Paris trip for Hermes

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

Please try to stay on topic. I realise because of the complexity of some of the posts members may veer off but in answer do not 'go there'.

For info and questions on US customs please post on the thread below: post https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/us-customs-discussion-airports-importing.905560/

Detaxing (to US from Europe) https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/best-way-to-detax-after-h-in-europe.178302/

or non-US destinations: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/does-h-store-paris-wants-to-ship.605014/page-3

For questions relating to prices https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/reference-hermes-current-prices.102567/page-357

For traveling with boxes https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...me-hermes-boxes-when-traveling.1044553/page-5




I will leave this reminder as a sticky because tthis is often a thread that new members (or new Hermès lovers) post on - hopefully temporarily.
 
Nope- they didn’t even notice me- but it did cross my mind, on the London side, when you pass customs it’s usually very crowded, just walk casually lol. They didn’t even notice me. If you’re still in Paris you can go back to Hermes and ask for a plain bag! They it offered to me. I took one from Chanel last year - it was a plain fabric black bag. Hermes have something similar so no one knows it’s Hermes. They offer so you won’t get robbed! I didn’t think of the customs thing when I declined. Only took from Chanel because it was a huge box of boots and the bag broke after 10 mins so I went back.

Not aimed at you directly but I always declare items purchased in France. It is the law to declare and pay the correct import VAT. If you get stopped the repercussions are they could take your items away from you.
 
Not aimed at you directly but I always declare items purchased in France. It is the law to declare and pay the correct import VAT. If you get stopped the repercussions are they could take your items away from you.
Good for you- I’m exempt from VAT because I’m not a British citizen. I have dual tax liability which means I only pay to one country- there’s a tax agreement between my country and the UK. I don’t have to pay VAT. Same for when a friend mails items to me from the USA. You write that on the customs form and I never pay import VAT when they send the email form- my leave exempts me. Nothing would be taken from me. But good on you. Many people have different immigration statuses.
 
Good for you- I’m exempt from VAT because I’m not a British citizen. Same for when a friend mails items to me from the USA. You write that on the customs form and I never pay import VAT when they send the email form- my leave exempts me. Nothing would be taken from me. But good on you. Many people have different immigration statuses.

You are so right…but you gave here an advice / shared your experiences without mentioning this ;-)

I personally would also not take the risk to get into troubles and in worst case losing my purchases just to save a few hundred € or £.
If one can afford a Hermès bag, she/he should be able to pay the tax / import duties, especially as she/he was able to shop tax free in Europe. My point of view.
 
You are so right…but you gave here an advice / shared your experiences without mentioning this ;)

I personally would also not take the risk to get into troubles and in worst case losing my purchases just to save a few hundred € or £.
If one can afford a Hermès bag, she/he should be able to pay the tax / import duties, especially as she/he was able to shop tax free in Europe. My point of view.
I was now curious and so I checked the gov.uk customs page. It states they do not take your items away unless it’s a “banned good”. It also states you can claim £0 customs if there is proof the goods were made in the EU and worth over £1,000. A birkin qualifies for that. And so I don’t think anyones Hermes bag would be confiscated. It also has stipulations on items for personal use being exempt from VAT. The lawyer in me was curious but I’m not an expert. Just had to have a look.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Reactions: birkyprinny and aa_
I don't understand. After all that trouble, why did you accept that bag if you were not sure? :confused1:
… because I still love it and I applied for 2 months everyday for that appointment + the SA said she picked it out specially for me based on what we discussed. Have you bought one? If you have then you might know that the first time you’re really excited and you don’t go through every scenario in the world such as “can I wear this bag to dinner and the ballet as well as the office?” I don’t get your question? There are tons of blog posts comparing birkin sizes. It’s pretty normal. Do you have a B35? If so what do you think after a day holding it?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
… because I still love it and I applied for 2 months everyday for that appointment + the SA said she picked it out specially for me based on what we discussed. Have you bought one? If you have then you might know that the first time you’re really excited and you don’t go through every scenario in the world such as “can I wear this bag to dinner and the ballet as well as the office?” I don’t get your question? There are tons of blog posts comparing birkin sizes. It’s pretty normal. Do you have a B35? If so what do you think after a day holding it?
My spouse very wisely once told me that no one bag fits every occasion. It’s a beautiful bag. Some people carry more some people carry less. It’s not an evening bag for a black tie dinner or a very dressy occasion. If you want to go day to a more casual night and you need a bag with capacity, a B35 works well. And how beautiful to get it in Paris!
 
Good for you- I’m exempt from VAT because I’m not a British citizen. I have dual tax liability which means I only pay to one country- there’s a tax agreement between my country and the UK. I don’t have to pay VAT. Same for when a friend mails items to me from the USA. You write that on the customs form and I never pay import VAT when they send the email form- my leave exempts me. Nothing would be taken from me. But good on you. Many people have different immigration statuses.

You still have to show what you bought and your exception. It's not about citizenship, it's about residency.

You even have to declare goods traveling through the UK in transit to another country

For clarification: https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/when-to-declare-goods

Back to the topic of shopping in Paris, TY
 
… because I still love it and I applied for 2 months everyday for that appointment + the SA said she picked it out specially for me based on what we discussed. Have you bought one? If you have then you might know that the first time you’re really excited and you don’t go through every scenario in the world such as “can I wear this bag to dinner and the ballet as well as the office?” I don’t get your question? There are literally tons of blog posts comparing birkin sizes. Sounds like you’re implying it’s an issue for me to discuss the size. It’s pretty normal. Also if you read what I wrote, I said “I’m suddenly worried” meaning I’m thinking about it now. I’ve never owned a Birkin before. How would I know how heavy it might feel in my actual hand after a day based on a size even if I’ve seen them. It’s a pretty normal discussion point to ask someone else with a B35 that’s owned it longer if they don’t mind it. Do you actually have a B35? If so what do you think after a day holding it?
I think that we can all understand the excitement of getting not just an appointment but an offer. The first offer is truly special, memorable and a sense of disbelief that this long anticipated event manifested! Did you know that FSH allows has floor models for you to try out? I have been there several times when clients have been trying them on and someone in housewares or jewelry comments on how lucky the person is to be given a choice of Birkin or Kellys as they have 2 or 3 models-not understanding that the bags are not on offer.

If the offer comes in Paris you may have to compromise. In preparation for that first appointment I scoured the internet for information and I also carefully researched my options. I knew before going into my appointment that I would not accept a Birkin 35 or 25. Why? I don't like strictly hand carry bags, especially heavy ones and there is tons of forums on how the 35 can be too heavy- Jane Birkin herself said she did not like the bag because it caused shoulder issues- that removed it from my consideration.

The Birikin 25 is very small and strictly a hand carry- can't put in the crook of the arm so no flexibility- that removes it from my list unless it were in a very special colour like Rose Sakura or Bubblegum.

In my book a B35 is a work/travel bag. Birkin are very casual and I don't see going to an event or a formal dinner in a Birkin be it a 25 or 35! No bag even one that costs 10K + is going to work for every occasion. Why did you want a Birkin? Does the 35cm work for that purpose?

In Paris your offers depend on stock. It is expected that you should have an idea of what you want before that all important offer.

My first Kelly was a 32 returne- I had wanted a 28 Sellier but colour trumped everything and I told my SA that. I was given the option of a K28 sellier in Blue Nuite or a K32 retourne in Raisin in Clemance leather. I had wanted a raisin 28 box sellier but if I wanted raisin I had to compromise. I was concerned it would be too heavy and I told the SA this but but I was in awe at first sight- she is now a ride or die in my collection and I will have her till the day I die!

Some on this forum may be concerned that you are now going to sell your bag for a profit, because you have decided that it is too big and you really wanted a 25 cm. It can be aggravating to hear this as the appointments are so hard to get and there is another one that sold the bag for profit. If you are not sure then leave the bag- it is someone's dream bag!

From reading your posts and your initial excitement I think you may be experiencing a bit of buyers remorse, which you can have even if it were the perfect bag in every way! The first Hermes bag can be hard, let's face it these are very expensive. I think it is very natural to experience second thoughts. I experienced the same thing. Maybe my experience may help you.

In the first few months of purchasing my bag, I was worried that it would be too heavy, or that I would ruin the leather because I live in a rainy city. I had some guilt over how much money I spent on a handbag. I started to regret that I had not looked at the Blue Nuite Sellier -everyone told me that was a fantastic offer how could I possibly have turned down such a fantastic offer. It really made me question my decision. Ohh the angst can be real! With hindsight it was the right bag for me and will always be in my collection. I am also glad that I purchased my 32 when I did because the larger the bag the bigger the price tag in the boutique- by my K32 cost me about the same as a K25 today. You got your B35 just before the price increase- small bags are in today but the larger bags will come back and you will have saved yourself a pretty penny by purchasing your B35 in 2022!

Give yourself some time- live with the bag and then make a decision.
 
Last edited:
I think that we can all understand the excitement of getting not just an appointment but an offer. The first offer is truly special, memorable and a sense of disbelief that this long anticipated event manifested! Did you know that FSH allows has floor models for you to try out? I have been there several times when clients have been trying them on and someone in housewares or jewelry comments on how lucky the person is to be given a choice of Birkin or Kellys as they have 2 or 3 models-not understanding that the bags are not on offer.

If the offer comes in Paris you may have to compromise. In preparation for that first appointment I scoured the internet for information and I also carefully researched my options. I knew before going into my appointment that I would not accept a Birkin 35 or 25. Why? I don't like strictly hand carry bags, especially heavy ones and there is tons of forums on how the 35 can be too heavy- Jane Birkin herself said she did not like the bag because it caused shoulder issues- that removed it from my consideration.

The Birikin 25 is very small and strictly a hand carry- can't put in the crook of the arm so no flexibility- that removes it from my list unless it were in a very special colour like Rose Sakura or Bubblegum.

In my book a B35 is a work/travel bag. Birkin are very casual and I don't see going to an event or a formal dinner in a Birkin be it a 25 or 35! No bag even one that costs 10K + is going to work for every occasion. Why did you want a Birkin? Does the 35cm work for that purpose?

In Paris your offers depend on stock. It is expected that you should have an idea of what you want before that all important offer.

My first Kelly was a 32 returne- I had wanted a 28 Sellier but colour trumped everything and I told my SA that. I was given the option of a K28 sellier in Blue Nuite or a K32 retourne in Raisin in Clemance leather. I had wanted a raisin 28 box sellier but if I wanted raisin I had to compromise. I was concerned it would be too heavy and I told the SA this but but I was in awe at first sight- she is now a ride or die in my collection and I will have her till the day I die!

Some on this forum may be concerned that you are now going to sell your bag for a profit, because you have decided that it is too big and you really wanted a 25 cm. It can be aggravating to hear this as the appointments are so hard to get and there is another one that sold the bag for profit. If you are not sure then leave the bag- it is someone's dream bag!

From reading your posts and your initial excitement I think you may be experiencing a bit of buyers remorse, which you can have even if it were the perfect bag in every way! The first Hermes bag can be hard, let's face it these are very expensive. I think it is very natural to experience second thoughts. I experienced the same thing. Maybe my experience may help you.

In the first few months of purchasing my bag, I was worried that it would be too heavy, or that I would ruin the leather because I live in a rainy city. I had some guilt over how much money I spent on a handbag. I started to regret that I had not looked at the Blue Nuite Sellier -everyone told me that was a fantastic offer how could I possibly have turned down such a fantastic offer. It really made me question my decision. Ohh the angst can be real! With hindsight it was the right bag for me and will always be in my collection. I am also glad that I purchased my 32 when I did because the larger the bag the bigger the price tag in the boutique- by my K32 cost me about the same as a K25 today. You got your B35 just before the price increase- small bags are in today but the larger bags will come back and you will have saved yourself a pretty penny by purchasing your B35 in 2022!

Give yourself some time- live with the bag and then make a decision.
I was already in Paris for a few weeks last year during my birthday and I tried some models on plus I have friends with Birkins but it’s not really the same thing as HOLDING IT ALL DAY. Also everyone has a different idea of what’s heavy. I also would personally never be so strict on my specs of the first bag. i cared more about the hardware and color palettes which I discussed with her. I specifically told her I’m open to B25,30 for a first bag or a Kelly 25, 28 and then after that I’ll look to build my collection. But she bought out a 35 and said I’m tall so it’ll work. I like big bags and it didn’t seem too heavy at first. But not sure how I’ll feel when it’s full of stuff. I know I’ll eventually want a B25 or 30 next and for sure a Kelly 25 with specific color and hardware to replace my granny’s Kelly that disappeared after her death. For me it was never about this being the only bag I’ll ever buy though so I wasn’t obsessed with the size- more about the process and also my SA kept going on about how she felt this bag was special for me and tried hard to find something suitable based on our chat (such as that I travel a lot for my corporate job). But I’ll leave it with this- these messages have gotten very aggressive and strange. Now people are concerned I’ll sell my bag? Based on what? I don’t owe anyone proof that I’m not selling a bag. I was looking for a community to chat about Hermes and suddenly when I got my first bag, I’ve now been attacked first for weird customs claiming and now for my asking others opinions on the size of the bag. It’s very strange so with that I’m going to leave it there. It feels like some of what you mentioned which is normal- concerns that the purchase was right- are being attacked by ppl that are literally on a forum to discuss Hermes purses. So I’ll leave it there as i feel the energy is quite hostile simply because I asked how ppl felt carrying a b35 after a few months (such a horrible question)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I was already in Paris for a few weeks last year during my birthday and I tried some models on plus I have friends with Birkins but it’s not really the same thing as HOLDING IT ALL DAY. Also everyone has a different idea of what’s heavy. I also would personally never be so strict on my specs of the first bag. i cared more about the hardware and color palettes which I discussed with her. I specifically told her I’m open to B25,30 for a first bag or a Kelly 25, 28 and then after that I’ll look to build my collection. But she bought out a 35 and said I’m tall so it’ll work. I like big bags and it didn’t seem too heavy at first. But not sure how I’ll feel when it’s full of stuff. I know I’ll eventually want a B25 or 30 next and for sure a Kelly 25 with specific color and hardware to replace my granny’s Kelly that disappeared after her death. For me it was never about this being the only bag I’ll ever buy though so I wasn’t obsessed with the size- more about the process and also my SA kept going on about how she felt this bag was special for me and tried hard to find something suitable based on our chat (such as that I travel a lot for my corporate job). But I’ll leave it with this- these messages have gotten very aggressive and strange. Now people are concerned I’ll sell my bag? Based on what? I don’t owe any strangers in a forum, proof that I’m not selling a bag. I was looking for a community to chat about Hermes and suddenly when I got my first bag, I’ve now been attacked first for weird customs claiming by strangers (why do they care?) and now for asking others opinions on the size of the bag. It’s very strange so with that I’m going to leave it there. It feels like some of what you mentioned which is normal- concerns that the purchase was right- are being attacked by strangers that are literally on a forum to discuss Hermes purses. So I’ll leave it there as i feel the energy is quite hostile simply because I asked how ppl felt carrying a b35 for a few months (such a horrible question)
Birkin11,

Apologies if I made you feel bad or uncomfortable in anyway as that was not my intent at all. I had mentioned resale, if you review the posts you will find several instances of TPF getting a bag in Paris and then reselling the bag for double saying that it was not the right specs.

I was not accusing you of this but rather trying to express my empathy for the questions that you have and I specifically stated that I thought you might be experiencing some of the same feelings as I did when I got my first bag. I do not think I was being hostile in anyway but really just discussing handbags.

I thought I might be a good person to answer as I too am tall 5'10 and I love large bags. My favourite is the LV Neverfull GM which I still use to protect my Hermes bags when carrying them on flights. I travel back and forth to work with a LV Pilot Case (that has a strap)- exceptionally heavy but only went from Car to Office to Home. I should also mention that I was offered a B35 if I wanted it from a relative. I had the opportunity to carry this back and forth to the office for a couple of months. When I loaded it with all the stuff that I carry in the Pilot Case it was simply not practical as I could not carry the weight in my hand- I second Jane Birkin's option on the B35.

That being said the weight all depends upon what you put into the bag. I have a tendency to keep accumulating stuff in my bag if I have the room. Thus the B35 is not for me- because I will just use the space to haul unnecessary things and hurt my back in the process. I should also point out age is an important factor- in my twenty and thirties it would not be a problem. At 40 big bags start to be very unattractive because of the weight. What works for one PF may not work for you because of a variety of factors such as age, how much you put in your bag, will you carry it all day, do you drive or use public transit- lots of factors.

I will leave it at that and again please accept my apologies for any unintentional slight or perceived attack as this was not my intention in any way.
 
Top