I just want a Birkin

[pinay_pie]

There are entire stickied threads devoted to this in the Hermes shopping subforum

Try Anns Fabulous Finds; Fashionphile; yoogis closet in the US
search Japanese resellers for deals (factor in customs and state sales tax; there are threads on this too)
common names are BrandJFA and Let trade; though you have to read condition very carefully

there is also a thread on discuss Japanese resellers; issues with Fashionphile

if you find a fixer upper, and are unsure it’s worth it, there is @docride s Lazarus thread
I engage third party professional spa services; others here stick to H spa. H spa will not spa interiors; bags that are previously worked on; or lighten handles, so that will preclude deals if you limit Aftercare to H.

i personallu would not recommned the Real Real; individuals on eBay; Instagram; or facebook
i don’t recommend Vestiaire, Poshmark, or Tradesy;
i would avoid anyone requiring bank wire transfer or ff t4ansactions

and, I would always authenticate prior to purchase
many here use @bababebi

just remember. If a deal is too good to be true, it is too good to be true

Thank you!

 

[JeanGranger]

Any other Hermes item you like? Scarf, bracelet, wallet, watch, fragrance, ..? Size 30 and 35 may offer to you a lot sooner than 25 cm. GL!

 

[pinay_pie]

Any other Hermes item you like? Scarf, bracelet, wallet, watch, fragrance, ..? Size 30 and 35 may offer to you a lot sooner than 25 cm. GL!

The Evelyne is kind of growing on me. Maybe a scarf. I like scarves. Lol

 

[acrowcounted]

Actually, I thought I wanted a 30 but the more I think about it, the more I would prefer a 35. Like I said we'll see what happens. I'll try without having to spend on stuff I don't want.

That’s great! A size 35 should be much easier. Definitely never buy stuff you don’t want but I would wager that once you start exploring all the nice things H makes (I’m a fan of their shoes and beautifully made small leather goods) you’ll be surprised with how many of them you like. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Classy Collector]

P.S. Their leather shoes are top quality and mostly comfortable if you like shoes.

 

[leechiyong]

The Evelyne is kind of growing on me. Maybe a scarf. I like scarves. Lol

Oh, if you like scarves, it is a dangerous, but beautiful path. Check out the scarf threads here and stop in periodically at your local shop to see what's available (it's better to see the colors in person). I live in a desert climate, but love scarves and always seem to pick up one or two per season. It may take a few years to lead you to a Birkin, but the scarves are a lovely way to go if you're keen on them.

 

[fashiongodess*]

I feel B35 is an easier bag to get as most people are still going for B30 and B25's so you might stand a good chance once you find a nice SA at your local store and spend a little on things you enjoy. It might take some time but atleast you are not worried about authenticity and you still have a relationship with a SA, because as everyone says H is a slippery slope and you do get sucked in

 

[lorihmatthews]

I see you're in San Francisco. I am as well. I met a really nice SA prior to the pandemic and I only buy from her. In July she offered me a Picotin but they aren't my thing. I mentioned to her last week that I'd like to look at Evelynes again. I do expect to move into B/K territory but I'm not in a rush because I bought a condo last fall and that takes priority.

Also note that in the SF store, they purposely do not keep B/K bags out on the floor. My SA told me that they would rather sell those bags to local customers as it's tourist season. The display cases look lonely but that's so people from out of town can't swoop in and buy all the desirable bags.

 

[FlairBear]

I want one too but refuse to pay double retail. I have spent 1.3-1 at home and my friend abouut 2.5 to 1. We are from the Los Angeles/OC area. We were in Paris last week for 5 days but never managed to score an appointment through the lottery system especially when we were in a nearby country. I am assuming (only a guess) the system first checks your IP address to see where you are applying from (when you are trying to reach the form to apply and you put in your info/passport details). We were able to get the form when our plane landed in Paris. We walked in one afternoon after our strikeouts with the lottery system and got only 1 on the spot appointment at the store but were told right off no more Birkins or Kellys or Constances. We were only offered non quota bags during this walk in appointment. Honestly, I don’t like the whole Hermès game. It stresses me out and hasn’t been fun. It has wasted my time lots. In the past few months, I have also just asked a friend of my cousin who may be willing to get me one, since his wife and two daughters are fine right now with the collections they have. They live in Texas. I have been going this route since April. In my ideal/dream situation, I would rather pay European prices (includes vat return which is about 60% of the 20%) which honestly would save me over $3.7kusd then if I were to get it at home with taxes. But yes, failed!

 

[A bottle of Red]

I want one too but refuse to pay double retail. I have spent 1.3-1 at home and my friend abouut 2.5 to 1. We are from the Los Angeles/OC area. We were in Paris last week for 5 days but never managed to score an appointment through the lottery system especially when we were in a nearby country. I am assuming (only a guess) the system first checks your IP address to see where you are applying from (when you are trying to reach the form to apply and you put in your info/passport details). We were able to get the form when our plane landed in Paris. We walked in one afternoon after our strikeouts with the lottery system and got only 1 on the spot appointment at the store but were told right off no more Birkins or Kellys or Constances. We were only offered non quota bags during this walk in appointment. Honestly, I don’t like the whole Hermès game. It stresses me out and hasn’t been fun. It has wasted my time lots. In the past few months, I have also just asked a friend of my cousin who may be willing to get me one, since his wife and two daughters are fine right now with the collections they have. They live in Texas. I have been going this route since April. In my ideal/dream situation, I would rather pay European prices (includes vat return which is about 60% of the 20%) which honestly would save me over $3.7kusd then if I were to get it at home with taxes. But yes, failed!

That's so stressful, i hope your cousin can help you!

 

[A bottle of Red]

This thread is pretty eye opening to read (no strap the weight etc). Also do you ever just feel like the previous poster that it's too stressful & give up?
I feel like that would be hard also- to sink in so much time & money but not get the coveted bag.

 

[papertiger]

As @leechiyong has already stated, 'how can I just buy a Birkin (or Kelly) is a question that more than half newbies want to know and that's why we have this thread:

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

Happy Birthday @weetzie_bat , buying from a trusted reseller with independent paid authentication or getting lucky in Paris are your best 2 options.

Closing the thread now.