Is Louis Vuitton cheaper in Italy? People who want to have some luxury or high-end designer fashion items are always looking for where they can find a bargain. Designer brands have been all over the fashion industry for decades now, with everyone wanting to get their hands on the biggest name brands like Louis Vuitton.
One of the biggest issues with following designer brands is the price tag. A luxury brand dress or handbag will easily run you a couple of thousand dollars, which isn’t always affordable for the fashionista on a budget. Many people opt to get their designer goods while on vacation because they believe it will be cheaper overseas. In this article, we will dive in to see if Louis Vuitton is cheaper overseas, and why that is.
Buying a Louis Vuitton in Italy is cheaper than buying in the US. Even though the bag is authentic, and comes in the same designs you will find in the US, you’ll often save about $500 from buying your Louis Vuitton bags, clothing, and accessories in Italy.
The reason these items are so much cheaper in countries like Italy is that often, the bags are made in Europe, to begin with. For example, Louis Vuitton is manufactured in Paris, France then shipped to Italy, which is still in continental Europe, not as much work goes into shipping.
Also, most of Europe uses the same currency system of euros, due to their membership in the European Union. When a bag is being shipped to America from Europe, it is undergoing a larger import tax and getting converted to the American currency system as well.
This often increases the product’s price by a few hundred dollars, depending on the product. This phenomenon is the case with many luxury brands made overseas, not just Louis Vuitton.
In most of Europe, the bags range around the same price, especially if part of the European Union. The biggest difference in bag price comes from import taxes, shipping, and conversion rates.
Is Louis Vuitton Cheaper in Italy than USA?
Louis Vuitton is cheaper in Italy than in the USA. A Louis Vuitton purchase in the states could cost hundreds of dollars more than how much the same item will cost in Italy. This is why many people will buy their luxury goods while they are traveling abroad. The authenticity and quality are the same but at a lower price point when purchased in Italy.
The reason the bags are cheaper in Italy has to do with the fact that the bags are designed and manufactured in Europe already. Louis Vuitton is made in Paris, France. It is easier to ship the bags to Italy, where they use the same currency than to the USA where we operate on a different currency (U.S dollar). The conversion rate from Euros to US Dollars is partially why the price goes up.
Import tax and shipping expenses are the main culprits of the rising price of luxury European goods in the US. Simply put, it costs more to ship across the ocean to the USA than it does to ship to other places in continental Europe, such as Italy. The import tax in the USA is also fairly high for luxury goods.
Another reason Louis Vuitton is cheaper for Americans to buy overseas in countries like Italy is because of the VAT refund. This is a refund non-European Union citizens receive back on purchasing luxury goods overseas. The VAT refund may differ depending on where the product is bought among other factors.
The refund is also not immediate, so you may not see the money back right away since you need to fill out paperwork to claim the refund. Ask the retailer you purchase from about the VAT refund policy before leaving the store. You may also be asked to display your passport at the time of purchasing
Is Louis Vuitton Cheaper in Italy than in the UK?
Louis Vuitton is slightly cheaper in Italy than in the UK. For example, a bag may cost about $10 USD more in the UK than it does in Italy. This may be because the UK uses a different currency than the rest of Europe, so the conversion rate is a bit different.
While European countries mostly use euros, the UK operates on pounds. This affects the price conversion on things like imported luxury goods, such as a Louis Vuitton bag.
The UK also has banned VAT shopping, as a term of Brexit, which started officially in December 2020. This means non-European Union shoppers will no longer be eligible for the VAT refund when shopping luxury goods in the UK. This means if you are going to Europe for a good discount, it may be worthwhile to go straight to Italy or another country with VAT shopping.
Are Louis Vuitton Purses (Bags) Cheaper in Italy?
Louis Vuitton purses and bags are cheaper in Italy than in other countries like the US. There are a few factors that go into this. First of all, Louis Vuitton bags are designed and manufactured in Paris, which is part of continental Europe along with Italy, meaning shipping expenses are significantly lower than if the bags were to be shipped to other countries. Therefore, they do not have to include shipping costs when setting the retail price.
Another reason bags are cheaper in Italy is because of the VAT refund. A VAT refund will save foreign travelers money on luxury purchases within the European Union. To receive a VAT refund, you need to ask your cashier for details at the retail location and show your passport.
You will likely be asked to fill out paperwork and display your item at customs on the way home as well. However, the process will likely save you significant money. Keep in mind not every traveler is eligible for this refund depending on where you’re traveling to and where you’re traveling from.
One last reason the bags are cheaper in Italy is that the import tax is less on the manufacturer’s end. Similar to shipping costs, many countries require an import tax on luxury goods. Within the European Union, this normally does not apply or applies far less. This will save you money shopping for luxury goods in Italy, especially as an American citizen.
Is Louis Vuitton Cheaper in France or Italy?
Louis Vuitton prices are almost identical in both France and Italy. You may think because the bags are manufactured and designed in Paris, France would be the cheaper shopping option, but it’s not true!
Since both countries are part of the European Union, they operate on the same currency system and are able to import and export easily between each other. So in both countries, you will get a great deal on your Louis Vuitton purchase, it just depends where you want to visit!
Conclusion
Luxury goods are notoriously expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get them for a good deal. Traveling abroad is the best way to save on your designer products, especially Louis Vuitton. For the best deals, go to France or Italy to stock up on your favorite bags and accessories.
Most places in the European Union will save you money since there are fewer shipping and import costs involved. If you’re American, you can also try to use your VAT refund, which gets you money back for buying luxury goods overseas. If using this method, remember to bring your passport to the retail location with you. No matter what you do, you’ll be rocking your new Louis Vuitton!
