Dear PurseBop: All Your Hermès Special Order Questions Answered - Part 1

The fall season is upon us and for all the Hermès fashionistas that means Special Orders are about to begin at your home store. Whether this is your first offer or your 15th special order offer, it is always an exciting experience. Dear PurseBop recaps the most common questions and answers received about Special Orders.

Be sure to click here to submit your questions and click here to read all the questions and answers previously submitted.

hermes special order | hermes a la carte

Image courtesy @rattilovesseoul

When considering a Hermès Special Order, here is some preliminary information:

What is a Hermès Special Order? A Special Order allows select clients to customize iconic Hermès bags like the Birkin or Kelly with unique combinations of colors, leathers, and hardware.
Who qualifies for a Special Order? Clients with a strong purchase history and a good relationship with their SA are typically offered the opportunity for a Special Order.
How do I request a Special Order? You cannot directly request one; your sales associate will invite you when you’re eligible.
Can I choose any combination of colors and materials? Hermès provides specific color choices each season, so your customization options must fall within those offerings.
How long does a Special Order take? Delivery typically takes 6-18 months, depending on the bag’s complexity and Hermès’ production schedule.
Are Special Orders more expensive? Special Orders do not carry a premium due to their personalized nature, but prices may have increased if it arrives in the calendar year after it was placed.
Do Special Orders count toward quota bags? Yes, Special Orders are usually quota bags (Kelly or Birkin), so it could affect when you’re eligible for your next bag offer.

2024 Special Order Colors:

photo courtesy @thehermesclub

photo courtesy @thehermesclub

photo courtesy @thehermesclub

Dear PurseBop: What Is The Best Way to Ask My Hermès SA for a Special Order Opportunity?

Every Hermès shopper dreams of one day being offered the opportunity to create a unique and personalized one-of-a-kind bag that will be a forever treasure in your collection. If your Sales Associate has not made this offer after establishing a good relationship and shopping together for a year or two, Dear PurseBop provides suggestions here on how to approach the subject in a straightforward and respectful way.

@lionnlibra’s Special Order Kelly 28 in raisin and gris perle chèvre mysore, with brushed GHW

Dear PurseBop: How Do I Qualify for a Hermès Special Order?

As with all things Hermès, there is no set rule book to follow and insure a Special Order will be offered. However, there are certain things you can do that will increase your chances. Dear PurseBop outlines those things here.

@baubles_bybb’s Special Order Birkin 25

Dear PurseBop: How Much Spend Profile Do I Need to Be Offered a Hermès Special Order?

The process of being offered a Special Order is quite detailed requiring Manager approval and a good relationship with your Sales Associate. Dear PurseBop explains the process here and how to maintain a healthy spend profile to increase your chances of being offered the exclusive opportunity.

@panthere_instyle’s Special Order Birkin in Mimosa and Cactus crocodile

Dear PurseBop: How Often Is the Hermès Special Order Offered in Each Location?

Each location has flexibility on how often and how long to offer the Special Orders to be placed based on the size of their boutique, the location, how much competition exists, and how many Sales Associates work at the location. Dear PurseBop has all the information you need here.

photo courtesy addicted_2luxury
Mini Kelly SO in Alezan and Biscuit

Dear PurseBop: Please Help Me Decide What Size, Color, Leather, and Hardware Hermès Special Order to Create

Receiving an offer from your SA to create a Special Order is a very special opportunity. However, deciding what type of bag, size, leather, color, and hardware to choose can be overwhelming. Dear PurseBop breaks it all down here to help you make the perfect one of a kind creation that will you will cherish for a lifetime.

photo courtesy @mylilaclife

Dear PurseBop: Is Permabrass Hardware the Best Choice for My Multi-Color Special Order Mini Kelly?

Choosing the hardware for your Special Order bag is an important decision. Dear PurseBop makes the decision easier for you by giving you all your options here.

photo courtesy @petite_favorite

Dear PurseBop: What Length Shoulder Strap Should I Order for My Special Order Mini Kelly to Wear It Crossbody?

One of the advantages to ordering a Kelly for your Special Order is you may customize the length of the shoulder strap. Many find the standard size shoulder strap on the Mini Kelly is too short to wear crossbody. Ordering a Mini Kelly allows you to order a longer shoulder strap. However, there are some important factors to consider before you choose the length. Dear PurseBop has the lengths here and advises on the best length for crossbody wear.

photo courtesy @karenzpurses

Dear PurseBop: Do I Pay for My Special Order When I Create It or When It Arrives From Paris?

A very common question is when do I pay for my Special Order. When you create your bag or when it arrives from Paris many wonder. To find out, click here for the definitive answer.