Prices--NY vs. Paris?

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#16
audreyhepburn said:
I'm bumping this thread to see if we still agree Paris prices will be less than NY? We have 8.5% tax, here, so even as the dollar falls, perhaps if one could purchase in Paris and not ship, one could save a decent amount? (longchamp pliage carrier for importing, perhaps)
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Although the USD is down against the Euros, the NYC Tax and the European VAT still makes the purchase in Paris a better deal...so:
with NYC tax @ 8.5%: USD$8137.0
with European VAT refund @ 12%: USD$6600
savings of: over USD$1500 (WOW)
But consider:
Availability of the bag at the destination...unless you are open for what's available and just looking for souvenirs
Risk of bringing in without declaring through customs (I believe it's 10% over the allowable)...I don't risk with US customs.
We're leaving for Russia in March and we'll chance it there in getting another one there (doubt it) but early June with Costa del Sol, Nice, St. Tropes, Cannes, Portofino...perhaps better chance to add one or two more...nice souvenir!:jammin:
What else do other tPFers think?
 
#18
rollinsband2002 said:
Pardon my ignorance, but what is a VAT refund?

I'll be in Paris in November, and was hoping to make a special purchase too! I'm nervous about how to handle customs, though.
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It stand for Value Added Tax...tax imposed on Europeans...so non-Europeans who are visiting and will leave the country can avail of this 12% upon their departure out of the country it was purchased from...typically at the airport. The merchandise must be available to be checked to see that you have them truly for your use outside their country and that you did not buy it for a local person for their use. We avail of this VAT everytime we make a big purchase. Sometimes the process is easy and sometimes it's too crazy for the time and paper work involved...depends on how much you'll save I guess.

I know that not all foreigners to Europe have his luxury but I do know that US and Japanese citizens can avail of this. Hope this helps!
 
#19
Although the USD is down against the Euros, the NYC Tax and the European VAT still makes the purchase in Paris a better deal...so:
with NYC tax @ 8.5%: USD$8137.0
with European VAT refund @ 12%: USD$6600
savings of: over USD$1500 (WOW)
But consider:
Availability of the bag at the destination...unless you are open for what's available and just looking for souvenirs
Risk of bringing in without declaring through customs (I believe it's 10% over the allowable)...I don't risk with US customs.
We're leaving for Russia in March and we'll chance it there in getting another one there (doubt it) but early June with Costa del Sol, Nice, St. Tropes, Cannes, Portofino...perhaps better chance to add one or two more...nice souvenir!:jammin:
What else do other tPFers think

Thank you for this. the bag I want is super classic (black box kelly) so probably a bit easier to find in paris than in NYC. (at least I hope). And if you carry the bag through the airport, how would they know you just bought it?
 
#20
It's really by luck and chance...I've got family members who have gotten around this with 3 rolexes on each arm but I've got the worst luck and been nabbed once for not totally declaring and it wasn't a pretty adventure. I felt like a criminal and I was only 2K over the limit. Thanks to my wife and landing the vacation during their sale month of January! Woe is me! I was treated like a criminal. So I always make sure I declare everything hence.

But your luck maybe better than mine, carry it. Forgo the box and mail the receipt from Paris and everyone knows you bought "specially for your trip to Paris." I would declare myself since landing a bag you've been wanting for so long is probably worth the customs tax. Sorry I am no help...Good luck!
 
#21
My experiece has been to receive nothing more than 10% VAT from Hermes in France. Count on stiff customs fees if you ship. Still, cheaper than a fine if you don't declare.

I'm told customs has specially trained beagles that sniff out H box:sweatdrop:
 
#22
Yes, I don't think the VAT is more than 10%.
It used to be that the savings were massive...but alas, no longer...
Either chance it with customs (I do not advise this) and still save, or, do it by the book and it does not come out all that different from buying here (there is also a 2-3% credit card fee for international transactions on many cards, check with yours).
IMO, the best reason to buy overseas is the better selection and availability. The golden days of getting a Birkin for $4K are unfortunately long gone...
 
#23
audreyhepburn said:
Thank you for this. the bag I want is super classic (black box kelly) so probably a bit easier to find in paris than in NYC. (at least I hope). And if you carry the bag through the airport, how would they know you just bought it?
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AH, There were quite a few black (& chocolate) box Kellys (mostly GHW) over the week I visited FSH in Nov. And definitely stop in at Georges V too!

I planned to carry back the bag I bought, but ended up packing it at the last minute. I did declare it, and was charged duty. You save NYS tax by carrying back as opposed to shipping, but so far the VAT (10%) has not been credited to my credit card (despite the fact I mailed the forms @ CDG.) Next trip (which is coming up soon :yahoo:) I will ship back, even though I will pay tax and duty, as the VAT is deducted at the time of purchase and I don't have to either hand-carry the bag or *worry* about something happening to it when it's out of my possession in my checked luggage.

I have a hunch you will get your black box Kelly in Paris! :wlae: What size? GH or PH?
 
#24
thank you...this is informative. I do intend to frequent FSH and the George V boutique (as this is where we're staying anyway) until DH's patience runs out. I definitely want GH, open to either 28 or 32 size...I'm glad you think I'll get it...I'm feeling positive, too...maybe just because I've had fantastic luck and managed to score 2 birkins in 4 mths. once I get the black box kelly, I'm done...for now :-)
 
#25
Mme. de la Paix:

This is good to know that the store deduct VAT at time fo purchase if shipped directly form their store. Anything to ease the trip and the processing the VAT...I am all for it. Thanks!
 
#26
I concur with petpringles (with thanks Mme. de la Paix) that knowing Hermes will deduct the VAT if the item is shipped to the U.S. is good news indeed. When returning to the US in October, I was marked for inspection by Customs. To make a long story short, it was not a pleasant experience. At that time I was returning with Longchamp, Lancel, and Lamarthe items as well as other gifts and food items from the UK and France. In the end, I was assessed a small fee, which I was happy to pay just to get the situation over with. When we return to Paris in March, I am hoping to purchase an Evelyne and a few accessories and I am thinking I might just have Hermes ship it to me in order to avoid the hassle. Also, I never did receive the VAT amount for the items purchased at Lancel and Lamarthe.
 
#27
I've never had a problem receiving my VAT refund...I actually like the happy little surprise of seeing it on my credit card statement...although yes, it is convenient that it is already figured in when stuff is sent. But then there is the dreaded duty bill that arrives a few weeks later....
 
#28
The VAT refund really takes a few months, so sometimes you have forgotten and it's a nice little surprise suddenly appearing on your credit card.
As for customs, I think it's best to declare. I know someone who didn't and got a big fine and he said every time he came through JFK after that he got stopped again and again. I am not sure how they would know so maybe it was a coincidence, but he was convinced it was not.
If you travel with family members the exemption for US residents can add up as the amount is per person. I always declare everything and every single time I have been waved right through without getting taxed on anything.
 
#30
Does anyone know if NYC did the "No tax week" this past 2007? I know we were there for 2006? July was the month I believe. or was it 2005? And was that for clothes and shoes alone...just curious.

Nonetheless, IMHO, if the merchandise is available here, I think I would prefer to buy it here and not go through the trouble of VAT (which has been iffy for some travelers) and hassle of transporting the merchandise. Plus teh fact that our SA have been really catering and would prefer to work with her.

But of course if the wife falls in love with "something" or as you ladies of the tHP say: make your heart sing (as mine sing the blues!), my preference would probably not hold up! Woe is me!:shrugs:
 
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