes etc. in Europe. And my Loro Piana SA in Europe knows to send mail my purchases to my US address so I get the full 20% VAT back

How are you not charged duty on Loro Piana sent to the US?

 

[jmc3007]

How are you not charged duty on Loro Piana sent to the US?

Under $800 is tax free into US, anything over that and it depends what the item is (clothing, accessories etc) there’s a duty chart for it based on the forms filled out by merchant that DHL, FedEx UPS reps use to assess and pay to Customs to be reimbursed by the recipient prior to delivery. EU VAT clocks in at 20% but US rates (depending on the item) prolly doesn’t come near that so net you can still make out and not have to wait for VAT refunds. France refunds 10-12% of VAT, Spain is higher at 14% so the differential between Europe and US varies. When you buy online at international merchants like Matches Fashions, Selfridges to name a few, they also do same by removing VAT and charge local duties instead.

 

[christina86]

Congrats!!! Is this a sellier?


ongra

Thank you! It’s a Kelly Retourne

 

[Nerja]

Under $800 is tax free into US, anything over that and it depends what the item is (clothing, accessories etc) there’s a duty chart for it based on the forms filled out by merchant that DHL, FedEx UPS reps use to assess and pay to Customs to be reimbursed by the recipient prior to delivery. EU VAT clocks in at 20% but US rates (depending on the item) prolly doesn’t come near that so net you can still make out and not have to wait for VAT refunds. France refunds 10-12% of VAT, Spain is higher at 14% so the differential between Europe and US varies. When you buy online at international merchants like Matches Fashions, Selfridges to name a few, they also do same by removing VAT and charge local duties instead.

This is very helpful to know. I’ve avoided international online because I was worried about paying VAT and local duties/taxes.

 

[QuelleFromage]

This is very helpful to know. I’ve avoided international online because I was worried about paying VAT and local duties/taxes.

You WILL pay local duties/taxes, you just won't pay VAT. Depending on your state, you may be charged use tax as well depending on how your duties were assessed. Stick with a merchant that includes local duties in what they charge you or you can get a surprise

 

[Nerja]

You WILL pay local duties/taxes, you just won't pay VAT. Depending on your state, you may be charged use tax as well depending on how your duties were assessed. Stick with a merchant that includes local duties in what they charge you or you can get a surprise

@QuelleFromage: Yes, thank you for clarifying my post above. I have been afraid of purchasing internationally and being charged for both VAT and duties/taxes. Good to know I can avoid the VAT. Thank you for mentioning about verifying that the merchant includes those local duties in the final purchase prince too!

 

[ashlie]

Do I need an appointment to purchase clics,scarves, or a belt?

 

[San2222]

Do I need an appointment to purchase clics,scarves, or a belt?

No u don't, only for handbags.

 

[ShilohNouvel]

+100.
My fallback was to use Amex but got it from here the pros and cons said about using it (thanks ladies!!). I then Skyped cc bank about large pending purchase and oh yea, I’m traveling and it’s a legit charge.
.

Hi! This may be a bit off topic (though I say still Hermes shopping related!) but may I know what is the issue with using Amex? (I've been following this thread and have read (almost) all the posts for the past 2 years and I don't recall reading anything about using your Amex card vs Visa or MasterCard)

Thanks!

 

[periogirl28]

Hi! This may be a bit off topic (though I say still Hermes shopping related!) but may I know what is the issue with using Amex? (I've been following this thread and have read (almost) all the posts for the past 2 years and I don't recall reading anything about using your Amex card vs Visa or MasterCard)

Thanks!

I've never has issues at FSH, I pay for everything on Amex.