Estimated cost of Jim Thompson handbag
 

This is an odd question, I know, but I'm trying to find out the cost of a small silk handbag from Jim Thompson. I received a gift from a young contractor who recently worked in my office and is now returning to school to work on his master's degree. I was a mentor, wrote some letters of recommendation for him, and as a show of appreciation, he bought me a small Jim Thompson bag (with pink trim and little elephants on it - adorable!), while visiting family in Thailand over Christmas. (He just gave it to me today - he's leaving the organization at the end of the week.)

The problem is I'm not allowed to accept a gift that cost more than $20 (gov't ethics rules). I was advised to see if I could get an estimate of the cost on the internet (I've searched and can't find anything). If I can't find out on my own, I'll have to ask him, and if it's more than $20, I'll have to either give it back or pay him (the full cost, not the difference) for the bag. I don't mind doing that (it's very cute and I'd love to keep it), but I don't want to embarrass him if unnecessary. So, does anyone have an estimate? I know, from personal experience, that Jim Thompson merchandise can be pricey, but then again I can't imagine that he'd have spent too much. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Karen

I have been to the JT shops in Laguna Phuket and you can get a small silk bag for less than USD$20.

Try here: http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=jim...pson&_osacat=0

When all else fail ebay can give you a rough estimate with pictures of the product too.

Cilla - thanks for the quick reply. I was hoping that would be the case. He's very young (maybe 25) and it seems very unlikely he'd have spent more than $20. The ethics advisor I spoke to (I have a "highly developed conscience," courtesy of my Presbyterian upbringing) asked me if I had any idea of the cost and I said my best estimate would be $15-$20, but I really wasn't at all sure. She said if I could get an outside estimate or find something comparable on the internet, that would be fine. It's large enough for a small wallet, keys, and a lipstick, but that's about it.

Hanuman - thanks. I found some cosmetics bags that are somewhat similar, ranging from $16-$20. The one he bought me has a short strap, so more like a purse than a cosmetic bag, but similar in size, and plain inside (no compartments). Do you think it would cost more or less in Thailand? It's possible, it occurred to me, that he got it at the outlet and maybe got a good deal. I don't want to talk myself into thinking it's less than $20 unless others agree that it probably was (because I'll feel guilty about it later).

If it is less than $20 on ebay, new product from a "buy it now" seller, then I think you're OK. For a small piece it's probably less in Thailand and apart from the JT outlet he could have bought it from the Duty Free shop which discount a lot of items.

JT also has a store in the US so perhaps you can call them to make sure if you want:

AsiaStore
725 Park Avenue at 70th Street New York,
NY 10021
Tel: (212) 327-9217

I think you are safe to consider it less than $20. I've often purchased small silk bags for my sisters for under $20. At the outlet, I've often found them for about $5. I'm sure it would cost more in the US.

Thanks, I really appreciate it.

Kathie - thanks for the verification. I'll let the ethics advisor know what I've learned and I'm pretty sure she'll tell me it's fine. Yay! It was so thoughtful of him, and I'm glad to have the memento. He's someone who will go far - has high aspirations and the attitude/intelligence to achieve what he sets out to do. I took him under my wing at work - and was the first work colleague he told of his engagement shortly before Christmas. His fiance accompanied him and his parents to Thailand, where he has relatives.
(Probably more than you wanted to know, but he's such a sweet thing that I wanted to share the story!)

i only wish that the rest of the government, and especially the horid Congress, would be half as honest as are you

I will chime in here with 100% agreement on what others have said. Yes, you can indeed buy JT bags for under $20. The really nice ones start much higher... closer to $100 and up. But the small one with the short strap (I have one with an elephant print) can be purchased at the JT outlet for $20 or less.

Enjoy your gift! JT products are really lovely.

Carol (hello from SYDNEY!!!... I've just arrived here)

Agree with others - bought many small make up bags for $6-$8 US dollars. Small bag like yours would be less than $20 especially if purchased at the outlet. Enjoy it.