The price breakdown · Bottega Veneta

How I Saved $1,700 on a Bottega Veneta Andiamo

Same bag, same boutique, bought at the Milan airport.

The Andiamo costs $5,335 after tax in New York. I paid about $3,600 for a brand new one, straight from the boutique. Here's the exact math on why it's cheaper, and how to get the same deal on your next trip.

The Bottega Veneta airport boutique, and Eileen holding the Andiamo bag in the store

$5,335: in New York, after tax
~$3,600: what I paid in Milan
$1,700+: saved

👜 Why this bag

Photo: Eileen
The Andiamo
Bottega Veneta€3,900 in Italy
One of the few luxury bags where the quality is actually good
I did a ridiculous amount of Reddit research before buying, and Bottega kept coming up as one of the few luxury brands where the quality actually holds up. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, and I love how many ways you can wear it: top handle, shoulder, or crossbody.

💶 The breakdown

01
It's an Italian brand
The European price starts lower than the US
Bottega is Italian, so the price in Europe starts lower than in the US before any tax or refund even comes into it.
02
The tax you don't pay
€3,900 becomes €3,196
The €3,900 price tag already includes a 22% tax (VAT). The airport boutique didn't charge it, so I paid €3,196, which is about $3,600.
Price tag in Italy
€3,900 (includes 22% VAT)
At the airport
€3,196 (no VAT charged)
Same bag in New York
$5,335 after tax
03
The city store can't beat it
Even after the VAT refund
You can get the tax refunded when you buy in the city, but you only get about 13% back. That's why the airport was still about 6% cheaper.

✈️ How to get this discount

Photo: Eileen
Fly home through an Italian airport
Check the airport store before the city store
Bottega is Italian, so this is its home turf. If you're flying home through an Italian airport, look at the airport boutique's prices before you buy in the city.
The airport shop skips the tax because you're leaving the EU, so bring your passport and boarding pass, and confirm the price and stock before you count on it.