5 min read · Oct 9, 2023
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For anyone who considers themselves a handbag addict, it can be a challenging and expensive hobby. Designer handbags are costly, and collectors are willing to pay the price. As designer bag costs climb, looking for ways to save money on your next buy is natural.
So the question was, “ Are bags really that cheap in Europe? YES, it is true that branded bags are cheaper in Europe, but not all of them.
Buying your luggage in Europe is the ideal method to save money on your next purchase. Luxury brands (particularly Italian and French labels) are less expensive in Europe than in the United States. However, American and British brands are often not inexpensive in Europe, and while some are, others are substantially more expensive.
Here is a deeper look at some of the most well-known designer handbags, along with an assessment of how much they cost on either side of the Atlantic.
How come they are less expensive in Europe? All of it has to do with taxes and duties.
It is for a reasonable price! In general, luxury costs in China and Asia are the highest in the globe, whereas luxury prices in Europe are the lowest. Luxury costs are lower in Europe because many of those brands are based there. France, for example, is home to Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Dior, and Hermes, whilst Italy is home to Prada, Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta, and Gucci.
A considerable proportion of luxury items are also produced in Europe. When European luxury products are exported to be sold in other countries, they are usually subject to import/duty charges as well as expensive transportation costs. These increased costs result in higher retail pricing in other countries.
Europe has long been regarded as one of the finest areas to get a good deal on designer things ranging from handbags to dresses and jewelry. According to Vogue, the most affordable designer bags can be bought in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
The major reasons why designer bags are less expensive in Europe than in the United States are VAT Refunds and price discrepancies
VAT Refunds
An important factor in the low cost of designer bags in Europe is the VAT rebate. VAT stands for “Value-added tax” and refers to a consumption tax levied on products and services purchased in Europe. Non-EU visitors to European countries can claim a Value-added tax refund on purchases of a specific value. As a result, the final product is less expensive.
Depending on the European country, the precise proportion you receive back can range from 7 to 25%.
It’s important to keep in mind that countries have varied eligibility requirements in addition to different VAT percentages.
Price Discrepancies
Luxury brands do their utmost to maintain costs consistent over the world, yet it frequently happens that goods are less expensive in some nations. The majority of the time, the brand’s native nation or region has the lowest prices.
If a product is manufactured in only one country, the price in the other country will be determined by taxes, transportation expenses, and the amount requested by each consumer. The pricing will vary substantially due to differences in taxes and freight charges, which will be unique.
Many designer bags, but not all, are more affordable in Europe, as was already revealed.
Many European cities’ designer stores are used to having foreign customers. For that reason, European consumers will pay less for bags from French manufacturers like Louis, Vuitton, Givenchy, Chanel, and Dior. For Italian companies like Gucci, Versace, and Prada, the same holds.
Despite this, buying in France or Italy won’t cost you any less money than in another European nation because costs are comparable across continents
Louis Vuitton
Regarding Louis Vuitton, you’ll discover that many of its handbags cost more in the US than in Europe.
For instance, the Louis Vuitton Capucine retails for $6,600 in the US but $4,500/$5,078 in Europe. Compared to Europe, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull costs $100 more in the US.
The Artsy MM Empirante bag is much more expensive on both sides of the Atlantic. The bag costs $3,700, including tax, in the United States, but $1000 less in Europe.
As a result, if you want to buy Louis Vuitton bags, Europe is the preferable option.
Chanel
You’ll notice that Chanel is more affordable in Europe.
In this case, the Chanel Classic Flap Bag costs $6,500 in the United States and €4,900, or $5,500, in Europe.
The Chanel Boy handbag will set you back $4,700 in the US and €3,900 in Europe, or roughly $4,200.
The cost of the Chanel Gabrielle Hobo Bag is $3,400 in the United States and €2,900 in Europe, which translates to about $3,000 there.
Givenchy
This well-known French brand is less expensive in France than it is elsewhere. The Givenchy Antigona bag costs $2,145 in the United States compared to €1,690 in Europe.
Furthermore, the Givenchy Nightingale handbag is priced at €1,790 in Europe as opposed to $2,290 in America.
Dolce and Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana bags are less expensive in Europe. They are less expensive in Europe than the US
In the US, the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily bag is $2,495; in Europe, it is €1,790.
Additionally, the Dolce & Gabbana Sicily bag costs €1,990 in Europe as opposed to $2,995 in the United States.
In terms of supply chain structure and quality control, Western European markets are substantially larger and more developed than Central and Eastern European markets. France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium are the leading EU import markets for bags. These top six countries account for 86.5% of all bag imports into the EU, with a 2.7% annual growth rate.
They, indeed! Despite some brands’ efforts to close the global pricing gap, Europe remains one of the most affordable areas to shop for luxury. Just remember to claim your VAT rebate.
