What happens if you like Hermes bags but not other Hermes items?

[etoile de mer]

Thanks for all your answers.

Just to clarify: I didn't mean to sound "rude". I know that this might be seen as an Hermes fans' place and saying I don't like something from Hermes could sound a bit like trolling, but it wasn't my intention at all, and I took it as a space where anyone can talk about Hermes in general more than a place where we can only celebrate Hermes.

I didn't know anything about Hermes before I randomly found this forum and some videos and comments about influencers online, so I was just curious about the subject. I didn't mean to offend anyone even if I might have said that some items are "ugly" in another thread, but it wasn't referred to anyone's in particular and not even to an item in particular. Besides, it's just my opinion and if you want to say that a brand that I like or I bag that I have or even about myself that it/she's ugly, I'm totally fine with it.

I was asking this because I noticed it's not that easy to find "common" people (average high fashion brand consumers) who buy, for instance, Versace plates or Gucci cups, or even sandals or bags they are not really into. Maybe someone does that, maybe the most crazy Gucci fan buys the Gucci pillow for 1k, or the extremely rich celebrity buys it, but the majority of people does not and just buys the bag or the coat for 2k or so. While I see many people online who buy Hermes pillows and plates... for sure they don't hate them, but would the majority of them buy those items if there was no policy about the "dream bags"? They probably wouldn't. That was my point.

And I was wondering how some people might feel about having to do that to get their bag.

It's not a crime if you like only Birkin or Kellys and not the Hermes pillow, I mean, it is normal. And I'm not even saying that the pillow is unlikeable. But it's an expensive pillow which for someone might be an unnecessary expense.

However, I think it's a successful strategy: so successful that many brands are copying it, more or less.


***


I vividly remember that 10 years ago we used to buy LV speedys for our friends for every 18th birthday present that we had to do. The speedy cost around 400€, there were 20 of us, each one put 20€ and we went to LV and buy the speedy, and even if it was one of the most popular bags at the time, they always had it in the boutique. Gucci and LV (At least where I lived) had all the items, you went there and you got the best service and the best selection that you could ever have anywhere else.

Now I know that some of the most popular LV bags are impossible to find, and this makes people desire them more and not hesitate to buy when they find one. There are waiting lists at LV also. (I don't know about other brands)

One of my close friends recently waited a year to get a bag from LV (the one with the double pochette) and she had to go to Rome to get a classic LV monogram bracelet, and wasn't even treated that nicely. They even refused to add an hole to a belt that she had bought.

Even Chanel, I'm told, is proposing bags to specific clients...

The Hermes strategy, and here I'm talking about being exclusive and elusive, is, for sure, a successful one nowadays.

More than the strategy of making a client happy offering him all the selection and the best and fastest service to have the specific item that he wants.

But I'm open to other points of view! We're here to discuss about something, everyone might agree or disagree and I'm more than happy to read different opinions.

I'm so glad you came back to clarify. Honestly, I think a lot of us who have been Hermes fans for a long time have grown so weary about the whole topic of why, how, when, where, and with whom, to obtain a bag. I think that's why you may have received a bit of push-back when inquiring here, even though not seeking one yourself. But, of course, your questions and interest about the whole (crazy) process are valid. Especially as you've just dropped into this world.

I've always been attracted to so many items they make, across all departments, and I had no intention of even buying a bag when I began shopping at Hermes. So, I've never bought items I disliked (or had no intention of keeping), with an ulterior motive, but it certainly seems some do. Of course, they can do whatever they want with their money.

What I dislike now are the current conditions (crazy hype for a few of the styles of bags, and the short supply of items across categories, which seems to further the desire), so I've just backed away from the brand a bit. I'm happy to take a break for a while with the hopes that things will return to a more normal state in the near future. In my mind, buying luxury items should feel more luxurious, and I just don't want any shopping experience to feel so arduous and consume so much of my mental and physical time!

 

[redwings]

Now I know that some of the most popular LV bags are impossible to find, and this makes people desire them more and not hesitate to buy when they find one. There are waiting lists at LV also. (I don't know about other brands)

hehehe hehehehe. I do corporate buying for my relative’s business from LV or Cartier as a side stint. “Impossible to find” = several VICs booked in advance during prelaunch. LV can easily pull items from around the world but it depends on whether the SA wants to expend that effort. They can also easily make to order for a specified design - you just need to fork out the moolah upfront and in about a year, your customised bag arrives.

Corporate buyers are the ones who can buy ten wallets, cardholders or whatever of the same design ( for corporate gifts) without getting banned as opposed to individual buyers.

Ehehehehehehe.

 

[maryg1]

Thanks for all your answers.

Just to clarify: I didn't mean to sound "rude". I know that this might be seen as an Hermes fans' place and saying I don't like something from Hermes could sound a bit like trolling, but it wasn't my intention at all, and I took it as a space where anyone can talk about Hermes in general more than a place where we can only celebrate Hermes.

I didn't know anything about Hermes before I randomly found this forum and some videos and comments about influencers online, so I was just curious about the subject. I didn't mean to offend anyone even if I might have said that some items are "ugly" in another thread, but it wasn't referred to anyone's in particular and not even to an item in particular. Besides, it's just my opinion and if you want to say that a brand that I like or I bag that I have or even about myself that it/she's ugly, I'm totally fine with it.

I was asking this because I noticed it's not that easy to find "common" people (average high fashion brand consumers) who buy, for instance, Versace plates or Gucci cups, or even sandals or bags they are not really into. Maybe someone does that, maybe the most crazy Gucci fan buys the Gucci pillow for 1k, or the extremely rich celebrity buys it, but the majority of people does not and just buys the bag or the coat for 2k or so. While I see many people online who buy Hermes pillows and plates... for sure they don't hate them, but would the majority of them buy those items if there was no policy about the "dream bags"? They probably wouldn't. That was my point.

And I was wondering how some people might feel about having to do that to get their bag.

It's not a crime if you like only Birkin or Kellys and not the Hermes pillow, I mean, it is normal. And I'm not even saying that the pillow is unlikeable. But it's an expensive pillow which for someone might be an unnecessary expense.

However, I think it's a successful strategy: so successful that many brands are copying it, more or less.


***


I vividly remember that 10 years ago we used to buy LV speedys for our friends for every 18th birthday present that we had to do. The speedy cost around 400€, there were 20 of us, each one put 20€ and we went to LV and buy the speedy, and even if it was one of the most popular bags at the time, they always had it in the boutique. Gucci and LV (At least where I lived) had all the items, you went there and you got the best service and the best selection that you could ever have anywhere else.

Now I know that some of the most popular LV bags are impossible to find, and this makes people desire them more and not hesitate to buy when they find one. There are waiting lists at LV also. (I don't know about other brands)

One of my close friends recently waited a year to get a bag from LV (the one with the double pochette) and she had to go to Rome to get a classic LV monogram bracelet, and wasn't even treated that nicely. They even refused to add an hole to a belt that she had bought.

Even Chanel, I'm told, is proposing bags to specific clients...

The Hermes strategy, and here I'm talking about being exclusive and elusive, is, for sure, a successful one nowadays.

More than the strategy of making a client happy offering him all the selection and the best and fastest service to have the specific item that he wants.

But I'm open to other points of view! We're here to discuss about something, everyone might agree or disagree and I'm more than happy to read different opinions.

I think you live in the same country as me, now you explained better and I get what you mean. I don’t know if you’re English mother tongue so if not, like me, something gets lost in translation. I don’t always find the right words to express myself here.
Here and on the web you will find some people that will buy anything H offer just to get a Quota Bag, some of them will try to resell those items. As I said, I’m not fond of every H item, and I have no problem in saying that some bags are ugly! The same happens with LV, some collection don’t meet my likings and are marketed to a younger generation, which I don’t belong to.
Price increases are a hot topic across the whole forum, I think I got my last bag from LV yesterday because I don’t think I can justify their bag prices anymore.
If you want to try an experience at H, have a look at the website and then go to the boutique, asking for the items you like. For instance, scarves are much more beautiful IRL than they appear in pictures. Have a look at the bracelets, touch the leather of a Ulysse notebook...then you will decide if H is worth for you or not. Only get what you like!

 

[etoile de mer]

Nah. I can be open about some of my purchases:

Belts : the ones where you can switch the colour on the straps. Price point is close and sometimes cheaper than the Gucci belts I have. I still buy Gucci belts but it’s more for their Dionysus or serpent belts.

Twilly: Hermes is cheaper than Dior‘s mitzvah (but to be fair Dior has longer twillys) - I purchase twillies which have the horses on them from Hermes (my birth year zodiac).

Air tag : I bought a cute leopard pouch for the air tag. I love big cats.

Pillow: I bought the orange yack’n’dye pillow because I thought it is kinda cool and soft - something good for my sofa on a cold winter‘s day. That’s my only one.

Homewares: some for very good friends’ birthdays or housewarming gifts.

Beach pouches: their seemingly waterproof neobain pouches which I use as inserts on my open totes (not Hermes btw) in case of rain.

Bag straps coz I do have two Kellys, a 24/24.

Scarves: 3 of them coz I like the print on them and think it is a work of art. I don’t wear them out. They rotate in a frame.

Edit: I have a pair of their Hermes Paris loafers since they are priced around gucci loafers now. Trying them out to see how it holds up.

View attachment 5622173

Your air tag is a little work of art!! This is the kind of thing that keeps me coming back to Hermes. In addition to the quality, love the whimsy and creativity.

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

I like a lot of non leather category Hermes items.
I love some of the furniture, Home accessories (although not the china)Fine jewellery and watches, and some of the clothing.
If I could afford all the H stuff I would like to own I'd have no problem being offered SO's and 2 quota bags a year.
However finances dictate that funnily enough all I can actually afford to buy from Hermes is bags, shoes, silks, watches SLG and leather jewellery.
I think anyone who buys things they don't actually like or truly desire in order to be offered a bag from the boutique is ...pardon me for saying..an idiot.
There are other ways to purchase a Hermes bag if thats all you really want..this has been stated many times already in this thread and others.
And for those who talk about the boutique 'experience'...when being offered a bag.. well its just shopping.
There was no fanfare, no bells and whistles when I got offered a bag in the boutique...
Just a box shrink wrapped with my name on a sticky label and my SA wearing gloves whilst he unboxed it.
would I spend 3X the cost of offered item for that 'experience' ?
No way!!!

 

[lala_retro]

I think there are definitely clients out there who buy things from H that they think will increase the likelihood of being offered a QB, for the sole sake of buying and don't actually like the product, you see loads of them being sold on Facebook groups for half of retail, and then there are lots of other clients who buy H things because they genuinely like the products. My mother isn't interested in H bags at all (offered to gift her a B30 for a birthday, got declined), but she's been buying H scarfs for 30yrs, because she likes their designs and appreciates their expert printing process. It would be presumptuous to say that most people who shop at H buy things even they don't like just for the sake of getting QBs.

I began shopping at H initially because of interest in QBs, and during that process branched out my interest to other items like belts, shoes, RTW, etc. The H process feels a lot like required reading lists at school, you are somewhat forced to explore categories you may not have thought to look at before. It's also an acquired taste for me, a lot of items I bought really grew on me as time went on (i.e. Kelly belt, I now recommend it to anyone who's looking for a belt of any kind). I have never bought anything I didn't like, but have given H preference on purchases, like if I wanted a new pair of boots, I would buy it from H instead of another brand if I saw a pair I liked. Before I experienced the process myself I thought the H way of shopping was ridiculous, like why would I buy a whole bunch of stuff I don't want and grovel to an SA for the opportunity to spend money, but now I'm truly enjoying the experience, because I realized I don't need to buy things I don't want/like, I have a great relationship w/ my SA and every time I shop w/ her the experience feels luxurious, I definitely don't suck up/grovel/beg for bags, I trust that when a bag from my wishlist shows up and it's my turn, I'll get it.

As for the point about "normal" people buying Gucci tea cups, Chanel has blankets and pillows (didn't know this till 2 months ago), and people definitely buy them (my SA realllllly wants a set for her couch), but homeware doesn't really increase your standing at Chanel or increase the likelihood of obtaining a sought-after bag of the season. So H clients are not the only ones buying from less popular categories, they are just the most talked about because the H process is the most well known and is now in the lime light.

It's totally fair if you don't like anything else H has to offer besides B/Ks and find the process of H shopping puzzling. I literally like nothing from Gucci/LV/Fendi/Versace and don't own a single product from any of those brands as a result. I don't think there's anything wrong w/ not liking things from a brand or only liking a few, or liking everything, everybody is entitled to their preferences.

 

[TitaniaWilliams]

hehehe hehehehe. I do corporate buying for my relative’s business from LV or Cartier as a side stint. “Impossible to find” = several VICs booked in advance during prelaunch. LV can easily pull items from around the world but it depends on whether the SA wants to expend that effort. They can also easily make to order for a specified design - you just need to fork out the moolah upfront and in about a year, your customised bag arrives.

Corporate buyers are the ones who can buy ten wallets, cardholders or whatever of the same design ( for corporate gifts) without getting banned as opposed to individual buyers.

Ehehehehehehe.

"eheheh"

Ten years ago it wasn't like that. A luxury brand's shop was a place where you entered and got the best service, you could buy almost the entire selection of bags or everything that they had in the store. I was constantly shopping at LV, Gucci, Fendi and others in 2006-2009, before going to college and having other things to care about, and there wasn't one single time I stepped out of one of these shops without the exact thing that I had seen online or in the store while I was visiting. Only one time I wanted a Gucci hat, which I still have, and they didn't have it in the main boutique in my size, so they send an SA to get it from another boutique they had in the same city ten minutes walk from there, and they brought it to me... and I was nobody to them, just a young girl buying a €120 hat (that was the price at the time, now it's 400 and they don't even have it).

The luxury experience has changed. Now luxury means that you cannot find anything, just like when you go to Hermes, so either you settle for the things you find, or you pray and wait months and years to find that bag that you want. And when you get it you feel privileged and blessed, even if they're not nice to you, because they made you pay 7000 for a bag. Which is not my idea of luxury, but I guess it is what works better in this business nowadays.


As for Hermes... I read all of your answers. I didn't expect different ones, to be honest. Influencers might be different from forum members, but I've heard the same phrase both here and on youtube: "I didn't think of buying an Hermes bag when I entered the Hermes store for the first time"
I believe that, but, come on, it's quite common that people are attracted by Hermes because of the aura around the brand because of those bags.
And also, I realized my question should be a little bit different...
One might like an Hermes item, but liking is one thing, spending thousands of your money on it is a different thing.
That is what I find interesting about people who buy pillows and plates (or mini plates, or teacups...) from H.

 

[redwings]

"eheheh"

Ten years ago it wasn't like that. A luxury brand's shop was a place where you entered and got the best service, you could buy almost the entire selection of bags or everything that they had in the store. I was constantly shopping at LV, Gucci, Fendi and others in 2006-2009, before going to college and having other things to care about, and there wasn't one single time I stepped out of one of these shops without the exact thing that I had seen online or in the store while I was visiting. Only one time I wanted a Gucci hat, which I still have, and they didn't have it in the main boutique in my size, so they send an SA to get it from another boutique they had in the same city ten minutes walk from there, and they brought it to me... and I was nobody to them, just a young girl buying a €120 hat (that was the price at the time, now it's 400 and they don't even have it).

The luxury experience has changed. Now luxury means that you cannot find anything, just like when you go to Hermes, so either you settle for the things you find, or you pray and wait months and years to find that bag that you want. And when you get it you feel privileged and blessed, even if they're not nice to you, because they made you pay 7000 for a bag. Which is not my idea of luxury, but I guess it is what works better in this business nowadays.


As for Hermes... I read all of your answers. I didn't expect different ones, to be honest. Influencers might be different from forum members, but I've heard the same phrase both here and on youtube: "I didn't think of buying an Hermes bag when I entered the Hermes store for the first time"
I believe that, but, come on, it's quite common that people are attracted by Hermes because of the aura around the brand because of those bags.
And also, I realized my question should be a little bit different...
One might like an Hermes item, but liking is one thing, spending thousands of your money on it is a different thing.
That is what I find interesting about people who buy pillows and plates (or mini plates, or teacups...) from H.

Like I said, some need to save their money and some can just buy out an entire store. What looks like a small sum to others may be a huge sum to another.

If individuals can drop more than half a million on a watch, what’s so interesting about people who can buy pillows or service ware for a couple of hundred or thousands then? The Sultan of Brunei even has actual gold toilet seats for his personal use.

Different levels of perception there.

Hermes‘ waitlist is the equivalent of Rolex. Trying to pull a Patek Philippe or Audemar Piguet signature watch piece makes getting a Hermes b&K look like a walk in the park and those watches can cost the price of a decent size apartment.

You assume that most people just think of the bags when they enter Hermes to buy but like I say, Hermes doesn’t only deal with bag clients, they deal in equestrian equipment. Their saddles are well in demand too by select clientele in the equestrian world and those are made to measure. Sometimes little old ladies enter to buy scarves…and they don’t seem that interested in bags.

If people spend thousands they can’t afford to get a bag they can’t afford, on borrowed credit that lands them into a huge debt , then that’s, pardon me, a little silly. However if they can afford to spend thousands to get a bag they can easily afford, why not? Their money, their choice.

 

[Christofle]

Sometimes people forget that 14000 USD is a night's bar tab for some or even a single bottle service.

Personally, I only own scarves, hats and tableware from H and I don't mind doing so. They are well made and have interesting designs and that's reason enough to justify the purchase!

As for your original question, I'm sure plenty of people buy proverbial quota bait especially organized re-selling rings but it isn't my business what they do. It is only frustrating when something I do want to purchase is sold out and doubly so if someone purchased the item to flip it online as part of profile building.

To answer your question why homeware from other brands aren't that common is simply because offerings are sparse from other brands. Meanwhile if you go to a quality homeware store, they will have Hermès sitting right next Bernardaud and other reputable home goods brands. Moreover, if you purchase at a store like that, you aren't building any form of profile yet retailers around the globe offer them so there is clearly demand.

 

[brnicutie]

I'm in the same boat. The only item I want from Hermes is the B. I guess it's not meant to be. I live in Honolulu and there are two Hermes stores located 5 minutes from where I live. I've read on these threads that people get offered quota bags a lot at the Honolulu stores. Oh well!

 

[TitaniaWilliams]

Like I said, some need to save their money and some can just buy out an entire store. What looks like a small sum to others may be a huge sum to another.

If individuals can drop more than half a million on a watch, what’s so interesting about people who can buy pillows or service ware for a couple of hundred or thousands then?

It's not a matter of how rich you are, we all know that and I'm not going into that.

Influencers and Youtubers sell their story, I get it.

But at least they are kinda honest about it and clearly say what go through their minds when they approach Hermes.

They talk about meeting the SAs just like if they were 12 years old and that was their first date with a guy they like.

And then of course they mention having to buy other stuff, or being offered other bags. Let's not be hypocrite here: being offered a Lindy or another bag is some people's worst nightmare.

And they all buy pillows, sooner or later.

I find all of this a little bit funny and crazy, if you let me.


And again, I completely understand Hermes and their policy and I completely understand those people who only like the Kelly or the Birkin.

 

[TitaniaWilliams]

I'm in the same boat. The only item I want from Hermes is the B. I guess it's not meant to be. I live in Honolulu and there are two Hermes stores located 5 minutes from where I live. I've read on these threads that people get offered quota bags a lot at the Honolulu stores. Oh well!

Luckily I don't want a Birkin or a Kelly (I like them, but I wouldn't buy them because they're not my style...) because, as I said ,I wouldn't buy anything else from Hermes and I woulndn't want to start a so called "journey" where I would have to make connections and follow certain rules...
And I also think they're bags we have seen to much. They're like red Ferraris. Beautiful cars but a little bit overdo, inflated, "already seen"

I hope I don't change my mind!

I used to live in Florence (Italy) and I always passed by the Hermes boutique. I might have entered once, but I wasn't among my favourite stores. And I think back in the day it was crazy expensive compared to other brands, while now they all have the same prices more or less (LV, Gucci, Hermes...)

 

[pinksandblues]

What happens if one doesn’t like H items and only B/K/C’s…

Well, then I think people either buy on a resell site or try to obtain an appointment in Paris and try there.

One must remember that this is a forum to discuss Hermes. Meaning the audience in question already has a respect and admiration for the brand (generally, of course. I realize there are some trolls that come on the forum as well). People here generally like Hermes. I don’t think you’re going to get responses such as “yes, it’s all awful and I feel like I have to keep buying” because…people here want to buy these things! And if they don’t they just….don’t buy.

I understand social media/influencers are “open” about only chasing B/K/Cs. I agree, many who I have watched have a “shiny object” feel and seem to only care about the perception they feel H gives off and clicks. I can see how they feel they need to keep spending to be offered something to show off on their channel. However, I feel these forums attract people who want to discuss the brands. These forums aren’t really for bragging or telling some “magical” H story that likely didn’t happen. It’s a purse forum lol. People like the brands. They want to learn more. They want to see the brand. They want to share knowledge. I think people buy what they like, and if they don’t like, they don’t buy.

So, I do think people buy “the” bags resell or try in Paris. Check out the Paris thread, it’s interesting seeing who pops in, clearly only interested in obtaining a B/K/C. Perhaps that’ll satiate some of your curiosity.

 

[redwings]

Luckily I don't want a Birkin or a Kelly (I like them, but I wouldn't buy them because they're not my style...) because, as I said ,I wouldn't buy anything else from Hermes and I woulndn't want to start a so called "journey" where I would have to make connections and follow certain rules...
And I also think they're bags we have seen to much. They're like red Ferraris. Beautiful cars but a little bit overdo, inflated, "already seen"

I hope I don't change my mind!

I used to live in Florence (Italy) and I always passed by the Hermes boutique. I might have entered once, but I wasn't among my favourite stores. And I think back in the day it was crazy expensive compared to other brands, while now they all have the same prices more or less (LV, Gucci, Hermes...)

’Would have to make connections’ - Networks come from socialising, studying and working. Longer you live, study and work, the bigger the size of the network is if the relationships are up kept.

With networks, comes opportunities. Connections are also necessary to get more important things in life (e.g. career movement upwards), other than a bag. In the pandemic, when it came to securing supplies in shortage to protect the staff, old supplier connections helped.

Even in career movement, it will come to a stage where it is 50% what you know and 50% WHO you know - hence references (to show the connections) are important - the right referees open doors to opportunities.

(Bags seen too much include Chanels too -_- . Chanel classics like coco handles - pop over to the Chanel forum to see how many are waitlisted for one).

It's not a matter of how rich you are, we all know that and I'm not going into that.

Influencers and Youtubers sell their story, I get it.

But at least they are kinda honest about it and clearly say what go through their minds when they approach Hermes.

They talk about meeting the SAs just like if they were 12 years old and that was their first date with a guy they like.

And then of course they mention having to buy other stuff, or being offered other bags. Let's not be hypocrite here: being offered a Lindy or another bag is some people's worst nightmare.

And they all buy pillows, sooner or later.

I find all of this a little bit funny and crazy, if you let me.


And again, I completely understand Hermes and their policy and I completely understand those people who only like the Kelly or the Birkin.

Actually getting rejected with no bags at all seem to be the ultimate nightmare of some influencers and YouTubers especially when they travel to FSH. I watch those videos for a laugh when one can whine “why didnt they at least offer me a 24/24”, or maybe another will moan “maybe I shouldn’t have been too specific in wanting a birkin, should have mentioned any bag.”

In which way, were any of us ‘dishonest’ about our views?

I am curious because it implies that you think that experience rings true only when it comes to influencers and youtubers despite some of us telling you that we didn’t grovel to Hermes and some don’t even want the QBs.

Like I said, many forum mates here come from different walks of life. Some can get things real easy , whether luck or otherwise, and some can’t.

 

[WhiteBus]

Hi everyone,
I didn't know how things at Hermes work until I stumbled upon a video of a friend of mine who is a famous influencer in Italy who basically said that she would never get a Kelly or a Birkin from Hermes because she doesn't agree with their policy.
I knew Hermes from Sex and the City and the famous Lucy Liu episode where Samantha is told to wait 5 years to get a bag, while her celebrity client got that immediately. I thought this was their policy (long wait lists) and I never really cared about it because I never wanted a bag from Hermes.
I learned from other influencers how it works instead: you have to spend an amount of money at an Hermes boutique, from the same SA, and then they "offer" you a bag. It's their policy, it's ok, I mean, they do whatever they want to be exclusive and I'm not criticizing at all. You either want that bag or not, and you should follow what they say.
As I said, I wouldn't buy a Birkin or a Kelly even if they were available now in a store or online, but I think they are really nice bags, classic and beautiful.
I don't feel the same way about other bags and items that people buy at Hermes, often only to be able to get one day the infamous "offer".
I don't like anything from the Hermes website, but I see many people who buy plates, cups, pillows, bracelets, shoes... many things that cost lots and lots of money and only because they're somewhat forced to buy those to get the "dream bags".. but they don't really like those things they buy... and probably they wouldn't buy them at all if they didn't lead to the purchase of a Birkin or a Kelly.
How do you feel about that?
Do you like other Hermes items? Do you think that some people buy things they don't like just to get their dream bags?

I think there are assumptions made here behind Hermes working practices that are not quite right.
What you perceive seems, to be what happens now in many parts of the world and it is more open in say, Asia. There was a time when you could just walk in and buy a bag of your choice if it were in stock. Hermes is a company that has a limited production of, amongst other things, expensive leather goods.

Twenty years or so ago the demand began to outstrip supply and Hermes realised that some of its bags were being sold on at a premium.
Hermes wanted to ensure that its limited production went to clients who bought bags for their own use. Hermes devised a subtle method to screen personal from profiteering customers. This simple, if not crude, method of selling limited production bags to customers who appeared to be genuine Hermes enthusiasts, who purchased other items, worked effectively at first. However some customers began to realise why they got offers some times and not others. So Hermes plan became public.

This coincided with a much greater awareness of the Birkin, the Kelly and more widespread greater disposable income.
I don't believe Hermes should be chided for something brought upon current customers by people buying with the sole purpose of flipping at a premium and those who now support them.