Newbie needs help

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A

alextn

O.G.
Jun 7, 2010
28
0
#1
Hi all, I'm looking to buy my wife a Birkin... I've spent about 3 days reading the long lists of posts. I just want to get the advice of others... I'm looking to buy her a pink (is there one out there?) or red one that's brand new not used. I'm just wondering what are the prices around for a 35cm or 40cm and where do all you "professionals" recommend I go to buy it? I'm debating between Taipei, Tokyo, Paris or New York (or other places if people recommend)?

Also I don't need it until December so I am open to waiting.
I guess I am more interested in knowing if there's a better "deal" to be had in certain countries? I'm thinking price and selection Europe should be good right now since the Euro is very weak. I am located in Hong Kong (currency pegged to USD). Thanks in advance for any help! :D:D
 
#2
Hi - Out of the places you list above, I'd say your best bets are Tokyo and Paris, though Tokyo may be slightly on the expensive side relatively to other locations.
I personally think that if you want a brand new bag you should try to buy from H directly as the resellers circuit always (in my experience at least) means a premium to retail price.
 
#4
My advice is go to your local Hermes in HK and look at the leathers and colours. Decide what colour to opt for. Check out Ref Library on this forum and leathers. Togo stands well and is casual. Clemence is more floppy. Average size is 35. I wouldnt go for a 40 because it is a very heavy and big bag, and unless she wants that, why get that? Most people go for 35.

Once you checked out colours and leathers, one option you have is to place an order in Paris in July (if you re to be over there). Orders take up to 6 months, but most turn up in 1-3 months. You can settle by tt bank transfer and they will courier the bag to you (insured). (Check this out by calling them first - as you re based outside the EU).

If you want to buy something ready, then as stated by Little H, Tokyo is a good bet and then various resellers that this forum recommends - but get the bag authenticated, even though this is never a full guarantee.

The problem with going to Paris or Tokyo to find something ready though is that it is a bit hit and miss. What if on the day you go, there arent any in the colours you wanted?
Have you considered trying to find out what she may want?

Finally, the euro x-rate could be different for all that we know by the time you get the bag (orders are never prepaid), but there s one way the euro is going so that s a fairly good guess.


Good luck.
 
#5
Hi NatalyaN, thanks for replying! A friend of mine told me as well about ordering in Paris. Do you have any experience in doing this? Someone told me that I could write a letter (addressed directly to an Hermes sales employee) and that it must be hand delivered (doesn't have to be by me but can't be fedex, postman, etc). This would be one way to order the bag. Have you had experience ordering in Paris? would you happen to have any SA's i could contact directly there? I unfortunately won't be going to Paris in July this year, however I could have friends help me place the order, etc. Thanks for your help!
 
#6
Alex, I have only bought Birkins through orders in Paris. Read the thread on best time for a PO order in Paris (it s recent) and you ll see my views.

I think that the letter is something that wont work. If anyone has done this, then this person knew the SA very very well. Orders are accepted only in person.

In thruth is you have 2 choices with Paris: either your friend goes there and places your order not mentioning it is not for them but you (so when the SA asks for details, your friend writes down your details as if they are his/hers); or, your friend says he/she would like to place an order on your behalf, in their name or yours and the SA agrees.

I have no details fo a SA there, but they have all been very professional and lovely over the years - absolutely no complaint at all from me. They change around a lot and I do not think you ll find anyone knowing anyone, and in any case, I very much doubt this will help you because the line is no orders over the phone (or by post), only in person and one prder by passport.

One thing I do not know is whether they will Fedex to HK because if they are to do that it is outside the EU and they have to send it through customs. That, you will need to call them and ask. Or your friend should ask.
 
#8
NatalyaN has given you great advice.
Once you have your order in, when your bag is ready & you have made the payment, they do courier it to Hong Kong but if I recall correctly not by Fedex but another courier company. I have received several orders in Hong Kong this way.
 
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