Hermes Repair/Refurbish policy - Official Spa Thread

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@scriptofthebridge there are some excellent suggestions here - it would be useful to post a full photo to see the bag better. I rather like the bag as it is. The split may well eventually increase over time, (possibly years!) in which case it would be worth taking it to Hermes directly to replace. The Kelly handle construction is one of the most difficult (and expensive !) parts to replicate, if not done well it could look really awful, and if its not done by Hermes that's the end of that. As @WhiteBus said Hermes artisans cherish older bags and take pride working on them. If this were mine I would use it as it is for a little while (you can always add a twill to reinforce the handle itemporarily) and just get the feel of it if it works with my aesthetic/lifestyle.
whatever you decide keep us posted - is always nice to read the follow up.
 
Perhaps you will be able to be more objective in a day or so.
By your own admission you cannot see that damage in the first pictures you took.
Nor does it seem that the lady in the consignment store knows the exact nature of what is wrong.
I would describe the damage more accurately as split rather than ripped.
Although 1k is a considerable amount of money and not to be thrown away, it is neither here nor there in the pricing of vintage Kellys or Birkins.

Unless you can see that the damage was deliberately concealed or camouflaged, I don't think you have much of a leg to stand on.
If the bag is otherwise sound, look upon it as a lovely bag that will need some repair in the future.
It looks as if you can still use it without fear of further damage without it falling to pieces.
You might choose to go down the route of a reputable repairer. If you do, consider why it might not be better to pay a little extra a let Hermes deal with it in the expectation that it will be a bag for a lifetime. It is well documented that Hermes artisans value the opportunity to work on vintage bags.

I can appreciate your disappointment, anger and frustration, but please do not act in haste only to regret your actions.
Well, I didn't see the tear, but I can see now in my old photos that there was already some weakness and lifting - I just wouldn't have predicted it was any deeper than the surface. And I guess from using it just two or three times, I put enough strain on the weak area that it tore. So I feel dumb for overlooking it I guess. But I'm not exactly a specialist in vintage Hermes leather, whereas the owner is.

Like I am frustrated because the woman is quite experienced and I would think she inspected it more closely before pricing it the same as a better-condition bag. It's not like I'm going to raise issues though, I agree I have no leg to stand on... I'm just not going to shop there anymore, which I think is perfectly fair. Just disappointed because it's a cool local vintage shop..

Should I be worried about the leather splitting more with use though? that little broken piece is like a flap / like a hangnail if that makes sense. I'm just worried the rip will get deeper.
One of my additional concerns is that I have no idea if it's had work done on it before, and I'll be even more frustrated if H sends it back to me after 6 months saying they can't help lol.
Just my opinion (and normally I'd suggest taking it to H for any repairs), but if the leather on the main body of the bag is at all cracked I'd go with handle replacement with mademoiselle M atelier in this instance.
Only because I did a similar thing, bought a vintage bag and sent it to H, had replacement handle, hardware, you name it, but ultimately the body of the bag wasn't in that great a condition. I ended up spending a lot then selling it at a big loss when I realised my error.
If you can get the handle replaced at a reasonable price and are happy to use the bag as is after that then that may be a better option than throwing good money after bad. Not that that's necessarily the case here, the rest may be in great condition in which case I'd definitely get Hermes to repair it!

I'd check with mademoiselle M atelier though if she can do other work further down the line should it be required. ie. I'm not sure what would happen if it needed a new turnlock?
I used to be an SA in a particular well known luxury camera company and similarly we could also send items out to HQ in Europe for repair regardless of where they were purchased, and sometimes we'd just advise customers to go to a third party because HQ would take forever, cost a lot, and often not be worth if for antique models (like there are third party specialists who are more knowledgeable than corporate repair regarding discontinued analog bodies, and sometimes HQ would just take months to process and ultimately say "there's nothing we can do," or do very minimal fixes for a very high cost).
Though I guess in our case there wasn't a strict policy that if you had any outside work done, they'd refuse to work on it in the future, which feels like a big psychological barrier... so it was an easier decision.
I'm considering Mlle. M because of the fact that she was actually a Hermes artisan. And yes, that's what I'm kind of worried about - sinking a lot of money into the repair, but not feeling like it was worth it in the end. Though I don't plan on selling mine

Thank you both though I can see there are pluses and minuses to either approach. I'll just think about it more.
 
Hi, wondering if anyone has experience getting Kelly handle replaced by mademoiselle M atelier. I did a phrase search and a few hits came up in this thread.

Unfortunately the bottom of my new-old 1976 Kelly's handle has ripped a bit.

I don't want to return it to the consignment shop... I'm not sure if they'd take it back either, because I looked at the many photos I took of the bag when I first brought it home, and it seems like the rip wasn't there (certainly the leather was already degrading and I can see some lifting, but I didn't notice any tear). I've used it maybe 2-3 times and I'm guessing the rip happened in my possession. Also honestly I don't want to make a fuss with the shop because I like that place...
I bought it for just under 5k. Which was too much now I see :sad:

ANYWAYS she said they could replace the handle, would be half the price of H (I see it usually is over 1.1k, plus the time)
I know obviously if I get it repaired by a third party I can never send it to H, but if Mlle. M does a good job, I think it'd be worth it?
I wasn't planning on getting it refurbished or anything but if I do send it to her, I might ask for additional services.

Just wondering if anyone has had this particular thing done by Mlle. M. or what call you'd make in this situation.

Thanks in advance

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I would have it done at Hermes, for a job that cost 500/700 euro less than H atelier, you will have a decrease in value of the bag. Not worth IMO, and a new handle will last for the next 40 years.
 
I understand why you would not want to use the same outlet again;
I would feel pretty much the same.
If you are near enough to Hermes, I would take it there first.
There would be no obligation and you would get a good assessment.
If your nearest Hermes does not have an in house artisan you might be faced with having to wait a while. Nonetheless I do believe you should look at an Hermes bag as an item for long-term ownership. Try to see a wait in the context of the wider scheme of things.
 
@scriptofthebridge weighing in on this..
By the looks of it your bag pre-dates the additional rings added to the handle for shoulder carry, and yet it has a shoulder strap attached.
I suspect this damage has been caused over time by the strap attachment rubbing against the leather (The rings were added to stop this occurring) It could be that this area was certainly slightly weakened in advance of you buying it and you carrying it around with 'stuff' in it has caused this split to occur.
Were you carrying it the 'fashionable' way with the flap open because if so this would have put more stress on the bag.
FWIW I have a Kelly in MUCH worse condition than yours with a similar split on that area I've never bothered to fix it because unlike yours the body of my bag is in much worse condition and it just isn't worth spending the money on it (especially as I brought in the 1990's for £250!) In fact Hermes actually told me that it wasn't worth spending money on a new handle confirming what I suspected.
I've had my bag years, the handle is still attached.
I dont carry much in it usually but if I do want to carry more I attach a twilly type wrap around the handle and attach it to the ring to reinforce it and add support.
I hope this makes sense!
Your bag is beautiful and tbh I've seen bags in worse condition (much worse) go for more.
It won't fall apart (mine hasn't and its a hot mess!!!) and dont get too sad over it..the problem is fixable at least.
 
Well, I didn't see the tear, but I can see now in my old photos that there was already some weakness and lifting - I just wouldn't have predicted it was any deeper than the surface. And I guess from using it just two or three times, I put enough strain on the weak area that it tore. So I feel dumb for overlooking it I guess. But I'm not exactly a specialist in vintage Hermes leather, whereas the owner is.

Like I am frustrated because the woman is quite experienced and I would think she inspected it more closely before pricing it the same as a better-condition bag. It's not like I'm going to raise issues though, I agree I have no leg to stand on... I'm just not going to shop there anymore, which I think is perfectly fair. Just disappointed because it's a cool local vintage shop..

Should I be worried about the leather splitting more with use though? that little broken piece is like a flap / like a hangnail if that makes sense. I'm just worried the rip will get deeper.
One of my additional concerns is that I have no idea if it's had work done on it before, and I'll be even more frustrated if H sends it back to me after 6 months saying they can't help lol.

I used to be an SA in a particular well known luxury camera company and similarly we could also send items out to HQ in Europe for repair regardless of where they were purchased, and sometimes we'd just advise customers to go to a third party because HQ would take forever, cost a lot, and often not be worth if for antique models (like there are third party specialists who are more knowledgeable than corporate repair regarding discontinued analog bodies, and sometimes HQ would just take months to process and ultimately say "there's nothing we can do," or do very minimal fixes for a very high cost).
Though I guess in our case there wasn't a strict policy that if you had any outside work done, they'd refuse to work on it in the future, which feels like a big psychological barrier... so it was an easier decision.
I'm considering Mlle. M because of the fact that she was actually a Hermes artisan. And yes, that's what I'm kind of worried about - sinking a lot of money into the repair, but not feeling like it was worth it in the end. Though I don't plan on selling mine

Thank you both though I can see there are pluses and minuses to either approach. I'll just think about it more.
How about sending pictures to Mademoiselle Atelier and ask what her opinion is? She may be able to repair the handle without changing it. It seems like the tear is because the edging and stitching came off. She may be able to fix it and it wouldn’t be as expensive as a new handle.
It’s not totally coming off nor destroyed. Maybe even H could fix it but it may be more expensive? Not sure. If you don’t want to sell, just ask Mademoiselle her opinion.
 
How about sending pictures to Mademoiselle Atelier and ask what her opinion is? She may be able to repair the handle without changing it. It seems like the tear is because the edging and stitching came off. She may be able to fix it and it wouldn’t be as expensive as a new handle.
It’s not totally coming off nor destroyed. Maybe even H could fix it but it may be more expensive? Not sure. If you don’t want to sell, just ask Mademoiselle her opinion.
I emailed pic to Mlle M an she gave me a quote for handle replacement so that seems to be her verdict.
@scriptofthebridge weighing in on this..
By the looks of it your bag pre-dates the additional rings added to the handle for shoulder carry, and yet it has a shoulder strap attached.
I suspect this damage has been caused over time by the strap attachment rubbing against the leather (The rings were added to stop this occurring) It could be that this area was certainly slightly weakened in advance of you buying it and you carrying it around with 'stuff' in it has caused this split to occur.
Were you carrying it the 'fashionable' way with the flap open because if so this would have put more stress on the bag.
FWIW I have a Kelly in MUCH worse condition than yours with a similar split on that area I've never bothered to fix it because unlike yours the body of my bag is in much worse condition and it just isn't worth spending the money on it (especially as I brought in the 1990's for £250!) In fact Hermes actually told me that it wasn't worth spending money on a new handle confirming what I suspected.
I've had my bag years, the handle is still attached.
I dont carry much in it usually but if I do want to carry more I attach a twilly type wrap around the handle and attach it to the ring to reinforce it and add support.
I hope this makes sense!
Your bag is beautiful and tbh I've seen bags in worse condition (much worse) go for more.
It won't fall apart (mine hasn't and its a hot mess!!!) and dont get too sad over it..the problem is fixable at least.
Thanks! I didn't carry it for very long - I've only had it for a week. I may have carried it opened sometimes if I was grabbing something, though I tried to keep it closed most of the time. But I'm sure that because it was weak already I was "the straw that broke the camel's back." I agree about the shoulder strap rubbing on it too.
Thank you though! I would like to keep using it, removing the shoulder straps.
Just don't want to be out in public and the handle comes right off or something haha. The body is in good condition. Which is also why I guess I overlooked inspecting that part of the handle, because overall it looked great for its age.
Stepping back I know it's not a huge deal, but it's just a bummer that I might not have my bag for months, and I've had a rough year so this was like my happiest acquisition lol :(
 
I emailed pic to Mlle M an she gave me a quote for handle replacement so that seems to be her verdict.

Thanks! I didn't carry it for very long - I've only had it for a week. I may have carried it opened sometimes if I was grabbing something, though I tried to keep it closed most of the time. But I'm sure that because it was weak already I was "the straw that broke the camel's back." I agree about the shoulder strap rubbing on it too.
Thank you though! I would like to keep using it, removing the shoulder straps.
Just don't want to be out in public and the handle comes right off or something haha. The body is in good condition. Which is also why I guess I overlooked inspecting that part of the handle, because overall it looked great for its age.
Stepping back I know it's not a huge deal, but it's just a bummer that I might not have my bag for months, and I've had a rough year so this was like my happiest acquisition lol :sad:
I am so sorry to hear!
I think you could still try to find a good cobbler (if H can’t do it) to fix it without changing the handle.
You managed to get a good deal for a gorgeous bag of which the body is in good condition so might as well try to repair it.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. You obviously love the bag so it’s the most important thing!
 
I'd get a quote from Hermès to stitch the handle before going to anyone external. Sometimes they are gentler with pricing for vintages. Also, a store with a craftsperson can do a stitch repair but a full handle replacement usually goes to Paris.
If not, Mlle. M seems a good option, but I'd hate giving up the future ability to take the bag to H.

On no planet would I take a Kelly to a cobbler (that includes the famous ones that work on bags).

I would take my opinion of the consignment place to Yelp or your local equivalent :smile:

ETA: FWIW, a Rouge H Box Kelly is a forever bag and can never be a mistake. Mine might be my most treasured bag.
 
Hi everyone, I am interested in purchasing a Kelly 28. The bag that I would like to purchase appears to have some structure wear and corner wear. Is this something that the Hermes Spa can repair?

Also, I haven't found an SA that I've formed a good relationship with yet, can I take it to the spa without using an SA? How do I even make an appointment at the spa without an SA, do I need an appointment? This would be for either the Palo Alto or San Francisco store.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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I would recommend you visit the San Francisco store as they have a repair master in house (basement level). I had purchased a toile garden party and noticed some spots on the canvas part, and he was able to clean it during the time i was shopping in store.

I would think, if he's in, your SA can take your bag to have him exam and he should be able to let you know if that's something he can fix which will be a lot faster instead of sending to France.
 
I would recommend you visit the San Francisco store as they have a repair master in house (basement level). I had purchased a toile garden party and noticed some spots on the canvas part, and he was able to clean it during the time i was shopping in store.

I would think, if he's in, your SA can take your bag to have him exam and he should be able to let you know if that's something he can fix which will be a lot faster instead of sending to France.
I'm not in the Bay Area and was able to walk into H and ask to speak to some one in after sales. They were able to accommodate me that day without a wait.
 
If you are near enough to Hermes, I would take it there first.
There would be no obligation and you would get a good assessment.
Agree
By the looks of it your bag pre-dates the additional rings added to the handle for shoulder carry, and yet it has a shoulder strap attached.
I suspect this damage has been caused over time by the strap attachment rubbing against the leather
Agree
I might not have my bag for months, and I've had a rough year so this was like my happiest acquisition lol
I am so sorry @scriptofthebridge. i had the handle and sangliers replaced by H Spa on my first 1985 BBK28 kelly 15 years ago. It turned out perfectly. The bag was beautiful, but I ended up rehoming the bag for two reasons. I felt at the time that GHW was not for me, and I also wanted additional rings for shoulder carry. I did get enough of a deal that it wasn’t such an issue. I don’t think it would hurt to get an H estimate, but I also don’t think it would be the end of the world to find out about a third party professional repair. At the end of the day, it’s about you and the enjoyment of your first H bag. I do feel that single ring kelly bags are best held by the hand, and I no longer am tempted by deals that are not structurally sound ( I examine the state of the leather including the entire sanglier for cracking, and I also check the shoulder pads and where the handle attaches. I believe though that if you got a great deal, please continue to enjoy your bag. a twilly wrapped around the handle and ring can help if you still want to carry it with a shoulder strap. And, you can also consult @docride Lazarus thread for other suggestions. She can also inform re state of the leather and other revommendations. https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...read-can-this-hermes-be-saved.972522/page-100 Please do update with your decision or progress and best of luck :smile: I am one of those here that love fixer upper bags and welcome patina and other signs of age :smile:

ETA: I also bought a significantly older peau porc kelly 28 that was structurally sound with impeccable craftsmanship and beautiful patina from Luxury Zurich. However, I was warned that the kelly, while sound, would not take the same rough and tumble usage (or weight of items) and it was priced accordingly.
 
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