Hermes spa pricing

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#346
I've went through this thread and I have a couple of questions:

1) Is there a reason why people are so surprised at the Hermes Spa prices? They sell weird-looking bag charm horses for $400.

2) Based on the pricing, and the fact that Hermes doesn't touch the interior of bags, would you not rather go to a third party leather spa? I'm only asking this for truly pre-loved bags. While I understand that Hermes Spa won't service a bag if it's been serviced by a third-party spa, maybe it doesn't matter after a while. I'm asking because I'm considering a few bags and wondering if I should send them to the Hermes Spa or a third-party place, but it just seems the Hermes Spa is too long, too expensive, and doesn't even do everything.

Thoughts?
 
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#347
JazzyMac said:
I've went through this thread and I have a couple of questions:

1) Is there a reason why people are so surprised at the Hermes Spa prices? They sell weird-looking bag charm horses for $400.

2) Based on the pricing, and the fact that Hermes doesn't touch the interior of bags, would you not rather go to a third party leather spa? I'm only asking this for truly pre-loved bags. While I understand that Hermes Spa won't service a bag if it's been serviced by a third-party spa, maybe it doesn't matter after a while. I'm asking because I'm considering a few bags and wondering if I should send them to the Hermes Spa or a third-party place, but it just seems the Hermes Spa is too long, too expensive, and doesn't even do everything.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I think if there is surprise about the cost, it is more about the variability of prices for repairs. Some seemingly small things may cost more than expected, some seeming large transformations often cost way less than expected. Since it's not always predictable how much it will cost, it is nice have a reference thread to get an idea. It's also helpful to read here whether H spa estimates were accurate or not when the bill is given.
The second question is really subjective and depends on the bag and the person. When you spend $10,000+ on a bag you expect that it will last for many years, so it is reassuring to know that whatever happens, H spa can help to restore your bag. I think about going to H spa instead of a generic leather spa like paying a little extra for an insurance policy. I think that for simple leather refurbishment other leather spas might do a fine job, but then what would you do when you have a problem with your hardware and H spa will not touch your bag? Would you replace your H hardware with non-H hardware? Then you don't really have the same bag anymore. What if your leather is hard to match? H is the best place to help you. What if you damage your strap, how can it be replaced other than by H?
If I understand your post correctly, you are considering some pre-owned bags that need some work, and are wondering what you should do. If the work can be done by H for a reasonable price, then I would absolutely do that. Consider it as maintaining your insurance policy on your bag.
If it is not possible to send it to H spa; such as the bag has been worked on by someone else, H will not do the spa service that needs to be done such as dirty interior, the price is too high at H spa, I would consider sending it to another leather spa in certain circumstances. First, the price is low enough so you feel you will get your money's worth no matter what happens in the future (hardware damage, etc). Second, it is a common leather that can be fixed well by another leather shop.
For example, if I bought an Evelyne and H spa was charging too much, I think it would be fine to send it to any leather spa because at the price point of that bag I would feel I got my "money's worth" out of the bag after a few years, also there is not much hardware to worry about for the future, and it is a casual bag so an non-Hermes strap would be OK if needed in the future.
However, if I was buying a Birkin, Kelly or a handful of others, I would only take it to H spa because for the price point I would want to get many years of use out of it and I would not want to worry about what to do if the hardware tarnished or the strap/handle was damaged.
 
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#348
I recently purchased my first pre-loved Birkin in Dubai and took it to the Hermes boutique to be sent to the bag spa, from the United Arab Emirates this takes approximately 5 months and costs 300 GBP. I think it is worth looking after our investments and giving them the TLC they deserve, I am now pushing the husband for a Kelly to add to the collection!
 
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#349
JazzyMac said:
I've went through this thread and I have a couple of questions:

1) Is there a reason why people are so surprised at the Hermes Spa prices? They sell weird-looking bag charm horses for $400.

2) Based on the pricing, and the fact that Hermes doesn't touch the interior of bags, would you not rather go to a third party leather spa? I'm only asking this for truly pre-loved bags. While I understand that Hermes Spa won't service a bag if it's been serviced by a third-party spa, maybe it doesn't matter after a while. I'm asking because I'm considering a few bags and wondering if I should send them to the Hermes Spa or a third-party place, but it just seems the Hermes Spa is too long, too expensive, and doesn't even do everything.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

For me, I buy Hermès for the craftsmanship and the materials, so I'm not going to have my bags serviced by a third-party. Ago or Leather Surgeons is not going to know how to clean Barenia or match the color of Rouge H, not like Hermès will. Certainly at the point that a major repair is needed - I can't expect anyone else to do a saddle stitch, make a Kelly handle, change out the hardware, or even re-resin a bag - so spa is worth it to me. Also, abnormal wear/tear, like stitches coming loose in a bag that's only a few years old, usually gets repaired gratis, which wouldn't be the case with a third party. Finally I don't find Leather Surgeons et al to be that much less expensive.

I was told by a craftsman that H doesn't service bag interiors because people are so careless with the inside of bags that they often can't make a real change - the interior is too far gone - and that doing interiors means people bring in bags full of soup and other yucky things. I don't blame them for that. From my experience, they WILL re-line a bag if the lining is completely gone - it's cleaning of the inside that can't be done. Maybe someone who's had a full piece of leather replaced can chime in there, as certainly that would require some kind of rebuilding of the lining.
 
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#350
QuelleFromage said:
....I was told by a craftsman that H doesn't service bag interiors because people are so careless with the inside of bags that they often can't make a real change - the interior is too far gone - and that doing interiors means people bring in bags full of soup and other yucky things. I don't blame them for that....
Click to expand...

Lol! Like dead frogs and frozen mice. :angel:

nicole0612 said:
...I think that for simple leather refurbishment other leather spas might do a fine job, but then what would you do when you have a problem with your hardware and H spa will not touch your bag? Would you replace your H hardware with non-H hardware? Then you don't really have the same bag anymore. What if your leather is hard to match? H is the best place to help you. What if you damage your strap, how can it be replaced other than by H?...
Click to expand...

Good point.
 
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#351
nicole0612 said:
I think if there is surprise about the cost, it is more about the variability of prices for repairs. Some seemingly small things may cost more than expected, some seeming large transformations often cost way less than expected. Since it's not always predictable how much it will cost, it is nice have a reference thread to get an idea. It's also helpful to read here whether H spa estimates were accurate or not when the bill is given.
The second question is really subjective and depends on the bag and the person. When you spend $10,000+ on a bag you expect that it will last for many years, so it is reassuring to know that whatever happens, H spa can help to restore your bag. I think about going to H spa instead of a generic leather spa like paying a little extra for an insurance policy. I think that for simple leather refurbishment other leather spas might do a fine job, but then what would you do when you have a problem with your hardware and H spa will not touch your bag? Would you replace your H hardware with non-H hardware? Then you don't really have the same bag anymore. What if your leather is hard to match? H is the best place to help you. What if you damage your strap, how can it be replaced other than by H?
If I understand your post correctly, you are considering some pre-owned bags that need some work, and are wondering what you should do. If the work can be done by H for a reasonable price, then I would absolutely do that. Consider it as maintaining your insurance policy on your bag.
If it is not possible to send it to H spa; such as the bag has been worked on by someone else, H will not do the spa service that needs to be done such as dirty interior, the price is too high at H spa, I would consider sending it to another leather spa in certain circumstances. First, the price is low enough so you feel you will get your money's worth no matter what happens in the future (hardware damage, etc). Second, it is a common leather that can be fixed well by another leather shop.
For example, if I bought an Evelyne and H spa was charging too much, I think it would be fine to send it to any leather spa because at the price point of that bag I would feel I got my "money's worth" out of the bag after a few years, also there is not much hardware to worry about for the future, and it is a casual bag so an non-Hermes strap would be OK if needed in the future.
However, if I was buying a Birkin, Kelly or a handful of others, I would only take it to H spa because for the price point I would want to get many years of use out of it and I would not want to worry about what to do if the hardware tarnished or the strap/handle was damaged.
Click to expand...
Excellent summary. :smile:
 
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#352
last month i took two bags for spa in Paris - within 4 days i received an email that both my bags were ready. i was very impressed. they fixed my swift kelly that had surface cuts on the leather from being dropped on gravel road 5 years ago....wish i had taken a before and after picture! i didn't think they can fix it such that the cut is no longer visible...thought they would just colour it over whilst the cuts will still be visible to my eye at least... my local craftsperson told me she couldn't fix it five years ago... i am so glad i decided to take my bags to FSH for cleaning and repairs. a standard clean and polish for regular leather is €225 and €320 for exotic.
 
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#353
Hi jazzyMac, good questions regarding H refurbishing pricing.... I can only commment that Chanel charges equally or more on a much smaller size handbag nowadays compared to just few years ago...Chanel has also double its refurbishing pricing :frown: and not doing a lot of good things like providing a new dustbag etc. etc..

I think its because of higher demand from the reseller market nowadays when the "lower" pricing was initially provided as part of customer service to its original purchasers. Obviously H is realizing a new business opportunity/ category within the company.

Regarding 3rd party, I know Chanel uses leather surgeon to refurbish their handbags, by going direct I don't think you can save much (they all know the current market demands and how much they can charge) but you may not have the same guarantee if there is a problem. Something worth to consider....

Other than the professionals, I would not recommend having a local cobbler to do the repair job.




JazzyMac said:
I've went through this thread and I have a couple of questions:

1) Is there a reason why people are so surprised at the Hermes Spa prices? They sell weird-looking bag charm horses for $400.

2) Based on the pricing, and the fact that Hermes doesn't touch the interior of bags, would you not rather go to a third party leather spa? I'm only asking this for truly pre-loved bags. While I understand that Hermes Spa won't service a bag if it's been serviced by a third-party spa, maybe it doesn't matter after a while. I'm asking because I'm considering a few bags and wondering if I should send them to the Hermes Spa or a third-party place, but it just seems the Hermes Spa is too long, too expensive, and doesn't even do everything.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
 
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#354
QuelleFromage said:
For me, I buy Hermès for the craftsmanship and the materials, so I'm not going to have my bags serviced by a third-party. Ago or Leather Surgeons is not going to know how to clean Barenia or match the color of Rouge H, not like Hermès will. Certainly at the point that a major repair is needed - I can't expect anyone else to do a saddle stitch, make a Kelly handle, change out the hardware, or even re-resin a bag - so spa is worth it to me. Also, abnormal wear/tear, like stitches coming loose in a bag that's only a few years old, usually gets repaired gratis, which wouldn't be the case with a third party. Finally I don't find Leather Surgeons et al to be that much less expensive.

I was told by a craftsman that H doesn't service bag interiors because people are so careless with the inside of bags that they often can't make a real change - the interior is too far gone - and that doing interiors means people bring in bags full of soup and other yucky things. I don't blame them for that. From my experience, they WILL re-line a bag if the lining is completely gone - it's cleaning of the inside that can't be done. Maybe someone who's had a full piece of leather replaced can chime in there, as certainly that would require some kind of rebuilding of the lining.
Click to expand...

Hi, QF! :wave:

Funny story: My SA actually thinks one of her clients may be the reason why H won't clean bag interiors. She told me a story about a client years ago who brought her B in because her dog had peed in the bag. Aparently, shortly after that, the word came down that Spa would no longer be cleaning interiors. My SA said she'll never know for sure, but the timing was close enough to make her think it couldn't be coincidence. :lol:
 
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#356
catsinthebag said:
Hi, QF! :wave:

Funny story: My SA actually thinks one of her clients may be the reason why H won't clean bag interiors. She told me a story about a client years ago who brought her B in because her dog had peed in the bag. Aparently, shortly after that, the word came down that Spa would no longer be cleaning interiors. My SA said she'll never know for sure, but the timing was close enough to make her think it couldn't be coincidence. :lol:
Click to expand...
This is exactly what I would have thought happened. That or a bag was involved in any of many scenes in "Very Bad Things" or "The Hangover".
 
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#360
Hello all!

I purchased a preloved Hermes Kelly 40cm in mykonos from a reseller and while i was about to use it today for dinner out with friends, I realized that the zipper pull came off. I still have the pieces that fell out and will more likely have to take it to Hermes. Do you know what the cost of putting back the zipper pull on the inside of the bag will cost?

Thanks!
 
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