I am going to Italy and would like to get a bargain on an exquisite Italian handbag. Help!?

Question

I will be entering Italy by train via Nice and ending up with a flight out of Rome. Is it realistic to get a quality-construction high-fashion leather handbag for under $300 in Italy? I'm not completely married to the idea of a particular brand (I do like Tod's Channel, YSL, and Marc Jacob though), but I would like one of good quality and leather and a large size. I would be okay with a non-famous brand if it was good quality and of a nice style. I am pretty cheap about my purses normally, and $300 is a lot for me, but I know that the designer bags go for several thousand. What can I expect to pay? What brands to look for? Where should I go? How much time should I allow? (I don't think my husband would like spending an entire day of our short trip to Italy looking at purses!) Thanks!

Answer 1

I bought my daughter a very nice non-famous name brand in Florence less than $300 and they engraved her initials in gold right on the spot. You can buy anything in Rome. I paid cash and I didn't have to pay the tax. Peruzzi Leather.

Try to do some research on line for Rome stores so your husband won't get antsy.

Good Luck and go for it.

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Answer 2

flirt with the sales person who is selling the bag.Unless it is a women then just try to be purswasive.

Answer 3

The best places are normally the markets  not frequented by tourists.  Rome will be more expensive so try some of the towns you stop at before getting to Rome. If you are coming from Nice you will probably go through Genoa or Turin both of which are fairly good. The market of Porta Palazzo in Turin is a great place to pick up bargains of all kinds. It is one of the biggest markets in Europe.

Answer 4

all those bags to can find in chinatown in nyc and save about 250 a bag haha.

Answer 5

If you go to the markets in the big cities they have many handbags. They are very cheap and brandname. The reason they are so cheap is because thay may have a small defect that you can't even notice!

Answer 6

I went to Italy last summer and although I did not buy any handbags, I did receive some good advice. Stay away from "touristy" areas. They hike up prices because they know that tourists will pay for it. The best thing would be to ask locals or a tour guide where they shop and go there.  You can find the same items and stores with MUCH cheaper prices.  Also, bargain with them. Good luck!