Looking for the in store buying experience

Hope this is allowed here as I am very new to the handbag world. I am looking to purchase my first luxury handbag. I work as a sales advisor for a (non-bag) luxury brand so I am really just looking for that “in store” experience. My budget is about $1000, which I know limits me, but I am looking for the best I could get. Also, if I do buy a bag, do I tip the associate?