Olivia Barredo
October 18, 2022

For many fashion lovers, an Hermès bag or an item from an acclaimed brand, is a status symbol. Many women dream of owning an Hermès bag. For those who are ready to make their dream a reality, there are a couple of things you should know before you enter an Hermès boutique. 

Like other luxury brands, there are also "horror" stories revolving around Hermès. Some stories talk about sales associates not servicing customers properly, and some even recount getting denied entrance to the store. While these aren’t all true, it helps to be prepared. 

Here are some pointers on making an impression at Hermès, and getting the bag of your dreams.

Getting an Hermès Bag at a boutique 

It’s difficult to buy a bag from Hermès, more so a Birkin from them. It helps to build a relationship with a specific sales associate to make visiting a boutique an easier and much more pleasant experience.

When heading to an Hermès boutique, the first step is to find a sales associate who is available and willing to assist you. It would be easier if you had a relative with an existing contact and who can vouch for you. 

It's not required, but you may want to:

• Dress accordingly. If possible, wear something of the brand when heading to a boutique.
• Try to share your knowledge of Hermès and the specific item that you're looking to purchase.
• Establish a purchasing history at one boutique - this is essential, so the sales associates at the store will remember you.
• Purchase items at the same boutique through the same sales associate to establish a relationship with them.
• Purchase a variety of products - not just bags - to have a good purchasing history. 

While it might be different for each Hermès store, it doesn't hurt to be ready - especially if you're making your first purchase. Like with other brands, it really helps to establish a good relationship with the staff of the store - especially if you're thinking of coming back as it'll help them remember you. 

What makes Hermès special?

Hermès is a luxury household name, with many Philippine celebrities and socialites spotted using an item or two from the brand. Apart from its long history, it's also worth remembering that Hermès uses premium quality materials such as leather for their items. Many of their items are handcrafted, further adding to their value.

Because of their value, Hermès items are also an investment. It's essential to preserve its condition, so its value will continue to grow as time passes by. Items removed from the shelves rarely make a comeback, so it would be wise to keep your Hermès items in pristine condition to benefit from them in the long run. 

Should you purchase an Hermès bag? 

Bags from luxury brands like Hermès are status symbols, but it's definitely not a necessity. As with any item or any situation, always remember to purchase items within your means. A luxury item is something that you can live without in the long run and while it can be an investment or an item that you can make money on, it still won't be of the same value as when you bought the item. There are many other brands that offer the same quality or the same feel as a Hermès bag without breaking the bank.

It's much more important to live within your means than to be seen carrying luxury items. 

Purchasing an item or a bag from Hermès might seem daunting at first because of the "horror" stories online, but it helps to be confident in yourself and in what you know about the brand to help you make your dream purchase come true. If it doesn't work out, you can always purchase them online from legitimate luxury item sellers. Find one with many successful transactions before entrusting them with your Hermès purchase.