I awoke to this email from dear NYC friend and writer Maura Carlin following my article Hermes in the Global Economy.
I quote her directly:
Let me get this straight, dear PurseBop … it’s less expensive – cheaper just doesn’t seem to fit when speaking Hermes and Chanel – for me to buy a Kelly 28 in Paris than a Chanel maxi in New York, ça alors. Springtime in Paris!
Here’s how it adds up: When you take the $6862 K28 Parisian price tag equivalent, less a VAT refund of about 15%, and add back a US duty tax of about 3% for the price over $800, you’re under $6K for that Hermes.
On the other hand, in New York, a Chanel maxi (6K) plus sales tax totals about $6500.
By my math, the Kelly in Paris is a steal of a deal… if you can get one.
So when’s our flight PurseBop? Worst case… it’s a few days in Paris. I’ll survive.
Updated: May 19th, 2017
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2 Responses to “Handbag Math??”
This isn’t completely accurate. Hermes VAT in Paris is only 10% (Chanel is 12%) and US import tax is 9-13% on leather handbags. By the way, the VAT refund isn’t based on the standard daily exchange rate, it’s much lower to account for administration fees. This is based on my personal experience.
booking my flight to Paris as I read this post hahahahaha I actually may go to Paris on my honeymoon (future hubby´s never been there and since it´s one of my fave cities ever, he wants to meet it) :) think that instead of wedding gift lists, I´m going to give everyone my bank account so I can buy a Kelly as a wedding gift LOL!!! xoxo