Rolex VIP Event Nice France 5 September 2024

[inadeje]

The boutique on the corner of Place Massena hosted an exclusive VIP event this evening. They showcased an impressive collection of watches available for viewing and trying on, though none were for sale during the event itself—interested buyers could only express interest. I don’t make purchases of higher priced items while in Europe, primarily because boutiques like this one push the Global Blue VAT refund process on customers, who often end up with little to no actual refund in the end.

[Latrodectus]

Looks like a good event. Meeting people that are interested in watches. Also a nice place to be at this time.

[BlondesNwatches]

Is that refund process the usual one that a luxury watch boutique would use? Is there a better vat refund process?

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by BlondesNwatches

Is that refund process the usual one that a luxury watch boutique would use? Is there a better vat refund process?

Unfortunately, the AD obliges the use of - Global Blue VAT Refund - as the “only” method you may use to allegedly claim your VAT refund. The internet is rife with opinions concerning those being unable to receive their refund. Either the refund simply never materializes, the terms make it impossible or when it does for those who involve authorities they grab a huge portion of the 21% in fees. I found out that these ADs insist on this method because they have an financial benefit. Namely, Global Blue issues a handsome kick-back to the AD for every unwitting sign up. Whether the refund is ultimately received by the buyer or not. Furthermore, the AD narrative is one of ease of use, so what’s more attractive than supposedly getting your money back through completing a seemingly simple process? Many items are sold under this pretext on to discover you paid EU taxes impossible to recuperate.

I had two unsavory personal experiences with Global Blue VAT Refund. Any store that uses it is complicit in my opinion. Until the stores realize that it is costing them sales I believe it will continue to claim unsuspecting victims.

Either way, the event was well presented and the staff were very courteous and accommodating. I told them, as I always do, that when they drop this VAT refund mechanism they’ll regain a lot of lost purchases by non EU residents.

[Henrimontgomery]

You know you can do the VAT refund yourself through the official channels?

[996marty]

Can’t you claim a refund on any tax when leaving a country like when flying out from a main airport? I know we did when flying out of Paris a few years ago but maybe this is a different scheme

[1William]

Good information. Thanks.

[77T]

Originally Posted by 996marty

Can’t you claim a refund on any tax when leaving a country like when flying out from a main airport? I know we did when flying out of Paris a few years ago but maybe this is a different scheme

It is still an option but it can cost you some time at the airport (presuming you were flying). Different pathways for other travel modes via a non-EU country.

Here's a sample:
https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/pass...ces/tax-refund


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by 77T

It is still an option but it can cost you some time at the airport (presuming you were flying). Different pathways for other travel modes via a non-EU country.

Here's a sample:
https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/pass...ces/tax-refund


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Thanks, that's an excellent link

[WRjr]

You got an invite? You’re on their mailing list in the USA or you stopped by and they told you about it? Just curious