So I just returned from Paris, where I spent 200+ Euro in one store. It was a busy clothing store where the 20-something at the counter seemed to know nothing of the VAT form. Thus... didn't get one. My question... without the form, is there any way to get the rebate after the fact? Thanks!

No.

I had a similar experience in Berlin where a lot of the stores said they were too small to be registered for the VAT form, but that I could get the form at the refund counter at the airport, fill it out there, get it stamped and send it to them to get the refund. Just writing this exhausts me now, but at the time I was thinking that with the strength of the euro it would be nice to get something back!!

I went right to the tax refund place at the airport and the women there were hideous witches who said I could only get the forms from the stores, blah, blah. So I got the one form I had stamped and I have to forget the others. When I unpacked last night and looked at my stuff, I really love it and it's not something that I can find here so it's ok. Hopefully you feel the same way!

It seems to be handled that way in general.
You got to have the right form. And it's a voluntary service of the stores whether they join and offer the VAT Refund scheme or not.

Found this guide on the websites of UK Customs:
http://tinyurl.com/ftwlw

I thought the store had to participate, so you couldn't just get it anywhere. You sure can't get it back home. I thought the store had to participate, would have a logo that it did, and they had to give you the tax-free shopping check.

Cowboy-- thanks for the explanation. I had no idea that it was voluntary! I guess some of the little stores don't want to bother with it.

I wonder, if you say to the cashier: oh, in this case I'll go find a store which has the forms, will they magically appear

Not likely, Faina. Not likely. The loss of your business or mine is trivial compared to the pain these forms cause the staff, who get paid whether you buy there or elsewhere.