Everything You Need To Know About Buying An Hermès Bag (2024)

“It’s quite simple, a Birkin is a better everyday bag as it’s less structured in its design, giving it a more casual look, while the Kelly has a more classic presence and is a great option for special occasions,” suggests Tony Freund, editorial director of 1stDibs.

Hermès

Pre-Owned Hermès Birkin 35 Handbag

Hermès

Pre-Owned Hermès 2001 Dalvy 30 Tote Bag

Hermès

Pre-Owned Hermès 1997 Kelly 32 Handbag

Hermès

Pre-Owned Hermès 30 Birkin Bag

How long is the waiting list for a Birkin bag?

The reality is, waiting lists at Hermès stores no longer exist. Demand for both styles outstrips supply, meaning that stock varies from store to store. Boutiques have their own style offering, with infrequent deliveries and little notice as to which colourways or finishes will be available to purchase at any given moment. For this reason, customers who want a brand new bag should enquire in store, and seek advice from Hermès sales experts.

What is the most expensive Hermès bag ever sold?

In 2016, a 2008 Birkin made from white Himalaya crocodile with 18-karat white gold and diamond hardware was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong’s 30th anniversary auction for £208,175. The following year, a similar Birkin from 2014 sold for a jaw-dropping £293,000, and in 2022, Sotheby’s sold a Diamond Himalaya Birkin 30 for over $450,000.

During Koffsky’s decade at Christie’s, she mentions that one of her “absolute favourite handbags of all time” was the Hermès Metallic Bronze Birkin 25, created in 2005. Twelve years later, in 2017, she had the “privilege” to auction one in Paris, which was expected to sell for between €8,000 and €10,000. In the end, it sold for €100,000. “The excitement of auction cannot be overstated, each sale is like the premiere of a show,” she says. “When top collectors have their eye set on an extreme rarity, there can be no limit to the bidding.”

Hermès

Pre-Owned Hermès Birkin 35 Leather Bag

Hermès

Pre-Owned 1997 Birkin 35 Handbag

Hermès

Pre-Owned Hermès 1988 Constance 23 Shoulder Bag

Hermès

Pre-Owned Hermès Red Leather Swift Mini Constance 18

Is an Hermès bag an investment?

“The handbag market is more similar to other markets than you might expect – it is all a matter of supply and demand,” says Koffsky. “Pieces that are hard to come by are considered rare and valuable. This is why the Hermès Birkin and Kelly in limited edition or discontinued [colours or leathers], and pristine vintage condition capture the attention of collectors.”

As with any investment – be it a work of art or a classic car – condition is everything. Keeping your Hermès bag pristine means it will retain its value for years to come. “Condition is one of the most important indicators of value,” Koffsky continues. (See below for advice on keeping your Hermès in tip-top condition.)

Which Hermès bag should I buy?

“Curating a handbag collection is very much like curating an art collection,” says Koffsky. Whether you’re an Hermès newcomer or an avid collector, the bag you choose should be based on your personal taste. Classic colours like black, gold, etoupe (taupe) and ivory are consistent bestsellers, and smaller Kellys and Birkins are currently making a comeback (Hersan notes the popularity of the Birkin 25, in particular).

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How much is an Hermès bag?

The price will depend on the leathers, exotic skins, hardware and colourways. A product being pre-loved doesn’t make it any less desirable – in fact, where Hermès pieces are concerned, the opposite is true. It’s in a seller’s interests to keep their bag in mint condition, so even though the prices are still high, you can rest assured that vintage Hermès styles will retain their value.

Hermès

Pre-Owned Hermès Hermes Zip 31 Herbag In Berline Canvas

Hermès

Pre-Owned 2020 Hermès Herbag

How do you look after an Hermès bag?

  • “You want to store it at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. If you have the original box, store it inside. If not, the dust bag will do as well. You want to keep the bag covered at all times when it’s not in use. Never store it hanging by the handles or the strap. Don’t store it empty, stuff it with some plain tissue paper, air pockets or a bubble wrap, but be sure not to overstuff it. This will help maintain the shape.” Tony Freund, editorial director at 1st Dibs
  • “Make sure that when you use your valuable pieces, you treat them carefully. When putting bags away, it is important that they are emptied out and stuffed with something soft, such as a small pillow, bubble wrap or tissue paper. If the piece came with a dust bag and box, store the bag in its original packaging. Otherwise, a soft pillow case will do.” Rachel Koffsky, SVP, international head of department for handbags and accessories at Christie’s
  • “Keep it away from the heat and rain. Store it with padding to avoid deformation. And of course, when it comes to repair or restoration, always address the brand workshops so that your bag remains authentic.” Sara Bennani, director of the bags department at Collector Square
Everything You Need To Know About Buying An Hermès Bag (2024)

FAQs

Can I walk in Hermès and buy a bag? ›

It may take you a while, but you can buy a Birkin straight from the boutique. You just can't walk into an Hermès boutique and buy a Birkin immediately. It must be ordered, and there is a waiting list. You also can't buy the Birkin, Kelly, or most of Hermès's more iconic styles online.

How long is the waiting list for a Hermès bag? ›

Previously, Hermès maintained a Birkin bag waiting list for buyers where you would need to wait patiently for your turn to own one of these incredible bags. However, that era has passed and Hermès has abandoned its waiting list system. The present process of purchasing Birkins from Hermès boutiques is more nuanced.

Can a regular person buy a Birkin? ›

Only customers with an extensive purchase history at the French brand are offered the opportunity to buy “quota bags” such as the Birkin or the Kelly. This practice, dubbed “the Hermès game,” has kept the bags exclusive—but it's also ruffled many feathers.

Which Hermès bags hold their value? ›

Birkin bags can double in value in 5 years — some styles up to $450K — and are a better investment than gold: luxury expert. Hermès' highly coveted Birkin handbag becomes even more coveted after it leaves the store — doubling in value in as little as five years, according to a luxury expert.

Which is harder to get, Kelly or Birkin? ›

Some areas of the US have smaller, less competitive Hermès stores where it may be easier to be offered a mini Kelly than a Birkin 25, such as in your situation. Other big city locations such as New York City and Beverly Hills are highly competitive and being offered a mini Kelly is akin to winning the lottery.

Why won't Hermès sell me a bag? ›

Not everyone can buy a Birkin. Shoppers must prove their commitment to the brand – by continuously shopping there. From what previous Hermès shoppers and managers say online, to even be considered for a bag, you must shop at the same Hermès store, use the same sales assistant, and “build a relationship” with the store.

Is there a limit on how many Hermès bags you can buy? ›

No one is allowed to buy more than two quota bags in a given year. So, what is an Hermès quota bag? Strictly speaking, any Birkin or Kelly bag, including the Mini Kelly II, is considered a quota bag, and its purchase is restricted. However, some boutiques also include the Hermès Constance among their quota bags.

Why is Hermès so expensive? ›

Why are Birkin bags so expensive? The exceptional level of craftsmanship in producing the handbag is the rationale for the company's pricing. Each Birkin takes a minimum of 18 hours to make as a single artisan hand-sews, buffs, paints and polishes the bag, according to Sotheby's.

How to become a Hermès VIP? ›

High-value purchases and purchases in different product categories may make you more likely to receive an invitation. Some Hermès customers are granted VIP status, which often comes with exclusive invitations to events like private sales.

What is Birkin bait? ›

The purse is so coveted and so limited that there's a culture of so-called “Birkin bait” spending, where customers buy lots of Hermès products to bribe their way into the chance—yes, chance—to purchase one. The company knows these customers are its lifeblood, and it goes to great lengths to keep them around and happy.

What is the current price of a Birkin? ›

Standard Birkins

The price of a standard Birkin 25 Togo in the USA has risen to $10,400 in 2023, while a Birkin 30 and 35 in Togo leather are now priced at $11,600 and $12,700 respectively. Even in Europe, the price for a standard Birkin 25 Togo has seen a significant increase to €8,050 in 2023.

What is the most classic Hermès color? ›

The Hermès Birkin bag is an embodiment of luxury and timeless elegance. Over the years, it has transformed from a mere accessory to a cultural icon, coveted by celebrities, socialites, and the wealthy and aspirational worldwide.

What is Hermès' most wanted color? ›

The most coveted neutral color is Gold followed by Craie, but there are plenty of other neutrals to experiment with. Some of the most popular Hermès tones are browns, which are versatile enough to be used every day and can be worn with just about any outfit.

What is Hermès' signature color? ›

Consistency across products: Hermes is known for its diverse range of products, from leather goods and accessories to scarves and clothing. By incorporating the signature orange colour across various product lines, the brand creates a cohesive and recognizable visual identity.

Can we buy Hermès bag in store? ›

There are two very different paths toward your ultimate goal — at an Hermès boutique or from a vetted independent dealer. First, let's chart your course if you value the thrill of the hunt. You cannot purchase a Birkin bag on the Hermès website. Instead, you must visit one of the many Hermès boutiques around the world.

Is Hermès sold in department stores? ›

The other thing that we have not done like most of our competitors is that you will not find Hermès shops inside of other department stores.

How many Hermès bag can I buy in a year? ›

Hermès imposes a quota system limiting customers to two Birkin or Kelly bags per year, but VIPs may have the option to custom order. Specialized luxury resellers like Madison Avenue Couture offer a curated collection of authentic pre-owned Hermès Birkin bags.

References

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