Renowned as one of the top luxury brands in the world, combining exceptional quality and craftsmanship with a price tag to match, you probably won’t be surprised to hear that an authentic Hermès bag cannot be purchased at any basic retailer.
The process for buying luxury goods has changed over the years, with a renewed focus on authenticity – something we will touch upon later in this blog. However, for the most part, what interested buyers (and indeed sellers) need to know is that, when handling brands like Hermès and others, there are a handful of specialist outlets and retail paths you need to follow.
For over a decade, Love Luxury has been dealing with Hermès bags, and we won’t be lying when we say these things never get old.
From the weight of a Birkin in your hands to the buttery feel of the Kelly, there’s something so magical about it. It’s probably also one of the reasons we fell in love with this business in the first place. However, what we also understand is that when you’re spending that kind of money, you need to have the peace of mind knowing you’re buying from people who’re genuinely excited about what they’re selling.
But, before we talk about the buying and selling process for luxury brands, and how important it is to receive a professional authentication check, let’s first share a little about why the Hermès brand is so expensive, coveted, and hard to buy.
Hermès specialises in handbags of exceptional quality, but it was not always a luxury handbag brand. Back in 1837, when the brand was first introduced to the market, it was done so as a leather goods and equestrian accessories supplier by Thierry Hermès – who then followed market demand and positioned himself and his brand as one for the wealthy and the nobility.
Despite being founded back in the 1830s, it wasn’t until the 1920s that Hermès produced and sold its first handbag – which means that the Hermès that we know today has only been around on the market for the past 100 years or so. During this time, Hermès has held onto its luxury and high-value status via a series of smart branding moves.
Firstly, it only ever releases a limited number of each new handbag model, ensuring that, while demand is high, supply remains very low.
Secondly, the story behind some of the brand’s most recognisable and famous bags means that it garners attention from a wide segment of the market – both among handbag lovers and other potential consumers. The story behind the Birkin, which recently made headlines again in 2023 with the death of actress Jane Birkin, is a great example of how this works.
And then we have the incredible quality and craftsmanship which lies at the heart of every bag that is produced. A Hermès handbag is a labour of love made using the finest materials, elevating the value and the price tag far beyond the reach of many prospective buyers.
All of this adds up to create a brand that is not only expensive but, even for those who can afford it, remarkably difficult to get your hands on. Which is why knowing the best places to buy and sell in your local area is key.
One thing that you will notice about all reputable buyers and sellers of luxury goods, such as Love Luxury, is that they support their services with an in-house authentication model or additional service. What this does is allow customers to ascertain the authenticity of any piece that they are buying, regardless of its value and brand, using the known authenticity indicators shared by each brand.
Easier said than done – and here’s why.
Fraud and fake goods have become such a problem in the luxury goods market that brands have had to adjust and upgrade their own inhouse authentication checks to protect both their pieces and their customers.
In fact, some fake Hermès bags are getting scarily good. However, the thing is, Love Luxury’s been doing this long enough to be able to spot things most people would never notice. Yes, our team of in-house authentication specialists are that good.
So, word of advice? If you’re buying a Hermès bag, especially online, be careful! If you’re ever unsure about a bag you already own or are about to purchase, you can always bring it by us. We’re always happy to take a quick look!
If, for example, you want to authenticate a Hermès handbag, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the authentication steps that the brand has taken to ensure that fakes can be quickly and easily identified – without the fraudulent manufacturers catching on and replicating the new in-house system.
Authentication cards are no longer a part of the Hermès system – something which a reputable buyer and seller in London, such as Love Luxury, will know and will use to quickly identify any fake bags. Instead, genuine Hermès handbags have serial numbers stamped inside.
Other signs of a fake bag include the shape and structure, the stitching, among some additional small details that can be difficult to spot unless you know what you are looking for. This is why getting professional advice from a professional reseller like Love Luxury is so important! We’re able to match your bag preference and budget with a genuine piece that passes all of the up-to-date checks.
With all that in mind, where can you find a reputable reseller and/or buyer for your Hermès handbag, and is it ever possible to pick up a brand-new bag directly from the retailer?
Let’s start with the second question – because, in reality, the answer is no. Most of the brand-new Hermès handbags that get released to market are backed up with extensive waitlists, with most pieces going to those with connections or past relationships with the retailer.
By far the best and easiest way to secure a Hermès bag is through a local reseller who buys and sells authentic luxury handbags. Since Love Luxury is located in large cities, like London, it often benefits from a rolling collection of stock that changes daily, based on what is brought in and sold to them.
What this means for those looking to buy is that you never know what you might find or what might be available. From classic and vintage handbags to limited-edition collections and one-off pieces, your perfect handbag could well be waiting at Love Luxury.
But selling a Hermès bag isn’t like selling any other handbag. Whether it was a gift from a loved one on your birthday or something you’ve spent your entire life’s savings on, we understand that this is a big deal.
This is why Love Luxury will never pressure you or give you a quick valuation over the phone. Come in, have a chat with some friendly faces and let us look at your bag properly. We’ll tell you honestly what we think it’s worth and why, depending on the current market conditions.
If you decide you don’t want to sell it, after all, that’s fine too. We’d rather you’re comfortable with the entire selling process than rush into something you’re unsure about.
That’s the beauty of a professional reseller: they will provide all the authentication checks and a full valuation service as part of your experience, ensuring that you secure the best price for your handbag based on its quality and status on the market.
Get in touch with us to find out more about buying and selling your Hermès, or to browse other luxury collections available!
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