An American I worked with in 1994 saw my Rimowa Topas purchased in Frankfurt, and decided he too wanted a set. I walked him through the entire process, including the VAT rebate.

Later he flies through FRA and makes his purchase successfully with LH Worldshop. Heading outbound 2 nights later, the inspection office is closed. But he is told that he can still have the inspection and rebate processed in the US.

Where ? The German Embassy.

Back in Los Angeles (JPL) I ran into him. Status no go at the German Consulate on Wilshire Blvd. in LA. " But YOU MUST do this only at the German Embassy. " Frustrated, he said he would finalize this somehow.

One month later a meeting in Washington DC materializes, and new luggage and all, off he flies to Dulles. He said the German Embassy was more than surprised ( " actually kinda shocked " ) that he was told that they would inspect his purchases, but they did document and stamp everything on his form, including a sweater he bought from C&A.

8 months later he flies through FRA. The response ( - wait for it - ):

" Who told you to do this at the German Embassy ? "

But he did persevere politely, but firmly, and finally received his rebate.

Where there is will, there's a way. Stamina.