First things first, that VAT thing. It’s basically a sales tax added onto pretty much everything you buy in places like France, Italy, Spain… you get the picture. For us tourists, though, there’s a loophole – tax refunds! You can get a chunk of that VAT back if you meet certain criteria.
Now, Hermes… they know what they’re doing. You see, I read somewhere that some luxury brands in Europe can already be, like, 10-30% cheaper *before* you even think about the tax refund! It’s wild. I saw a comment online about someone buying a Kelly bag in Paris and it was way cheaper than the same bag in NYC even *before* the refund. Seriously contemplating moving to Europe just for the handbags, tbh.
The tax refund percentages vary, I think. Someone online said their Hermes VAT refund was around 10%, while Chanel and Goyard offered 12%. It’s kinda all over the place, isn’t it? Just gotta remember that the percentage isn’t always the same and research a bit more.
How does this whole tax-free thing work anyway?
Well, there are two main ways to get your VAT back. I’m not an expert, and the rules can change. But generally:
1. Do your research. Find out the minimum purchase amount required to qualify for a tax refund (like €100 in France). And make sure Hermes participates in the program. Most big stores do, but it’s always good to double-check before you drop a small fortune on a scarf.
2. Shop ’til you drop (responsibly, of course!). When you buy your Hermes goodies, tell the salesperson you want a tax refund form. They’ll fill it out with your passport info and details about your purchase.
3. At the airport, brace yourself. You’ll need to get your form stamped by customs before you leave the country. This can involve queues and showing your purchases, so factor in extra time.
4. Get your money back. You can usually choose to get your refund in cash (though you might pay a fee), credited back to your credit card, or even sent as a check (though who uses checks anymore, really?).
My two cents?
Honestly, even with the tax refund, Hermes is still a major splurge. But if you’re already planning to buy something, definitely take advantage of the tax-free shopping. It’s like getting a little bonus for being a tourist! Just remember to do your homework, be patient at the airport, and maybe treat yourself to a croissant while you wait in line. You deserve it after all that Hermes-hunting! And maybe save a little bit for the tax consultant, because I’m not sure if the info above is 100% correct.
