Saks, Neimans, Nordstrom or actual designer store???? Where to buy from ..?

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NataliaE21

Member
Apr 18, 2021
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#1
I’m hoping to get a Gucci and YSL bag and certain styles are only available at certain stores or online. Any suggestions as to where to buy from vs where to not buy from ? I hear of stories where even buying directly from the designer website was a nightmare or one of the department stores was a nightmare... :(
 
#2
I have the Rakuten cash back browser extension so I'll usually buy from wherever I can get the best cash back or discount. Bergdorf frequently has 10% cash back from Rakuten, and once in awhile they'll do a special 15-20% back at Saks and Neiman. Department store return policies also tend to be friendlier, but it really depends. I never buy straight from the designer store unless they have a sale specifically, but even then I might do price match from Nordstrom just for the extra friendly return policy.
 
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#3
lalame said:
I have the Rakuten cash back browser extension so I'll usually buy from wherever I can get the best cash back or discount. Bergdorf frequently has 10% cash back from Rakuten, and once in awhile they'll do a special 15-20% back at Saks and Neiman. Department store return policies also tend to be friendlier, but it really depends. I never buy straight from the designer store unless they have a sale specifically, but even then I might do price match from Nordstrom just for the extra friendly return policy.
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How does the Rakuten cash back work? Do they send you a check Or you transfer money to your account ? Do they charge a fee?
 
#4
So a bit biased, as we only have Nordstrom and Saks here BUT since you mentioned Saint Laurent and Gucci:

- For the YSL I would probably choose SSENSE online through the Air Miles Shops link. If it could wait, I would also try and wait for a sale because they always put Saint Laurent on deep discount.

- Gucci: through Nordstrom to get notes. Saks really offers no benefits here except for a pretty store, a nice resto when it’s non-pandemic times, and nice service on the main floor. And Nordstrom offers all those things AND Notes.
 
#5
My experiences with the Gucci store in Chicago have been positive. I never tried to do any returns there, though. While dept stores return policies do tend to be "friendlier", they are tightening up in terms of # of days to return. Nordstrom is still pretty lenient, but Bloomingdale's has tightened up to a 90 day return limit, Neiman's, Bergdorf's and Saks are 30 days. I wouldn't sit on a big ticket item just because a return policy says "X#" of days, if something is flawed it could be argued that the buyer screwed it up three weeks after purchase for example.
 
#6
maris.crane said:
So a bit biased, as we only have Nordstrom and Saks here BUT since you mentioned Saint Laurent and Gucci:

- For the YSL I would probably choose SSENSE online through the Air Miles Shops link. If it could wait, I would also try and wait for a sale because they always put Saint Laurent on deep discount.

- Gucci: through Nordstrom to get notes. Saks really offers no benefits here except for a pretty store, a nice resto when it’s non-pandemic times, and nice service on the main floor. And Nordstrom offers all those things AND Notes.
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Gucci doesn’t do sales right ? And when does YSL usually do theirs? I would assume that a popular bag like the LouLou wouldn’t go on sale or the Gucci Marmont ...
 
#7
NataliaE21 said:
How does the Rakuten cash back work? Do they send you a check Or you transfer money to your account ? Do they charge a fee?
Click to expand...

If you're familiar with the Honey app or American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping, it works the exact same way except it's straight cash instead of points. No fees! Rakuten gets paid directly from the retailer similar to an affiliate relationship. They can send you a check or transfer money to an account. I have them transfer to Paypal I think but I forgot why. It's really easy!
 
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#8
NataliaE21 said:
Gucci doesn’t do sales right ? And when does YSL usually do theirs? I would assume that a popular bag like the LouLou wouldn’t go on sale or the Gucci Marmont ...
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The Lou Lou's do go on sale, I got my Toy there for a deal after Christmas. If you have your heart set on a specific colour, it can be a bit more difficult though.

SSENSE's private sale has opened, but I'm not sure if it's open to everyone yet. Best of luck!
 
#9
Prefer to make a purchase from the department store or dot.com mainly because if the flexible return
policy especially if the item comes damaged or the wrong item is sent.
I think many of the specialty stores issue store credit but it may vary depending upon
where the purchase is made
 
#10
I think waiting on a sale for a particular item is tough, but if you’re eyeing two bags, I would consider waiting for one of those gift card promos at Saks or Neiman Marcus.

A few times a year, they do a “Spend x money and get a gift card” sale.

YSL usually qualifies for those sales, but Gucci doesn’t. You can buy the YSL, and then use the gift card on the Gucci bag.

I think when I did it, it was a 600 dollar gift card for spending 2000 dollars.

Another option is, Nordstrom has 10x points day, where you get 10x points on all purchases, which is like a 10% cash back.

Alternatively, you can buy it from farfetch where you get a 10% off discount on your first purchase, and some of their bags don’t have sales tax depending on which boutique.
 
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#11
Unless someone specific has what i want on sale, i typically go with Saks because of the "gift" loophole. Call the store directly and order over the phone, telling the SA you are sending the item as a gift. Have it shipped to someone who does not live at your address and you will not pay tax. But you HAVE to be sure to say it's a gift! I posted about this before and someone said they don't do this anymore, however I just ordered a Gucci tote for my stepmothers birthday last week this way and I paid zero tax.
 
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#12
Not sure where you are located. Here in No. Cal, Gucci handbags have been pulled from the stores: NM and Nordstrom. Don't think Saks carries Gucci handbags? Perhaps someone can confirm? You can buy shoes, some clothing and beauty items from these stores.
I don't like buying from Gucci boutique as they issue store credit on the return. Think it was 14 days return for full refund, then issued store card after 14 days years ago.

SL is eligible for NM gift card event Earn a $50-$500 gift card with regular-price purchase & code MAYGC.
 
#14
spartanwoman said:
Unless someone specific has what i want on sale, i typically go with Saks because of the "gift" loophole. Call the store directly and order over the phone, telling the SA you are sending the item as a gift. Have it shipped to someone who does not live at your address and you will not pay tax. But you HAVE to be sure to say it's a gift! I posted about this before and someone said they don't do this anymore, however I just ordered a Gucci tote for my stepmothers birthday last week this way and I paid zero tax.
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Does your stepmother live in a tax free state? I've never heard of this... I live in CA and can't imagine they let you escape taxes on ANYTHING here anyway. :lol:
 
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