Prices--NY vs. Paris?

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#32
I agree, no tax week won't do us much good. If I were to buy the bag in paris, I think I would carry it through the airport as my purse (maybe in a pliage?). and maybe ask the hotel to ship the empty box home to me later. what's the family deductible? if we don't buy anything else, could a kelly fall under the maximum? Also, we don't look super elegant when we travel (low key luggage and small quantities of it), so maybe customs won't picture us as big spenders. I once came through an airport with Nan Kempner...she had lots of luggage!!! and I'm sure looked like a "search me" target. did others who've been searched look very fancy, or no?
 
#34
audreyhepburn said:
If I were to buy the bag in paris, I think I would carry it through the airport as my purse (maybe in a pliage?). and maybe ask the hotel to ship the empty box home to me later. what's the family deductible? if we don't buy anything else, could a kelly fall under the maximum? Also, we don't look super elegant when we travel (low key luggage and small quantities of it), so maybe customs won't picture us as big spenders.
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It just depends on how picky customs would be. I agree it's hard to tell if the bag you are carrying was bought on the trip if there is no box, no receipt, etc., but I believe the burden is on you to prove it was not, if you get stopped. This is why I always carry a copy of the bag's receipt in the bag itself, in case I have to prove that I had not acquired it on the trip. I know it sounds a bit much, but I travel a lot and I don't want the headache. If you are declaring one Hermes bag and you are carrying one that is in decent condition, I could see being asked, what about the one in your hand. I guess I am just paranoid.
The exemption for US residents is $800 per person. So e.g. for a family of 4, you can bring up to $3200 tax-free. (I used to think this sounded too good to be true, but I reread the form and asked many flight attendants and this is what I was told. Really the only good reason to bring your toddlers to Paris!) If you bring in a Kelly or a Birkin, you could be taxed on the difference, but it is still better than nothing. I always declare it every time, and I have never been taxed. Maybe it's the tired look of traveling with little kids (and my boys seemed to always be crying or whining at just the right moment!) but I've never, ever been stopped. In fact, I have come to think that the day I decide to take my chances and not bother to declare...that is when my lucky streak would end.
 
#35
Here is some additional information on duty for items brought into the US. In addition to the $800 exemption per person (from countries other than the Caribbean or US Insular Possessions - different amount applies to them), the next $1000 per person is taxed at a flat rate of 3%. Again, that is PER PERSON, so a family of 4 would have an additional $4000 to be taxed at 4%. That, together with the $3200 would almost cover a Birkin!

You can read more about his at <http://www.eap4you.com/mem/library/default.asp?TopicId=295&CategoryId=0&ArticleId=25>
 
#36
hmm, we're a family of 3, so we have $2400 exemption...and plus $3000 at 3%..so a box kelly, declared, would almost be covered by this..would that mean I would only pay $90 in tax if I declared it? that would be fantastic!
 
#37
I have a question for you ladies....

I have a friend who is going to Paris in Feb. I have asked her if she could purchase a Birkin for me. She has bought quite a few there, so I'm not too worried about her finding one. I'm just concerned about the tax and customs issues. I've read the whole thread and I want to know if it's smarter for her to have H store ship it to me or to have her carry it, not declare it and cross her fingers.... anyone have any ideas??? Thanks!
 
#38
If your friend is going to do this favor for you, I think the only 2 choices are for her to either declare it in full and carry it back, or, to have it shipped. You don't want to have her taking any chances.
 
#40
hbr said:
I have a question for you ladies....

I have a friend who is going to Paris in Feb. I have asked her if she could purchase a Birkin for me. She has bought quite a few there, so I'm not too worried about her finding one. I'm just concerned about the tax and customs issues. I've read the whole thread and I want to know if it's smarter for her to have H store ship it to me or to have her carry it, not declare it and cross her fingers.... anyone have any ideas??? Thanks!
Click to expand...

hbr, it seems as if it would be easier for her if she ships the bag to you, that way she does not have to carry it; it does not impact her duty should she make other purchases; and she does not have responsibility for the bag for the remainder of her trip (e.g., should she check it in her luggage and by some fluke this would be the trip her luggage got lost.) Even if she's the greatest friend in world, should something happen to the bag while it was in her possession before it got you, it could put a strain on the friendship. So, for all these reasons - have the bag shipped. :tup:

Hope to see pics of your new Birkin in Feb!! :woohoo:
 
#41
Declaring is discussed above...
Shipping to the US was 117 euros this past fall.
Duty is about 9% and is assessed by the shipping agent several weeks after the bag is delivered (DHL or Fedex send you a bill).
 
#42
also, H is very careful about how they sell--name on credit card usually has to match name on shipping address, etc. If they know your friend very well, maybe they'll make an exception...but generally, they won't let a friend pick up a bag for someone else
 
#43
^^ Unless that buyer authorizes that other person in writing to the boutique. I've heard of that happening at FSH before, so that may be an option unless the policy has changed.
 
#44
Ladies, thanks for your info. My friend who is going to Paris told me that they don't ship bags??? But, from what you've mentioned it sounds like they do as long as the name on CC mathes shipping address. So let me make sure i understand.... if you ship, then you pay a shipping charge PLUS a duty which gets paid after the item has been delivered.......

Does anyone know how much shipping costs from New York to Los Angeles?? Do stores do that??
 
#45
hbr, yes, Paris most definitely ships bags to the US, and yes, the shipping charge is in addition to the duty which is paid after delivery.
Also, if you ship it, the VAT is refunded immediately so you don't have to request that separately. If you buy it in the store and take it with you, then you need to submit the forms at the airport (easy) and you will get the VAT back on you credit card a few months later.
I don't know about shipping within the US...maybe someone else does.
I think your safest, best bet is to have your friend basically buy a Birkin for you under her name, have it shipped to her, and then you and she will need to make arrangements for her to send it to you or for you to visit her to pick it up.
 
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