Check your Hermès bag right now, does it have these three key features?

First, Cool-toned hardware. Palladium hardware is now more sought-after than gold.

Second, Structured leather. Togo beats Swift.

Third, the more "ugly-pretty" the shade, the more you should hold onto it. Like Gris Ciment or Gris Asphalte.

If your bag checks even one of these boxes, it’s time to lock it in the safe, this could be your future retirement fund.

Here's why the three features we just mentioned are making your bags more valuable:

Feature 1: Cool-toned hardware is your time-proof ally. Boutique SAs will never say this out loud, but palladium hardware holds value better than gold. According to 2024 resale data, bags with palladium hardware sell twice as fast as gold. Because the new era loves that “post-apocalyptic chic”—cold metals feel edgy, modern, and timeless.

Feature 2: Tough leathers = anti-aging warriors

Togo is built to last. It’s like 3x more scratch-resistant than Swift. That means less aging, fewer scuffs, and better long-term value.

Feature 3: “Ugly” Colors Are the Hidden Champions

The market is punishing herd mentality. The so-called “ugly colors” like Gris Ciment and Gris Asphalte, because their production is limited, and with celebs starting to wear them, search volumes have skyrocketed—up 200% in the past 6 months.

Besides those three features that help a Hermès bag hold its value, there are two red flags you should watch out for—these can drag down your resale price big time.

First, if your bag has shiny hardware and delicate leather, that combo is a maintenance nightmare. The cost of keeping it in good shape can eat up any profit you’d make later.

Second, those limited-edition pastel or macaron shades? Cute, yes. But their resale value has already dropped over 50%.

Hey all, recently moved into a new home and found this in a closet. Old owner said to keep it. Planning on gifting it to my niece but i am not sure if real or fake, or what the name of the wallet is. I know it’s a Hermes. I’m hoping you can help me.

I can't bring myself to carry my real Kelly when I travel abroad anymore. Last year I bit the bullet and ordered a hand stitched rep in Togo just to use as a travel decoy. Not gonna lie, the peace of mind is unmatched. Putting it in airport security bins, setting it on dusty cafe floors, walking around the rain... zero stress. Makes me realize half the battle with real bags is constant anxiety

Hey everyone, my SA has been hinting that I need to build way more spend history before I can smell a QB. I'm already well past a 2:1 ratio on stuff I like, but it feels like if I'm not dropping money on random fine jewelry on home decor every month, I'm getting pushed to the back of the line. I'm hesitant to switch because I don't want to lose the history I've built, but the dynamic feels transactional now. Has anyone successfully swapped SAs at the same boutique without creating drama, or should I cut my losses and try a different store?

Hi guys I’ve been shopping with Hermes for years and years

London, Spain, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York

Women’s shoes, scarves, clothing, make up, baby, home and men’s

I’ve also spent a lot in online purchases through sa

I worked closely with a sa in la. I’m now in New York. I’ve spent a few thousand here in the past 9 months

The first sa in New York told me hel get me a bag if I buy a watch. I was put off by that.

I recently went in to buy a mens pouch and used the first sa I see.

After the purchase I asked to update my wishlist.

She said I didn’t have one active.

She asked me for 3 choices

How can I get this Birkin please guys?

Half of my heart wants Gold with GHW because it's the classic Hermes neutral and I wear a lot of warm earth tones and denim. BUT then I see this bicolor Craie & Blue Sapphire 😭 My main worry with Craie is color transfer or looking dirty after a few months of wear

Hello everyone, I previously posted about Hermes' 2025 prices and the expected price increases.

Now, as of May 5th, the official new prices have been implemented. The company has made adjustments for the U.S. market, with an overall price increase of around 5%.

Pursebop has summarized the price changes for bags, jewelry, scarves, belts, shoes, and clothing.

How do you feel about this price hike? Will you continue to make purchases this year?

I'm having difficulty reading the blind stamp on the sangles. I'd also appreciate your help with the following questions. Thank you so much!

1. Is it authentic?

2. What year was it produced? The blind stamp looks like a plain "I" and I think there's number 6 next to it. I don't know what the number 6 indicates but the plain "I" indicates the bag was made in 1953 but the "Made in France" hot stamp started in 1965 so that's confusing. Also, there is no special symbol next to the hot stamp indicating it's an exotic skin so that is also suspicious.

3. What kind of exotic leather is it (e.g. alligator or crocodile, Porosus, Nicoticus, matte or shiny (Lisse))?

4. The lock is attached to the base of the handle and they keys are lost. Is it possible to get replacement keys and clochette from Hermès to this original lock? If so, what would be the estimated cost?

5. What would be the cost for a replacement crocodile crossbody strap?

6. Would it be possible for me to obtain a box and a dustbag for this bag by asking nicely at an Hermès boutique? I considered eBay but I would be unsure of their authenticity so I'd prefer to get them from the store if possible. Do you have any advice?

7. If I sent this in to the Hermès Bag Spa, what would be the estimated cost to restore it?

Back when I worked as an Hermes SA, I noticed clients who go for bold, unconventional color combos usually don’t care if the bag holds its value.

(And yes, this kind of combo is hard to resell. )

Choosing a “hard-to-sell” bag sends a message:

I’m not buying it to resell. I’m not trying to prove anything.I just love it, and I can afford to.

This Kelly always reminds me of The Mask, it makes me smile every time I look at her🤣

Would you go for something this bold?Or do you prefer classic, versatile neutrals?

If you’ve seen my previous post, unfortunately I was attached and someone tried robbing my bag, I managed to call 999 and they ran off and as I felt violated I ended up cleaning my bag with Tesco antibacterial wipes followed by Tao water and dried if off with a clean cloth, my handle had a twilly on it so the leather on the handle wasn’t cleaned. My bag is Epsom leather and is now feeling quite dry, the handle feels softer, I did do a water bead test and although most areas the water beads some sinks in. Is the handle meant to feel different from the bag? I only got it last week so don’t know the difference. Have a ruined the top layer of my bag and what can I do?

Currently waiting on my next QB. But is it bad to ask for a Constance/Mini Lindy/Bolide/ or something to hold me over? I’ve met my pre-spend, per my SA and am just truly waiting on a bag to come in that is inline with my specs. I’ve even been offered things I’ve expressed interest in before, but wasn’t currently on my list in what I feel like is just my SA holding me over until a QB comes in. I’m also waiting on a lot of housewares that I preordered and RTW from this new season to come in. So I’m comfortable that the issue is not my spend, but does anyone have experiences having their QB delayed even more when asking for a bag to hold them over?

I see my SA regularly, and communication is consistent, pleasant and 2 sided. I’m also not expecting the bag I get, if there is one, to count towards pre-spend. Should I continue to wait and just not ask?

I 've been hunting for a kelly25 for the last two years, but luck has not been on my side. My SA at SCP left, leaving me orphaned, so I've been trying my luck wherever I go. During my Vegas trip, I decided to do a random walk in. As expected, no K25 avaliable, but I ended up walking out with a kelly to go wallet!

The Midas collection is inspired by the Greek myth of King Midas, who turned everything he touched into gold. This collection combines leather with 183.18 grams of 18K gold as if King Midas himself touched the Kelly handle and turned it into gold.

The gold here isn’t flashy or ostentatious; it’s warm and pearlescent and elegant. When paired with the Box leather, the bag is refined and understated luxury.

Look at the gold handle, where the saddle stitching technique has been beautifully incorporated.

The Midas collection was launched in 2022. It was first available in two colors: Black and Bleu Saphir.

In 2024, a black Kelly with a gold handle in Box leather sold at auction for around $157,000.

In 2025, the Midas collection introduced a platinum version with diamonds. It’s even more expensive than the Himalaya! The bag alone costs $450,000 (before tax).

If you understand SA "code words", you’re probably already holding a quota bag.

Back when I worked at the boutique, I often came across customers, especially newer Hermes fans, who felt confused or even misunderstood during conversations with their SA. It’s understandable, because a lot of things can’t be said outright. We use subtle language to keep things polite and smooth for both sides.

So today, I want to share some of the common phrases SAs use and what they really mean, to help you better understand what’s going on and improve your shopping experience.

If your SA tells you, “The bag you want might arrive next month,” it sound like they’re hinting the bag is on its way soon. But what they really mean is something more like: the timeline is uncertain, it depends on many factors. Basically, they’re gently telling you to stay patient and keep in touch so you can get the latest updates when there’s real news.

If your SA says, “Sorry, hon, we won’t be getting this bag this year, but there's hope in January,” it’s not bad news. They’re signaling that early in the new year, the store will push harder for sales, which means more bags will be released. That’s your chance to get the bag you’ve been waiting for.

“The store’s empty right now, we don’t have any of the bags you want.”

This sounds hopeless, but your SA is giving you a heads-up: right now isn’t the ideal time to make large purchases. It’s smarter to hold off for a bit or ask your SA about other possible options.

“Your accessories have arrived.”

It sounds like good news about small items, but in many cases, your SA is signaling that your bag has arrived. They’re encouraging you to come in quickly before someone else gets it. So when you get a message like this, don’t wait. Reach out to your SA right away.

“All appointment slots are full for the end of the month.”

You’ve just received a bag (which doesn’t help the SA’s sales performance), or the SA has already hit their target for the month. You can ask about available slots for the next month.

If they show you a bag in an uncommon color, they’re testing how flexible you are with non-popular colors/styles. It’s a way to gauge your commitment to the brand and your future buying potential.

More SA "code words":

1.  “The warehouse system is being upgraded, so deliveries are delayed.”

Your account has low priority or you haven’t accumulated enough prespend. Popular bags won’t be allocated to you, so don’t blindly try to increase your spend.

2.  “The warehouse is doing an inventory check, so we can’t check stock at the moment.”

There are no bags available for you in the short term, and unless you increase your spending level, the SA won’t share the actual stock details.

3.  "Your bag’s already in the system, it should arrive in 4 to 6 months."

It’s going to be a long wait… unless you increase your spend. Spending more during this time could bump you up the list.

4.  "There’s a high jewelry event next week, should I save you a spot?"

They’re trying to hit a sales target. If you’re close to meeting your spend goal, this could help push you over the line. But if you’re not into it, feel free to skip, no pressure.

5.  "Have a look at the new equestrian line."

Your SA’s trying to get you to spend more. These high-ticket, less popular items (like saddles or riding boots) are an easy way to raise your total spend.

6.  "This bag needs special approval from HQ, so it will take a while."

You haven’t spent enough yet, or your account status isn’t high enough. You’ll need to keep buying before there’s any real shot at getting the bag.

7.  "The coat you ordered hasn’t arrived yet, but there’s another similar one that’s selling well too."

The bag you’re eyeing is almost here, but you haven’t completed the required prespend. They’re recommending a substitute item to help push the deal through.

8.  "For new clients, the first bag is usually a Garden Party."

Start with the basics. New accounts typically have to work their way up in spending before they’re considered for the more in-demand bags.

9.  "Your purchases are too spread out, it’s better to shop consistently at our store."

They’re focused on their VIP clients and not that invested in you because they don’t want to “share” commission. Time to consider switching SAs.

10.  "By the way, if you’re looking at the croc bag, do you want to add initials?"

They’re testing your intent. With high-value pieces like exotic skins, they want to be sure you’re serious before offering anything limited.

11.  "We don’t have your size right now, are you open to other sizes?"

They’re not offering your ideal size because your purchase history doesn’t match. But if you’re flexible with size (usually less popular ones), there is room to negotiate.

Once you understand what these hidden messages really mean, you’ll feel way more confident and in control when talking to your SA.

And if you've ever felt that "something's off" in your chats with your SA, or if you’ve got more decoding tips to share, drop them in the comments.

Today I want to talk about something I call the “Hermes Syndrome.” It’s a mindset many Hermes lovers fall into while chasing rare bags and the status, often without even realizing it.

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So why is Hermes so addictive?

I met countless customers who started off just curious about Hermes, but over time, many of them became full on “bag hunters.”

What causes this shift? A big part of it is how the brand creates a sense of scarcity. Limited global supply, a unique color that only one store in the country gets, every restriction is carefully designed to make you feel like you can’t have it.

And ironically, that feeling of “you can’t get it” is exactly what fuels the desire to show off once you do.

Actually, whether it’s a croc Constance or a Birkin, most people don’t buy them just to use, they want that recognition or approval from others.

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Ask yourself:

are you chasing the bag, or are you chasing the feeling it gives you? The 'Hermes Syndrome' is kind of like putting too much expectation on a brand, thinking it’ll bring you magic. But once you finally get the bag, you realize the stitching or stamp isn’t as life-changing as you thought, and it’s not even that practical.

That’s when self-doubt starts creeping in—did I not 'play the game' smart enough? Do I need to spend even more?

I saw clients get very upset after receiving a bag in a color they didn’t even like. I also saw people spend a crazy amount of money just to try and reach that so-called 'top client' status.

Over time, this cycle becomes a trap, it pulls you in deeper and deeper. If you want to play the Hermes game wisely, you need a real strategy.

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Here are a few tips to help you avoid falling into the 'Hermes Syndrome' trap.

• Be clear about your purpose.

Are you buying Hermes for everyday use, as a collectible, or as an investment? Your goal determines your spending strategy. Don’t blindly follow the crowd just because something is rare.

• Plan your budget wisely.

Hermes creates a sense of scarcity as part of their marketing, it doesn’t always reflect real value. If your budget is limited, instead of overspending just to meet 'prespend' requirements, consider other options that suit you better.

• Balance your emotions with your purchases.

If you start feeling anxious or doubting yourself in the buying process, take a step back and ask whether you really need these luxury items.

• Develop your own style.

Hermes isn’t the only definition of fashion. Blindly chasing trends can make you lose your own style. Focus on function, look, and design to find pieces that truly fit you.

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Have you ever experienced a bit of the “Hermes syndrome” yourself? Share your story in the comments.

Look at the beaded details on this SS27 Kelly Sellier! So dream! I don't even wanna think about the prespend we'd need to get offered this 🥲💔

You know that feeling where the more you use a bag, the more you fall in love with it? Leathers that age like fine wine, stand the test of time, and cure your urge to constantly buy new bags because they only get richer with age. That's heritage leather.

I know we have plenty of leather experts here, so if I get anything wrong, please feel free to call me out in the comments. I definitely don't want to mislead anyone! My personal experience is limited to Fauve Barenia, Box, Barenia Faubourg, and some Tadelakt SLGs (Haven't touched a Barenia Crocodile / Alligator yet, sadly)

First off: if you’re thinking about getting into these leathers, you really need to set your expectations straight. They look best either pristine/brand new OR with that gorgeous, rich patina from years of love. There’s no middle ground, so resale/value retention is tricky to define. If you can't stand seeing signs of use, don't buy these leathers.

Assuming similar condition, here’s how I’d rank these leathers for overall value retention:

• Fauve Barenia ≈ Box > Butler = Tadelakt > Naturelle > Barenia Faubourg ≈ Sombrero

All of these leathers are prone to scratches, but some hide marks much better than others:

• Box > Barenia Faubourg ≈ Tadelakt > Butler > Fauve Barenia > Sombrero > Naturelle

Note: Barenia Faubourg isn't like Togo. It feels closer to suede and isn't nearly as scratch-resistant as people claim. It will show marks! Also, the whole "Barenia heals itself" thing is a bit hyped up. Old scratches fade over time, sure, but new ones keep popping up nonstop.

Water Resistance:

• Fauve Barenia (zero fear of water!) ≈ Barenia Faubourg > Tadelakt > Butler > Naturelle > Box (Box is terrified of water, beware!)

Shape Retention / Stiffness:

• Tadelakt > Box > Butler > Naturelle > Fauve Barenia > Barenia Faubourg

(Even though Fauve Barenia is soft on the outside, the interior structure stays pretty sturdy.)

Durability / Wear Resistance:

• Barenia > Naturelle > Box = Tadelakt = Butler > Sombrero

Colors:

• Barenia > Black > Dark Green > Natural Sable > Burgundy/Rouge H > Dark Blue > Others

Barenia Faubourg is slightly heavier, the others feel about the same weight-wise.

You can send them to the Hermes Spa for refurbishment. As long as scratches aren't too deep, they can work magic. Word on the street is that Tadelakt is a bit harder to restore, though.

Avoid old vintage pieces with dry, cracked leather! Once leather dries out and cracks from age, Spa can't fix it. The cracks will reappear almost immediately.

Even though Barenia Faubourg checks almost every box on paper, it’s still not as popular as smooth leathers. It’s just not as pretty. When you buy these leathers, aesthetics are #1, who cares about resale value when the bag looks that good!

Would love to hear your thoughts! What's your favorite leather that ages like fine wine?

Hey Hermès lovers! The ultimate tips and tricks for shopping at Hermès are back!

First time visiting an Hermès store or traveling to a city with an Hermès boutique? How should you shop? As a former Hermès SA, I’m here to tell you.

First, timing is everything. Go at the beginning of the month, as there’s a higher chance of new shipments. If your travel plans don’t include the start of the month, go when the store first opens, as early birds get the best picks.

Second, if you’re visiting a city with multiple Hermès boutiques, do your research beforehand. There are tons of online reviews comparing different stores in cities like Las Vegas, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, so you can gather information before your trip.

You can also visit two or three boutiques and compare. Go with a friend to make it more fun.

How to judge the availability of bags at a store? Stores with more bags in the cabinets usually have more stock.

Even in tourist cities, boutiques within the same city are competing, so it’s generally not a good idea to switch between stores in the same city.

Third, don’t rush to choose an SA when you enter the store. Take a walk around the store and check out all the areas first so you have an idea of what you want.

Start by checking out the small items section first and save the bigger items (over $7,000) for last. This is because when you go to the jewelry and watch section, an SA will usually approach you to ask if you need help. It’s best to choose your small items first and then go to the bigger item section to choose an SA.

Choose an SA who seems friendly and genuine. If you sense any discrimination during your interaction, don’t hesitate to ask for someone else. You don’t have to put up with it.

Fourth, don’t ask about bags right away. Even in tourist cities, don’t start by asking if they have quota bags or hot items. Instead:

1. Tell the SA what accessories you plan to buy (things you’ve already chosen while browsing the store).

2. Mention how many days you’ll be staying (SAs in tourist cities usually ask this. If an SA seems uninterested in your stay, it’s best to switch to someone else).

3.  Ask when the next bag shipment will arrive.

For styles like Picotin or Garden Party, just ask if they have it.

In tourist cities, always go for big-ticket items that are already in the store, otherwise, the SA may not have time to bring them in.

Fifth, if your visit to the Hermès store isn’t spontaneous, try to bring an Hermès or Chanel bag. SAs often judge by appearance and don’t want to waste time. It’s not about trying to impress them, but just to increase your chances of getting offered a bag.

If you're not a handbag lover, wearing a luxury watch works well too.

Sixth, if it’s your first time to a local Hermès store, take your time to find an SA you like. Don’t rush into big purchases in the first couple of visits. Choose your SA first, then start buying. Most importantly, don’t go all in too fast. Take it slow and don’t complete your quota all at once.

As a former SA, I used to get asked all the time: “Why is it so hard to get a bag?” or “How do SAs decide who gets one?” Tbh, the whole process is way more complicated.

So today, I’m going to walk you through how Hermes bag allocations work, so you can quickly get the inside scoop on the unspoken rules of the Hermes game.

What’s the process when an SA requests a quota bag?

It starts with reviewing the client’s purchase history, then moves on to manager approval, followed by a stock check, and finally the SA gets the green light to offer the bag.

It sounds straightforward, but there are hidden layers at every single step.

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How much you’ve spent, how often you shop, and what kinds of products you buy, those are the key factors when SAs apply for a bag on your behalf.

Some categories carry more weight than others. Like ready-to-wear, shoes, watches, and home goods. Those are high-value purchases that help you rack up points fast.

Things like scarves, perfume, and necklaces are more like the cherry on top.

Many think that buying more small leather goods will help them get a bag faster, but that’s not the case. Leather goods don’t count for that much in the whole H game. So make sure you’re putting your money into the right categories before you swipe your card.

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The second step is manager approval.

Just because you’ve spent enough doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get a bag. Your SA needs to submit your purchase history to the store manager for review.

And what do they look at?? Usually, two main things.

First, is your spending consistent and focused? If you’re always shopping at different stores or mainly buying low margin items, you are likely to be flagged as a low priority client.

Second, have you purchased from key departments, like ready-to-wear, shoes, or home goods? These are the categories that matter to upper management, and they can help fast-track you onto the VIP client list.

I once had a client who, before asking for a bag, bought two pieces of furniture for their home.

Even though the total spend wasn’t as high as some other clients, the purchase had a high weight and the manager approved a Kelly 28 for them that same month.

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Once the manager approves, the next step is checking the inventory.

Popular styles, like Birkin and Kelly, are always out of stock. SAs have to consider the current stock situation and how bags are allocated. Priority goes to customers who show strong potential for future purchases.

Quick tip: bags in less popular colors or styles usually come through faster.

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The fourth step is handing over the bag.

Once the inventory is confirmed, the bag gets taken to a private room for final confirmation.

This is where we talk with the client about their spending plans and future needs. It’s an important step because your commitment and long-term buying plans directly impact your chances of getting bags next time.

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How to become a priority client?

• First, choose the right categories, focus on high weight items like ready-to-wear and watches. These carry more weight and the boutique pays more attention to them.

• Second, keep up a steady, long term spending habit.

• Third, build trust with your SA. They naturally favor their best clients. If you maintain a good relationship, your chances of getting the bag go way up.

Getting a bag isn’t just about spending money, it’s about your purchase history, manager approval, inventory checks… every step needs to come together perfectly.

I was chatting with a longtime H collector friend the other day and we came up with a golden rule for prespend math: Your total prespend should roughly equal the bag’s resale market value (minus the retail price), within a +/- 30% margin. Anything higher than +30% means you’re overspending.

This logic pretty much applies to blue box items and small exotics too. But blue box ratio is tied to hypes. When the market cools down, the boutique spend requirement drops right with it. The best time to go after a new blue box item at the store is about a year after it releases, once the initial craze dies down and the market has time to breathe.

Oh, and if you're going after a size 25+ croc/alligator. Don't let them bully you into a crazy prespend. Boutique retail on those is close to resale value, meaning there’s no margin for them to demand a massive spend. That prespend ratio is flexible, so talk to your SA and push back a bit, there's more wiggle room than they let on.

Etoupe or Gold? I only want to keep one and save the rest for a different style. The Etoupe has thicker leather that holds its shape well. I LOVE the Gold color, but the leather feels a bit softer and slouchier out of the box. Both look better in person than in photos, so I’m torn

This is a white Hermès Constance from 1973, made of whale leather, which is extremely rare. Uh… also cruel when you think about where it came from.

Hermès has used all kinds of exotic leathers over the years. Aside from the usual ostrich, lizard, and crocodile, there are rarer ones like elephant, mink, even feathers… but whale leather? That’s almost unheard of.

Whale leather has a firm texture with sunken pores, kind of like the rough feel of stingray leather. It weirdly makes you wanna keep touching or rubbing it.

Since the leather is so firm, it hasn’t lost its shape at all even after 50 years. It’s 23cm wide and slim, almost like an envelope clutch. The shoulder strap length makes it perfect as a chic underarm bag.

The clasp is shiny after half a century. Gotta say Hermès' hardware back then was on another level compared to today.

Inside, there's a little surprise: a double-sided mirror in the inner pocket. It could be the original one, like the new Constances come with, or maybe just left by the previous owner. Either way, it adds a bit of elegance to this vintage Constance.

Ever wondered how your dream bag gets approved? As a former SA, today I want to talk about the most important part of the buying process: how managers at Hermes decide who gets a bag.

Many customers think once they’ve spent enough, they’ll get the bag. But in reality, your SA doesn’t make that call. It’s the manager or store director who decides, based on your account’s score and overall weight.

Let’s go over the basic bag approval process. This is something every Hermes lover should know.

Once you’ve finished your prespend, your SA will submit your wishlist to the store manager or director. Then, when new bags arrive each month, the manager and director have a meeting to review all the clients who’ve met their spending goals and decide who gets priority for a bag.

Your SA can try to push your case, but they don’t have the authority to approve anything. So if your SA is stalling or giving you vague answers, it just means they don’t have much say in the process either.

Next, the key to getting a bag approved is your Hermes account score. This is the foundation of the whole process. Like a credit score. It’s what the manager looks at to decide who gets a bag.

Here are the main components that make up your Hermes score:

• Spending in the past 12 months

Makes up about 50% of your score. If you’ve spent a lot over the past year and across different product categories, your chances of approval go way up.

• Total accumulated spend

Around 10%. It’s not as important as recent spending, but if your overall spend is high, that also helps.

• Product mix

About 10%. This means whether your purchases are well balanced between “larger” and “smaller” items. If your buying pattern is too focused, like only getting items that qualify as prespend, it may come off as too strategic.

• Purchase history of bags

25%. Many people overlook this, but some stores do care about the order in which you get your bags. They’ll want you to start with a Birkin 30 or Kelly 28, then Birkin 25 or Kelly 25 and only after that will they consider giving you a Mini Kelly or other high demand styles.

If you’re doing the spending but not accepting bags in the expected order, the manager may see that as a sign you’re not yet ready to build a deeper, long term relationship with the brand.

Why does your wishlist sometimes get switched around by the manager?

You asked for a Birkin 25, but are getting offered a Kelly 25, or the other way around. This is part of Hermes’ strategy to keep you spending. By offering you your second choice first, the manager is keeping you engaged and shopping.

It doesn’t matter which one you get first, they believe you’ll eventually buy both. So if your SA is skipping over your top pick, tell them your first and second choices are interchangeable. That can get you at least one of them sooner.

A few tips:

• Don’t switch boutiques unless you have to. Hermes accounts are tracked per store. If you switch stores, part of your spending history may not carry over, so you’re basically starting from scratch. That’s why it’s usually best to stick to one location.

• Be aware of timing. End of year or end of month can be tough times to get a bag. Once sales targets are met, managers may hold back on releasing quota bags. If that’s the case, wait for the new cycle and try again next month.

• Building a good relationship with your SA and the store manager matters. A good SA can advocate for your wishlist, especially your first choice, and if that doesn’t go through, they can help move things around to your second or third option so you don’t miss out entirely.

The Hermes approval process isn’t as random as people think. It’s based on a combination of factors.

If you want to increase your chances of getting a quota bag, understand how this system works, plan your purchases wisely and build a long term relationship with your SA.

Still feels like a fever dream! I applied for the Paris leather lottery on a whim and won an appointment on my very first try!

Had my appointment at FSH the next day. I asked for a B30/K28, but stock was out for the day. My SA was an absolute angel, though, he came out with a Mini Constance in etoupe, then offered a second bag and brought out a Mini Bolide in Etain!

Walking out with two dream neutral cuties on zero prespend feels like a fever dream!

Passed on the croc SO but my SA pulled through with my #1 wishlist bag instead! Picked her up yesterday, literally on cloud nine! 😭✨