Photo by Modern Affliction on Unsplash
Purchasing a Hermès bag is a huge investment, and thanks to the exclusivity of the brand, it can sometimes be pretty difficult too. It’s quite well-known that you can’t just walk into a Hermès store and expect to come out with a Birkin bag. In fact, the wait can sometimes take years for your perfect Hermès bag.
The reality of buying a Hermès bag is actually a lot less glamorous than you first may assume.
Why is a Hermès bag so special?
Hermès are extremely well-established and have a unique history when it comes to creating luxury accessories, and now, they run the market.
Hermès bags, namely the Birkin and Kelly bags have been seen on the arms of Kim Kardashian or Victoria Beckham, and they are only for the deep-pocketed few. Victoria Beckham is said to be a huge fan of Hermès Birkins, as it’s estimated that she owns around one hundred. Saying that, what makes the Hermès bags so special is their exclusivity and their high resale price.
How much is a Hermès bag?
A standard Hermès bag tends to start at around £8,000. There are a lot of different qualities of a bag that can change the price of it, including whether the bag is made out of crocodile skin, or other leather, or what size you’re going for.
Tips for purchasing a Hermès bag
Don’t go into a Hermès store asking to buy a Birkin
Instead, you have to build up a rapport with your local store, and this again may take several months, if not years. Most buyers start by purchasing something smaller than a bag, maybe a scarf or bracelet. Then, once you’ve established a relationship with your local store, you can start asking about bigger purchases and exclusive products, like a Birkin bag.
Know what you’re looking for
The key is to know exactly what you’re wanting to buy. The colour, style and size. Don’t just show a photo to the sales assistant in a Hermès store. Instead, show them that you know what you’re talking about and give them the specifications without the photo. The photo shows that you’re just in the store for a Birkin bag, which can affect your chance of actually getting the bag.
Consider buying a pre-loved bag
Buying a pre-loved or used Hermès bag can be an easier way of getting your hands on your perfect bag at a better price. The market for secondhand bags has exploded, especially when it comes to Hermès bags because of their often long waitlists. Vintage bags offer a certain charm and can be extremely profitable as they have a high resale value. Some bags, like the Birkin and Kelly, are even known to overtake their retail value.
If you’re serious about buying, book an appointment with a salesperson
By booking an appointment with a salesperson, again you’re proving that you’re serious about buying. Also, when you’re in your appointment, getting friendly with the salesperson is easier, and it is super personal, which allows the assistant to really dig deep into what you’re wanting to invest in from Hermès.
Aftercare
The fun only starts when you get your hands on your new Hermès bag. But, you need to look after your luxury leather accessory. Start by keeping your bag at room temperature only. If the leather gets too cold, or too hot, it can ruin, fade it and can cause wrinkles and fissures in the skin, which is what nobody wants when they’ve invested in such an expensive item.
Unlike most bags, which get wet through being carried in rain and storms, Hermès bags aren’t supposed to get wet. The leather used is water-resistant, but it’s advised that the raincoat provided by Hermès themselves is used over the bag when carrying it in the rain.
Also, it’s important to add that if your bag does get any stains on it, Hermès offers their own cleaning service.
