Should I buy van Cleef in Paris or Rome?

[Pchul]

I’m in Paris this weekend - and I’m interested in buying the sweet alhrambra earrings. I’m also going to Rome in September.

Has anyone purchased van Cleef in Rome? What’s the tax refund like? I think in Paris it’s around 10-12% for van Cleef. I’m not sure whether it’s better to buy now in Paris or buy it in rome depending on the tax refund? Would be grateful for advice

Thank you!

 

[Love Of My Life]

Paris likely will have the better selection..
If you see it in Paris & decide to pass & don't see it in Rome the tax refund may not make a difference, JMO

 

[Pchul]

Paris likely will have the better selection..
If you see it in Paris & decide to pass & don't see it in Rome the tax refund may not make a difference, JMO

Thank you - that’s a really good point

 

[Lilly_loves]

Check the prices before buy. For example, some items are cheaper in Germany (don’t now about France) than in Italy.

 

[Pchul]

Check the prices before buy. For example, some items are cheaper in Germany (don’t now about France) than in Italy.

Oh I didn’t know that! Thanks for letting me know. Tried 2 stores in Paris yesterday but no luck

 

[vagabag]

I was in Italy in the spring and just came back from Paris. Prices are the same in both countries but the VAT rate is a little different from what I remember. I think you get a little more back from Italy but it's not much of a difference. I would go with buying from wherever has your piece b/c stock is so limited these days!

 

[Pchul]

I was in Italy in the spring and just came back from Paris. Prices are the same in both countries but the VAT rate is a little different from what I remember. I think you get a little more back from Italy but it's not much of a difference. I would go with buying from wherever has your piece b/c stock is so limited these days!

Thank you - luckily tracked a pair of sweet earrings down at Printemps - sadly the flagship store didn’t have any stock.

 

[Lilly_loves]

Feel the difference

 

[vagabag]

Thank you - luckily tracked a pair of sweet earrings down at Printemps - sadly the flagship store didn’t have any stock.

I wasn't impressed with the service in Vendome so I think you're better off! Which ones are you getting?!

 

[Pchul]

I was in Italy in the spring and just came back from Paris. Prices are the same in both countries but the VAT rate is a little different from what I remember. I think you get a little more back from Italy but it's not much of a difference. I would go with buying from wherever has your piece b/c stock is so limited these days!

Thank you for your advice - I went to 3 stores and got cards from SAs and messaged them on Monday and luckily one store received stock over night! Feeling very lucky

 

[Pchul]

Feel the difference
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Wow that is so interesting! I also looked at the price of the sweet earrings and funnily enough they were slightly more expensive in Italy but with tax free it works out the same (even though Italy had higher percentage for tax free)

 

[Pchul]

I wasn't impressed with the service in Vendome so I think you're better off! Which ones are you getting?!

Got the sweet alhrambra earrings in onyx to match my vintage necklace! I went to Vendome but they said the store had technical issues and they cannot check stock or make any payments and this was a Saturday!

 

[CFA_with_400ccsilicone]

What's the VAT % in Italy? I'll be in Rome next week - planning on checking out the boutique and potentially getting myself an early bday gift. I have a boutique in my home city, literally a 5 min walk away, but there's something intimidating about that location that prevents me from going in.

 

[NewBe]

Wow that is so interesting! I also looked at the price of the sweet earrings and funnily enough they were slightly more expensive in Italy but with tax free it works out the same (even though Italy had higher percentage for tax free)

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I think the reason why the retail price is more expensive in Italy is bc Italy’s VAT rate is 22%, but France is 20%. They kinda do the rounding to make number look better. If you were to look at the VAT-free price they should the same or very close to each other.
It is true that Italy has higher refund rate and increase as you spend more. But for smaller amount, maybe cheaper in France. But for larger amount Italy is most likely better. My impression is that paris has a higher threshold for full VAT refund. HTH

 

[CFA_with_400ccsilicone]

I bought the Perlee signature ring in yellow gold. It probably would've been ever so slightly cheaper had I bought it in my home boutique but I wanted my birthday gift NOW!