Paris: Shopping ~ Immediate Detaxe?
Oct 9th, 2008, 12:00 PM
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Paris: Shopping ~ Immediate Detaxe?
I read in one of my shopping guides that some stores apply the detaxe right away if you are a foreigner. Does anyone know if this is the case at Louis Vuitton? I'd like to buy a little gift for myself, but I don't know if I want to hassle with the detaxe, I've never done it before and I don't know how difficult of a process it is, I've never bought anything expesnive enough to bother with it.
Anyone know?
Anyone know?
Oct 9th, 2008, 01:26 PM
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I've never done that, but some stores apparently do handle this themselves rather than let an agency handle it, which is usually the case. But it is very easy to get the refund at the airport when you leave. I just did this in Italy and it took all of two minutes.
You will have a choice of getting the refund immediately, in cash, or having it applied to your credit card. I always prefer cash in hand. Be aware that the rate for US dollars is very poor, or at least it was in Italy last week. So take euros if possible.
You will have a choice of getting the refund immediately, in cash, or having it applied to your credit card. I always prefer cash in hand. Be aware that the rate for US dollars is very poor, or at least it was in Italy last week. So take euros if possible.
Oct 9th, 2008, 04:43 PM
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Louis Vuitton does not deduct the VAT. The only times I have had the tax deducted at a store, the purchase was being shipped to the US. (LV will not ship) It really isn't much of a hassle to get your refund at the airport. The clerk at the Louis Vuitton store will fill out the form for you. All you will need to do is present it at the customs window, then mail it in the envelope given to you by the clerk. I mail mine right from the airport. I have never failed to get credit on my credit card and I have bought many LV items over the years.
Oct 9th, 2008, 05:04 PM
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I don't think Vuitton will do it on the spot. I shop there often when in Paris.
However, I have had it done before. For years, when I would buy my eyeglass frames at my optician, in Paris, they would deduct on the spot.
I have also had the VAT deducted at some stores and then have gone up to the detaxe office on the Madeleine and gotten the detaxe back on the spot.The office is in the clothing store on the southeast corner. By doing it that way, I could shop with that detaxe money while still in Paris. The paperwork still had to be stamped at the airport however. If not, then the VAT would be added back to one's credit card.
Go to the airport early. The Detaxe lines can be long. I stood in line this past spring, got the form stamped and then accidentally mailed in the wrong-colored form. When I went to the window to get my tax refund,in cash, they wouldn't accept the form as it was the wrong color. The detaxe was refunded to me at least 5 months later and by a check sent to me here in the States. Happy Travels!
However, I have had it done before. For years, when I would buy my eyeglass frames at my optician, in Paris, they would deduct on the spot.
I have also had the VAT deducted at some stores and then have gone up to the detaxe office on the Madeleine and gotten the detaxe back on the spot.The office is in the clothing store on the southeast corner. By doing it that way, I could shop with that detaxe money while still in Paris. The paperwork still had to be stamped at the airport however. If not, then the VAT would be added back to one's credit card.
Go to the airport early. The Detaxe lines can be long. I stood in line this past spring, got the form stamped and then accidentally mailed in the wrong-colored form. When I went to the window to get my tax refund,in cash, they wouldn't accept the form as it was the wrong color. The detaxe was refunded to me at least 5 months later and by a check sent to me here in the States. Happy Travels!
Oct 9th, 2008, 09:14 PM
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Ok girls, am I crazy or is LV less expensive in Paris than here in the USA? I went on the e-shopping site for France and it's showing the little pochette mono as being 200 euro, which would be about $270-$300 depending on the exchange rate. On the US e-shopping site it's $325 pre-tax, with tax it would be more than $350. So do I understand it correctly that the same bag in Paris, after the detaxe would be quite a bit less than it is here? Or am I missing something? If that is the case, I'm going to be one happy camper!
Oct 9th, 2008, 11:01 PM
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If I got a dollar for every time this question were asked, I would be a rich woman.
I have been buying Vuitton, in Paris, since I was 24...and I'm early 50s now. I have personally always gotten it for less no matter what the exchange rate was between Franc-dollar or Euro-dollar.
Here, in L.A., I would have to add 8.25 percent tax on top of a higher base price than in Paris. There the base price is lower than here, plus I get detaxe of I think, 12%. So, I buy Vuiton there the majority of the time unless there's something that's an absolute must-have item or limited edition item that could easily be sold out before I get back to Paris since I go only once a year. In that situation, I just bite the bullet and buy it here.
However, I usually drive out of L.A. County to a lower tax county where I also do some other shopping or I buy it if on vacation, in Waikiki, where the base price is lower along with the tax. It was explained to me by a salesperson, in Hawaii, why it's less there, but I can't remember the reason why off the top of my head.
As far as Vuitton stores, I prefer the one in the 6th, next to Cafe Deux Magots. I was SO happy when that one was built as it's the neighborhood I've stayed in since the early 80s. So, no need to travel across to the right bank to buy Vuitton. Plus, I've found the salespeople really nice in that store. The store that I absolutely miss is the original, but no longer, Avenue Marceau(sp?) store. I have great memories in that store and many years with the same salespeople.
Only once have I gone to the new store on the Champs Elysee(sp?) and I wasn't impressed. Plus, it was SO crowded....a madhouse. I had to go one day because I had bought a handbag, at the left bank store, that was so new out until no one could find me a shoulder strap to go with it. The bag had just hit the display window a few days before I got there. So, I was told to go to the main store to see if I could get a shoulder strap...which, of course, is an additional cost.
So, across town I unhappily went. The salesperson disappeared for quite a while to see if he could find one. When he finally reappeared, he said there was only one which happened to be lying around somewhere because it was a sample one. I bought it and fast and back off I went, on the metro, to the left bank. Smiles. Happy Travels!
I have been buying Vuitton, in Paris, since I was 24...and I'm early 50s now. I have personally always gotten it for less no matter what the exchange rate was between Franc-dollar or Euro-dollar.
Here, in L.A., I would have to add 8.25 percent tax on top of a higher base price than in Paris. There the base price is lower than here, plus I get detaxe of I think, 12%. So, I buy Vuiton there the majority of the time unless there's something that's an absolute must-have item or limited edition item that could easily be sold out before I get back to Paris since I go only once a year. In that situation, I just bite the bullet and buy it here.
However, I usually drive out of L.A. County to a lower tax county where I also do some other shopping or I buy it if on vacation, in Waikiki, where the base price is lower along with the tax. It was explained to me by a salesperson, in Hawaii, why it's less there, but I can't remember the reason why off the top of my head.
As far as Vuitton stores, I prefer the one in the 6th, next to Cafe Deux Magots. I was SO happy when that one was built as it's the neighborhood I've stayed in since the early 80s. So, no need to travel across to the right bank to buy Vuitton. Plus, I've found the salespeople really nice in that store. The store that I absolutely miss is the original, but no longer, Avenue Marceau(sp?) store. I have great memories in that store and many years with the same salespeople.
Only once have I gone to the new store on the Champs Elysee(sp?) and I wasn't impressed. Plus, it was SO crowded....a madhouse. I had to go one day because I had bought a handbag, at the left bank store, that was so new out until no one could find me a shoulder strap to go with it. The bag had just hit the display window a few days before I got there. So, I was told to go to the main store to see if I could get a shoulder strap...which, of course, is an additional cost.
So, across town I unhappily went. The salesperson disappeared for quite a while to see if he could find one. When he finally reappeared, he said there was only one which happened to be lying around somewhere because it was a sample one. I bought it and fast and back off I went, on the metro, to the left bank. Smiles. Happy Travels!
Oct 10th, 2008, 08:05 AM
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Guenmai, thanks for the info! I wondered if the new shop was worth all the hype. I did read up on it and I'd like to see it from an architecture standpoint, apparently quite a lot went into it with a team of talented people, so I think it would be fun to see it. But I agree with you, I'd like to make a purchase in a smaller boutique where I can have more personal attention. I'm glad someone else is as in love with LV as I am! I just think they are so beautiful and timeless (at least the non-trendy pieces are, not crazy about the cherries, trunks & bags or groom, but I was in love with the perforated when most people thought it was hideous). I got my first hand-me-down LV when I was 15 and amazingly I still have it and it's in great shape AND it was used when I got it! They might be expensive, but I swear LV bags have to be killed, they just don't wear out like other handbags if you take care of them. So to me, it's stylish yet classic, it's durable and lasts, so it's worth every penny. Just the smell of the pale leather when it's new makes me quiver and get goosebumps, LOL! But hey, I'm preaching to the choir, eh?
I'm SO excited to know that it's a better price there, now I need to figure out ahead of time what I want so I don't walk in and pass out due to a stimulus overload! Are you referring to the shop in the 6th St Germain-des-Pres?
I'm SO excited to know that it's a better price there, now I need to figure out ahead of time what I want so I don't walk in and pass out due to a stimulus overload! Are you referring to the shop in the 6th St Germain-des-Pres?
Oct 10th, 2008, 09:24 AM
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I have shopped once at the new shop on Champs Elysee. It was very crowded and I waited about 35 minutes for a sales clerk, but everything went fast from the minute on. I only bought two men's wallets and one coin purse. Then I bought myself a handbag at the Nice shop. I have bought all my handbags from this shop-small and very friendly. And I also have found the bottom line price to be less expensive in France than the US even with the horrible exchange rate. You will receive the VAT back instead of paying sales tax in addition to the purchase price.
Oct 10th, 2008, 09:34 AM
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Oh, I needed a good morning laugh and I got one. It's made my day.
And yes, the shop that I'm referring to is the Saint Germain shop. It's directly across from the church of St. Germain...pray that you don't lose your mind in the LV store.
Maybe it's good that the Avenue Marceau, original store, doesn't exist anymore because had you walked into that one, you definitely would have passed out....wide open space and LV everywhere. I used to almost have to breathe into a paperbag, due to hyperventilation, after walking into that store annually. Bring your own smelling salts! Smiles.
One year, around 1982, a friend and I went into that store, and were in there so long until the saleslady pulled down the roller, grated window shades, and closed us up inside during the lunch break. Back then they'd close for a 2-hour lunch. She was a salesperson I had had for some years and I never had to wait long for service if she was there. The the dollar and Yen were very high and the store was filled with Americans and Japanese. It was easily a 2-hour wait unless one was a regular.
That was when I bought my gorgeous, accordian-style briefcase and after the detaxe it came to a little under $150.
About 10 years ago, it was selling for well over $1,000. I saw someone walking with a new one and stopped and asked the guy carrying it how much he had paid. Well, I was curious.
Mine still looks like new. Only the handle has discolored from decades of use. But, I was in Vuitton, a few weeks ago, and was told by the manager, that I could bring it in and they could replace the handle for about $100. The rest of the briefcase is still in excellent condition. It's been well worth the price.
Plus, it has great resale value. Friends of mine line up to buy my old Vuitton handbags when I'm ready for a new one. Happy Travels!
And yes, the shop that I'm referring to is the Saint Germain shop. It's directly across from the church of St. Germain...pray that you don't lose your mind in the LV store.
Maybe it's good that the Avenue Marceau, original store, doesn't exist anymore because had you walked into that one, you definitely would have passed out....wide open space and LV everywhere. I used to almost have to breathe into a paperbag, due to hyperventilation, after walking into that store annually. Bring your own smelling salts! Smiles.
One year, around 1982, a friend and I went into that store, and were in there so long until the saleslady pulled down the roller, grated window shades, and closed us up inside during the lunch break. Back then they'd close for a 2-hour lunch. She was a salesperson I had had for some years and I never had to wait long for service if she was there. The the dollar and Yen were very high and the store was filled with Americans and Japanese. It was easily a 2-hour wait unless one was a regular.
That was when I bought my gorgeous, accordian-style briefcase and after the detaxe it came to a little under $150.
About 10 years ago, it was selling for well over $1,000. I saw someone walking with a new one and stopped and asked the guy carrying it how much he had paid. Well, I was curious.
Mine still looks like new. Only the handle has discolored from decades of use. But, I was in Vuitton, a few weeks ago, and was told by the manager, that I could bring it in and they could replace the handle for about $100. The rest of the briefcase is still in excellent condition. It's been well worth the price.
Plus, it has great resale value. Friends of mine line up to buy my old Vuitton handbags when I'm ready for a new one. Happy Travels!
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