Buying an Hermès Bag Can Be Tricky—Here's What an Expert Says You Should Know (2024)

As much as we’d love to fill our closets with every designer label we can think of, luxury fashion is just that: a luxury. But when the moment comes along for you to finally get yourself a chic investment piece, it’s worth reading up on everything you need to know beforediving deep into your bank account. Of course, when you’re looking to buy a piece from Hermès, liketheiconic Birkin bag, the rules of the gameare a little different. Luckily, we got the inside scoop on how to buy an Hermès bag straight from an expert, so you can go in confidently with all the facts.

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Thanks to the high demand that comes with an Hermès label, getting your hands on one of its iconic bags can be tricky. To make the purchase easier on you, we asked Sarah Davis, the founder and president of luxury resale website Fashionphile, for everything you need to know, including where to buy an Hermès bag and what makes them so special. See what she has to say below.

Why is an Hermès bag so special?

Hermès has established itself as the ultimate in luxury accessories. If I tell you to picture an Hermès scarf, belt, or handbag, an iconic image instantly comes to mind. You may have seen a royal in a scarf, your favorite basketball player in an H belt, and celebrities of all types with Birkins on their arms. But relative scarcityand high price point have created an insatiable demand for the Kelly and Birkin bags, in particular.

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Is an Hermès bag an investment?

Absolutely, an Hermès bag is an investment. The minute you drive your new Birkin off the Hermès lot (or walk out the front doors of an Hermès boutique with your new bag in hand), it goes up in value by thousands, depending on the specs of the bag. It’s important to remember that some investments are better than others. When buying and selling houses or Hermès bags, you can make or lose money. Success depends on timing, the scarcity of the style, the condition, the age of the bag, and your purchase price.

How much is an Hermès bag?

There are quite a few smaller Hermès handbags readily available onits website, like the Aline mini for $1875. A standard Birkin 30 runs over $10,000 or significantly more, depending on the type of leather or material. The same bag in crocodile or alligator retails at three to four times that. The problem isn’t only that Hermès makes it very difficult to get your hands on a Birkin, but it also limits the number of Birkins you can buy per year. This hyper-limited supply and pent-up demand have created a robust resale market.

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Which Hermès bag should you buy?

While it may sound like fun to start an investment portfolio of Birkins, most people just don’t have the money to jump in10 grand at a time. A lot of people who are interested in buying a bag they love aren’t banking on a huge return, but you don’t have to go in for a Birkin or Kelly to get both! The Hermès Constanceand Evelyne are elegant, iconic styles in classic shapes, and they really keep their value.

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Where can you buy an Hermès bag?

Obviously, you can buy most Hermès bags straight from Hermès. 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 ofHermès’s more iconic styles online. So if you want a Birkin or Constance, for example, and you live in Biloxi, Mississippi, you will need to drive to Atlanta, Georgia, or Houston, Texas, to buy your bag from Hermès. But when you buy from Fashionphile, there are nowaiting lists,and everything is available online.

Scroll down to see some of the chicest Hermès bags you can buy right now.

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I'm Dale Arden Chong, an expert in luxury fashion and accessories, with a particular focus on Hermès handbags. My knowledge is not only extensive but also backed by firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the industry. As someone who has closely followed the trends and developments in the world of high-end fashion, I've witnessed the evolving landscape of luxury goods, and I'm here to share my insights on the latest information regarding Hermès bags.

In the recent article, the author explores the intricacies of purchasing an Hermès bag, particularly the iconic Birkin, and provides valuable information for readers considering such a significant investment. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:

  1. Hermès as the Ultimate in Luxury Accessories:

    • The author emphasizes that Hermès has established itself as the pinnacle of luxury accessories, with iconic items such as scarves, belts, and handbags instantly recognizable and associated with the brand.
  2. Scarcity and High Demand:

    • The article highlights the insatiable demand for Hermès bags, particularly the Kelly and Birkin styles, due to their relative scarcity and high price points.
  3. Hermès Bag as an Investment:

    • The author, identified as Sarah Davis, the founder and president of luxury resale website Fashionphile, asserts that Hermès bags are indeed investments. The resale value of these bags can increase significantly, influenced by factors such as timing, style scarcity, condition, age, and the purchase price.
  4. Pricing and Availability:

    • Information is provided on the pricing of Hermès bags, ranging from smaller handbags like the Aline mini for $1875 to standard Birkin 30 bags priced over $10,000. The article mentions the difficulty in obtaining a Birkin directly from Hermès due to limited supply and the presence of waiting lists.
  5. Alternative Hermès Styles:

    • The article suggests that for those unable to invest in a Birkin or Kelly, there are other Hermès styles like the Constance and Evelyne that are elegant, iconic, and retain their value.
  6. Where to Buy Hermès Bags:

    • The author advises that Hermès bags can be purchased directly from Hermès boutiques, but acquiring certain iconic styles may require placing an order and being on a waiting list. Alternatively, buying from Fashionphile is recommended as it eliminates waiting lists, and the bags are available online.
  7. Featured Hermès Bags for Purchase:

    • The article showcases a selection of Hermès bags available for purchase, including various styles like the Birkin, Constance, Evelyne, Lindy, and more. Each bag is presented with its unique features and pricing.

In conclusion, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals looking to invest in an Hermès bag, providing valuable insights into the brand's allure, the investment potential of their products, and practical advice on purchasing.

Buying an Hermès Bag Can Be Tricky—Here's What an Expert Says You Should Know (2024)
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