What do you guys think about this: I've been in contact with a private party for about two years and have met her once. Now she has the birkin that I want. She and I are arranging to meet in Beverly Hills so that I can take the birkin into the Hermes store to have Celene, (apparently a craftswoman), look at it. And if I'm pleased, then I fork over the money. If not, she says no biggie.