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!
Recently, 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!
That is a gorgeous back! I agree….Shop.ca is AWESOME!
Yup! I *may* have ordered it today (pleading the fifth in case my husband is reading this post!)
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
You CAN be a fashionista, you’d just rather allocate your funds away from designer pieces :)
OK – I feel better now LOL You don’t have to be designer to be a fashionista ;)
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!
We ALL have to splurge once in a while!
I love that tote! Also, if you’re an Aeroplan member, shop.ca is offering 800 bonus aeroplan miles on your first $99+ purchase.
Great tip Victoria!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
you are a great deal detective! nice job :0)
Thanks Nicky!
What a beautiful bag hope you enjoy it
Oh… I’m sure I will ;)
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!
It sure is! And I agree it’s not for everyone – but if you’re in the market, this is a great deal!
best to sign into ebates.ca or greatcanadianrebates.ca first and using their link. you’ll get 15% back from your purchase.
Great tip! Thanks Mr. Disco!
What an awesome deal on a FAB bag! So cool.
Yup, now fingers crossed they have them in stock!
What a gorgeous bag! And it is all that much more sweet for the delicious deals you are getting!
It’s always better when you don’t have to pay full price!
Wow what an awesoem price! My cousin would love shop.ca
Pass it on!
Love this bag. I can drool over yours next time I see you! :)
I’ll make sure to bring it along :)
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!
It’s so true. I spend a lot of time doing my homework!
Nice bag, but there is no way I could spend that much on one bag – I am way too cheap :)
Ha! I insist you treat yourself at least once :)
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!
Yup, you can have it for YEARS.
It pays to do your research :) This is a gorgeous bag!
Thanks Athena!
Wow didn’t know Costco carried them!
They do!!
I do adore purses but I want a Michael Kors watch
Me too, in rose gold :)
Gorgeous purse! Gorgeous price!!
Thanks Anne!
Awesome deal Lena! Thanks for the heads up!
You’re welcome Caryn!
Awesome detective work!
Thanks Melinda!
Great deal and fab purse!
Thanks Jenny!
awesome bag , i love it … every girl deserves to splurge :)
So very true :)
Thats a steal of a deal!!!
Best handbag deal I’ve seen this year!
I need this in my life!
I’ll let you know if it comes on promo again!
It always pays to look around for deals and you’ve listed some great options. I didn’t realize Costco sold designer bags!
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
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