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Deal Detective: Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote

June 29, 2014 By Lena

I often receive e-mails from deal-seeking readers who are looking for the best price on beauty or fashion finds. Normally, I’ll try to steer them in the right direction, whether it be through re-sellers, coupon codes or the location of their nearest outlet store. Playing “deal detective” is a hobby and a challenge!

Michael Kors Luggage ToteRecently, I’ve been tasked to find the best price in Canada for a Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote. A classic, designer handbag that never goes out of style (and therefore, never goes on sale), it is available at Canadian Michael Kors retail stores for $395.00.

Okay, first things first. It sells for $358.00 in the US, so there’s definitely a price discrepancy for north-of-the-border shoppers. However, only you can decide if the $37.00 surplus is worth your time, gas and duty charges to cross the border and find it in the States. And don’t even think about ordering it online and shipping it home; the delivery and extra charges will surely surpass the $395.00 Canadian price.

Hence, we’re working with a Canadian selling price of $395.00 plus tax, which totals $446.35 if you’re in Ontario, like me.

If you are a Costco member, your first option is to purchase the handbag from Costco online or in-store. Curiously, it is referred to as the “North South” tote, but for all intents and purposes, the bag is seemingly identical to the original.

Pros: The Hamilton Tote retails for $319.99, with shipping and handling included. That’s $75.00 off the retail price! The total, plus HST, is $361.59.

Cons: Since Costco is not an authorized dealer for Michael Kors, the manufacturer’s warranty does not apply. In place of the manufacturer’s warranty, Costco will refund your purchase price if you are not completely satisfied with the product. Since Costco is known to have a very liberal return policy, this does not bother me. 

However, I’m much more deterred by the fact that the handbags are ONLY available with silver hardware; because the Hamilton Tote with gold hardware is the stand-alone favourite, MK stopped selling the totes with silver detailing last year. Hence, me thinks that Costco got their hands on a plethora of overstock, which justifies the discounted price. And yes, I am vain enough to reason that if no one wants silver hardware, why should I??

Your second option is to purchase the handbag through SHOP.CA – where you can find the Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote in Luggage (soft brown – with gold hardware!) for $356.00 with free shipping.

Pros: While this is already preferable to the retail option, it actually gets better. First, there are several coupon codes you can find online, offering savings of $10 off. (RetailMeNot shares SHOPRMN1040 as their exclusive code. Tried it today; it works!) Next, if you pay via PayPal, eligible PayPal customers will receive a deposit of $25 in your PayPal Account to spend on an order of $75 or more between May 8, 2014 and June 30, 2014.

So, if you do the math, $356.00 plus 13% HST is $402.28. Now, minus your $10 off coupon and $25 PayPal savings, and you’re down to $367.28. Since you’re receiving a Hamilton Tote with gold hardware, you’re apples-to-apples with the retail store (unlike Costco’s discontinued silver-only option). Therefore, with SHOP.CA’s current promotion, you’ll save $79.07 off the regular Canadian price. Score!

Cons: The PayPal promotion ends on June 30th, so hurry!

Now of course you can find a Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote at a Michael Kors Outlet – in either the US or Canada – but keep in mind that the outlet version is decidedly different than the original, with a name plate in the place of the lock. Purists will argue that the lock and key is the definitive feature of the Hamilton, but it’s really up to personal taste (and budget).

Well, mission accomplished for this deal detective! If you’ve found a cheaper Canadian price for an original Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote with gold hardware, be sure to let me know in the comments. But for now… SHOP.CA is the winner! $79.07 back in your wallet, fashionistas!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: best price Michael Kors Hamilton Canada, Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote, MICHAEL Michael Kors, SHOP.CA

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sarah sar

    June 29, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    That is a gorgeous back! I agree….Shop.ca is AWESOME!

    • Lena

      June 29, 2014 at 7:41 pm

      Yup! I *may* have ordered it today (pleading the fifth in case my husband is reading this post!)

  2. Flora M

    June 29, 2014 at 5:08 pm

    It is a very nice bag, but call me cheap (or thrifty, or Scottish), I can’t justify spending that amount of money on a tote LOL I mean, that’s more than 2 month’s worth of groceries for me….
    I guess I will never be a “fashionista” LOL

    • Lena

      June 29, 2014 at 7:42 pm

      You CAN be a fashionista, you’d just rather allocate your funds away from designer pieces :)

      • Flora M

        June 30, 2014 at 4:34 pm

        OK – I feel better now LOL You don’t have to be designer to be a fashionista ;)

  3. Holly

    June 29, 2014 at 6:24 pm

    That’s a great discount. I love MK! I can’t justify spending a lot of money on certain things… but shoes and handbags are my downfall, lol. Love it!

    • Lena

      June 29, 2014 at 7:47 pm

      We ALL have to splurge once in a while!

  4. Victoria Ess

    June 29, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    I love that tote! Also, if you’re an Aeroplan member, shop.ca is offering 800 bonus aeroplan miles on your first $99+ purchase.

    • Lena

      June 29, 2014 at 7:47 pm

      Great tip Victoria!! Thanks so much for sharing!!

  5. Nicky

    June 29, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    you are a great deal detective! nice job :0)

    • Lena

      June 29, 2014 at 7:47 pm

      Thanks Nicky!

  6. Suzie M

    June 29, 2014 at 7:44 pm

    What a beautiful bag hope you enjoy it

    • Lena

      June 29, 2014 at 7:47 pm

      Oh… I’m sure I will ;)

  7. Lynda Cook

    June 29, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    I see you do your homework very well, even though your getting a good deal through shop.ca it’s still way to much money for me to spend, but it sure is a nice tote!

    • Lena

      June 29, 2014 at 8:05 pm

      It sure is! And I agree it’s not for everyone – but if you’re in the market, this is a great deal!

  8. MrDisco

    June 29, 2014 at 8:19 pm

    best to sign into ebates.ca or greatcanadianrebates.ca first and using their link. you’ll get 15% back from your purchase.

    • Lena

      June 29, 2014 at 8:56 pm

      Great tip! Thanks Mr. Disco!

  9. loucheryl

    June 29, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    What an awesome deal on a FAB bag! So cool.

    • Lena

      June 29, 2014 at 8:56 pm

      Yup, now fingers crossed they have them in stock!

  10. Heidi C.

    June 29, 2014 at 10:11 pm

    What a gorgeous bag! And it is all that much more sweet for the delicious deals you are getting!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:39 pm

      It’s always better when you don’t have to pay full price!

  11. JaimeeM

    June 29, 2014 at 10:17 pm

    Wow what an awesoem price! My cousin would love shop.ca

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:39 pm

      Pass it on!

  12. Rossana

    June 29, 2014 at 11:04 pm

    Love this bag. I can drool over yours next time I see you! :)

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:39 pm

      I’ll make sure to bring it along :)

  13. Soozle

    June 30, 2014 at 9:34 am

    Ha! Great sleuthing skills, Lena! There are so many factors with online shopping (shipping, duty, etc) that it is not easy to always figure out what is the best price – and WHAT sites are safe to use!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:40 pm

      It’s so true. I spend a lot of time doing my homework!

  14. Judy C (Judy Cowan)

    June 30, 2014 at 11:37 am

    Nice bag, but there is no way I could spend that much on one bag – I am way too cheap :)

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:40 pm

      Ha! I insist you treat yourself at least once :)

  15. Lori Bosworth

    June 30, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    That’s a great price for that bag. I have the smaller version in black and I love it. I also love the tan colour. So classic!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:40 pm

      Yup, you can have it for YEARS.

  16. Athena

    June 30, 2014 at 10:55 pm

    It pays to do your research :) This is a gorgeous bag!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:40 pm

      Thanks Athena!

  17. Eldon

    June 30, 2014 at 11:17 pm

    Wow didn’t know Costco carried them!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      They do!!

  18. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    July 1, 2014 at 9:33 am

    I do adore purses but I want a Michael Kors watch

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      Me too, in rose gold :)

  19. Anne Taylor

    July 1, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    Gorgeous purse! Gorgeous price!!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      Thanks Anne!

  20. caryn s

    July 1, 2014 at 5:03 pm

    Awesome deal Lena! Thanks for the heads up!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      You’re welcome Caryn!

  21. Melinda L.

    July 2, 2014 at 11:30 am

    Awesome detective work!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      Thanks Melinda!

  22. Jenny

    July 4, 2014 at 11:08 am

    Great deal and fab purse!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:44 pm

      Thanks Jenny!

  23. Treen Goodwin

    July 16, 2014 at 10:54 am

    awesome bag , i love it … every girl deserves to splurge :)

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      So very true :)

  24. Renee LeBlanc

    July 16, 2014 at 11:17 am

    Thats a steal of a deal!!!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:42 pm

      Best handbag deal I’ve seen this year!

  25. Mandy

    July 24, 2014 at 9:38 pm

    I need this in my life!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:42 pm

      I’ll let you know if it comes on promo again!

  26. Susan T.

    May 28, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    It always pays to look around for deals and you’ve listed some great options. I didn’t realize Costco sold designer bags!

  27. kathy downey

    June 21, 2016 at 9:16 am

    I dont usre a bag/purse because i need my hands free for my cane and my escort.but my daughter love this kind of bag

  28. Debbie White Beattie

    September 17, 2017 at 5:00 am

    This is a gorgeous bag and if it’s something well made and you know it will last years then it’s worth it because you can buy several cheap bags that won’t last but it’ll add up to the same

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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