As part of their scarcity strategy, Hermès has a strict quota system limiting the number of premium Hermès bags customers can buy in a calendar year. Customers are restricted to purchasing only two Birkin or Kelly bags per year. To prevent customers from bypassing the quota bag limitations, all Hermès boutiques and websites now link customer profiles. This means collectors can no longer travel to different locations to buy more bags.
Customers who wish to purchase more than two quota bags in a year can do business with a trusted Hermès dealer like Platinum Times.

Hermès bags are more expensive on the secondary market due to several reasons. Firstly, their rarity plays a significant role. Hermès produces these bags in limited quantities, and they quickly sell out, making them hard to obtain. Customers must build a purchasing history, known as the Profile, with the brand to be offered the chance to buy premium bags like the Birkin and the Kelly. This involves buying various Hermès items like jewelry, clothing, shoes, and more, unrelated to the bags, which adds to the overall reselling cost.

Secondly, the ability to choose the bag style, color, leather, and hardware is highly valuable to many shoppers. Directly purchasing from the brand may not offer this customization option, leading to higher demand for personalized bags on the secondary market.

Lastly, Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags tend to appreciate over time. Unlike most designer handbags and clothing that depreciate when worn, Hermès bags retain their value exceptionally well, making them a sought-after investment.

Hermès handbags are considered excellent alternative investments. Capital management companies view Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags as an asset class. According to Credit Suisse, these handbags and Chanel classic flap bags have seen a 16% increase in value from the previous year and an impressive 92% increase over the past decade as of 2022. Time Magazine also reported that over the past 35 years, the average annual return on a Birkin was 14.2%, outperforming the S&P average of 8.7% per year and gold’s -1.5%.

Hermès bags undergo meticulous craftsmanship using the finest quality leathers, which may include exotic skins like crocodile, ostrich, and lizard. Additionally, the metal hardware on these bags is plated with genuine gold or palladium. The atelier’s dedication to using exceptional materials and masterful artisanship is renowned.

Hermès offers a diverse range of handcrafted bags, exceeding 80 unique styles. This collection includes handbags, totes, bucket bags, shoulder bags, and crossbody bags catering to various tastes and occasions. Among the most sought-after designs are the iconic Birkin bag, the elegant Kelly bag, and the sophisticated Constance shoulder bag.

Caring for your leather Hermès bag is essential. Use a dry microfiber cloth to delicately remove dirt and gently wipe the bag inside and out. A soft-bristled makeup brush can be employed for hard-to-reach crevices. Avoid using water, as it may harm the leather. Leather cleaners are not recommended as they might void the Hermès warranty. For heavily soiled bags, it’s best to entrust them to experts for a specialized “spa treatment” that includes professional cleaning.

The term “secondary market” refers to any sale that occurs outside the store’s original purchase. For instance, when someone buys a bag directly from Hermès, that is considered a first sale. However, if that individual later sells it to a reseller or even a friend, it becomes a secondary sale. Such sales can involve items that are new and directly from the boutique or bags that have been used for months or years. In the secondary market, Hermès bags have an exceptional resale value, regardless of the number of times they have been sold, as long as they have been well-maintained.

To avoid counterfeit items, conducting business with a reputable reseller, particularly one specializing in Hermès bags, like Platinum Times, which boasts 14 years of experience in the field is advisable. These established resellers possess the necessary knowledge and tools to authenticate the bags. They diligently establish and validate the provenance of each bag, especially for new items, relying on in-house and third-party Hermès experts to guarantee authenticity for every bag they sell.

The date stamp on a Hermès bag indicates the bag’s production date by the company. It’s important to note that not all bags sold at boutiques are necessarily made in the current year; some may have been produced in the prior year or even two to three years earlier. This is especially common with highly sought-after bags like Himalaya and crocodile bags.

While the date stamp provides valuable information about the bag’s age, it is just one aspect to consider when purchasing. Factors such as the bag’s condition, rarity, and color should also be taken into account, especially for limited edition and seasonal color bags that may not be produced indefinitely.

The answer to this question varies depending on individual preferences and purposes. If you want a luxury handbag as a collectible investment, classic Birkin or Kelly bags in timeless colors are a great choice. However, options like the Picotin, Lindy, or Evelyne bags are worth considering if you seek an everyday bag.

These lesser-known Hermès purses offer the same exceptional quality and iconic style as the more renowned “Holy Grail” bags but are comparatively easier to find and may come with a smaller price tag. Many avid Hermès collectors include these more casual styles in their collections alongside the “holy grail” bags, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the brand’s diverse designs and unique attributes.

The choice between a Retourne and Sellier style Hermès bag should align with your lifestyle and preferences. The classic Retourne Birkin, with its spacious design, double handle closure, and relaxed structure, is ideal for those seeking a blend of practicality and style for everyday use. The Retourne Kelly offers a similar on-the-go look with a single handle and a removable shoulder strap, providing versatility for various occasions.

On the other hand, the Sellier style Birkin and Kelly bags have a more structured and refined appearance, though they offer less room compared to the Retourne style. These bags are particularly well-suited for formal settings or special events, exuding an elegant charm.

Many Hermes enthusiasts have a diverse collection, including all or most of these styles, as each one caters to different needs and complements various aspects of their lifestyle.