If you haven’t heard of the trendy Goyard Tote, you’re in for a treat. The coveted handbag is world-famous for being the ultimate luxury accessory and holy grail for fashion lovers. Goyard is a 200-year-old Parisian brand that is largely unknown — on purpose. Its elusiveness is intentional, and it’s also what makes Goyard such a status symbol.
The mystery drives desire, and Goyard’s business is largely via word-of-mouth from its influential clients and collectors. Goyard items have been spotted on many celebrities — including Megan Markle, the Kardashians and Gwyneth Paltrow.
And the most famous and iconic product is definitely the Goyard Tote. But it does come with quite a hefty price tag: Get ready to drop over a grand.
So, is it worth spending so much money on a bag? Or are there alternatives that look great for much less? To find out, I did my research, interviewed RetailMeNot Goyard Tote owners and crunched comparison numbers. Here’s what I found.
The History of the Goyard Tote
To understand what makes Goyard so special, you need the brand’s background. Pierre-François Martin founded the House of Martin in 1792, specializing in box-making, trunk-making and packing prior to what’s now considered the golden age of the great trunk-makers of the late XIXth century. House of Martin was a real trailblazer!
In 1845, the House of Martin and Morel hired 17-year-old apprentice François Goyard, who passed the business down to his son Edmond Goyard in 1885. Edmond turned the now-iconic store on rue Saint-Honoré in Paris into a shopping destination for the elite. The House of Goyard was bought in 1998 by Jean-Michel, who turned the privately owned company into an internationally renowned brand. Within 10 years, the Goyard brand was reestablished with timeless elegance, craftsmanship and exclusivity.
How Much Does the Goyard Tote Cost, and Where Can You Purchase It?
It’s pretty impossible to find the current Goyard Tote prices online, at least directly from the brand. Goyard doesn’t list them on its website, and Goyard does not do online sales. In fact, the brand doesn’t disclose the price (via email or phone, either) except when you purchase at the Paris boutique.
So, the only way for shoppers to get their hands on Goyard bags (if you don’t have big connections like the royal family does) is at high-end boutiques, select department stores or through resellers. The U.S. has stores selling Goyard in New York City, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Beverly Hills. Prices will differ across all these options.
The three most popular Goyard totes are the Saint Louis, Anjou and Artois, and their current retail prices vary by a lot. The totes come in two sizes: PM and GM, with GM being the larger size and the most expensive option. The bags also each come in many colors, but all with the signature striking chevron canvas design.
You can see all three bags and the price variations below:
Goyard Saint Louis Tote: $1,620 —$2,300+
Goyard Anjou Tote: $2,590 —$3,400+
Goyard Artois Tote: $2,190 to $2,800+
How Can You Tell It’s a Goyard Knockoff?
Because the Goyard Tote is so hard to find and costs a pretty penny, there are lots of knockoff options available, especially online. There are options that really look authentic — and they’re great options if you don’t want to spend a ton. But there are also knockoffs that are trying to pass as real with the same high price tag. To tell the difference between a legitimate Goyard Tote, there are a few key things to look out for.
- Texture. Goyard bags are hand-painted, which leaves a slightly bumpy texture on the surface of the painted areas.
- Resin-coated linen. The tote is lined with cotton or linen fabric. Knockoff Goyard bags are not made from such expensive materials, making them heavier.
- Packaging. Goyard bags do not come with any sort of plastic on their handles, and the handles don’t have any leather tags attached to them.
- Accessibility. Shopping for Goyard products online requires a lot of research to ensure you are getting an authentic product. If you found it at an unusually low or high price, chances are that the retailer is selling a knockoff.
Affordable Alternatives to a New Goyard Tote
So, where are the best places to buy a pre-owned Goyard Tote or a Goyard Tote knockoff?
Pre-Owned
If you’re interested in purchasing a pre-owned Goyard product, I recommend checking out sites like The RealReal, Fashionphile and What Goes Around Comes Around. Also, eBay Fashion is a great option for buying luxury designer handbags, including Goyard.
Knockoff
These sites, including Amazon, also sell knockoff Goyard Totes, so if the price seems very low — anything under $1,000 — then it is not a legitimate Goyard. But, if you’re not concerned with having the real thing and just want the look, these lower-cost totes are great options.
What Owners of Real Goyard Totes and Dupes Have to Say
Affordable Alternative to a Goyard Tote Review
“I found mine through an Amazon seller, but the link/seller has changed, so make sure to read reviews … I remember I only paid about $35 for mine, and I can’t spot the difference — but that’s just me! I’ve never really owned or held a real one, but I would say judging from my research and seeing real ones, there isn’t much of a difference, at least that I can tell. The details of my dupe specifically, and where the logo is painted on and placed, make it look so comparable to the real deal. Anyone who isn’t a complete bag expert wouldn’t be able to spot the difference.” — RetailMeNot employee
A Review of a Real Goyard Tote
“I bought my Goyard Tote about three years ago. I was in New York for work and decided to stop by the store since there were only a few locations in the U.S. at the time where you could actually see the bags in person. I didn’t intend on buying one, but then I had a Pretty Woman moment and decided to ‘treat myself’
The rush of excitement immediately turned into panic on the cab ride leaving the store as I began to come to terms with the fact that I had just spent the equivalent cost of a mini-vacation on what is essentially just a canvas tote. Not even leather. I eventually came to terms with the fact that I couldn’t return it since I had my initials painted on it. While I definitely experienced buyer’s remorse at the beginning, it turned out to be a good purchase.
I’ve used the bag as either a purse, laptop bag, diaper bag and travel bag daily for over three years, and it has held up well! The bag has been through a lot, and yet it shows little wear. I like that the model I have zips at the top so that my stuff isn’t exposed, and it’s big enough to hold a variety of items. Overall, I would say years of daily use has made the purchase worth it.” — RetailMeNot employee
More Affordable Alternatives to the Goyard Tote
Saffiano Tote, Created for Macy’s
Price: $99.50 at Macy’s
Kate Spade Bleeker Large Tote
Price: $248 at Kate Spade
Giani Bernini Pebble Tote
Price: $99.50 at Macy’s
Kate Spade Staci Medium Tote
Price: $100 (valued at $359) at Kate Spade Outlet
Tory Burch Ella Tote Bag
Price: $248 at Tory Burch
My Conclusion
After much research, here are my final thoughts. The Goyard Tote is durable, high-end, classic, and has a lot of room for everything you need to carry. Plus, it’s a status symbol for fashionistas everywhere. But, it is very costly, the straps aren’t very comfortable when the bag is heavy, and there’s no top zipper to close the tote.
Personally, I would go with a knockoff that may not have the same durability, but the aesthetic and space are nearly the same. But it does sound as if the real Goyard Tote is durable, lasts for a long time, and people love it. Let us know what you think at editors@retailmenot.com!
Bonus! Save on your purchases with RetailMeNot’s cash back, definitely check it out. Using it is always a smart move, but downloading it right now is extra smart to save this holiday.
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