The Secret to Scoring Your Dream Birkin with the Hermès Pre-Spend

Hey love, let’s talk Hermès pre-spend.

You know that moment when you finally walk into an Hermès boutique with your heart set on a Birkin or Kelly, all dressed up in your best “quiet luxury” fit, thinking “I’m ready”... and then the sales associate smiles, offers you a twilly, maybe a pair of Orans — and doesn’t even mention the bag? 

Yeah. 

Welcome to the Hermès game. It's a whole universe and the Hermès pre-spend? That’s your entry ticket.

So if you’ve been wondering what Hermès pre-spend actually is, why it exists, how it works, and whether it’s worth playing along — this one’s for you. 

So, What Is Hermès Pre-Spend?

Hermès pre-spend is the (unspoken, but very real) practice of shopping — a lot — at Hermès before you’re offered a quota bag. You know, the Birkin. The Kelly. The holy grails. The ones they don’t just put on shelves because, well, they don’t need to.

Instead, Hermès flips the script: you spend thousands on other things (silk scarves, fine jewelry, RTW, shoes, belts, homeware — anything but the bag), and in return, you may be offered the chance to buy one of their quota bags.

Sounds backwards? Maybe. 

But that’s the magic (and madness) of it. Hermès doesn’t sell you a bag — they offer you the privilege of buying one.

But Wait; Is It Official?

Nope. And that’s the whole thing.

Hermès doesn’t publish this policy anywhere. It’s not in writing, and no one at the boutique will ever say “You need to spend X amount to get a Birkin.” 

It’s all vibes. Vibes and relationship building.

But if you talk to anyone who’s successfully scored a Birkin or Kelly, they’ll tell you the same thing: you pre-spend. Whether it’s $10k, $20k, or $50k before your offer drops, that number depends on your store, your SA (sales associate), your city, your country, and — let’s be honest — your aura.

Why Does Hermès Do This?

Because they can.

Hermès has cultivated such a powerful brand image that they don’t need to market Birkins or Kellys. 

In fact, scarcity is the brand’s secret weapon. The harder something is to get, the more we want it. We live for the limited drop, the exclusive list, the “not for everyone” moment.

But for Hermès, it’s more than hype. Their bags are investment pieces. Literally. 

They hold — and often increase — in value over time. So they don’t want to sell them to just anyone. They want to sell to clients who understand the brand, and who love the whole Hermès lifestyle, not just the Instagram flex.

So, what do they do? They watch. 

They observe your shopping behaviour. 

Do you buy shoes, scarves, ready-to-wear? 

Do you come in regularly? 

Do you build a relationship with your SA? 

That’s what the pre-spend is really about — showing that you’re in it for the long haul.

What Counts Toward Pre-Spend?

Now we’re getting into it.

Here's the tea on what usually counts:

• Scarves, shoes, belts, and ready-to-wear? Yep.

• Homeware like blankets, dishes, and decor? Big yes.
  

• Jewellery (especially fine jewellery)? Girl, they love that.
  

• Fragrance or beauty? Meh. Not so much. Doesn’t move the needle.
  

• Watches? Depends. Sometimes that’s a whole different department.
  

• Buying online? Usually no. In-store purchases help build that all-important client profile at your local boutique.

It’s not just about spending — it’s about curating your Hermès profile. Think of it like building your shopping résumé. The more well-rounded, the better.

How Much Do I Have to Spend?

This is the question on everyone's lips — and no one wants to answer it.

There’s no official number. But here's what we've seen in the wild (and in many, many purse forum threads and whispered conversations):

• In the U.S., pre-spend is often around 1:1 (meaning, spend about the cost of the bag you want).
  

• In Europe, it can be looser — sometimes just buying consistently is enough.
  

• In Asia, especially hot markets like Singapore or Hong Kong? You might need to spend 2-3x the value of the bag.

So if you want a $10,000 Birkin? Be ready to spend $10,000 (or more) before that offer lands.

But again, it’s not a hard rule. We’ve heard stories of people getting offered a Birkin after one solid $5K shoe haul. And others who’ve spent $40K and are still waiting. 

Like we said... vibes.

Is It Fair? Is It Worth It?

Let’s be real. The Hermès pre-spend system feels... elitist. And that’s because it is. It's designed to reward loyalty and keep the brand's image ultra-exclusive.

But is it worth it?

Honestly? That depends on you.

If you're already someone who loves luxury fashion, who enjoys the Hermès aesthetic, and would genuinely buy their other products even without the Birkin carrot dangling in front of you — then yes, it can feel like a fun journey. You get gorgeous items and a shot at the bag of your dreams.

But if you’re only in it for the bag? If you’re forcing yourself to buy things you don’t love just to “qualify”? 

Then no — it starts to feel like an expensive, frustrating game.

What If I Don’t Want to Play the Game?

Totally valid.

Not everyone wants to play the long game. Not everyone wants to schmooze with an SA, visit the boutique every month, and buy things they may not really need just to maybe get offered a bag.

And guess what? You don’t have to.

That’s where the resale market comes in.

Pre-loved platforms offer authenticated Birkins and Kellys — no pre-spend, no guessing games, no waiting lists. Yes, you’ll likely pay a premium, but for some, it’s worth skipping the drama and getting the bag on your own terms.

Plus, with resale, you can find rare colors, limited editions, and discontinued sizes — it opens up a whole new world of Hermès options.

Tips to Win the Hermès Game (If You’re Gonna Play)

Okay, so you’ve decided you’re in. Here’s how to play smart:

1. Build a relationship with one SA. Loyalty matters. Find someone you vibe with, and stick with them.
   

2. Be genuine. Don’t treat it like a transaction. Talk about what you love, what you’re looking for — be human.
   

3. Don’t fake it. Only buy what you actually love. Hermès wants lifelong clients, not one-hit shoppers.
   

4. Consistency > big one-offs. Visiting the boutique regularly and making small purchases over time can go further than one massive splurge.
   

5. Ask, but don’t beg. It’s okay to express your interest in a Birkin or Kelly, but don’t push. They know.

Final Thoughts: Hermès, But Make It Real

The Hermès pre-spend is a whole culture. 

It’s not for everyone, and honestly, that’s kind of the point. For Gen Z and younger luxury lovers who grew up on TikTok drops, sneaker raffles, and limited runs, the Hermès game is both fascinating and frustrating. 

But also... kind of addictive.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about being “in the know.” About walking into that boutique, getting a nod from your SA, and hearing the magic words: “We may have something special for you.”

Whether you’re playing the long game or going the resale route, remember: you set the rules. There’s no “right” way to get your dream bag. 

And if you want a shortcut? You already know. Pre-loved Birkins and Kellys are waiting for you — no pre-spend, no pressure, just pure Hermès magic because you deserve the bag and the freedom to shop your way.

Want help finding your first Hermès piece? Or ready to skip the wait and shop pre-loved? We’ve got you. Luxury doesn’t have to come with strings attached — just silk, leather, and a whole lot of style. Head on over to our collection of gently used Hermès purses at Love Luxury!