Need advice for purchasing my first Birkin (pre-owned)!

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

chevygurlie

chevygurlie

Member
Apr 14, 2013
7
1
#1
ETA: I’m in the US

Hi everyone! I’ve been just a “looker” here for years but this is my first post ever! I own many designer bags (tons of LV, and a few Chanel, Gucci, Prada, etc.) but Hermes has always been at a price point I just couldn’t justify spending even though I’ve always dreamed of owning a Birkin. Recently, I’ve done some thinking and I’ve decided that I’m ready to take the plunge. Money isn’t an issue but I’m really not comfortable spending more than $15k on my first. I don’t have a purchase history with Hermès (mainly because I live 100’s of miles from the closest one) and because I’m pretty particular about what I want, I’ve concluded that pre-owned is probably my best bet. I think I’ve narrowed it down to a togo B35 in either black or etain and I’ve spent the last week scouring IG resellers that have been recommended to me, the Reetzy FB group, and eBay and I’m so overwhelmed. I feel like the big resellers like FP and TRR are pretty high-priced although I like that you can return to FP. It also concerns me that some of the resellers are overseas and I don’t really want to get stuck paying a huge import tax on something I buy. Does anyone have any advice for where to look and how to determine if I’m paying a reasonable price? Or any other first-time buyer advice? I do plan to have whatever I buy authenticated at some point, either before purchasing or after delivery. Please help meeee!
 
Last edited:
#2
Hey, I was in the same spot a few weeks ago when I bought my first pre-owned togo B35 for about $12k. And yes, I also realized that resellers have pretty steep prices :amazed:. However, I wanted to make sure I get a real one so ebay was a no-go. Btw. there are some good and informative videos on the web to learn about how to avoid fakes - albeit nobody can guarantee that 100%. So I looked closely at the pictures trying to verify all I've learned before I jumped the fence. All in all it was not the safe and sound experience buying at Hermès but it turned out nicely.

p.s. I would buy either in the US - you did not indicate that you live here - or Europe where of course there might be some import duties.
 
#4
The bests deals IMO are Japanese resellers (brand jfa and brandoff are two that come to mind) (See thread posted by @papertiger). There was also a recommended resellers list on the H subforum. Heritage saddle leathers can sometimes be refurbished well (darkened handle or suntanning correction) by a professional third party leather specialist. Last year, customs was about 10%; plus applicable state sales tax. I purchased below market deals like 7K USD 30B, black Barenia. Reconditioned leather and brushed Phw, by @docride. IMO, I would not buy from a Facebook group, but YMMV. In addition to authenticate this thread (requests must be formatted as per post #1)there is also paid authentication by @bababebi. I would err on the side of getting any prospective purchase authenticated before you buy. If you are in the US and don’t wish to buy from abroad, I have purchased recently from fashionphile, Ann’s fabulous finds, yoogis closet and @docride.
I am not affiliated with any of the above mentioned parties except as a satisfied customer
 
  • Like
Reactions: coloradolvr, WhiteBus, chevygurlie and 5 others
#6
I'd say buy from Fashionphile. I got my EUC bordeaux togo GHW B35 at 12k from FP 3 months ago and am happy with their description/condition. It is heavy so it would be my only B35. I wouldn't buy from FB sellers. I find some FB sellers asking higher prices than FP and it is final sale. Another good thing about FP is they cover shipping both ways. It gets expensive if you have to cover return shipping to some other online resellers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HeartHermes
#7
I'd say make sure you use a payment option that allows for a full refund by the payment company if it turns out to be fake. Take an unboxing video as proof. And I would avoid import taxes at any costs in case it needs to go back... The Japanese ones are surely the best deals price-wise, but many of those deals are heavily used bags, very soft, slouchy leather, some with a scent of mothballs or other that you might end up not liking. As your budget is fairly high I would also go for a reputable source like Fashionphile and then have it authenticated by bababebi.

I bought 3 Bs pre-loved, 2 times successfully. 1 eBay and 1 Vestiaire. The non-successful one was also Vestiaire (long cut in the front panel... got my money back after disputing). But I only did it because a) I wanted bargains and b) I am fairly good with authenticating after seeing comparisons and closeups of superfakes. Good enough for myself as long as I know I can claw back the money somehow if I am wrong.
 
  • Like
Reactions: maxroxxherhandbags
#9
allanrvj said:
Just to underline what Sapphire2691 said: Birkin 35s are heavy even when empty, especially togo and clemence. It's quite roomy so people tend to put a lot of stuff in it, so it gets really heavy. It might not be an issue for you initially, but in the long run you might get tired of carrying a heavy bag.
Click to expand...

Exactly this. I have a B30 in togo that I don't put much in and it still gets heavy. I originally pictured myself carrying it even on errands but it gets in the way and is heavy.

Echoing Fashionphile, they have a good return policy...for something so expensive, it's nice to have that peace of mind.
 
  • Like
Reactions: paula24jen and allanrvj
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top