Which Birkin?

[moondoggiesbaby]

Hi Everyone, I'm new to posting in the Hermes forum although I've been reading many of your wonderful conversations! I'm choosing my first (although I know not last) birkin and I've managed to become very confused. I've chosen the pre-loved route partially bc I'm impatient and partially because I just had a baby so it's hard to get out and start the buying of hermes things in earnest (to hopefully be offered a quota bag at some point-- this is my end goal but I know it will take time). I ordered a rouge casque togo 35 birkin with gold hardware which I was really happy about until I inspected the corners. It was not listed that it had been painted at all but it looks to me like the corners have been painted. Can you please weigh in on whether you think they look painted and also whether it's worth it to pay over 11,000 for a birkin that has painted corners? Would you keep it? I know this is rather subjective but would love the benefit of your opinions.

I also ordered a raisin togo 35 birkin with palladium hardware. It's from 2007 and the handles are definitely a bit gummy and it's more worn than the RC birkin (RC is 2017). The piping is worn and showing through on the raisin as well but I believe it hasn't been painted (although please let me know if it should be a different color in the worn piping- like white or something). The raisin color seems amazingly versatile and I've read so many of the threads on here about raisin birkins which inspired me to order it. I paid shy of 10,000 for it. I'm not sure whether to hold out for a better condition one or just use this one and enjoy that I'll be less worried about it. Please share your thoughts with me, what would you do in this spot? I really appreciate it

Just a note: I like to have bags that are just a little different, so that's why I've chosen color rather than a black or etoupe or something much more neutral.

Also, please excuse the somewhat shoddy photos, my newborn has fallen asleep for a few minutes and that pile of laundry that you see is blocking the sunlight from being in her face, haha.




Thank you so much!

 

[QuelleFromage]

Hi there and welcome.

Both bags have corner wear; it's most obvious on the Raisin, of course. You can't really fix this kind of wear - you can polish over it.

The corners on the Rouge Casaque bag do look like they were polished. What you need to find out is whether this was done by Hermès, because if it was not, H will almost certainly refuse to repair the bag in future. Third-party repairs are a deal-breaker for me unless the bag is a crazy bargain (this isn't).

I would think you can find a 35 cm Birkin at those prices in somewhat better shape, but, maybe not; resale inventory and prices shift all the time. FWIW I LOVE Raisin and think that bag is beautiful; I would just expect it to be a bit less $. Are the "gummy" handles clean-able?

I would offer up that B35s are still less popular than, say, 10-12 years ago, and you may very well be able to get one as a walk-in. I'm sure life is hectic, but that might be worth a try

 

[moondoggiesbaby]

Hi there and welcome.

Both bags have corner wear; it's most obvious on the Raisin, of course. You can't really fix this kind of wear - you can polish over it.

The corners on the Rouge Casaque bag do look like they were polished. What you need to find out is whether this was done by Hermès, because if it was not, H will almost certainly refuse to repair the bag in future. Third-party repairs are a deal-breaker for me unless the bag is a crazy bargain (this isn't).

I would think you can find a 35 cm Birkin at those prices in somewhat better shape, but, maybe not; resale inventory and prices shift all the time. FWIW I LOVE Raisin and think that bag is beautiful; I would just expect it to be a bit less $. Are the "gummy" handles clean-able?

I would offer up that B35s are still less popular than, say, 10-12 years ago, and you may very well be able to get one as a walk-in. I'm sure life is hectic, but that might be worth a try

Thank you so much, QuelleFromage, I really appreciate your saying all of this. Both bags were from Fashionphile, so I don't have a lot of faith in getting an accurate answer about the corner-polishing. It sounds like I should just send it back.

I'm not sure if the gummy handles on the raisin can be cleaned-- is there a product you would recommend to do this? I've been shy of using any product on my bags ever since I accidentally took the finish off a beloved Prada many years ago!

That is very encouraging, I think I will try this! I suppose there's very little to lose, the worst they can say is "no" and there are a few home items I've been wanting to pick up anyway. I've read through SOO many threads about how to inquire about a quota bag, do you agree that the best is to be politely direct?

Thank you again!

 

[CrackBerryCream]

Fully agree with @QuelleFromage.

The Raisin corners look painted over to me too. Usually the leather under a scuff is a bit lighter than the surface colour (in case of black box leather it looks even white on my Kelly). So them having the same colour means they were painted over.

If the sellers say outright that the corner repairs were not done by Hermès Spa you should return them. If they say it was H spa then try to get the invoice for it as a proof. Otherwise 11 and 10K is too much money for bags that H Spa won't ever touch again.

 

[textilegirl]

I'm not sure I would trust an answer from Fashionphile (or very many resellers for that matter) about the repair work; it's probably safer to assume that H is unlikely to agree to work on the bag. I agree with @QuelleFromage, that would be a deal-breaker for me.

Luckily, if you're inclined to move faster than working through the H process at a boutique there are B35s available in what I would consider pretty good shape, and for more reasonable prices. You have to do a little digging of course, and authentication is a 'must' IMO, but they are available, at least until the pendulum starts to really swing back towards bigger bags.

 

[QuelleFromage]

Thank you so much, QuelleFromage, I really appreciate your saying all of this. Both bags were from Fashionphile, so I don't have a lot of faith in getting an accurate answer about the corner-polishing. It sounds like I should just send it back.

I'm not sure if the gummy handles on the raisin can be cleaned-- is there a product you would recommend to do this? I've been shy of using any product on my bags ever since I accidentally took the finish off a beloved Prada many years ago!

That is very encouraging, I think I will try this! I suppose there's very little to lose, the worst they can say is "no" and there are a few home items I've been wanting to pick up anyway. I've read through SOO many threads about how to inquire about a quota bag, do you agree that the best is to be politely direct?

Thank you again!

Yes! Just be politely direct. Since it sounds like you do like the brand overall, and have been doing research, just have a nice chat as you're picking up the home items. Especially if a particularly color or leather is something you really love.
I have asked at stores where I have zero relationship and (although sometimes one is met with the super-rapid "wedonthaveanybagsatalltoday" and occasionally with "buy that bracelet you were eyeing and then maybe") I have quite often gotten "Let me look" or even "Yes, we do have one in xx color/leather, would you like to see it?"

As with all things in life, if you don't ask, you don't get

 

[moondoggiesbaby]

Fully agree with @QuelleFromage.

The Raisin corners look painted over to me too. Usually the leather under a scuff is a bit lighter than the surface colour (in case of black box leather it looks even white on my Kelly). So them having the same colour means they were painted over.

If the sellers say outright that the corner repairs were not done by Hermès Spa you should return them. If they say it was H spa then try to get the invoice for it as a proof. Otherwise 11 and 10K is too much money for bags that H Spa won't ever touch again.

Thank you so much CrackBerryCream, I was wondering about that, but since this will be my first H bag, I wasn't sure if somehow the corners were the same color all the way down, haha.

That's very good to know, it does seem too close to retail price to never be able to get it spa-ed. Would you pay more than retail for a more pristine bag?

 

[moondoggiesbaby]

I'm not sure I would trust an answer from Fashionphile (or very many resellers for that matter) about the repair work; it's probably safer to assume that H is unlikely to agree to work on the bag. I agree with @QuelleFromage, that would be a deal-breaker for me.

Luckily, if you're inclined to move faster than working through the H process at a boutique there are B35s available in what I would consider pretty good shape, and for more reasonable prices. You have to do a little digging of course, and authentication is a 'must' IMO, but they are available, at least until the pendulum starts to really swing back towards bigger bags.

Thank you so much, textilegirl, I have the same thought that Fashionphile probably doesn't know and I'm probably too removed from the original buyer to get an accurate answer. All answers point toward I should just return.

Are there any places you'd be able to point me toward? I have very little experience buying pre-loved as I usually prefer to just get from the boutique for any bag so that's why I thought Fashionphile may be the safest route but the inconsistent info on condition (and repairs) from them is becoming a problem. Also, would 8,000 be a more reasonable price for pre-loved? It seems the prices are all so high right now so have been unsure whether I have unmeetable expectations!

 

[moondoggiesbaby]

Yes! Just be politely direct. Since it sounds like you do like the brand overall, and have been doing research, just have a nice chat as you're picking up the home items. Especially if a particularly color or leather is something you really love.
I have asked at stores where I have zero relationship and (although sometimes one is met with the super-rapid "wedonthaveanybagsatalltoday" and occasionally with "buy that bracelet you were eyeing and then maybe") I have quite often gotten "Let me look" or even "Yes, we do have one in xx color/leather, would you like to see it?"

As with all things in life, if you don't ask, you don't get

I do really like the brand and love to learn about it, I'm glad that that comes across! I have some specific dream bags in my mind but since this is my first, I'm also pretty open (since I don't have the issue of I already have something like that...). This is so encouraging, thank you so much, I'll try to go quite soon! I'll update if I manage to get anything!

This is sooo true and such a good reminder!

 

[880]

Hi @moondoggiesbaby, congrats on the birth of your baby. I only have a few points to add:

1. I would not keep a Birkin with painted corners or gummy handles, esp. for my first bag, unless everything was disclosed up front and a substantial discount given. There is also a distinction between paint, polish and professional corrective redye. All of which have to be performed by a talented third party professional. I personally prefer to third party spa, but I do both.

2. Newish togo preloved older bags like this make me nervous because of the skunk years (maybe 2012-14? IDK). I have never owned one, but here is a link. https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/odd-leather-smell.848698/page-236
For preloved bags I prefer to stick to refurbishable saddle leathers from 2002-7. So pls check the date codes. Many of us ask @docride for an unbiased opinion on her Lazarus thread. https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...hread-can-this-hermes-be-saved.972522/page-91

3. maybe I am a wimp, but I find even my size 30Bs somewhat heavy even empty. . . But maybe that’s bc I’m 55 lol.

My turn to ask for help - what should I consider buying?

I live nowhere near an H store and have had limited opportunities to see/touch most bags, leathers, etc. I only get to H while traveling so I have a bunch of smaller store purchases (jewelry, scarves, decorative items, etc) from stores in the US and abroad (or online), but only one store bag...

forum.purseblog.com

4. if you want to buy a few home decor pieces, there is no harm in asking for the likelihood of a BK.

good luck, and keep us posted

ETA: recession next year may bring more bags at better prices

 

[CrackBerryCream]

Thank you so much CrackBerryCream, I was wondering about that, but since this will be my first H bag, I wasn't sure if somehow the corners were the same color all the way down, haha.

That's very good to know, it does seem too close to retail price to never be able to get it spa-ed. Would you pay more than retail for a more pristine bag?

I wouldn't pay above retail, but that is a personal preference plus I already have my holy grail + some extras. 2 of my Birkins are from H stores and 2 are from eBay and Vestiaire Collective respectively. One of them was 4,960€, the other 6,100€ (which translates to roughly the same dollar price today). I bought them in late 2020 and early 2021 and both are very slouchy. The corner wear wasn't as bad as on the raisin though, but they were clearly not spa-ed. I sent them in and paid for the regular cleaning, conditioning + painting. Came out looking almost new apart from the slouch and dents in the leather (that can't be reversed and I actually like the slouchy look).

The only way I was able to get such deals was stalking the sites + the ability to authenticate them myself. I also think you can get better deals for the prices you paid, my examples are probably not realistic anymore today. But more likely in bags that haven't been to spa yet, where the owner doesn't want to invest the time or money to do that before selling. There are plenty. You need to know what to look out for: short superficial scratches, especially on the corners can be painted over by H spa easily. The piping thing showing through in the corner is not a superficial scratch, but something I wouldn't settle for as there are enough bags out there without such heavy rub-off. Also hardware that looks dull can be polished (and also replaced altogether for a relatively low price).

 

[moondoggiesbaby]

Hi @moondoggiesbaby, congrats on the birth of your baby. I only have a few points to add:

1. I would not keep a Birkin with painted corners or gummy handles, esp. for my first bag, unless everything was disclosed up front and a substantial discount given. There is also a distinction between paint, polish and professional corrective redye. All of which have to be performed by a talented third party professional. I personally prefer to third party spa, but I do both.

2. Newish togo preloved older bags like this make me nervous because of the skunk years (maybe 2012-14? IDK). I have never owned one, but here is a link. https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/odd-leather-smell.848698/page-236
For preloved bags I prefer to stick to refurbishable saddle leathers from 2002-7. So pls check the date codes. Many of us ask @docride for an unbiased opinion on her Lazarus thread. https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...hread-can-this-hermes-be-saved.972522/page-91

3. maybe I am a wimp, but I find even my size 30Bs somewhat heavy even empty. . . But maybe that’s bc I’m 55 lol.

My turn to ask for help - what should I consider buying?

I live nowhere near an H store and have had limited opportunities to see/touch most bags, leathers, etc. I only get to H while traveling so I have a bunch of smaller store purchases (jewelry, scarves, decorative items, etc) from stores in the US and abroad (or online), but only one store bag...

forum.purseblog.com

4. if you want to buy a few home decor pieces, there is no harm in asking for the likelihood of a BK.

good luck, and keep us posted

ETA: recession next year may bring more bags at better prices

Hi 880, thank you so much, this encourages me, I wasn't sure if I was being too picky.

2. Oh my goodness, I didn't know about this issue, thank you so much for telling me, and for linking the thread and the lazarus thread which is so very helpful!

3. I do think it'll be a bit heavy but I'm used to carrying large bags and overall prefer them (I always end up just switching back to my large bags).

4. Thank you so much, I'm really so happy that you and others are not appalled at the idea, haha. Everyone has been so nice, what a truly lovely community.

 

[moondoggiesbaby]

I wouldn't pay above retail, but that is a personal preference plus I already have my holy grail + some extras. 2 of my Birkins are from H stores and 2 are from eBay and Vestiaire Collective respectively. One of them was 4,960€, the other 6,100€ (which translates to roughly the same dollar price today). I bought them in late 2020 and early 2021 and both are very slouchy. The corner wear wasn't as bad as on the raisin though, but they were clearly not spa-ed. I sent them in and paid for the regular cleaning, conditioning + painting. Came out looking almost new apart from the slouch and dents in the leather (that can't be reversed and I actually like the slouchy look).

The only way I was able to get such deals was stalking the sites + the ability to authenticate them myself. I also think you can get better deals for the prices you paid, my examples are probably not realistic anymore today. But more likely in bags that haven't been to spa yet, where the owner doesn't want to invest the time or money to do that before selling. There are plenty. You need to know what to look out for: short superficial scratches, especially on the corners can be painted over by H spa easily. The piping thing showing through in the corner is not a superficial scratch, but something I wouldn't settle for as there are enough bags out there without such heavy rub-off. Also hardware that looks dull can be polished (and also replaced altogether for a relatively low price).

Thank you so much, this is so very very helpful. Thank you for sharing the prices you paid and the reasonable expectations as well as what to look for (this is SUPER helpful). I was feeling a bit discouraged bc it seemed rather expensive for not very good conditions, I'm glad to hear that this is true and that I should keep the standards up and keep looking. I'll have to just be patient, I'm sure it will be rewarding! I'm also going to try going into the boutique since I want a slightly less popular size.

 

[KellyObsessed]

I've been doing some research, and I think I'm going to go the resale route and purchase from Jane Finds.
Reading about her, I think she is trustworthy and I feel confident that all of the Hermes bags she sells are authentic.

 

[textilegirl]

Thank you so much, textilegirl, I have the same thought that Fashionphile probably doesn't know and I'm probably too removed from the original buyer to get an accurate answer. All answers point toward I should just return.

Are there any places you'd be able to point me toward? I have very little experience buying pre-loved as I usually prefer to just get from the boutique for any bag so that's why I thought Fashionphile may be the safest route but the inconsistent info on condition (and repairs) from them is becoming a problem. Also, would 8,000 be a more reasonable price for pre-loved? It seems the prices are all so high right now so have been unsure whether I have unmeetable expectations!

I would keep an eye out on all of the usual sources (https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/discuss-hermes-resale-ebay-sellers.643531), including Fashionphile, but it's worth being fairly picky as everyone above has suggested. It also helps to know your tolerance for bargain shopping; I'm willing to pursue what others might deem a wreck of a bag if I know it can be spa'd well and the price is where I think it should be. That view might cause palpitations, and not in a good way, in the hearts of many a tPFer. There are reasons why many prefer to simply pursue the boutique option. I've done both, with no regrets. It also helps to be patient, as it does with boutique shopping; if it's not a good deal let it go, another will come along.