Founded in 1837, Hermès remains one of the most popular, sought-after, and recognisable accessory brands in the world. With a modern emphasis on handbags, Hermès originally launched with a line of accessories for horse riding, before the brand expanded into other sections of the market.
Various collaborations over the years have brought Hermès into the spotlight, with one of the most notable being the Birkin bag – created after a conversation with actress Jane Birkin, which has risen to become the most famous Hermès bag ever made.
To look at the strategy of the brand throughout its history, you can see that, from day one, Hermès has been underpinned by perfection and by a commitment to preserving its reputation for the finest quality pieces. Imperfect Birkin bags in particular are said to be burned rather than released, which prestigious and strategic collaborations ensure that Hermès retains the highest quality across manufacturing and material sourcing.
In short, Hermès is a brand that’s worth the attention of luxury goods’ buyers and specialists. But where can you find an authentic Hermès bag?
Why Are Hermès Bags So Rare and Hard to Buy?
As one of the most popular luxury brands in the world, there aren’t many people who haven’t at least heard of Hermès. And while there are some specific models that are considered more coveted than others, for example the ever-popular Hermès Birkin, in general you will find that authentic Hermès handbags are rarely available on a standard retail market.
But, before we dive into the reasons why Hermès handbags are so hard to buy, a quick note about authenticity. As a rule, any Hermès handbag which is readily available to buy on the retail market is most likely to be a fake or counterfeit good. The status that surrounds the brand means that only those on buyer lists and waitlists are offered genuine Hermès bags direct from the manufacturer, with most other buyers having to go through resellers and second-hand sellers.
So, if you are offered an Hermès handbag from a retailer without the need for lists, check the authenticity before handing over any money. This is a topic which is covered by most reputable resellers, with guidance on how to check the investment potential and authenticity of an Hermès bag.
Back to the reasoning behind Hermès’ popularity then, where there are a handful of causes at play.
First and foremost, quality and craftsmanship. Something which almost all luxury brands have in common, quality and craftsmanship are at the heart of the Hermès brand – using the finest materials, combined with hard-wearing designs and manufacturing techniques, to bring to life bags which are renowned for their durable structure. In fact, some of the rarest and most expensive Hermès bags are made from exotic and coveted materials, with one of the most notable being the Hermès Himalaya Birkin, which is made from a rare crocodile skin.
Another motivating factor behind Hermès’ rare and hard-to-buy status is the juxtaposition between supply and demand. Authentic Hermès bags are few and far between when compared with the level of demand across the market, with every bag available boasting huge attention and often a bidding war for purchase. This drives the price high, which only serves to inflate the demand and makes buying an Hermès even more difficult for many buyers.
And then we have the brand’s connection with status beyond its own market – using celebrity names to bolster its most popular styles, and constantly receiving attention from the world stage when celebrities and influencers are spotted out and about with their own Hermès bag. If nothing else, this direct form of influencer marketing makes Hermès a brand that everyday buyers want to own for themselves, bringing themselves a little closer to the individuals they admire.
With all that said, is Hermès a good investment – and how can you become an Hermès owner and seller?
Is an Hermès Bag a Good Investment?
When you own an authentic bag from a brand like Hermès, the beauty of your investment is that it never dulls. With decades of prestige behind each and every model and collection, Hermès bags always receive high attention on the market – with the coveted status of each bag meaning that the value only increases with time.
When it comes to selling an investment Hermès, provided you have the right authentication certificates and all the original packaging in place, the chances are that you will receive an elevated price on your original investment.
Tips for Selling an Authentic Hermès Handbag
If you’re looking to sell an Hermès handbag, then there are a few things that you need to do to secure the best possible price.
The first is to ensure that, throughout the duration of your ownership, you care for the handbag and retain its high quality and perfect finish. This is also the case for any packaging and certification you have alongside the bag, as all of this contributes towards the investment of the bag as an Hermès original.
The second thing is to find a reputable buyer, generally one who specialises in reselling authentic luxury handbags, as they are most likely to have all the proper checks and valuation standards in place – and will give you a fair price for your bag.
Finally, remember to balance the desire to hold on to your investment with the reality of degradation over time. While selling a vintage piece in a few years may seem like a great investment opportunity, this must be assessed alongside the reality of degradation and ownership. Without the right preservation and attention to storage, your bag may be at risk of damage – which is why parting with it in the best possible condition today might be your best idea.
How to Find a Reputable Buyer/Seller
From London to Dubai, finding a reputable buyer and seller who will give you cash for your Hermès bag before selling it on is the easiest way to get the highest price for your investment.
Get in touch with the Love Luxury team, who now have offices and a storefront in both London and Dubai, for more information.
