ODE to Box Calf

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Store credit only, although I would argue this is not a regular exchange/return but a faulty item which would, in theory, be a reason for a refund where I reside.
I am shocked! This is obviously a used bag! I feel strongly discouraged from buying over 10K bags directly from the boutique if this is what you get! Generally I have the impression that older Hermès bags show better craftsmanship.
 
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I am shocked! This is obviously a used bag! I feel strongly discouraged from buying over 10K bags directly from the boutique if this is what you get! Generally I have the impression that older Hermès bags show better craftsmanship.
Given it was left at the boutique I don’t know if it was shown to someone or if it arrived to the boutique that way. I don’t want to make false assumptions, but clearly this was my initial impression, especially given the dents on the inside and the bulging bottom.
 
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Given it was left at the boutique I don’t know if it was shown to someone or if it arrived to the boutique that way. I don’t want to make false assumptions, but clearly this was my initial impression, especially given the dents on the inside and the bulging bottom.
Doesn’t matter! For 10,000 EUR I do not want to have to wonder if it was the person who packed it or the boutique staff who has taken it out for a spin before it was sold to me.
 
Doesn’t matter! For 10,000 EUR I do not want to have to wonder if it was the person who packed it or the boutique staff who has taken it out for a spin before it was sold to me.
Couldn't agree more...I have no idea what happened with the bag and I also couldn't care less (I'll probably never get an honest response from my SA). I just hope Hermès will discretely manage the issue to my satisfaction.
 
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Doesn’t matter! For 10,000 EUR I do not want to have to wonder if it was the person who packed it or the boutique staff who has taken it out for a spin before it was sold to me.
Quick update that I just returned from the boutique and the Spa artisan immediately noticed the wavy bottom as well as the 2 holes (indeed not superficial indentations). Obviously something they have never seen happening with a new box bag and wonder whether the leather was impacted by the weather conditions during shipment. The bag will be returned to Paris and the atelier will craft a new Box Birkin for me via express order which should take 4-8 weeks maximum. Very happy with the outcome and hope the new bag will be perfect.
 
Quick update that I just returned from the boutique and the Spa artisan immediately noticed the wavy bottom as well as the 2 holes (indeed not superficial indentations). Obviously something they have never seen happening with a new box bag and wonder whether the leather was impacted by the weather conditions during shipment. The bag will be returned to Paris and the atelier will craft a new Box Birkin for me via express order which should take 4-8 weeks maximum. Very happy with the outcome and hope the new bag will be perfect.
Great result, and so happy to hear it!
 
So some might have seen my post of being offered a Box Birkin 30 last week which I was shown briefly and given few days to think about. I decided to get it but restrictions tightened where I am located, so I wasn’t allowed to enter the store and only collect the bag yesterday. I acknowledge this was my mistake but given I was told the bag was received the day it was shown to me (and to me only, but it wasn’t sealed), I did not expect any issues. When I unwrapped it after coming home I nearly fainted. Now, I am a picky perfectionist and thought hard about posting here, given there may be some backlash and argumentation. I have been satisfied with Hermès quality with some minor exceptions. However, I would appreciate thoughts on the following pictures. I have not captured all of them but the surface shows several scratches and dents throughout which I could still live with. The wavy bottom and 2 “holes“ are what concerns me most. I did not notice any marks when I took a quick look last week so I wondered if it had been shown to someone else. My SA claims all of this is completely normal and that the bag had been kept in storage for me. I, however, digress from that opinion. I was offered a Box Kelly end of last year which had no issues whatsoever. Would you be bothered by this given you‘d have paid full retail price for a brand new bag? Appreciate any opinions.

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I am not a picky perfectionist AT ALL!
HOWEVER ....If I got sold this bag as brand new I'd be really upset
It looks to me like its been used, perhaps a display bag? the scratches and creases and especially the scratch on the inside base make me think its been used.
The wavy bottom I could deal with but all these dints and scratches I would expect from a gently used pre-loved bag NOT a new from Boutique one.
 
Quick update that I just returned from the boutique and the Spa artisan immediately noticed the wavy bottom as well as the 2 holes (indeed not superficial indentations). Obviously something they have never seen happening with a new box bag and wonder whether the leather was impacted by the weather conditions during shipment. The bag will be returned to Paris and the atelier will craft a new Box Birkin for me via express order which should take 4-8 weeks maximum. Very happy with the outcome and hope the new bag will be perfect.
That's wonderful- you can't ask for anything more!
 
I am not a picky perfectionist AT ALL!
HOWEVER ....If I got sold this bag as brand new I'd be really upset
It looks to me like its been used, perhaps a display bag? the scratches and creases and especially the scratch on the inside base make me think its been used.
The wavy bottom I could deal with but all these dints and scratches I would expect from a gently used pre-loved bag NOT a new from Boutique one.

Honestly, I still think I would have noticed when I was shown the bag the week before. I have eagle eyes and noticed a few superficial scratches that probably my SA made as she had trouble opening the bag. I think I would have noticed the holes/dents, but we were inside the fitting room where lightning is even worse. My SA who actually is a floor manager swore she unpacked it before I came. Given it was a Y stamp bag, I wonder if it was a display bag in Paris and then sent out without any additional quality control, but who knows. I am just glad it worked out in the end as I would have had a hard time letting a Box Birkin go.
That's wonderful- you can't ask for anything more!
Great result, and so happy to hear it!

Thank you all. I am very pleased with the outcome so far. I hadn’t slept too well given my SA was pretty clear after reviewing the pictures. Hence, I am glad Hermès provided the service I would expect and I am used to in the end. Will share my new bag as soon as it arrives.
 
Quick update that I just returned from the boutique and the Spa artisan immediately noticed the wavy bottom as well as the 2 holes (indeed not superficial indentations). Obviously something they have never seen happening with a new box bag and wonder whether the leather was impacted by the weather conditions during shipment. The bag will be returned to Paris and the atelier will craft a new Box Birkin for me via express order which should take 4-8 weeks maximum. Very happy with the outcome and hope the new bag will be perfect.


I have just caught your posts and am pleased that you are getting a good resolution.
Do not excuse your concerns by describing yourself as a picky perfectionist.
However this unfortunate situation arose, it is good that the instore artisan could see the flaws and agreed that they were not acceptable. Further conjecture about the cause is pointless.
I was going to state that although leather is a natural product and defects will occur, luxury leather goods sellers are able to charge a premium for the items sold because their artisans are able to examine the hides they use to find large enough areas of unblemished leather. The excuse that 'holes' are a natural part if the leather was appalling.
 
I have been looking for a Black Box Kelly Cut....and this preloved one is within my budget. But it does have a lot of scratches. Should I?


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It all depends. Is this the one you fall in love with? Are you planning to get her spaed? Most of the scratches won’t be visible after a spa visit. I know that because I had one of my bags done in the spa and it looked invisible after. You can always do the spa in a later time. Hope it helps.
 
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