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Rimowas are sexy, sleek, and iconic. They’re also mega $$$$
While the price is high…You pay for what you get. Quality, durability, and an unmistakable design. Rimowas are arguably the very best suitcases in production, and also one of the most expensive. The typical Rimowa is made out of aluminum, and while minor improvements have been made, the aesthetic hasn’t changed much since the company had a massive fire in 1930 and all that was to make suitcases with was…Aluminum.
I have had my eye on one for quite some time. But…they’re just so darn expensive. Then Christmas came and my absolutely incredible girlfriend got me one as a present. I know…how lucky am I?! However…I’m obsessed with a deal, and as I was salivating over it, opening the locks and smelling that new suitcase smell ( that’s a thing, right?) it dawned on me. We’re going to Europe soon.
Immediately I asked her where she got it. “Bloomingdale’s” I googled the price
My Rimowa Original Cabin Plus rang in at $1250 + tax. OUCH!
I could not accept it. She insisted, and I said…well, let’s just see how much they cost in Europe. We are headed there over New Year’s after all…
Here’s the price on Koffer24…look better?
This is the price all around Europe. In fact, you even get the duty back on it. Do note…Koffer won’t ship Rimowa to the States, but if you know someone in Europe, ship it to them and have it on your arrival.
Our first stop on our European jaunt was Rome.
As luck would have it, on our way back from touring the Vatican…we stumbled upon a Rimowa store. There is was: My Original Cabin Plus at a major discount…800 Euros.
They even delivered it to the hotel ( free of charge ), and when we got back to our room at the St Regis Rome…it was there.
What’s even better? They give you paperwork to receive the VAT back. How much in Italy? 22% – That 800 just dropped to under $800. The U.S. price was $1250 + ( 9.5% tax ) = $1369. Almost $600 savings or 42% off!
- 800 Euros less 22% is 655 Euros
- You only get 105 Euros back so the final price is 695Euros
- Net price $792.3
What’s even better than better? No duty. The $793 is under the $800 that you’re allowed to bring into the States every 31 days Duty Exempt. Miles, come quick…we need to high five!
I absolutely love my Rimowa Original Cabin Plus.
That ~ $600 savings is huge and help offset a large part of our St Regis stay.
If you’re thinking of getting one or two even…I’d seriously consider buying ( and using it like I did ) in Europe.
Look at the Trunk Plus discount!
- $1800 + 9.5% tax = $1971
- 1300 Euro – 169 Euro refund = $1289 ( 1.14 exchange rate )
- Note…you’d owe duty of 3% on the $489 or a little over $13.
You can go here to calculate your refund
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
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