I just want a Birkin

[pinay_pie]

For the longest time, I didn't care about owning an Hermes bag but don't know why I had an epiphany, suddenly I thought maybe a Birkin isn't such a bad idea after all much to my husband's chagrin. So I started doing research - ugh, depressing - "need a spending history", waitlist for years, must have relationship with an SA, etc. I want a brand new, 30 or 35. But won't pay double or triple the retail price. My conscience wouldn't let me do that. I'm planning to go to Europe in the fall, should I try my luck over there? But I should probably expect it's not going to happen even if I try in Paris or wherever we land in Europe. So what's my other option? Or should I just forget about Birkin unless I'm willing to shell out more for a preloved? Should I keep trying at my local Hermes stores or anywhere in the states, if I'm traveling to a city that has a store?

 

[acrowcounted]

For the longest time, I didn't care about owning an Hermes bag but don't know why I had an epiphany, suddenly I thought maybe a Birkin isn't such a bad idea after all much to my husband's chagrin. So I started doing research - ugh, depressing - "need a spending history", waitlist for years, must have relationship with an SA, etc. I want a brand new, 30 or 35. But won't pay double or triple the retail price. My conscience wouldn't let me do that. I'm planning to go to Europe in the fall, should I try my luck over there? But I should probably expect it's not going to happen even if I try in Paris or wherever we land in Europe. So what's my other option? Or should I just forget about Birkin unless I'm willing to shell out more for a preloved? Should I keep trying at my local Hermes stores or anywhere in the states, if I'm traveling to a city that has a store?

Your realistic options are:
1) pick a home store in the states, go in and meet an SA, shop with only that SA at that store repeatedly until you create a pleasant relationship based on making purchases and appreciating the brand until one day (likely several months after meeting) you recieve an offer (likely after buying at least $10-20k in other items.)
2) buy resale at the inflated price.
3) try Paris but try to emotionally prepare yourself for somewhere around a 5% success rate.
4) forget about a Birkin.
Good luck!

 

[cindy05]

You can either pre-spend 1.5-2 times the ratio of the bag before being offered one in a random color, size and hardware--not of your choosing. Or, pay a few thousand to buy from a reseller and get exactly the specs that you're looking for without the wait or spend. I've seen brand new B30s go for mid $18k. But if you yearn for hard to get colors such as gold or black, then you'd have to spend more both at the store or from a reseller.

 

[FaubourgTropical]

I was you two years ago and wrote the exact same questions (minus the Europe bits). I didn’t really want to go to reseller as I have enormous fear of getting fakes (even with authentication). The members here laid out the options as above and I decided that store is the way to go for two reasons:
- authenticity
- spending the reseller 'premium' on things I can use from Hermes. Not easy as I do not like their RTW (cut weirdly and busy), homeware (no foodie would use those plates to showcase food), jewelleries, scarves (I only wear traditional Indonesian cloth as scarves). So my go to are shoes and card holders.

But Hermes has a way of drawing me in. Recently, I found out I have room in my wardrobe for a few of their scarves and apparently, I really love the quality of their bags. So I am in the process of changing all of my bag needs with Hermes bags. Slooooowly, I must say.

Point is, try the store. You might surprise yourself. If you don’t have time or wish to explore, then unfortunately reseller is your only choice. There’s no magic solution for Hermes.

 

[jellyv]

For the longest time, I didn't care about owning an Hermes bag but don't know why I had an epiphany, suddenly

I want a brand new, 30 or 35.

Have you ever held a bag like the Birkin you think you want? Do you know about how it might function for you? Do you plan to spend 5 figures sight unseen? I have the sense that this is entirely remote visual "shopping," which can lead to ideas about wants versus connection to your actual needs and practicalities.

Also, aside from the usual sources you know already, what other info did you think anyone here could provide? Ultimately you pick your poison, so to speak.

For me, number absolute 1 is authenticity. There are many bags for sale and many fewer of those are authentic.
Be extremely careful.

 

[lill_canele]

Just my opinion.

As a person who does not have a high buying history with Hermes but buys only what I like and enjoy the service, craftsmanship, and quality that Hermes has to offer, I feel that you're going to stress yourself out if you're limiting yourself with this sort of thought process.

There's nothing wrong with just wanting a birkin and not being interested in any else. There are many people who just want a birkin as well and they just buy pre-loved or go to a reseller, because paying a premium for a birkin is worth it to them to not go through the "hassle" of having a spending history, developing a relationship with an SA, and waiting patiently for an offer.

I have never been offered a quota bag, and I'm okay with that. TBH, I don't really expect to be offered anytime soon. I just know that it will come when the time is right.

If you're not in a hurry, maybe think about what is your priority and what's worth it to you?

And of course, there are those lucky instances of going into a store, or going to France, and being offered one that day. I wouldn't count on it, but it happens!

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

For the longest time, I didn't care about owning an Hermes bag but don't know why I had an epiphany, suddenly I thought maybe a Birkin isn't such a bad idea after all much to my husband's chagrin. So I started doing research - ugh, depressing - "need a spending history", waitlist for years, must have relationship with an SA, etc. I want a brand new, 30 or 35. But won't pay double or triple the retail price. My conscience wouldn't let me do that. I'm planning to go to Europe in the fall, should I try my luck over there? But I should probably expect it's not going to happen even if I try in Paris or wherever we land in Europe. So what's my other option? Or should I just forget about Birkin unless I'm willing to shell out more for a preloved? Should I keep trying at my local Hermes stores or anywhere in the states, if I'm traveling to a city that has a store?

Why do you want a Birkin?
Do you usually gravitate towards Hand-held totes?
Do you love and use a YSL Sac dejour? Mulberry Bayswater? Chloe Edith? Celine Luggage?
I mention these particular bags because Like the Birkin they are short handled Tote style bags-if this is a style that works for you and your needs great.
Bear in mind Birkins are heavy-even with nothing in.
I ask WHY you want a Birkin because (and I'm not criticising you or anyone else here) due to social media Birkin's have become a 'must have' thing.
Its a big financial commitment whichever way you buy your Birkin (reseller, pre-owned or via Boutique).
So DO ask yourself IS it the bag for you?
Or are you being caught up in the hype?
If after asking yourself these questions and its still a yes,do your research as to colour, leather, hardware.
Is a 30 or 35 the right size for you and your needs.
Good luck

 

[880]

Have you ever held a bag like the Birkin you think you want? Do you know about how it might function for you? Do you plan to spend 5 figures sight unseen? I have the sense that this is entirely remote visual "shopping," which can lead to ideas about wants versus connection to your actual needs and practicalities.

Also, aside from the usual sources you know already, what other info did you think anyone here could provide? Ultimately you pick your poison, so to speak.

+1000

I agree with @maxroxxherhandbags re the why and the handheld and heavy lifestyle part.

currently Paris Lottery is the only way to get a NIB retail price Birkin 30 or 35 without prespend of any kind. and there is no guarantee.

By recent estimate on that thread lottery is 33,000 applications for three stores. The members who cajole their way in are really the exception, not the norm.

The reseller premium is designed to reflect the cost of pre spend and time invested in an SA relationship.

ETA: IMO only, there is no waitlist for years (except perhaps a wishlist in the UK, IDK) without a relationship or prespend
Post Covid, if an SA tells you the waitlist is two years or more, she means really not likely, no.
Other members are free to disagree with me of course.

 

[Israeli_Flava]

Your realistic options are:
1) pick a home store in the states, go in and meet an SA, shop with only that SA at that store repeatedly until you create a pleasant relationship based on making purchases and appreciating the brand until one day (likely several months after meeting) you recieve an offer (likely after buying at least $10-20k in other items.)
2) buy resale at the inflated price.
3) try Paris but try to emotionally prepare yourself for somewhere around a 5% success rate.
4) forget about a Birkin.
Good luck!

THIS! 1000000%

 

[tonkamama]

Sounds like you are only interesting in Birkin, nothing wrong with just wanting a Birkin, if it makes you happy then go for it, my suggestions are….

1) first, try your luck in Europe including Pairs, exploring other H items while you can and see if you like any of those other items.

2) then, search resale sites for deals. Perhaps considering a bigger size Birkin like B35 which is more reasonable in pricing. IMO, this is the most simplify way to obtain a Birkin if that’s all you want.

3) don’t find anything from resale sites, then start building connection and purchase profiles with your local Hermes SA, be prepared to buy some “other” items you tried and liked from visiting Europe Hermes boutiques which may includes accessories, silks, China and RTW etc.. There isn’t a set rule for the purchase ratios unfortunately, it all falls under the location of your home boutique, stock levels and relationship.

Good luck dear.

 

[leechiyong]

I highly recommend reviewing the content available here:

The Newbie's HOW DO I GET A BIRKIN (or other bag) Reading Room

2020 Note from yours truly: Welcome to the Reading Room. This is an ancient artifact from the early days of the Purse Forum. Many things have changed at Hermès since this list was complied. I have tried to update it (September 2020) but I have also left some of the older threads because there...

forum.purseblog.com

 

[pinay_pie]

Why do you want a Birkin?
Do you usually gravitate towards Hand-held totes?
Do you love and use a YSL Sac dejour? Mulberry Bayswater? Chloe Edith? Celine Luggage?
I mention these particular bags because Like the Birkin they are short handled Tote style bags-if this is a style that works for you and your needs great.
Bear in mind Birkins are heavy-even with nothing in.
I ask WHY you want a Birkin because (and I'm not criticising you or anyone else here) due to social media Birkin's have become a 'must have' thing.
Its a big financial commitment whichever way you buy your Birkin (reseller, pre-owned or via Boutique).
So DO ask yourself IS it the bag for you?
Or are you being caught up in the hype?
If after asking yourself these questions and its still a yes,do your research as to colour, leather, hardware.
Is a 30 or 35 the right size for you and your needs.
Good luck

Thanks! I've always gravitated towards big bags, especially when traveling or out and about, I like to have all the necessities that my husband, son and dog need. I just turned 50, I thought maybe a Birkin would be a nice birthday present. Lol. Plus, all I'm missing is an Hermes. And the Birkin fits just my preference exactly. At 50, I'm pretty sure I'm way past being caught up in the hype. Haha. We'll see what happens.

 

[pinay_pie]

Sounds like you are only interesting in Birkin, nothing wrong with just wanting a Birkin, if it makes you happy then go for it, my suggestions are….

1) first, try your luck in Europe including Pairs, exploring other H items while you can and see if you like any of those other items.

2) then, search resale sites for deals. Perhaps considering a bigger size Birkin like B35 which is more reasonable in pricing. IMO, this is the most simplify way to obtain a Birkin if that’s all you want.

3) don’t find anything from resale sites, then start building connection and purchase profiles with your local Hermes SA, be prepared to buy some “other” items you tried and liked from visiting Europe Hermes boutiques which may includes accessories, silks, China and RTW etc.. There isn’t a set rule for the purchase ratios unfortunately, it all falls under the location of your home boutique, stock levels and relationship.

Good luck dear.

Thank you!

 

[tonkamama]

Thanks! I've always gravitated towards big bags, especially when traveling or out and about, I like to have all the necessities that my husband, son and dog need. I just turned 50, I thought maybe a Birkin would be a nice birthday present. Lol. Plus, all I'm missing is an Hermes. And the Birkin fits just my preference exactly. At 50, I'm pretty sure I'm way past being caught up in the hype. Haha. We'll see what happens.

happy birthday , actually my very first love with Hermes wasn’t a Birkin, they were a black CDC bracelet, jumping boots and Evelyn PM crossbody bag. I did, managed to get myself my first Birkin to celebrate my life reaching an age milestone on my birthday (please allow me to keep what age I was as a secret ).

 

[fonnas]

Let's be realistic. I don't agree with others that you SHOULD spend at least $10-20k in other items to get offered a bag. I spent about $2-3k in SLGs I wanted. Not to buy just for the sake of buying and quota spending. I was offered a Gold and Black B35 with Gold HW in 6 months after I met my SA for the first time and put in my request. I declined both and waited for the Gris Etain in Palladium HW that I wanted. I was offered the Etain B35 in the specs I wanted 7-10 days later after I declined the Gold and the Black B35. Use me as an example that the spend quota is nothing but baloney. Be loyal to your SA. Get to know him/her personally and magic will happen. FYI for those questioning where I shop, H on Madison Ave in NYC.