Is Hermes Cheaper in Paris Than US?

Are you planning to buy a Hermes product and wondering whether it’s cheaper to purchase it in Paris or the US? Well, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about this topic, and in this article, we’ll dive deep into it.

Comparing Prices

First things first, let’s take a look at how much the same Hermes product costs in Paris and the US. It’s important to note that prices can vary depending on the currency exchange rate and taxes.

One of the most popular Hermes products is their Birkin bag. In Paris, a Birkin bag can cost around €7,000 (around $8,300 USD), while in the US, it can cost around $10,000 USD. This means that buying a Birkin bag in Paris can save you around $1,700 USD.

Another popular product is the Hermes scarf. In Paris, a silk scarf can cost around €300 (around $355 USD), while in the US, it can cost around $400 USD. This means that buying a silk scarf in Paris can save you around $45 USD.

Factors Affecting Prices

Now that we know that some products are cheaper in Paris than the US let’s take a look at why this might be so.

One of the main factors affecting prices is taxes. In France, there is a value-added tax (VAT) of 20% on luxury goods like Hermes products.

However, if you’re not an EU resident and spend more than €175 (around $207 USD), you can get a VAT refund of up to 12%. This means that if you’re traveling to France as a tourist or non-resident and spend more than €175 on Hermes products, you could potentially save even more money.

In contrast, the US has sales tax which varies from state to state but typically ranges from 4%-9%. However, these taxes are not refundable like VAT in France.

Another factor that affects prices is the currency exchange rate. If the Euro is strong compared to the US dollar, then products will be cheaper in Paris for US customers.

Conclusion

So, is Hermes cheaper in Paris than the US? It depends on the product you’re buying and the current currency exchange rate. However, as we’ve seen, some products like Birkin bags and silk scarfs can be significantly cheaper in Paris due to VAT refunds for non-EU residents.

If you’re planning on buying Hermes products in Paris or the US, it’s always a good idea to research prices beforehand and take into account factors like taxes and currency exchange rates. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and potentially save yourself some money.