Have you ever stepped into a luxury boutique—maybe on a spontaneous day out or while traveling—and spotted someone obviously new to the high-end scene?

They aren’t necessarily doing anything wrong, but the way they talk can instantly reveal they’ve just come into money.

Today, I want to walk through nine dead giveaways—common phrases that people new to wealth might drop in these upscale settings.

Because sometimes, it’s what you say (or how you say it) that sends the biggest signals.

Let’s dive in.

1. “Wait, this is how much?”

The first telltale sign often comes straight from a sticker-shock reaction.

They walk in, spot the price tag, and say something like, “Wait, this is how much?”

In a super-luxury store, price is typically an afterthought for regulars. They’re more concerned about craftsmanship or limited availability.

But if you’re new to the game, it’s natural to be a little startled by the cost, and that surprise can slip right out of your mouth.

I still remember my own first time in a high-end watch boutique, seeing numbers that looked like they belonged on a car loan contract.

My reaction definitely gave me away.

2. “What’s the best deal you can give me?”

A question about deals or discounts is a big giveaway.

There’s a major difference between being financially savvy and outright expecting a bargain in a space where bargains aren’t part of the culture.

Sure, you might get a personal VIP discount if you’re a longtime client, but casual haggling in a luxury store is often frowned upon.

As Epictetus once said, “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”

Ironically, chasing a discount in an ultra-luxury setting can come off as more insecure than thrifty.

3. “I’ve got so much money now, I can buy anything here.”

Some people new to wealth overshare about their finances.

They’ll say something like, “I just made a killing in crypto,” or, “I got this huge bonus; I can buy the whole store.”

It’s often a nervous flex—maybe they feel out of place, so they try to overcompensate with big talk.

But in high-end retail spaces, subtlety is usually the unspoken rule.

Regulars might be loaded, but they often don’t announce it. As Marcus Aurelius once said, “The things you think about determine the quality of your mind.”

Broadcasting your success can dominate your interactions—and not in a great way.

4. “I saw [celebrity name] with this, so I need it too!”

Name-dropping celebrities is another quick reveal.

When someone says, “I want this bag because I saw my favorite pop star wearing it,” it often signals they’re buying status rather than appreciating the item on its own merits.

Nothing wrong with admiring a celebrity’s style—hey, we all draw inspiration somewhere.

But in luxury circles, chasing status symbols to keep up with famous faces is seen as a rookie move.

I used to be guilty of something similar. I once bought a watch simply because I saw a well-known athlete wearing it.

I didn’t really know the brand’s history or craftsmanship; I just wanted to emulate someone else’s look.

5. “This is my first time in a store like this—kind of intimidating!”

People who come into money might literally say how nervous they are being in a fancy boutique.

They’ll say, “I’ve never even tried on something this expensive,” or, “I can’t believe I’m in a place like this.”

It’s honest, which can be refreshing—but it’s also a giveaway that they’re new here.

I remember my first time in a store known for selling high-end suits.

I blurted to the sales associate, “I’ve never even worn a suit over $500!” My wide-eyed reaction must have stood out.

If I’d relaxed and recognized these are just stores with items for sale, I might’ve felt less awkward.

6. “Are you sure this is the latest model?”

In some luxury boutiques, they pride themselves on timeless collections.

Asking if something is the “latest model” might sound practical, but if the item is from a heritage line, the staff will quickly sense you’re more concerned with flashy newness than with quality or tradition.

It’s a bit like treating luxury goods the same way you’d treat smartphones—replaced every time a new version drops.

Seasoned shoppers might actually be more interested in limited editions or custom pieces than the “brand new” release.

Focusing only on the newest can come across as a rookie approach.

7. “I should post this on social media right now.”

There’s nothing wrong with excitement, and we all love a good Instagram or TikTok post.

But announcing, “Let’s film this,” or “I need to show my followers I’m here,” can make it obvious you’re more focused on clout than on the shopping experience.

In many high-end stores, discreteness is valued. You’ll see established clientele rarely whip out their phones unless it’s a private photo op.

I once overheard someone in a boutique exclaim, “I need a selfie with this $10,000 jacket!”

The store staff just smiled politely, but you could tell they were thinking, “Yep, definitely new to this scene.”

8. “What’s the return policy like?”

In most retail environments, this question makes sense. But in ultra-luxury stores, it can be a red flag.

High-end items are often final sale or have very strict conditions. Customers who regularly shop there usually know the policies.

If your first question is about returning, the staff might suspect you’re not entirely comfortable with the purchase—or just testing the waters.

Part of the high-end shopping experience is exploring something new.

If you’re busy worrying about returns, it can hint you’re second-guessing your decision.

9. “I need something that screams I’ve made it.”

Sometimes, new money shoppers explicitly state they want to show off success.

They’ll say, “Give me your flashiest product—everyone should see I’m thriving.”

It’s understandable to want to celebrate milestones, but openly asking for something purely to flaunt is a transparent giveaway.

A salesperson once told me about a customer who practically demanded the sparkliest, most diamond-encrusted watch they had, proudly proclaiming, “I just got promoted, and I want everyone to know it.”

You can imagine how that resonated with the staff.

Rounding things off

If you’ve ever caught yourself (or a friend) using any of these phrases, don’t stress about it.

Being new to wealth is a learning curve, just like anything else. Nobody is born knowing the unspoken rules of high-end shopping.

The key is remembering that true confidence comes from knowing what you value, not from proving anything to strangers.

Over time, you’ll develop your own style—maybe you’ll still snap photos or compare prices, but you’ll do it with an appreciation for the craftsmanship, history, or artistry behind the item.

In the end, shopping at a luxury store shouldn’t be about screaming “I made it,” but about finding pieces that resonate with you.

When you focus on that, it’s a lot easier to navigate these fancy boutiques without feeling out of place.

Enjoy your next high-end adventure—and do it in a way that feels right for you.