Originally Posted by
mzzxx11
ShopAround:
I've also shopped in Italy, and GB commission was around 50%.
They have an online cacluator:
http://www.globalblue.com/tax-free-s...nd-calculator/
I've just keyed-in a 200EUR purchase. The VAT rate in Italy is 22%, so the refund should be 44EUR, while the calculator shows a 25EUR refund, or a 12.5%, which is roughly half. The other half is of course GB's fee.
I don't see why a 3rd party must be involved in the process since the VAT is collected and refunded by the government. I understand they charge a premium for a speedy processing that is required, but if one is not in a hurry why pay a commission to a middleman?.
Because it's easy. Instructions are in many languages. You walk up to their airport desk and get your refund. The person will usually speak English if you have questions. That sort of thing.
The DIY route with the Dogana isn't particularly difficult once you know the process, but you have to know the process. Plus I speak Italian so I think I might not even realize the language barrier in the written materials and whichever agent you get. I can see why people use GB and the like - it's very convenient.