ransky
May 22nd, 2013, 05:00 AM
In the past few months, I've made three separate online pen purchases from La Couronne du Comte. I'm very pleased with the transactions and wanted to share my experience. La Couronne du Comte is located in the Netherlands, which is overseas for me (I'm in Texas). While that means some shipping time is involved, it also means not paying Europe's VAT taxes. The store's prices on many European model pens are extremely competitive as a consequence. To see the non-VAT prices, you have to create an account, giving them your shipping location. Take a look at some of the Pelikan, Caran d'Ache and GvFC models.
I purchased two what I consider high-end pens, and a lower priced pen. All three arrived safely, nicely gift-wrapped (gift-wrapping is part of their standard service). No issues with any of the pens - all were in great shape. Two of my orders were not immediately in-stock, but were shipped within a week. As compensation for the wait, I received a bottle of complementary ink. Given the great pricing of my purchases, I had no issue waiting for the shipping anyway.
Shipping time from the Netherlands to Texas was about a week or so. The packages showed up in my mailbox just like any other mail. There were no customs duties or other taxes to pay, even on the most expensive pen. Dennis, the proprietor, is very quick with his emails, and sends notification of receipt of order and shipping. With any delays, he was quick to let me know - great to correspond with. If you haven't browsed their site, you can check them out at http://www.lacouronneducomte.nl. If you're in the US and don't mind a bit of delayed gratification with the shipping, I urge you to take a look.
A note on payment. Everything is in Euro's, so you'll have to convert the prices yourself if using dollars. Payment is made through something called (I think) Multi-safe pay, a linked site that will process your credit card payment. I had no issues at all with this. Everything worked fine and my payment processed correctly.
Usual disclaimer applies - I am in no way affiliated with La Couronne du Comte. I just thought others should know of this great place to shop.
I purchased two what I consider high-end pens, and a lower priced pen. All three arrived safely, nicely gift-wrapped (gift-wrapping is part of their standard service). No issues with any of the pens - all were in great shape. Two of my orders were not immediately in-stock, but were shipped within a week. As compensation for the wait, I received a bottle of complementary ink. Given the great pricing of my purchases, I had no issue waiting for the shipping anyway.
Shipping time from the Netherlands to Texas was about a week or so. The packages showed up in my mailbox just like any other mail. There were no customs duties or other taxes to pay, even on the most expensive pen. Dennis, the proprietor, is very quick with his emails, and sends notification of receipt of order and shipping. With any delays, he was quick to let me know - great to correspond with. If you haven't browsed their site, you can check them out at http://www.lacouronneducomte.nl. If you're in the US and don't mind a bit of delayed gratification with the shipping, I urge you to take a look.
A note on payment. Everything is in Euro's, so you'll have to convert the prices yourself if using dollars. Payment is made through something called (I think) Multi-safe pay, a linked site that will process your credit card payment. I had no issues at all with this. Everything worked fine and my payment processed correctly.
Usual disclaimer applies - I am in no way affiliated with La Couronne du Comte. I just thought others should know of this great place to shop.