Alright, fashion lovers let’s talk about one of the most elusive and sometimes frustrating experiences in luxury shopping: getting your hands on a Hermès Birkin or Kelly bag.
If you’ve been lurking in fashion forums or following style icons, you know that scoring one of these iconic bags is NOT as simple as strolling into a boutique with a credit card.
Nope!
This is Hermès we’re talking about — a brand that thrives on exclusivity, secrecy, and the fine art of playing hard to get.
So, is the Hermès waiting list a real thing?
How do some people seem to get offered a bag while others have been waiting for years?
And most importantly — how can YOU increase your chances of getting your dream bag?
Don’t worry, bestie — we’ve got you. Grab your coffee, and let’s decode the Hermès bag waiting list in all its gloriously frustrating detail.
Why Is Hermès So Exclusive?
The Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags are status symbols, investments, and wearable pieces of art. Unlike other luxury brands that mass-produce their goods and flood the market with endless logo-covered products, Hermès does things differently.
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Every bag is handcrafted by highly trained artisans, which means production is slow and meticulous.
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The brand is famously selective about who they sell to (yes, you read that right — you can’t just buy a bag; you have to be offered one).
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They never publicly advertise or sell Birkin or Kelly bags online, keeping the mystery (and demand) sky-high.
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Scarcity plays a major role in the appeal. The brand deliberately limits production to keep its bags highly sought after.
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Hermès bags are not seasonal; they are timeless. That means they hold their value and even appreciate over time, making them one of the best fashion investments you can make.
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Unlike fast-fashion trends, a Hermès bag isn’t about showing off — it’s about knowing. If you know, you know.
This combination of artisanal craftsmanship, extreme exclusivity, and a dash of retail mind games has made the Hermès Birkin and Kelly the holy grail of handbags.
And let’s be real — who doesn’t love a little hard-to-get energy?
VIP Customers, Celebrities, and the Role of Scarcity
Ever wonder why you see celebrities, royals, and high-profile fashion influencers casually carrying Hermès bags while the rest of us are stuck waiting indefinitely?
That’s because Hermès prioritizes VIP clients — those who have built a strong relationship with the brand over time (often by spending six figures annually on other Hermès items).
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Celebrities as walking billboards: When a celebrity is spotted with a Birkin or Kelly, demand skyrockets. This word-of-mouth exclusivity keeps the brand on a pedestal.
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Priority for elite customers: High-spending clients get access to limited-edition pieces and rare colours, reinforcing the brand’s exclusivity.
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A personal shopping experience: VIPs often work with dedicated Hermès sales associates who notify them when special bags arrive, skipping the unofficial “waiting list” process altogether.
Product Scarcity and Its Role in Creating a Cult Following
Hermès doesn’t need a marketing team shouting from the rooftops about its bags. Instead, the artificial scarcity fuels an almost obsessive desire among fashion lovers.
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Limited production: Each bag is handmade, and Hermès ensures that fewer bags are produced than the demand requires.
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Exclusivity breeds desire: Knowing that a product isn’t easily accessible makes it even more desirable.
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Psychological appeal: The idea of not everyone can have it makes those who do own a Hermès bag feel like part of an exclusive club.
How Limited Edition Releases Keep the Waiting Lists Growing
Every so often, Hermès releases limited-edition bags, pushing exclusivity levels even higher:
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Special collaborations and one-of-a-kind designs keep demand hot.
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Exotic leathers and rare colours fetch astronomical prices.
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The more exclusive the release, the more the brand’s legendary waiting list continues to grow.
The Myth & Reality of the Hermès Waiting List
Okay, let’s bust a common myth — there is NO official waiting list for a Birkin or Kelly bag. (Shocking, we know!).
Hermès used to have a waitlist back in the day, but they scrapped it years ago when demand went absolutely bonkers. Instead, they now operate on a wish list system, which is just as mysterious as it sounds.
How It Actually Works:
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You visit a Hermès boutique and politely express interest in a Birkin or Kelly (keyword: politely — no demanding or snapping fingers, darling!).
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If the sales associate likes you (yes, this matters!), they might take note of your dream bag — size, leather, colour, hardware, etc.
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Then… you wait. Sometimes it’s months, sometimes years, sometimes… never.
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One day, if the luxury gods smile upon you, you might get a call from your sales associate saying they have a bag for you! (It may not be the exact one you requested, but hey — it’s a Hermès bag!)
Sound frustrating? It is. But that’s part of what makes these bags so desirable.
How Long Is the Wait?
There’s no clear answer. Some people get lucky within months, while others wait years without ever receiving an offer.
Your success depends on:
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Your shopping history: Loyal Hermès shoppers with a solid purchase history (think: scarves, shoes, home decor) tend to be prioritized.
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Your relationship with your sales associate: Yes, it pays to be friendly and build rapport.
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The boutique’s inventory: Hermès doesn’t mass-produce these bags; stores receive limited stock, and it’s up to the sales associates to decide who gets what.
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Luck: Sometimes, being in the right place at the right time is all it takes!
How to Get on the Hermès Birkin Waiting List (Or "Wish List")
Alright, bestie, let’s get strategic. If you’re serious about scoring a Birkin or Kelly, here’s what you need to do:
1. Start Small & Build a Relationship
Walking into a Hermès store and asking for a Birkin as your very first purchase is like showing up to a first date and asking someone to marry you.
Not happening.
Instead, ease into it:
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Buy small leather goods (SLGs), scarves, or jewellery first.
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Show that you genuinely love the brand, not just the bags.
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Be friendly and polite — your sales associate is key to your success!
2. Consistency is Key
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Regularly visit the store and chat with your sales associate.
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Show interest in new collections and other products.
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Establish yourself as a loyal Hermès customer.
3. Mention Your Dream Bag — Subtly
Once you’ve built a rapport, casually mention that you’d love a Birkin or Kelly. But don’t be pushy! Just express your admiration and let your sales associate guide the conversation.
4. Consider an Hermès Paris Appointment
If you’re visiting Paris, you can try booking a Hermès appointment online for a chance to get a bag directly from the flagship store. But warning — this process is a Hunger Games-level competitive!
5. Shop in Less Competitive Locations
If you’re struggling in a major fashion city like New York, London, or Paris, try your luck in smaller boutique locations where there might be less demand.
6. Leverage Social Media & Connections
Some buyers have had luck DM’ing sales associates on Instagram or networking with collectors. It doesn’t hurt to try!
Is the Hermès Chase Worth It?
If you love luxury fashion, enjoy a challenge, and want to own a true investment piece, then yes — the thrill of getting a Birkin or Kelly is unbeatable.
But if you don’t have the patience? The resale market might be your best bet. Here at Love Luxury, we’ve got an impeccable collection of gently used, pre-loved Hermès bags that are bound to grab your attention!
