2018 and the Cartier Craze: A Slightly Confused Guide to Savings & Such
So, 2018… seems like a lifetime ago, right? But I remember around that time, *everyone* was obsessed with Cartier. Specifically, the Love bracelet. It was like the must-have accessory. Which got people thinking… is there a sneaky way to get it cheaper? I mean, dropping that kinda cash ain’t exactly pocket change.
One thing that kept popping up was buying outta state, or even outta *country*. Like, that Cartier in Japan thread? Sounds promising, right? The person asking about duty-free in Haneda…I get it. Every little bit helps. I’m always hunting for a bargain, even on fancy stuff. But then you gotta factor in exchange rates, potential taxes later on…it gets messy. And honestly, I’m terrible at math. Like, *really* terrible. I probably wouldn’t trust my own calculations.
Then there’s the European route. I saw something about the UK being cheaper for the Love bracelet. Saving over a grand? Now we’re talkin’! But again, you gotta actually *go* to the UK. Or know someone who’s going. And trust them not to run off with your bracelet fund. (Which, let’s be honest, would be tempting). Plus, customs declarations and all that jazz. Ugh.
The biggest thing, for me anyway, is making sure it’s legit. Like that person on the Cartier subreddit talking about Hong Kong settings and “authentic” Love bracelets on eBay? Yeah, that sends alarm bells ringing. I’d be paranoid the whole time. There’s a *lot* of fake stuff out there, especially when it comes to luxury brands. I would rather pay a *bit* more than get scammed.
And then I think, what if the Love bracelet is a bit *too* obvious? I mean, everyone and their grandma has one now. Maybe something like a Panthère piece is more unique, more… “me”? (I also saw a thing about a Cartier Carat perfume… might be worth a sniff if you are into perfume)
My advice? (And, like, I’m no expert, okay?) If you’re thinking of buying Cartier outta state, or especially outta country, do your homework! Don’t just take some random number you saw on the internet. Double-check everything. Talk to people who’ve actually *done* it. And, for the love of all that is holy, make sure you’re buying from a reputable source.
