Going to Cartier should be a great experience, after all, for most of us, it's a special occasion kind of purchase.
For my anniversary, I wanted a Cartier ring and since I don't live in France anymore, I also decided to take advantage of the tax refund.
The big department stores make a big deal of providing that service very easily and I was under the wrong impression that it would be better to go to one of them.
I first went to Cartier in the Samaritaine. The two counters were busy with clients and after waiting and waiting, another salesperson showed up to take care of me. I tried a couple rings standing in the middle of the store and was told I needed my passport to fill out the paperwork, so I'd have to come back.
A couple days later, I brought my passport with me and decided to try Cartier in Le Printemps since I was shopping in the area. They told me that since February they only sell watches at this location but recommended I go the the store on Boulevard des Capucines, a short walk from there.
I am so glad I did, the experience in a real Cartier store is so much better than in a big department box. And the staff seems also more professional.
Instead of standing for a long time like I did at La Samaritaine, waiting for someone to take care of me, I was immediately greeted by a hostess who asked me what I was shopping for and told me she'd look for a salesperson for me.
Cartier Capucines is a big store with beautiful displays selling watches, jewelry and also decorative objects for the house.
After a few minutes, a smiling young lady brought me to a quite area where we could seat comfortably to talk about the ring I wanted to purchase. She helped me with sizing and all other questions I had about taking advantage of the tax refund.
It was a very pleasant and relaxed experience, and I felt I could totally trust the salesperson (I've been told different stories in department stores about the Cartier policies regarding resizing rings, including one who said you could not resize the Trinity ring, or another saying it's free for life, both false!). Lastly, it's important to realize that the process of taking advantage of the tax refund is not made easier by going to a department store. No matter what, you still have to stop by the office at the airport to get your purchase approved.
In the end, I highly recommend going to a Cartier shop, if you want to treat yourself or a loved one to something special! read more
