Antiques lovers
Tours overview
Comparisons

Tour operators
Presentation

Dealers, decorators
Individual escort

Everyone
Selected pictures
Auctions
Links

Privates
Tour reservation

Tour operators
Partnership

Dealers, decorators
Trade only

Comparisons :

We just want here to show what could cost the same purchases to some private shoppers, without, or with Provence Selection help and organization.
The examples shown in this page are purely imaginary, of course, but based on realistic values and costs for the amounts taken into consideration.
In these comparisons, we assume that the shoppers have enough knowledge when they come alone, to not buy any false item, and that absolutely no problem will occur after their departure, when no one will be present in Provence to follow up everything after their departure. It is easy to imagine how much the result would be worst if it was not the case.
We also include the commission of 5% we ONLY apply IF the shopper decided to use our OPTIONAL Internet service.

Column "Alone"      ==> We imagine that Mr. and Misses Smith spend some holidays in Provence, and decide to buy these items by their own means.
Column "In group" ==> Now, Mr. and Misses Smith buy exactly the same items, but together with a Provence Selection small group of shoppers.
In this imaginary example, Mr. and Misses Smith and all the shoppers are originating from New-York State.

A : Public prices which would be requested by the dealers, to any individual client.
B : Negotiated prices obtained by Provence Selection, due to our regular buying and our relations with the dealers.
C : Calculated with the average cost of a shipment to NY by air freight, including the same services, (picking-up, packing etc.).
D : Calculated on the bases of the cost of a 40 feet container, almost full, (i.e. around 55 cubic meters), shared proportionally to each shopper volume of merchandise.
E : Not included in C above, because generally cheaper if paid directly in US by the shopper. (If not, the shipper takes a commission on the broker fees).
F : Included in D above, without charge any commission on the broker fees, according to the agreement obtained by Provence Selection with the shipper.
G : Calculated on the bases of 3% of US customs fees claimed on the total declared value of the merchandise ==> A private never knows how to proceed to reduce this cost.
H :Same 3% fees, but only on the value of items which are not over 100 years old. For the other items, (considered as antiques), we establish all necessary relevant documents.
I : This Provence Selection commission covers our optional work for creating a private web page than the shoppers can browse after their return, where they can find a complete list of their purchases with pictures and description.

Remarks :

==> We did not include in this table the cost of our guide, which is included in the package paid for the journey to the tour operator. As a matter of fact, this package may vary according to various options, so we consider it is to compare to the cost of a similar journey for shoppers who would come individually, and rent a car instead of sharing the cost of a small bus, etc.
==> Another important point is the delay of delivery : this is no more a matter of price, but Provence Selection organization guarantees the shortest delays for the lowest costs : no one individual can expect an immediate picking up and a so quick packing and shipping. This is also a security in comparison to any not supervised purchases.
==> We underline in this costs comparisons the fact that we know how to reduce customs fees. One's also has to take into consideration how much it might be frustrating to have some merchandise stopped in customs for several weeks, due to irrelevant documentation, which often happens to individuals not aware of importation rules and laws.