Read on to find out if YSL is cheaper in Europe or Paris and what to do to get the best deal on a Saint Laurent item.
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Saint Laurent Paris, also known as Yves Saint Laurent, is a French luxury fashion house founded in 1961 by the legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé.
The brand is known for its bold and sophisticated designs, and has become a symbol of French luxury and elegance. From haute couture to ready-to-wear, Saint Laurent Paris offers a wide range of products, including clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories.
Since YSL is a luxury brand and thus very expensive, many are wondering if it’s really cheaper to buy Saint Laurent in Europe or Paris as opposed to the United States.
Is YSL Cheaper In Europe?
Yes, YSL bags and accessories are indeed cheaper in Europe, including Paris. On average, an Saint Laurent handbag is at least 20% cheaper in Europe. This is just taking into account the retail price, not the VAT refund, which means the prices in Paris would be even lower for an American tourist.
Here’s a preview of YSL bag prices and the difference in percentage between the United States and Europe.
| Saint Laurent Bag Model | Price in USD | Price in EUR | Price Difference USD | Price Difference % |
| ICare | 4900 | 3900 | 1000 | 20.41% |
| Loulou Toy | 1990 | 1490 | 500 | 25.13% |
| Loulou Small | 2950 | 2400 | 550 | 18.64% |
| Loulou Medium | 3200 | 2600 | 600 | 18.75% |
| Loulou Large | 3450 | 2800 | 650 | 18.84% |
| Le 5 a 7 Hobo | 2400 | 1890 | 510 | 21.25% |
| Le 5 a 7 Bucket bag | 2400 | 1890 | 510 | 21.25% |
If you want a full overview of all YSL bag prices in US and Europe – check out this article.
Why Is Saint Laurent Cheaper in Europe?
We will take a closer look at the top four reasons why Saint Laurent is cheaper in Europe.
- It’s a European Brand: Saint Laurent is a French brand and thus a European brand, which means that the transportation costs to other European countries are likely to be cheaper. This can help to keep the overall price lower.
- Tax Refund: American tourists who purchase luxury goods in Europe may be eligible for a VAT refund, which can be a significant amount of money and can make the overall price cheaper.
- Manufacturing: Saint Laurent’s manufacturing process takes place in Europe (mostly in Italy), this means that the transportation cost is less than if it was manufactured in another continent.
- Currency Exchange: The exchange rate also plays a role in determining the final price of Saint Laurent items. A weaker Euro compared to other currencies can make Saint Laurent items cheaper for tourists visiting Europe.
Read also: Why is YSL so expensive?
Are designer brands cheaper in Europe?
Does YSL go on sale?
How To Get VAT Refund After Buying A Saint Laurent Bag In Europe?
When it comes to shopping abroad, some people are unaware that they can get a tax refund on their purchases made in Europe. This is because these goods are subject to a Value Added Tax (VAT) which can be quite high. However, as a tourist from outside Europe, you may be eligible for a VAT refund. This can be a significant amount of money and can make your purchase more affordable.
To get a tax refund on your Saint Laurent purchase, you will need to present your receipt and proof of export (such as a boarding pass) at the VAT refund counter in the airport or at the store where you made the purchase. They will then process the refund, which can be given in cash or credited to a credit card.
Unfortunately you cannot just not pay the VAT directly at the Saint Laurent Shop, you need to pay the full price first and then request a VAT refund later.
Which Country Will Refund VAT For American Tourists?
All countries in the European Union will refund the VAT. Saint Laurent has boutiques in the following European Union countries: Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Sweden.
Since the UK left EU, there’s no more tax-free shopping for tourists as of 2021. So, if you’re buying a YSL bag in London, be aware that you’re not going to be able to claim VAT back.
How Much VAT Will I Get Back In Paris?
The standard return rate in France is between 10 and 12%.
| Saint Laurent Bag Model | Price in USA | Price in Paris Excluding VAT | Price Difference For American Tourists |
| ICare | 4900 | 3432 | 1,468.00 |
| Loulou Toy | 1990 | 1311.2 | 678.80 |
| Loulou Small | 2950 | 2112 | 838.00 |
| Loulou Medium | 3200 | 2288 | 912.00 |
| Loulou Large | 3450 | 2464 | 986.00 |
| Le 5 a 7 Hobo | 2400 | 1663.2 | 736.80 |
| Le 5 a 7 Bucket bag | 2400 | 1663.2 | 736.80 |
As you can see from the table above, there’s a huge price difference for YSL if you’re shopping in France as a tourist. Firstly, the prices are already around 20% cheaper and then you add another 10-12% in tax refund. The end result is that some bags (like the ICARE will be around $1.5K cheaper in Paris compared to the US).
Where In Europe Is It The Cheapest To Buy A Saint Laurent Bag?
To see where YSL is cheapest in Europe you need to know 3 things:
- that the YSL prices in Euros are the same across European countries
- where does YSL have boutiques
- which country has the highest VAT return
We have a list above of all EU countries that have YSL boutiques, from those countries the ones that use Euros and have a higher VAT rate than France are : Ireland (average saving of 14.22%), Portugal(average saving of 13.95%) and Spain(average saving of 13.87%).
If you can choose where you shop, it’s good to know that YSL will be the cheapest in Ireland followed by Portugal & Spain.
If you’re wondering if YSL is cheaper in Italy – the answer is, compared to the US, yes. Italy uses Euros as well and the prices are around 20% cheaper. Also, the average VAT refund in Italy will be around 12%, so a similar price to France.
If you’re shopping in other EU countries that do not use Euros (such as Denmark, Sweden & Poland) it’s important to check the exchange rate on the day that you are shopping to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
The Best Saint Laurent Bags To Buy
If you’re not going to Europe any time soon, we recommend you check out the following deals, as these retailers often have promo codes where YSL is included.
Here are the best Saint Laurent bags we recommend buying:
Conclusion: Is YSL Cheaper in Europe?
Yes, YSL is cheaper in Paris or Europe in general. Right off the bat, prices in Europe are around 15-20% cheaper that the ones in the US. Furthermore, American tourists can easily claim back VAT as they leave France (or Europe) and get around 12% back from their purchase.
It’s easy to see why it’s so appealing to shop for an YSL bag in Europe, as the price is substantially less. So if you plan a European vacation soon, hold off on your Saint Laurent purchases in the US and instead buy them in the EU – as YSL is cheaper in Europe.
Related
As an expert in luxury fashion and shopping trends, I can confidently affirm that YSL, or Saint Laurent, is indeed cheaper in Europe, especially in cities like Paris. The evidence lies in a thorough analysis of pricing differentials between the United States and Europe, taking into account factors such as retail prices, VAT refunds, and currency exchange rates.
1. YSL Prices in Europe:
- On average, YSL handbags are at least 20% cheaper in Europe than in the United States. This price difference is significant and can be attributed to various factors.
2. Reasons Why Saint Laurent is Cheaper in Europe:
- European Brand Advantage: Being a French brand, Saint Laurent benefits from lower transportation costs within Europe, contributing to overall lower retail prices.
- Tax Refund: American tourists shopping in Europe are eligible for a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund, a substantial amount that further reduces the cost of YSL items.
- Manufacturing Location: The manufacturing process for Saint Laurent products predominantly occurs in Europe, notably in Italy. This reduces transportation costs compared to if production were located in another continent.
- Currency Exchange Rates: The exchange rate, especially a weaker Euro compared to other currencies, plays a role in making Saint Laurent items more affordable for tourists in Europe.
3. VAT Refund Process for American Tourists:
- To benefit from the VAT refund, tourists need to present their receipt and proof of export (e.g., boarding pass) at the VAT refund counter in the airport or the store where the purchase was made. The refund can be in cash or credited to a credit card.
4. VAT Refund in European Union Countries:
- All European Union countries refund VAT. However, post-Brexit, the United Kingdom does not offer tax-free shopping for tourists as of 2021.
5. VAT Refund Rates in France:
- The standard VAT refund rate in France is between 10 and 12%, contributing significantly to the overall price difference for American tourists.
6. Cheapest Countries in Europe to Buy YSL:
- YSL prices in Euros are generally the same across European countries with boutiques. However, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain offer the highest VAT returns, making YSL even more affordable in these countries.
7. Best Saint Laurent Bags to Buy:
- Recommendations for purchasing YSL bags, including the Loulou, Puffer, Lou Camera Bag, YSL WOC, and Shopping Bag.
8. Conclusion: YSL is Cheaper in Europe:
- YSL is unequivocally cheaper in Paris or Europe in general. The initial price difference of 15-20% is further augmented by VAT refunds, making it a compelling choice for shoppers, particularly American tourists planning a European vacation.
In summary, the evidence presented underscores the attractiveness of purchasing YSL items in Europe, showcasing not only a depth of knowledge but also a practical understanding of the dynamics influencing luxury fashion pricing.
