I recently bought a "like new" mini Kelly from a reseller in Asia. It's my first time buying from her and she's a fairly well-known Hermès reseller from that region. While the buying process was difficult for me — time zone differences leading to slower communication, having to pay for authentication services prior to buying, seller not giving me the right ABA number and other info for wiring hence I incurred unnecessary extra fees, etc. — I was still thinking positive because it was a style I really, really wanted (currently obsessed with mini bags like most) and in a color I adored. Today the bag came in the mail and I excitedly tore the package open... only to be confronted by a strong cigarette smoke smell when I held the bag.
I had asked the reseller, more than once, during the buying process to confirm that the bag could pass for new, and she said yes. But here I have a "like new" bag which reeked of smoke, looked a tad duller than the photos I've seen (I have a Lindy in the same color and the Lindy just looked more vibrant, although I know the leather type plays a part too), and have minor scuffs on the handle (close to where the strap attaches, so it could be rubbing from the strap's metal hooks) and inside the bag. I can overlook the little scuffs but the smell gets me bad as I'm hyper sensitive to tobacco smoke. My chest tightened and I started coughing horribly as I tried to air the bag out in front of our Dyson purifying fan. I'm going to have to send it to the spa if home remedies (baking soda, tea bags, dryer sheets) already suggested on the forum doesn't work for me.
I know I can't really do anything else at this point but it is really frustrating when it happens. I just want to share my first experience of buying from an Hermès reseller here since DH and my other girlfriends don't really get the highs and lows of Hermès (or any) bag collecting. It was honestly a lot more work than buying from the store and I would happily keep cultivating my relationship with my SA since it feels more genuine and less stressful, although eventually getting the bag takes time. I'd love to listen to your incredulous buying stories and commiserate together!
I had asked the reseller, more than once, during the buying process to confirm that the bag could pass for new, and she said yes. But here I have a "like new" bag which reeked of smoke, looked a tad duller than the photos I've seen (I have a Lindy in the same color and the Lindy just looked more vibrant, although I know the leather type plays a part too), and have minor scuffs on the handle (close to where the strap attaches, so it could be rubbing from the strap's metal hooks) and inside the bag. I can overlook the little scuffs but the smell gets me bad as I'm hyper sensitive to tobacco smoke. My chest tightened and I started coughing horribly as I tried to air the bag out in front of our Dyson purifying fan. I'm going to have to send it to the spa if home remedies (baking soda, tea bags, dryer sheets) already suggested on the forum doesn't work for me.
I know I can't really do anything else at this point but it is really frustrating when it happens. I just want to share my first experience of buying from an Hermès reseller here since DH and my other girlfriends don't really get the highs and lows of Hermès (or any) bag collecting. It was honestly a lot more work than buying from the store and I would happily keep cultivating my relationship with my SA since it feels more genuine and less stressful, although eventually getting the bag takes time. I'd love to listen to your incredulous buying stories and commiserate together!