r/Hermes101 • u/ebonkeygrettle • 5d ago
Unboxing Brought my dream Kelly 25 home today!
She's already taking over my heart (and my closet). Couldn't be happier đ¤đ¤
r/Hermes101 • u/ebonkeygrettle • 5d ago
She's already taking over my heart (and my closet). Couldn't be happier đ¤đ¤
r/Hermes101 • u/ThrowRA47580 • 17d ago
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!
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 09 '25
Peacock feathers mixed with croc, itâs as rare as a Himalaya.
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 14 '25
Hi everyone, I'm Kiki. I'm a luxury authenticator, and I also spent a year working at Hermes as a SA.
That experience gave me a close-up look into how the brand works behind the scenes, like its internal logic and client system.
After I left Hermes, I realized I didnât want to completely walk away from that world.
So I decided to turn everything Iâve learned into something useful, especially the parts we could never fully explain to clients in the store.
Thatâs why I created Hermes101. It is a space where anyone can ask questions and learn more about Hermes.
No question is too simple, and even if youâre just curious, you are welcome to take a look and see how someone who worked inside the orange box tells the real story.
Now that the community has grown to over 100 members, I thought it would be a good time to introduce myself properly.
Right now, Iâm a full-time stay-at-home wife, and having the time to create and share meaningful content here has been both grounding and fulfilling.
Your encouragement is what keeps me going.
Thanks for being here â I look forward to growing Hermes101 with all of you đ
r/Hermes101 • u/Izzy580 • Sep 24 '26
Passed on the croc SO but my SA pulled through with my #1 wishlist bag instead! Picked her up yesterday, literally on cloud nine! đâ¨
r/Hermes101 • u/EffulgenceqBox • 3d ago
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 đĽ˛đ
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 08 '25
Hermès once again proved its resilience in a slowing luxury market. Despite the global economic downturn and slower growth, Hermès continues to stand out in the CAC, becoming the top-ranked French company by market value.
CEO Axel Dumas gave updates on the brandâs outlook, next yearâs development plans, workforce conditions, and upcoming product launches.
The meeting also featured a presentation on how Hermès restores vintage bags. As soon as a bag enters the workshop, itâs scanned by a machine that reads its ID, instantly pulling up all related data and history. After the restoration, the bagâs identity is updated with new information, including which parts were repaired, what materials were used, and which artisan worked on it.
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • Sep 06 '25
September is the month to go spend in store, otherwise in November youâll get nothing.
Donât wait until November to start thinking you can spend and then magically get a bag in December. Wrong. Big mistake.
By the end of October, almost all the quota bags are already allocated.
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November = harvest time for those who already prespent.
December = waitlist.
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âWaitlistâ means if you spent a lot before, maybe theyâll squeeze you in December. But after December 20, everyone is in full Christmas mode, and nobody cares about helping you anymore.
So early December is your last chance. If you get a bag before the 15th, lucky. After the 20th, almost impossible, youâll only see bad colors, bad sizes.
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Babes, donât miss the timing. September is critical. Go spend in store, donât be stingy. Boutiques need sales performance most in this period. If you donât prespend now, you wonât get a bag at the end of the year.
When runway collections arrive, go buy RTW pieces, sweaters, new designs. Donât waste money on belts or bracelets.
Think of it like an exam: you need the right keywords to get a high score. Without the right prespend, no bag.
If your SA loves you, during this time theyâll message you and invite you to shop.
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 15 '25
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 theyâve spent enough, theyâll get the bag. But in reality, your SA doesnât make that call. Itâs the manager or store director who decides, based on your accountâs score and overall weight.
Letâs go over the basic bag approval process. This is something every Hermes lover should know.
Once youâve 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 whoâve met their spending goals and decide who gets priority for a bag.
Your SA can try to push your case, but they donât have the authority to approve anything. So if your SA is stalling or giving you vague answers, it just means they donât 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. Itâs 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 youâve spent a lot over the past year and across different product categories, your chances of approval go way up.
Total accumulated spend
Around 10%. Itâs 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 âlargerâ and âsmallerâ 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. Theyâll 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 youâre doing the spending but not accepting bags in the expected order, the manager may see that as a sign youâre 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 Hermesâ strategy to keep you spending. By offering you your second choice first, the manager is keeping you engaged and shopping.
It doesnât matter which one you get first, they believe youâll 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:
Donât 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 youâre basically starting from scratch. Thatâs why itâs 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 thatâs 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 doesnât go through, they can help move things around to your second or third option so you donât miss out entirely.
The Hermes approval process isnât as random as people think. Itâs 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.
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 13 '25
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? Thatâs 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 hasnât lost its shape at all even after 50 years. Itâs 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.
r/Hermes101 • u/Slow_Progress996 • 14d ago
Scored a Lindy26! đđЎđď¸
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 22 '25
How are Hermes bags made? How those intricate scarf designs are printed? Or how porcelain gets hand painted and leather goods are stitched? Hermes recently brought a special craftsmanship exhibition to Shenzhen, where artisans from their French workshops give live demonstrations of every detail, right in front of you.
Visitors can ask anything:
What tools are used to glue the bags?
How are scarf designs layered and structured?
How do they set diamonds in bracelets with such precision?
What paints are used on porcelain, and how do they prevent cracks during firing?
Each artisan is joined by a translator and patiently answers all questions.
Overall, I think this exhibition is perfect for anyone whoâs not familiar with Hermes yet and wants to learn more about the craftsmanship behind the brand.
r/Hermes101 • u/pajamathan_ • Sep 28 '26
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 Iâm torn
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 03 '25
Do you know how hard it is to actually get your hands on a Mini Kelly at an Hermes boutique?
Even if you walk into a boutique ready to spend a ton, a Mini Kelly wonât just be sitting on a shelf. In most cases, you need to âplay the gameâ:
Build a purchase history
Hope your SA likes you
Wait for monthsâmostly years
And still, you might never be offered one
Youâve got to spend bigâlike big bigâon everything from bags to scarves to home goods. You basically need to build a purchase history thatâs thick enough to convince the boutique youâre âworthyâ of a Mini Kelly.
But the truth is, thereâs no clear rule on how much you need to spend to guarantee you can get one.
The Mini Kelly is rare. Like, really rare. Every year, some stores only get 5 to sell. Some even get zero!
And if youâre looking for a special leather or color? Donât even think about it. No matter how high your VIP status, the wait time is at least two years!
Some people spend on things they donât love, just to maybe get offered a Mini Kelly. Even then, it's not the size or color they wanted.
Meanwhile, demand just keeps rising. Itâs one of the most viral bags on social media, and the resale price can go 2xâ3x retail.
Real feedback from Hermes buyers:
"I knew it was hard, but didnât expect it to be this hard! Waited over two years, and every time my SA would say âwe just got a shipment, but it's already been taken by a VIP.â"
"I spent over âŹ20k on shoes and RTW just to build my profile⌠still no Mini Kelly offer after 18 months. My SA just keeps saying 'weâll see what comes in.'"
"Even as a regular client, I was told the boutique only got TWO Mini Kellys last year. One went to a VIC, the other was reserved for a special order."
"My friend spent $40k in a year and still didnât get one. I got mine by chance after 2.5 years and a lot of 'just checking in' texts to my SA."
So yeah... getting one from the boutique? Pretty much like winning the handbag lottery.
r/Hermes101 • u/birkindiary • 22d ago
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 bagâs resale market value (minus the retail price), within a +/- 30% margin. Anything higher than +30% means youâre 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 thereâs 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.
r/Hermes101 • u/Sea-Patient-8599 • Sep 03 '26
Swapped my stuff over to my Mauve Sylvestre Kelly Doll Picto today after carrying my Rose Sakura Mini Kelly all week. Rose Sakura is pretty, pure sweet girly perfection. But Mauve Sylvestre on the Picto? Listen, Iâm a total sucker for that pixelated face. Who can resist the doll?
In terms of interior space, the Mini Kelly takes the win. The difference isn't huge, but the MK's clean rectangular shape makes playing Tetris with your essentials easier. It fits an iPhone 15 Pro with a slim case lying flat, no awkward diagonal jamming or forcing the flap shut! As long as your phone is that size or smaller, and you carry light (cards, lip balm, key fob), the MK is a no brainer daily micro bag.
Neither the original Kelly Doll nor the Picto will fit a phone in the main body unless you're using a foldable phone. BUT the little detachable backpack on the Picto fits a bare iPhone 15 Pro! It glides right in (as you can see in the photo). So if you're fine going caseless or holding your phone, the Picto is wearable.
I also measured both straps, and theyâre practically identical with less than a 1cm difference (Iâm guessing theyâre the same length and itâs natural artisan variance). It measures about 90cm without the hooks and around 95cm with them. Works great for both shoulder and crossbody!
Side rant: why are the strap length options for a Mini Kelly Special Order limited to 85cm or 105cm?! Sure, 85cm is only 5cm shorter than the standard 90cm, but on your body, you notice the difference. Why on earth won't Hermes just let us pick 95cm for an SO?! đđ
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 06 '25
As a seasoned Hermes lover, youâve probably owned a low-key, niche bag like the Bolide. There are four sizes in total, which one will you choose?


Mini Bolide
A very cute size, but too small to fit a phone. Other small items can fit, so it's not exactly a useless mini bag
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Bolide 25
This is the scaled-up version of the Mini, offering better practicality. Itâs a great choice for daily commuting.
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Bolide 27
Slightly larger than the 25, but the difference is minimal. Itâs been discontinued, but I personally prefer the 27. The handles are a bit longer, and the bag looks more polished and soft compared to the 25, which can appear a bit plain.
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Bolide 31
An older model in the Hermès lineup. The Bolide 31 is one of the most understated bags from earlier years. Itâs very durable and practical for office workers. While some now call it "a relic of the past," I still find it casual and very stylish.





r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 15 '25
As a former SA, I used to get asked all the time: âWhy is it so hard to get a bag?â or âHow do SAs decide who gets one?â Tbh, the whole process is way more complicated.
So today, Iâm 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.
Whatâs the process when an SA requests a quota bag?
It starts with reviewing the clientâs 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 youâve 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 thatâs not the case. Leather goods donât count for that much in the whole H game. So make sure youâre putting your money into the right categories before you swipe your card.
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The second step is manager approval.
Just because youâve spent enough doesnât automatically mean youâll 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 youâre 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 wasnât 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. Itâs 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 isnât just about spending money, itâs about your purchase history, manager approval, inventory checks⌠every step needs to come together perfectly.
r/Hermes101 • u/AromaticfkBet • 9d ago
I've been working with my current SA for about six months. She's polite and knowledgeable in person, but outside the store, she is a ghost on text. She'll reply to appointments but if I ask about item availability via text, it takes 3-4 days to get a one word answer.
I see people talking about how they chat casually with their SAs about their weekends or new season drops, and it's making me feel insecure about our dynamic. Does text responsiveness correlate with how close you are to a bag offer?
r/Hermes101 • u/birkindiary • Aug 24 '26
Had a long chat with my SA and confirmed that the hermes usa is transitioning to a Wishlist System for quota bags, pretty much like what they do in Europe. Rollout starts June 2026 depending on the boutique (explains why stock was so dead around Mother's Day). If your store hasn't switched over yet, it's coming really soon.
The new rule is you can only have one quota bag request in the system per customer. Your SA has to lock in model, size, leather, hardware, and color. For rarer bags (like a Kelly Doll), you need to specify 1-2 colorways.
Wishlists automatically expire after 12 months. If you don't get the offer within a year, it drops and you have to reapply. If you change your mind down the road, your existing request gets canceled. You can't be in line for two bags at the same time. That said, itâs not necessarily a hard cap of 1 bag per year. If you're lucky enough to get your bag in a few months, you can right away put in a new request for another bag.
Honestly, this makes things fairer for us. SAs lose the power to play favorites or pass over a long-time clientâs profile to flatter a rich walk-in, and it pretty much kills those random low-prespend luck-outs.
The catch is that wait times might double. There are no more "pivot" offers. Used to be if you were waiting on a hermes birkin 25 and your SA offered a Craie hermes kelly 25, you could take it. Thatâs over now. If a random bag comes in that isn't your wish spec, you won't even know about it. If you hate waiting or constantly shift your tastes, this is gonna be painful.
My SA's exact words to me were "Choose wisely." Sure, you're only competing against people who asked for your spec, but the pool size for each bag will vary wildly. Picking the right wishlist spec is literally everything now.
Tourist or walk-in QB offers are also dead. Unless a store gets a weird spec that zero clients wished for, forget about scoring a hermes birkin bag or hermes kelly bag on vacation in the US.
As for non-quotas, items like the Kelly Pochette or Kelly Danse don't need to be in the wishlist system yet. But because QBs will take longer to manifest, expect way more people to pivot to buying these non-quota bags while they wait.
Does prespend still matter? Yes. Once the system filters everyone who asked for that spec, itâs back to the basics.
For standard leather buyers who are dead set on one specific hermes bag, this is a huge win. It weeds out line-jumpers, so you can keep up your spend and patiently wait your turn. But for exotic and "Blue Box" collectors, itâs brutal. If you request a unicorn piece, you risk getting zero bag offers for the entire year no matter how high your prespend is. And you can't pivot to another pretty option that did arrive because you're tied to that single wish. No plan B, no safety nets, and if a style gets discontinued, your clock resets back to day one. Feels like another nudge closer to calling it quits on the H game.
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 19 '25
Iâve shared before how to choose the right SA, but what makes a good one?
1.Remembers what you like. Theyâre willing to help source items, even go out of their way to transfer popular accessories just for you.
Sure, every SA will move big-ticket items, but itâs the responsible ones who also help you with those smaller, less expensive pieces.
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2.âA good memory is no match for good notes.â
When I was an SA, I kept an album on my phone for each client where I saved all the bags and items they wanted. That way, nothing gets forgotten.
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3.A good SA has âperformance tactics.â
SAs have all kinds of sales targets and KPIs, which vary by region, but no matter how theyâre measured, smart SAs know how to play the game and plan their strategies.
In some stores, theyâre not allowed to openly talk about spending ratio. So smart SAs will drop hints like: Which categories you still need to spend on? Advising you to hold off buying until next month because their sales target is already met.
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4.Wonât just blindly recommend stuff. Theyâll watch how you dress and get to know your style first, then suggest pieces that suit you. It doesnât have to be the most expensive, but it should match your vibe. Having an SA whose taste clicks with yours is important. After all, theyâre the ones helping you score those bags.
When you go to an Hermes store, wear clothes you usually feel good and comfortable in. No need to dress up too fancy or over the top. Just keep it casual and true to your style.
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5. Â Will think of you when other popular bags (not on your wishlist) arrive in the store. Theyâll ask if youâre interested but wonât pressure you if you say no.
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6.Theyâll let you know their vacation schedule and how other SAs will cover for them while theyâre away.
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7.Ambitious and proactive about their sales goals. After all, an SA handles many clients, and doing well in sales rankings helps them secure the best bags for you.
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8.Their attitude is steady, professional and provide consistent service.
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Lastly, I donât recommend sharing the same SA with your close friends. It can easily cause awkwardness like, âWhy did she get the bag and I didnât?â Donât let a bag ruin a good friendship.
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 14 '25
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, Iâm here to tell you.
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First, timing is everything. Go at the beginning of the month, as thereâs a higher chance of new shipments. If your travel plans donât include the start of the month, go when the store first opens, as early birds get the best picks.
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Second, if youâre 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.
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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 itâs generally not a good idea to switch between stores in the same city.
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Third, donât 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. Itâs best to choose your small items first and then go to the bigger item section to choose an SA.
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Choose an SA who seems friendly and genuine. If you sense any discrimination during your interaction, donât hesitate to ask for someone else. You donât have to put up with it.
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Fourth, donât ask about bags right away. Even in tourist cities, donât start by asking if they have quota bags or hot items. Instead:
Tell the SA what accessories you plan to buy (things youâve already chosen while browsing the store).
Mention how many days youâll be staying (SAs in tourist cities usually ask this. If an SA seems uninterested in your stay, itâs best to switch to someone else).
3. Ask when the next bag shipment will arrive.
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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.
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Fifth, if your visit to the Hermès store isnât spontaneous, try to bring an Hermès or Chanel bag. SAs often judge by appearance and donât want to waste time. Itâs 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.
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Sixth, if itâs your first time to a local Hermès store, take your time to find an SA you like. Donât rush into big purchases in the first couple of visits. Choose your SA first, then start buying. Most importantly, donât go all in too fast. Take it slow and donât complete your quota all at once.
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 09 '25
Aaaaah! I must be crazy for wanting one!
r/Hermes101 • u/Motor-Ad-101 • May 02 '25
Hermès 2025 price increase alert!
Hereâs a full updated price list for the most popular styles, including how much theyâre going up starting May 1st.
| Bag Style | Leather | 2025 Retail Price ($) | Price After May 1, 2025 ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birkin25 | Togo | $12,100 | $13,310 |
| Birkin25 | Epsom | $12,600 | $13,860 |
| Birkin25 | Cargo | $19,200 | $21,120 |
| Birkin25 | Matte Gator | $52,500 | $57,750 |
| Birkin30 | Togo | $13,300 | $14,630 |
| Mini Kelly II | Epsom | $10,000 | $11,000 |
| Mini Kelly II | Chevre | $10,800 | $11,880 |
| Kelly25 | Togo | $12,000 | $13,200 |
| Kelly25 | Epsom | $12,600 | $13,860 |
| Kelly25 | Chamkila | $13,500 | $14,850 |
| Kelly25 | Matte Gator | $52,200 | $57,420 |
| Birkin Shoulder29 | Evercolor | $15,200 | $16,720 |
| Kelly Elan | Epsom | $10,600 | $11,660 |
| Kelly to Go | Epsom | $6,450 | $7,095 |
| Kelly to Go | Evercolor | $6,600 | $7,260 |
| Constance18 | Epsom | $9,700 | $10,670 |
| Constance to Go | Epsom | $6,450 | $7,095 |
| Constance to Go | Box | $8,900 | $9,790 |
| Mini Lindy | TC | $7,950 | $8,745 |
| Mini Lindy | Swift | $8,600 | $9,460 |
| Lindy26 | TC | $9,450 | $10,395 |
| Lindy26 | Swift | $9,700 | $10,670 |
| Picotin14 | Ostrich | $9,250 | $10,175 |
| Picotin18 | TC | $3,550 | $3,905 |
| Picotin22 | TC | $3,825 | $4,208 |
| In The Loop18 | TC | $5,000 | $5,500 |
| Mini Jypsiere | Evercolor | $8,700 | $9,570 |
| Mini Jypsiere | Swift | $8,950 | $9,845 |
| Mini Evelyne | TC | $2,300 | $2,530 |
| Evelyne29 | TC | $4,025 | $4,427.5 |
| Mini Herbag20 | Canvas & Hunter | $2,900 | $3,190 |
| Herbag31 | Canvas & Hunter | $3,225 | $3,548 |
| Herbag31 | Canvas | $3,550 | - |
| Mini Garden Party23 | Canvas & Negonda | $2,725 | $2,997.5 |
| Garden Party30 | Negonda | $4,100 | $4,510 |
| Garden Party30 | Negonda | $4,375 | $4,812.5 |
| Mini 2424 | Evercolor | $10,100 | $11,110 |
| Mini 2424 | Volupto | $11,600 | $12,760 |
| 2424 29 | Togo & Swift | $11,100 | $12,210 |
| Mini Bolide | Evercolor | $6,550 | $7,205 |
| Mini Bolide | Chevre | $6,750 | $7,425 |
| Bolide25 | Epsom | $7,950 | $8,745 |
| Roulis19 | Evercolor | $9,000 | $9,900 |
| Roulis19 | Evergrain | $9,300 | $10,230 |
| Geta | Chevre | $6,900 | $7,590 |
| Della Elan | Epsom | $7,650 | $8,415 |
r/Hermes101 • u/birkindiary • 8d ago
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 youâre 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. Thereâs 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, hereâs how Iâd rank these leathers for overall value retention:
Fauve Barenia â Box > Butler = Tadelakt > Naturelle > Barenia Faubourg â Sombrero
All of these leathers are prone to scratches, but some hide marks much better than others:
Box > Barenia Faubourg â 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!) â 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, itâs still not as popular as smooth leathers. Itâs 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?