Hermes’ most popular bags have always been relatively out of reach and hard to get. 30 years ago, that was due to factors such as forbidding Sales Associates, stratospheric pricing, and the fact that there weren’t many boutiques.
Hermès expanded its footprint (and offerings) just as the internet was gaining ground; the explosion and influence of social media have certainly worked in its favor. However, not very much seems to have changed in the actual availability of its most-in-demand items.
Table of Contents
- Building Relationships through Birkin Bait
- The Unspoken Pre-Spend Ratio
- A Personal Experience of Becoming a Hermès Client
- Navigating the Hermès Departments for Pre-spend
- Expanding Your Hermès Wishlist
- The Hermès Shoes Department
- The Hermès Housewares Department
- The Hermès Ready-to-Wear Department
- The Hermès Watches Department
- The Hermès Fine Jewelry Department
- Lastly, The Hermès Furtniture Department
- Post A Comment!
Building Relationships through Birkin Bait
What has changed, however, is that instead of running up against a gatekeeping Frau Farbissina-type telling the hoi polloi that “the waitlist is closed” or “we don’t know if/when we are getting any (of whatever it is that you want),” customers (ahem, “clients”) are encouraged to build a relationship with an individual (and generally more accessible) Sales Associate and boutique; to make purchases across various departments; and to make those purchases on at least a somewhat consistent basis. In that regard, I suppose the process of acquiring one’s desired bag has become a bit more egalitarian: show us that you love us, Hermès implies, and we might show you some love back.
These purchases, for lack of a better (or more clickbait-y) descriptor, have become known, colloquially, as “Birkin Bait”: items purchased from various departments so that Hermès will offer you the bag that you want (of course, the right color and leather are a different story…). This is also ironically known as “pre-spend”: ironically, as it is money that you have spent so that you will be invited to spend more.
The Unspoken Pre-Spend Ratio
Clients sometimes talk about pre-spend in terms of a ratio; pre-COVID, it was often 1:1 or 1.5:1. That is, there is an unspoken expectation that a client will spend anywhere from the same amount to one and a half times the amount of the cost of the bag that client wants to buy, to be offered that bag.
More recently, as certain bags have grown exponentially in demand, the ratio has, in some cases, gone much higher, reaching 3:1 or even 5:1 depending upon the particular boutique and the desired bag.
While part of the intent behind this understanding is to dissuade customers from only purchasing Birkins and Kellys, it also serves several practical purposes: it helps manage client expectations, it keeps the most in-demand items hard to get, and it creates clients of various other métiers in the process.
A Personal Experience of Becoming an Hermès Client
As a broke law student in the 90s, I purchased all my good clothes secondhand and tied my workwear together with one of a few Hermès scarves which had been gifted to me. When I could afford to purchase my own scarves, I did – but I didn’t venture beyond scarves and a few SLGs for my first ten years of being an Hermès client. Finally, my SA began actively encouraging me to purchase one. What did I want – a Birkin, a Kelly? I eventually gave her a list with a few choices; 3 days later, my number one choice arrived in the boutique, and I brought home a 30cm Birkin (along with a new addiction to Hermès leather).
More than 15 years later, I still enjoy the bags very much, but as other Hermès métiers have grown and expanded, I always find things to love in every department. This is probably why I’ve never felt the need to keep track of how much I spend; every so often, I figure I have probably spent enough to put in a request, and my SA and I begin to discuss what bag is next.
Of course, everyone’s experience is unique; some clients keep a close eye on their purchases for their pre-spend ratio. What to buy, then? Are all non-bag purchases equal in the eyes of the Store Manager? Or are some metièrs more highly regarded than others?
Navigating the Hermès Departments for Pre-spend
There are, of course, no set rules, and all of this is anecdotal. Some believe that the more expensive departments – furniture and fine jewelry – are the most preferable if you’re hoping not to have to wait very long for a bag. That makes sense, as some of the pieces in these departments cost upwards of six figures.
More realistically (realistic being a relative term here), Ready-to-Wear, Housewares, Watches, and Shoes are also good departments to look at. However, you should only buy what you love and afford, so if, like me, you are addicted to the scarves, know that it all counts.
Expanding Your Hermès Wishlist
With that said, there are many very appealing offerings of late in every category. Whereas years ago, I only really liked the scarf and wallet designs, now I have a different problem: trying to convince myself that I don’t need all the temptations I find in every Hermès department.
That’s not a bad thing: no one wants to feel required to make a purchase – such as, say, an elephant paperweight that no one needs – just to seem like a serious client. Even better, there is a good enough range of price points and styles so that there really is something for a variety of tastes and needs.
Maximizing Your Pre-spend: Recommendations and Strategies
Here, then, are some suggestions to get your ratio going in various departments (“Good”), a less predictable and unique option (“Better”), and a few purchases that might even get a Store Manager’s attention (“Ratio Buster”).
The Hermès Shoes Department
Many clients start with this department, as the prices are relatively reasonable and are comparable to other fashion houses. Additionally, they have a lot of useful and/or appealing designs.
Good: Oran Sandals
Many clients buy at least one pair of Orans: they’re easy to wear; they’re a good price point for Hermès; they come in many different colors; and new embellished options (silk patterns, crystals, studs, fur) are offered every season. Most clients find them comfortable (I live in Orans most summer days), although it seems that those with a high arch or a narrow/wide foot may not be able to find the right fit so easily.
Denim Oran Sandals, $700. Photo via Hermès.com
Vert Oran Sandals in fringed H canvas, $770. Photo via Hermès .com
Oran Sandals in LRose Flash izard, $1800. Photo via Hermès.com
Gold Orange Sandal in Box Calfskin, $700. Photo via Hermès.com.
Orange Oran Sandals in Shearling, $1025. Photo via Hermès.com.
Orange Synthétique / Rose Chapas Oran Sandals in Cotton Canvas, $700. Photo via Hermès.com
Violet Améthyste Oran Sandals in Suede Goatskin with Crystals, $1175. Photo via Hermès.comOf course, the Oran might not be your thing. They have many sandal styles, all in about the same price range: some have a block heel, others have a cork sole, and styles range from feminine to that ubiquitous “dad shoe” look.
Good: Sneakers
My most worn shoe – not my most worn Hermès shoe, my most worn shoe, period – is a pair of white Dare sneakers, with gold fuzzy lining and a thick sole, which seem to go perfectly with anything from casual dresses and skirts to any style of jeans. For a similar, go-anywhere aesthetic, there is the Deep sneaker, which is offered in white with different accent colors; for a style that’s a bit more similar to the specific shape of the Dare but with a thinner sole, there is the Day sneaker.
Blanc / Orange Joey Deep Sneaker in calfskin and shiny lizard leather, $970. Photo via Hermès.com.
Blanc Day Sneaker in calfskin with functional rose gold-plated Kelly buckle, $1250. Photo via Hermès.com.
Brun Fumé / Écru Day Sneaker in suede goatskin with shearling lining and functional palladium-plated Kelly buckle, $1350. Photo via Hermès.com.Better: Jumping Boots
No item in the shoe department is more iconically Hermès than the Jumping Boot: a riding-style boot with a tall, elegant Boxcalf leather shaft accented with a Kelly-style buckle. It’s also one of the more expensive unembellished shoes Hermès makes, but it is a forever classic (and really, how many will you need?). Note that these are now produced in two shaft heights – 14.7″ (the Jumping) and 13.5″ (the Jumping Shorter) – to accommodate different leg proportions.
Ratio Buster: Exotic Shoes
Of course, if you really want to speed up your waiting time, shoes can sometimes be found in various exotic leathers, including Ostrich, Lizard, and Crocodile.
Glamour 95 High heel Sandal in shiny noir lizard leather with iconic rose gold-plated Kelly buckle.
Carlotta Mule in Beige Glaise matte Niloticus crocodile leather with beechwood sole and iconic permabrass-plated Kelly buckle, $10,100. Photo via Hermes.com.
Paris Loafer in Rose Petale calfskin and matte Niloticus crocodile leather with tone-on-tone signature "H" detail, $4250The Hermès Housewares Department
This is another good department with expanding options, even though everyone seems to just go for the Avalon Blanket. While the Avalon is a useful, iconic piece, of course, there is so much more.
Good: Porcelain
Hermès produces a range of elegant patterns to fall in love with, and you can build a collection piece by piece over time within a pattern or be whimsical and mix-and-match. Of course, the ashtray has long outlived its original purpose, but the style has found new life, along with the change tray, as a pretty decorative piece or a catch-all for jewelry or small items.
Passifolia Tart Platter in porcelain
Decorated using chromolithography
Measures 12.6" diameter, $570. Photo via Hermès.com.
Cheval d'Orient Presentation Plate in porcelain.
Measures 12.6" diameter, $675. Photo via Hermès.com
Passifolia Tea Cup and Saucer in porcelain,
capacity 6.7 fl. oz., $475. Photo via Hermès.com.
Cheval d'Orient tea cup and saucer n°4 in porcelain, capacity 7.8 fl. oz., $475. Photo via Hermès.com.
Carnets d'Equateur breakfast cup and saucer in porcelain, capacity 12.5 fl. oz, $330. Photo via Hermès.com.
Selle Imaginaire change tray in porcelain:
Velvet goatskin base, Hand-painted gold trim. Measures 8.3" long x 6.7" wide, $770. Photo via Hermès.com.
Hermès Electrique change tray in porcelain
Measures 8.3" long x 6.7" wide, $770. Photo via Hermes.com.
Pegase change tray in printed porcelain with velvet goatskin base. Measures 8" long x 7" wide, $560. Photo via Hermès.com.
Nationale 7 ashtray in porcelain.
Measures 7.9" long x 6.3" wide, $770. Photo via Hermès.com.
Toucans de Paradis ashtray
in porcelain. Measures 7.9" long x 6.3" wide, $770. Photo via Hermès.com.
Hermès Sellier change tray
in porcelain. Measures 8.3" long x 6.7" wide, $660. Photo via Hermès.com.Better: A Cozy Blanket (but not the Avalon!)
Hermès blankets are yummy and thick; most are 100% cashmere, and some have amazing designs featuring equestrian themes. Others are abstract, yet others have photo-quality prints. If you must get a blanket and really like the Avalon (53″ × 67″, $1,750) aesthetic, there is also the Ithaque (53.1″ × 68.9″, $1,775). The dimensions and the prices are about the same, and the Ithaque, which is made of wool and cashmere, is double-sided; it has a lighter and darker side, each featuring the same colors.
Ithaque blanket in camel/beige. Blanket in jacquard woven wool and cashmere.
Measures 53.1" x 68.9", $1775. Photo via Hermès.com.
Ithaque blanket in camel/beige. Blanket in jacquard woven wool and cashmere.
Measures 53.1" x 68.9", $1775. Photo via Hermès.com.
Cheval d'Attelage Blanket in jacquard woven cashmere. Measures 59.1" x 78.7", $5050. Photo via Hermes.com.
Selle Far West Blanket in jacquard woven cashmere and fringe finishing (100% cashmere). Measures 59.1" x 78.7" $3650. Photo via Hermes.comRatio Buster: Samarcande Chess Set
While it’s not the first item that comes to mind when planning an Hermès shopping trip, Hermès does produce game sets, from various styles of playing cards to backgammon to chess. This is one of those items which will likely get an SA’s attention.
Measures 17.7″ long x 17.7″ wide. $15,700. Photo via Hermès.com
Measures 4.7″ long x 2.3″ high x 4.7″ deep, $3,775. Photo via Hermès.com.
The Hermès Ready-to-Wear Department
Good: Cotton Dress
I love a good, easy cotton dress: it’s a throw-it-on-and-go piece that can be dressed up or down, worn layered or alone. Hermès seems to make two versions every season, each available in two or three different colors: one with a print and one in a single color with an embroidered pocket.
Straight dress with embroidered pocket in cotton jersey (100% cotton). Front pocket with "Mosaique" embroidery $710. Photo via Hermès.com.
Straight dress with embroidered pocket in cotton jersey (100% cotton). Front pocket with "Mosaique" embroidery $710. Photo via Hermès.com. cotton jersey (100% cotton). Front pocket with "Mosaique" embroidery $710. Photo via Hermès.com.
"Do Re Boucles" printed cotton jersey flared dress in Blanc Nacre (100% cotton)
$950. Photo via Hermès.com.Good: Knits
Hermès makes great knits: the sweaters always seem to hit the right spot for pants or a skirt and feature either a textured pattern in the knit or a silk panel (twillaine).
Short-sleeve sweater in Beige Corde knit with cable stitch inspired by the "Torsades Fantaisie d'Etriers" design in virgin wool and silk, $1475. Photo via Hermès.com
"Sous le Charme d'Orphee" long-sleeve twillaine sweater in silk with "Sous le Charme d'Orphee" printed silk twill (100% silk, knit: 100% silk), $2,350. Photo via Hermes.com.
"Sous le Charme d'Orphee" long twillaine cardigan in printed silk twill (100% silk), $3,475. Photo via Hermes.com.
"Sous le Charme d'Orphee" long twillaine cardigan in printed silk twill (100% silk), $3,475. Photo via Hermes.com.Better: Leather
Of course, Hermès is known for its leather, and not just the bags: the leather ready-to-wear is solidly constructed and often very flattering. The Equestrian Jacket is a classic piece they make every season that will suit just about any wardrobe.
Ratio Buster: Outerwear
Hermès produces luscious winter coats of cashmere, shearling, and leather; prices tend to start in the five figures. Unfortunately, this is not the time of year to find tempting winter wear, but stay tuned!
The Hermès Watches Department
Good: Apple Watch Hermès
Hermès has had a very successful collaboration with Apple on the digital watch: it keeps all the bells and whistles of the unbranded version and adds special straps and Hermès-only watch faces.
Apple Watch Hermès Series 8 case in Space Black stainless steel 45 mm & Single tour band in Noir Swift calfskin, $1,299. Photo via Hermes.com.
Apple Watch Hermès Series 8 case in stainless steel 41 mm & Double tour band in Jaune de Naples/Gris Meyer/Orange/Blanc/Rose Azalee/Noir Swift calfskin, $1,509. Photo via Hermes.com.
Apple Watch Hermès Series 8 case in stainless steel 41 mm & double tour band in Noir Swift calfskin and stainless steel, $1759. Photo via Hermes.com.Better: Cape Cod
Another classic Hermès design, the Cape Cod is a great everyday watch. There are sporty-chic versions with a simple single- or double-tour strap and dressier versions with a sprinkle of diamonds.
Cape Cod watch, Small model, 31 mm, steel watch, long interchangeable double tour strap in natural Barenia calfskin, $3,125. Photo via Hermès.com.
Cape Cod watch, Large model, 37 mm, $3250. Photo via Hermes.com.
Cape Cod watch, Small model, 31 mm steel watch, stamped dial coated with a glycine-tinted lacquer, "Anchor Chain" motif, short strap in glycine Athena calfskin, $3550. Photo via Hermès.com.
Cape Cod watch, Small model, 31 mm
gem-set steel watch, interchangeable strap in rose sakura Swift calfskin. 4 diamonds (0.02 ct), 18 pink sapphires (0.14 ct).
gem-set opaline silvered dial, 8 pink sapphires (0.02 ct), $4,950. Photo via Hermès.com.Ratio Buster: Exceptional Timepieces
At the (far) upper end of the price range are exceptional timepieces like the Faubourg Joailliere Watches, which are just as much jewelry as timepieces.
Faubourg watch, Mini model, 15 mm,
gem-set rose opal dial, 14 diamonds (0.04 ct) and 31 pink sapphires (0.121 ct), gem-set single tour rose gold bracelet, 98 diamonds (0.382 ct), 34 pink sapphires (1.462 ct), $24,525.
Faubourg Joailliere watch, Mini model, 15 mm, white gold bracelet set with diamonds and emeralds, $70,700.The Hermès Fine Jewelry Department
Good: Sterling Silver
Many of Hermès Sterling Silver pieces are reasonably priced and easy to wear; some designs, especially the multilayered Enchainèe and Punk pieces, have a big impact. The classic Chaine d’Ancre bracelet is versatile and comes in a variety of sizes.
Chaine d'ancre Enchainee ring, large model, width: 0.76", $690. Photo via Hermes.com.
Chaine d'ancre Enchainee bracelet, medium model, interior circumference: 6.5" | Width: 0.4", $720. Photo via Hermès.com.
Chaine d'Ancre bracelet, very small model,
interior circumference: 6.9", $1,175. Photo via Hermès.com.
Chaine d'ancre bracelet, medium model,
interior circumference: 6.5" | Chaine d'ancre link size: 0.67" x 0.40", $1,425. Photo via Hermes.com.
Chaine d'ancre bracelet, large model,
interior circumference: 5.4" | Total length: 7" | Chaine d'ancre link size: 0.82" x 0.46",
$1,500. Photo via Hermes.com.
Chaine d'ancre bracelet, very large model,
chain length: 7.2" | Chaine d'ancre link size: 0.94" x 0.55", $1,550. Photo via Hermès.com.
Chaine d'ancre Punk necklace,interior circumference: 15.98", $14,100.Better: Gold Bracelets
The perennially popular Kelly and Collier de Chien bracelets go well in any stack or on their own; newer styles like the Chaine d’Ancre Chaos Bracelet have a more relaxed look.
Chaine d'Ancre Chaos Chain Bracelet in rose gold set with diamonds and toggle closure, interior circumference: 5.71" | 46 diamonds | Total carat weight: 0.48 ct,$11,500. Photo via Hermes.com.
Kelly bracelet, small model, interior circumference: 6.2" | Width: 0.21" | 61 diamonds | Total carat weight: 0.36 ct
$17,400. Photo via Hermès.com.
Collier de Chien Bracelet, Small Model, in Rose Gold set with 130 diamonds, Interior circumference: 6.4" | Width: 0.23"| 130 diamonds | Total carat weight: 0.91 ct, $22,500. photo via Hermes.com.Ratio Buster: Galop Hermès Bracelet
Galop Hermes bracelet, medium model, Carat total weight: .13 ct, $36,800. Photo via Hermès.com.
Galop Bracelet in rose gold and black spinel gemstones, Circumference: 6.7" | Width: 0.2" | 1063 black spinel gemstones | Total carat weight: 10.12 ct., $89,100. Photo via Hermes.com.Lastly, The Hermès Furtniture Department
Furniture is the most challenging metier to suggest because even the most basic items are exorbitant, and many may only appeal to a certain modern-minimalist aesthetic (the least expensive item on the Hermes website is a seat cushion for $1,500; sofa prices are in the six figures).
Good: Les Trotteuses d’Hermes occasional tables
With that said, if you want to get on the inside track with your SA, you like the style, and you don’t want to go too crazy, there is the new Les Trotteuses d’Hermes line of occasional tables (in 3 sizes with varying height-width combinations) which utilize a round painted porcelain tray atop a leather-and-wood base that is a bit more universally appealing.
Les Trotteuses d'Hermes occasional table, large model, occasional table with a decorated porcelain tray, folding solid oak legs and bridle leather straps. Paper Block design by Gianpaolo Pagni. Measures 15.7" diameter x 14.9" high, $6,450. Photo via Hermès.com.
Les Trotteuses d'Hermes occasional table, small model, with a decorated porcelain tray, folding solid oak legs and bridle leather straps. H Infini design by Henri d'Origny. Measures 13.4" diameter x 19.6" high, $5650. Photo via Hermès.com.
Les Trotteuses d'Hermes occasional tables.Ratio Buster: Les Necessaires d’Hermes folding desk
However, if you really want to go crazy and get that bag of your dreams right away, may I suggest this super-cool fantasy piece?
Les Necessaires d'Hermes Folding desk with Canaletto walnut frame, $68,000.
Les Necessaires d'Hermes Folding desk with Canaletto walnut frame, $68,000.
I would pay a sourcing fee with a ps before I do a pre-spend amount in various departments to get stringed along for a long time before I’m offered a bag.
I can’t help but think about the environmental toll that Hermès is laying by making people buy things they would otherwise not, in the name of pre-spend. Especially knowing the sacrifice of an animal’s life to produce each sheet of leather, it’s hard to see this in a positive light. I’m a fan of their items (both bags and others) but I find it frustrating that a lot of the items that will supposedly get the SAs attention are also the ones that are unnecessarily wasteful and diminishing the value of the lives lost. It’s one thing to buy the one and only bag you’ve been lusting for and baby-ing it, and another to buy virtually everything and anything because it’s part of “the game” and not caring it about it much when in possession.
I absolutely understand your point. I do not know if it will alleviate your concerns at all to know that Hermès takes its environmental impact very seriously. Petit H was created in part to reduce waste, and towards that end they have a zero waste goal (which I believe is scheduled to be realized within the next few years). There is also something to be said for the positive social impact Hermès has on local craftspeople (not just in France, but around the world) and its support of the sort of creative culture that gets passed down by individuals, through generations. Their creations are made to last, and the hope is that the clientele values that, as opposed to just obtaining an in-demand item.
While I think what they do with Petit H line is admirable, and also appreciate that their items are made to last, I still don’t think it does much to address the emphasis on overconsumption that the “pre-spend” business model encourages. The secondhand market always feels stuffed with H stuff people bought to get their B or K and now want to get rid of. And while I’m sure some will find a second life, I just don’t believe that many people are hustling to spend big $$ on used sandals that won’t “count” toward the bag you know they really want.
Trying to reply but may have accidentally flagged this. Forgive me. Totally agree. I personally enjoy quality over quantity. I was attracted to the brand as the mission is to create products that last for generations knowing that repair may be necessary. The beauty of sustainable fashion is not just in the product but it is also providing consideration for the artisans who create the product.
You are so right Notorious Pink! Hermes takes these matters seriously all the while keeping local artisans employed and crafting alive. If LESS people viewed fashion as a disposable social media decoration and researched the brands they were buying to weed out “bad manufacturing behavior” that would certainly make a difference.
Maybe you can buy exclusively from Petit H.
Very informative article explaining (to those like me not in the “know”) the Hermes game with an overview of their product line. I’m quite content with not being bitten by the “H” bug, as I can only imagine how frustrating it can get.
I like the Birkin, it is a wonderful classy bag, but I would never spend 10/15k (or even 20/30k) on other items in order to have the chance (!) to buy it.
I get it that this strategy works and that they keep the allure but it is too much. If I had the money I would just ask an experienced artisan to make my dream bags (yes, not just one bag) with the best leather/hardware.
May I suggest Primo Atelier. I get my dream bags from him and every single detail is tailored, and the PRICE!! Can’t beat that.
Thank you!
Check out Mila Jito. Exactly what she does. She DOES have a very long waitlist tho…worth it to wait, however…
Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for.
I really don’t want to belong to that club. Feels so incredibly manipulative. No thanks. So many other bags I’d prefer to have anyway. But if you love Hermes, then go along with their game – I just hate seeing women get played like this….
I’m not going to debase myself for a piece of leather. I like what I like. When I’m ready to buy, I want to buy. I have zero patience for games and am very no nonsense. I’ve always been like this. There is no way that I’m going to wait to get permission to spend my hard earned money on something extremely expensive that I don’t want. If I ever get a Birkin, I would like to have a 25, Rose Poupre, palladium hardware, and any leather. I’m not going to take a yellow 30 Birkin just to say I got an in-store offer. Personally, I would feel like a moron.
Say what you want. Call it what you want. I’m not doing it. If I ever want an Hermes quota bag, I’ll just go the secondhand route. While it maybe over retail, I’ll get what I want. At the end of the day, you’re going to end up spending that anyway (pre-spend + bag cost).
Kudos to Hermes. The marketing strategy is GENIUS. I’m not going to fault their money-making scheme.
“The marketing strategy is GENIUS.”
Some might say illegal.
I guess we’re about to find out.
https://www.businessinsider.com/hermes-lawsuit-birkin-bags-tough-to-buy-sales-practices-2024-3
1. Do non quota bag count towards your spending ratio?
2. What items do not count towards spending ratio?
3. After being offered a quota bag is your spending ratio reset to zero?
4. What items other than quota bags do SA’s make no commission?
5. What items do SA’s make the most commission on?
Thank you for any help and insight
I will never ever play their stupid game!
What kind of customer service makes you feel lucky that you were offered a bag in a size or colorway you don’t want?! If you turn it down you may never be offered one again. If we as customers refused to put up with it they would have to change their customer service to earn their money. I choose what, where and when I want to purchase. If my money is not good enough until I have bought all the junk they try to force on you for ridiculous prices, I take my money elsewhere.
Thanks for the eye opening article. What a racket! Spend for years and then, maybe, we will offer a bag for you to also pay for through the nose. I’d rather go to Chanel or Bottega where I pick what I want from the shelf. Birkins are nothing special to look at anyway.
Chanel is also going down this route.
That elephant paperweight felt personal….. because that was me! HA
And I love my blue elephant paperweight!
You’re welcome… now where is my special order?! HA
It’s sooooo cute! And yes you absolutely need one RIGHT NOW!!!
lol is it really this complicated? My husband bought me random items as gifts over the years not realizing he was doing some sort of “pre-spend”. Then one day as a joke, he asked his SA if she had any Kelly’s. She pulled one out and he bought it. Then a week later she offered him 2 exotic leather Birkin and he got them both. He didn’t know these bags were supposed to be hard to get.
Love the Austin Powers reference
Thank you. I love having readers who get my references. 🔥
Thank you for this excellent article ! I see the value of purchasing sandals or sneakers from the store instead of on resale sites. What is the average spend you would need today to have the opportunity to be offered a Kelly or a Birkin? What are some of the current prices of Birkin 30 or 35 at Hermes? Should you always go to the same H boutique ? Thanks again !
always go to the same boutique and sales associate. The prespend applies to the store. If you shop multiple stores, the SA/manager won’t see your commitment to them (their store profitability) and would be less likely to offer you a Birkin or Kelly. It is extremely rare to shop around and be offered a coveted bag/bag size/color.
Thank you ! I have bought two Birkins on resale sites and am considering a third one which I like. But reading about the boutiques makes me think I should probably wait and try to have a relationship at a store. The current Birkin I am looking at is a 2011 B30 Togo in blue de galice. In excellent shape except for a slightly rubbed silver Hermes made in France stamp. E missing from France 🙂 Is it better to wait and try for a store ? Thank you – I am trying to figure out the benefits of a store versus resale sites.
Only you can determine your ability to deal with prespend/wait from a boutique. I enjoy other Hermes items and thus the present happens for me. I don’t mind the wait for a bag but am also very happy with my collection.
Resale is good in that you know you are getting the bag you want. No prespend or approvals from management etc. Click and buy. Authenticity is key in resale – Always have your prospective preloved purchase authenticated.
Can you recommend how to get a pre-loved Hermes bag authenticated? Thanks!
I agree with Elle. As for authentication, there are discussions on PurseForum regarding that. Many people recommend Bababebi, but always do your own research first.
It’s just so horrifically inefficient. And it leads to the resellers that the company gets so offended about (and somehow claim to have not seen coming?)
Anyway, when so many of the boutiques won’t sell to a disabled person, do they really have a need to add more obstacles? I’d easily pre-spend circles around them on scarves alone, but the Madison Avenue boutique wouldn’t even let me get that far.
I got my Birkin by phoning the sales associate who helped me find a scarf and saying I’d like to buy a Birkin. He asked, What color? He had two for me to choose from when I went to the store. I bought the Colvert 35cm. That was it.
Hermes rules are arbitrary, which is very frustrating and “unfair” (I don’t care for the word “unfair”, because nothing is fair, but it seems to apply here). All customers should receive the same service and offered desired products regardless of their spending habits.
I love how good-looking and well researched your articles are, NP!
But as I always inevitably comment on similar posts: I’d be more inclined to spend if they had any frigging thing in stock. I’ll be in Europe next week (haven’t lived there in years unfortunately), hopefully the stock is as well as I remember. I am so tired for feeling like a beggar to buy even simple stuff. I wouldn’t carry a Birkin even if it was given to me for free, I just want the other stuff that they SAY they want me to buy if you listen to everybody else, but never ever have in stock.
Yeah, I’m bitter, lol.
I love this challenge and am determined to start my own journey soon. Mine will be on the DL because few people in my circles will understand it. But I do plan to document it for kicks.
I don’t even mind that whichever bag is offered may not be my ultimate favorite (gold, 30 & bright, for anyone curious). It doesn’t have to be. My goal is to get the offer. I have to think that not having super specific requests can quicken my wait time? Dunno, we’ll see. Plus, I like having some decisions made for me. It’s a fun gamble. I’m a positive thinker and choose to believe I will be financially able to buy the bag that checks all my boxes on the secondary market, if needed.
I fell into this game a few years back. Two Bs and Two Kelly’s later, Im done and actually leaning towards non quota bags— when it happens. The H game isnt forever; I would say the first 5 years into it is intense. If you’re a collector of colors, then that would be a different story.