Hi,
Anyone familiar with the Gucci handbags price in Italy? Are they cheaper than the state? I think right now Gucci is having a spring sale (40% off) in the state, I'm going to Paris and Italy in Sept and wondering if Gucci would be having sales around that time? Thanks.
They're surprisingly affordable if you buy them from the guys selling them on sheets spread out along the sidewalks. :-)
Michael, as you know, those guys tell you "It's a genuine Gucci." But when you look at it closely, you realize it's just a genuine Gotcha ;-)
What? And am I suppose to believe that the Rolex I got for 15 euros isn't real either?
Gucci is not cheaper than in the States. Even Italians buy Gucci here and then take it back as an undeclared carry on.
I've read "beware" warnings in some travel guides about buying the knockoffs on the streets. Apparently it's illegal and if caught, both the vendor and the buyer will get fined. I've not had personal experience; that's just what I read; so be careful with that. I did, however, buy a cute purse in a market in Florence for euro 25 that I get tons of compliments on, and it's just a Florence-local name.
Seems like a lot of bother
If you just buy it in the US, say from a sales tax free state like Oregon, then you don't have to deal with all this VAT refund non-sense. I compared the same bag from Neiman Marcus and the Gucci Home Web Site. D gold Large Hobo. Both priced at exactly $790. But by buying it in the States you'll actually get to use it in Europe. Its just your personal handbag at that point. I think Rick is saying in the above link that you technically are not allowed to use the bag, if its bought in Italy, till it is exported in order to get the VAT refund. At 20%, this tax on a $790 bag would be $158.
What I've found is that the Gucci prices here are about 10% less than in the states and if you plan well enough you can get the tax refund of about 10% by going to the customs officer at the airport or train on your way out of the EU. They stamp your receipt and then you will get the additional 10% back on your credit card but you have to be prepared to show the officer your purchases to match the receipt. Bottom line is that you can buy a Gucci purse for a little cheaper in Europe but it's not that big a difference unless you buy a lot, but the main difference for me is that there are different styles in Europe than in the states. On my last trip I bought a Gucci purse that wasn't carried in the US for another year.
If you're in Florence, there is a Gucci outlet (www.themall.it) about 45 minutes away that has really good prices on Gucci shoes, wallets, etc. and a small selection of purses (about 40% off retail) but it's hit and miss on selection. They also carry some lower quality Gucci for those who want a Gucci for $150 EURO.
The OP asked this question over 4 years ago. I'm pretty sure she has already taken her trip!
Those guys on the streets sale ONLY FAKES!!!!! And very poorly made fakes at that! The most I would buy from them is maybe a "designer" cosmetic bag! But be prepared to take even that to a shoemaker for zipper repair!
Yes! Buy your Gucci in Italy and your Louis Vuitton in France! The tax will be refunded at the airport, either by cash which is a smaller amount, but for the full value of the tax, credit your credit card! I saved about $350.00 last year on a Louis Vuitton by buying it in Paris! I too will be in Rome in September and plan on buying a Gucci. It also depends upon the Euro rate.
Sales are in July and January in Italy, up to 50% off. Top brands usually don't discount that amount, though.
