Hunting for Tax-Free Goyard Shoes: A Totally Unorganized Guide (and My Personal Obsession)
Right, so Goyard. We all know Goyard, right? That ridiculously expensive French brand that screams “I have money, but I’m also *slightly* understated about it?” Yeah, that one. And shoes… Goyard shoes. They EXIST, apparently. I mean, I mostly think of them for their totes, but shoes, too. Good to know.
Anyway, the point is, I’ve been kinda obsessed with finding a *deal* on Goyard. I know, I know, “deal” and “Goyard” shouldn’t even be in the same sentence. But a girl can dream! And that dream involves avoiding sales tax.
So, the internet rabbit hole started, predictably. “Italian tax refund 2023…” – because apparently, someone got their Goyard (not specifically shoes, mind you) and got a sweet refund. Two days to get the refund on their credit card? That’s… tempting. Italy, maybe? Hmmm. But what if I just want the shoes, like, *now*?
Then, of course, there’s The RealReal. Love them. “Shop Goyard Shoes authenticated by experts at up to 90% off.” Okay, *now* we’re talking. Pre-owned, sure, but who cares if it saves me a bunch of moolah? Plus, authentication is HUGE. Don’t want no fake Goyard. That would be embarrassing. (And probably illegal? I don’t know, I’m not a lawyer.)
But then… *tax*. Even on The RealReal, you gotta factor in the ol’ sales tax. Ugh.
The Netshoes thing… that seems weird. “Encontre Goyard na Netshoes…” That’s Portuguese! Is Goyard even *sold* at Netshoes? (Quick google search… mostly sneakers inspired by the color patterns, not ACTUAL Goyard.) Okay, scratch that. Misleading!
Oh! Okay, here’s something interesting. Narita Airport in Japan! Duty-free. Buuuut… it says, “You can buy your Goyard at the tax-free states in the USA. If you buy Goyard in a tax-free state, the price will generally be cheaper.” Wait, what? Tax-free states in the US? That’s the key! Which states are they? (Googles furiously… Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Alaska. Huh.)
So, the master plan, as convoluted as it is, is this:
1. Find Goyard shoes *somewhere*. Preferably The RealReal for the “discount” factor.
2. Determine if it’s cheaper to buy them in a tax-free state (if they’re even sold there) or just suck it up and pay the tax wherever I find them.
3. Maybe consider a trip to Italy for that sweet, sweet tax refund, but that seems a little extra for a pair of shoes, even if they’re Goyard.
Honestly, this is probably way more effort than it’s worth. I could probably just buy the darn shoes and be done with it. But where’s the fun in that? Plus, now I’m invested. Gotta find those tax-free Goyard shoes! Wish me luck! (And maybe send some money. Just kidding… mostly.)