How to buy an Hermes Birkin bag

Hermes bags are one of the most coveted luxury items in the world until today. The combination of superior quality, high class reputation and effortless elegant designs make the brand an icon even among the fashion world’s luxury line-up. So how does it keep its place at the top? Exclusivity.

If you think that you can easily get any Hermes handbag style by just entering one of its boutiques, you definitely have to think things over. While a lot of people attest to its superiority among other competitors, not all of them necessarily own one. Production for certain designs are limited, so you have to have connections if you really want to have one of your own. The good side here is that if you do manage to purchase one, you get to own a highly valued bag that only a few people in the world possess.

The most difficult designs to find would be a Hermes Birkin or Kelly. Since these two are the most popular creations for the brand, even visiting the Hermes Faubourg Saint Honore store in Paris will not ensure your success in getting one. VIP’s with money to spare even request for a made-to-order bag just to complete their collections.

There are many possible places where you can get your own Hermes bag. If you don’t mind secondhand pieces, your first option is consignment shops. A lot of women who decide to sell their individual bags choose to sell them through well-known purveyors: online and offline. Heritage is also a must-see if you are interested in bags that fetch very high values because of their rarity. Expect prices over tens of thousands for items in very good condition. All legit dealers have their own authenticity certificates to prove the quality of each bag so you don’t have to worry about buying fakes.

If authenticity issues bother you, it would be best to purchase from one of Hermes boutiques near you. You might not find the specific design you are looking for, but there will be a good number of displays you can choose from.

For in-demand designs, you have to know a few tricks in order to secure yourself one.

First, befriend several sales assistants. Start by frequenting one or two boutiques and get the SA’s familiar with you. You can get a lot of information from them, especially updates on restocking. Make sure that you give them the design you are after and they might phone you when a stock is available.

Second, always have a good story behind the purchase. If you are just a walk-in, SA’s would treat you like window shoppers unless you show them that you know what you’re looking for. Incorporate special events like anniversaries or birthdays and they’ll give your request more thought.

Third, be confident and presentable. Your first impression with the assistant will determine how she will treat you throughout your stay. Dress properly and act nice. Let them think that you have the buying power.

Getting the Hermes bag you want can take weeks or months of hunting. Be patient and persistent. All the effort you exert will be worth it once you get your hands on that perfect handbag.