ALL THE THINGS TO KNOW TO BUY HERMES BAGS ONLINE IN 2024
Is Hermès bag a good investment?
In the ever-changing world of fashion, where trends come and go with each season's renewal, one question on the minds of style-savvy folks is continually on their minds: Are Hermès bags actually a worthwhile investment?
The rarity of Hermès bags is undoubtedly one of the primary aspects contributing to its rule. The scarcity effect circulating around the most sought-after Hermes bags creates ardent demand, pushing them to unattainable status even to the most devoted collectors. It's more than just having a purse; it's acquiring a piece of fashion history. After all, as Sex and the City put it, "it's not a bag, it's a Birkin!"
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The remarkable craftsmanship is at the heart of every Hermès bag. Each bag is painstakingly created by expert artisans using only the best materials available. Every detail is meticulously done, from the leather selection to the fine stitching and the famed Hermès hardware. This uncompromising devotion to quality leads to designer bags that not only survive the test of time but often rise in value over time, causing everyone, from collectors to fashion aficionados, to embark on the famously long hunt for a Hermes Birkin bag.
Now, let's get to the real question: Are Hermès bags a good financial investment? While nothing in this world is for certain, the answer tends toward the yes, as you will soon find. In the resell market, these purses frequently increase in value, sometimes exceeding their initial retail price. The key to success here is to get the appropriate piece from the right place, keep it in perfect shape, and locate the right buyer when the time comes. After all, when some customers even started looking for Hermes handbag insurance, how can we possibly not consider these high-value bags to be investment pieces?
Which Hermès bag is the best investment?
When it comes to picking out the best Hermès bag for you, making it an investment, personal style indeed comes into play, but it is not, however, the only factor determining such a purchase. Factors such as rarity and market demand weigh an equally important relevance when deciding to invest in a Hermès bag. It is already common knowledge among fashion lovers and collectors that the most sought-after models of the brand are the Birkin and, of course, the Kelly.
The Hermès Birkin is arguably the most famous and iconic handbag in the world. Its timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and exclusivity make it highly sought after. Birkin bags have a reputation for retaining or even increasing in value over time, particularly in the resell market. What makes it stand out even more compared to the brand's other models is, without doubt, the complex and tedious process of acquiring it and, nonetheless, the worldwide limited availability.
Named after Grace Kelly, this bag screams sophistication and elegance. Like the Birkin, the Kelly bag is known for its classic design, meticulous craftsmanship, and ability to elevate any look, making it a strong contestant for being a smart investment.
One thing that should be taken into account on the hunt for the best bag is that its value depends on size, color, leather type, hardware, and, of course, its condition if you are considering the pre-loved option. Naturally, the rarest models featuring exotic leather or more unique colors will be the most expensive Hermès bags.
Why is it difficult to buy a Birkin?
As you may already be in search of a Hermes Birkin bag, you may have noticed the process is *slightly* different from any other bag. If you were dreaming of making a quick stop to the nearest Hermès store and having your card ready, buckle up because you are in for a ride! Considering the exclusivity and prestige of both the fashion house and this specific model of bag, there is a whole list of steps that must be carried out in order to get your hands on a Birkin bag. First of all, you must be a Hermes customer; show the SA you love the brand and that you know it well. While you start enriching your closet with more Hermes goodies, you might also want to start nurturing a relationship with your SA, as simply picking out a few items here and there won't guarantee taking home a Birkin bag in the end. Now that you have passed the first two levels of the game, you must make a piece with the idea that, at the end of the day, the specific colorway or hardware you are dreaming of is farther away than you might think. Once you get offered a Birkin, chances are the one you love and dream of might not even be available. Truth be told, no Birkin bag is disappointing, so you might want to keep an open mind about that! The topic of the dreaded Birkin bag waitlist is controversial, as no one knows for sure whether it still is a thing. However, as Birkin bags are highly exclusive and exist in low quantities, be patient - it might take a while until your SA is able to offer you one.
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Why is it difficult to buy a Kelly
Like the Birkin, the Hermès Kelly is a highly exclusive bag. Hermès maintains a limited production to ensure its exclusivity and prestige in the luxury market. To top that off, similar to the Birkin bags, each Kelly bag is crafted by skilled artisans who pay meticulous attention to detail. The time and craftsmanship invested in each bag contribute to its quality but also limit the number of bags produced. Believe it or not, it takes an artisan roughly 18 months to create a Kelly bag, entirely hand-crafted, which might give you a hint as to why waiting times become so long even for this model. The same story applies once the bag arrives in stores - waitlists, store-spend, and relationship with the SA. And make no mistake, the "preferred clients" theory at Hermes is no myth. Clients who have a history of purchasing from the fashion house and developing a relationship with the brand may have a better chance of acquiring a Kelly or Birkin bag. Lastly, don't be fooled by the fact that Kelly bags are not as sought after as Birkins. Their limited availability will most likely clash with your personal preferences, even for this model.
Be it a Birkin or a Kelly, if you find yourself wanting to purchase one from a pre-owned seller, one more thing you should keep in mind is the extra time added when authenticating the pieces. After all, it is an investment, so better be safe than sorry!
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What is the Hermes pre-spend?
If you truly are on the hunt for a Birkin or a Kelly, then you must have surely stumbled across the term pre-spend before. While it is difficult to confirm any exact amount that must be spent in Hermes boutiques before qualifying to receive a Birkin or a Kelly, we can 100% say the pre-spend amount exists and varies from store to store. Once the SA lets you know they are working on getting you a bag, it's safe to say you have reached the pres-spend amount and can start crossing your fingers for getting the bag as soon as possible.
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What is a Hermes SA?
Unlike any other luxury Maison, when you are looking to add a Birkin or a Kelly to your handbag collection, the Hermes SA should be your best friend. Building a relationship with a single SA in your preferred boutique is one way to make the hunt for your desired bag a little bit easier, as they will be the one who will ultimately find it for you. Think of it as a two-way street - the more effort you put into building your relationship with the SA, the more effort they will put into making sure they can accommodate you best, and why not, depending, of course, on availability, hook you up with the exact model you wished for, or at least something as close as possible to it. However, we must be honest about one thing - the first Hermes SA appointed to you might just not be the right one for you. However, this is not a reason to get discouraged. Once you find one you click with, you can start building a relationship with them. It always helps show you did your homework, so make sure you know your Birkin facts - everything from sizing to leather and hardware; the more, the merrier.
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Buy a pre-owned Hermès bag
We know it's been a lot so far, and who are we kidding - buying a Hermes Birkin or Kelly is not an easy process for anyone. However, there are other, less stressful options available that you may want to consider. Looking into pre-owned versions of the bag you're looking for can make it considerably more straightforward, as you will skip all the steps listed so far that are mandatory in Hermes boutiques. Pre-owned marketplaces offer a more accessible way to find the bag you desire, and we've got just the loss you were looking for! While you are still conducting research for the best option to purchase the Hermes handbag, make sure to check out The Luxury Closet, Fashionphile, Rebag, the RealReal, and last but not least, don't forget to pay a visit to Farfetch's pre-owned section, as you're likely to find some gems.
If the higher accessibility that pre-owned retailers offer hasn't won you over yet, indeed, the extended variety will! As you begin browsing through the pre-owned retailer option, you will notice they offer a wide variety of Birkin and Kelly bags in terms of colors, sizes, materials, and hardware options; this way, you will have a better chance of finding a bag that suits your preferences and style. Moreover, if you're a fan of rare, vintage pieces, one place to cross off your list when purchasing any is the Hermes boutiques. Lastly, if you're looking to buy such handbags not just for personal pleasure but are also thinking of their resell value, opting for pre-owned retailers is your best strategy. Birkin and Kelly bags have a strong reputation for retaining or even increasing in value over time. Buying pre-owned means you can benefit from any increase in value that has occurred since the bag's original purchase.
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Is it safe to buy resale Hermès bag?
However, buying a second-hand Hermès bag is not always a walk in the park. When choosing this option, you must keep in mind a few things. Of course, authenticity is everything when purchasing a Birkin or Kelly, as with any other luxury item, so ensure the article is verified adequately beforehand. Moreover, its condition is equally important to ensure the value of the handbag chosen and the future selling possibility. It is essential to know how the resellers care for their Hermes bag. Moreover, if you're a first-time buyer, being price-aware is critical. Make sure you research prices from different trustworthy sources and compare them before making any final decision. All things considered, purchasing a Hermes Birkin or Kelly bag from a pre-loved retailer can be the smart choice: less hassle and, most importantly, a quicker process. Another tip from us would be to always check out vintage luxury resellers, as these are the places we expect to find the most exquisite models in terms of rare features and exotic leather. The Hermès exotic skin bags are a delicate niche category, and if one is quite specific with their dream bag, a resale market is a smart place to turn to. With all the above kept in mind, you are already a pro, and buying the Birkin or Kelly of your choice should be safe and comfortable.
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How to style an Hermès bag
Now that we have established the need-to-know for purchasing a Hermes bag, you will probably need some Inso for styling it as soon as you make that purchase. Not to worry, as we have gathered a few must-see moments that you can draw inspiration from. The good thing about the Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags is that they are incredibly versatile. One day, you can rock your bag with a pair of pumps and the other with your favorite pair of Oran sandals and still have the most put-together look in the room.
We could not have started the Hermes handbag hall of fame without the queen of Birkins herself. From the iconic Gossip Girl show, Lily Bass was always featured wearing either a Birkin or a Kelly bag in a large portion of the TV show's episodes. She is the perfect example of how you can wear the bag both ways, as we would often see her pairing it with a pair of jeans and being out and about in the New York streets.
Would it be an LFA entry without any kind of Kardashian-Jenner reference? The Kardashian family always comes to mind when we think of Hermes bags. Still, for today's top looks, we chose Kris and Kylie Jenner, who, with their it girl style, love to grace us with their ever-changing Birkin and Kelly collection and even a sneak peek of their to-die-for handbag closets - after all, they are the proud owners of one of the world's rarest Kelly model, the White Crocodile Himalaya Kelly.
Hermès Pocketbooks
Spending significant money on Hermès apparel is not everyone's cup of tea for various reasons. So, when it comes to building your pre-spend, we suggest looking into smaller items that could also be easily resold. Among those are Clic Clac bracelets, beloved by many, delicate silk scarfs, and Hermès pocket books, which are also very popular on the resale market. Purchasing these highly popular Hermès accessories is much more practical than building your pre-spend with apparel. Clothing goes out of style quickly and is much more difficult to resell afterward, while smaller H pieces like Hermès pocketbooks are always at the top of Hermès collectors' wishlists and, if not resold, will stay a timeless H accessory that you can proudly keep in the family for generations.