What should I keep in mind when looking/ buying a Birkin?. How should I go about it.. HELP?

Hi! First Birkin is always a memorable, exciting moment!

Things to consider:
1. Color – do you want a special POP color bag or want a neutral that will go with most anything/everything?
2. Leather – do you like structured bags or ones with a soft slouch? do you like grained or smooth leather? are veins or spines OK with you?
3. Hardware – do you wear mostly gold or silver jewelry?
4. Size – what are you looking to put in this bag? Everyday use for work/travel (35)? Day to night transition (30)? Night time only (25)? Does weight matter (35 in Togo/Clemence can get heavy!)?

Research research research!!! Look at tons of pics, read articles and threads (The Purse Forum is very informative). It is a lot of money for a bag, and hopefully you pick the right one best suited for you!

A brief overview on the most popular leathers:
– Togo: grained leather, retains structure pretty well although not “rigid”, can have veins, relatively very easy/stress-free/water-resistant, heavier leather (but less than Clemence)
– Clemence: grained leather, can become very slouchy if not cared for/stored appropriately, also relatively very easy/stress-free/water-resistant, one of the heavier leathers
– Epsom: pressed/stamped leather, stiff/structured leather, will hold it’s shape over time, takes color well, lightweight, water-resistant, corners/edges become worn more than Togo/Clemence, rumored to not do as well during spa treatment
– Swift: smooth leather, takes color beautifully, can become slouchy if not cared for/stored appropriately, scratches more than grained leather (but this blends over time to become less obvious), lightweight
– Box: smooth leather, limited colors available, maintains shape, scratches easily (but over time will develop a “patina”), water sensitive (will blister)
– Chevre (goat): grained leather, currently only available for SO (or older bags from resellers), limited to smaller size bags, takes color beautifully, beautiful sheen, can have an obvious “spine” down the middle of the bag, lightweight

In terms of acquiring a bag, you COULD get lucky as a walk-in in the USA if you purchase $x amount of other non-leather goods (fine jewelry/watches, ready to wear and home goods especially)… Generally speaking you will have more success at the end of the month, and at the end of the year (when the stores are closing their books on their sales for the month/year and need to meet a target amount). Stock is also more plentiful during the holiday season. But if you are interested in more than the Hermes Birkin, then I suggest you develop a relationship with an SA at your local Hermes store. Start off with buying other items, talk to your SA, express interest, be kind & courteous, not demanding. Your SA and your relationship with him/her is KEY! Over time you will develop a relationship, give your “wishlist” to your SA, and hopefully soon after be offered your dream bag! Hermes likes to give preference to those clients who they feel are interested in the brand as a whole, not just the Birkin/Kelly. So it helps for you to expand your horizons and purchase things from different departments; however that being said, NEVER feel the pressure to buy something you DO NOT LIKE! If there is nothing else at Hermes that interests you other than the B or K, then I suggest you just go the route of a reputable reseller… in the end even if you pay reseller markup, you may still end up spending less than what you would at the Hermes store for things you don’t like.

Sorry for this novel, but I hope it helps!

Chamkegi it’s not impossible. Ok girls, firstly it’s imperative to find a SA at Hermes to work with. You must establish a healthy relationship with one. Rarely does anyone just walking in get’ offered’ anything. Have you done this dear?

Hi Chamkegi! Welcome to Boptalk. Today is my first day too :)
Let me help you if I may?
Is this going to be your first B? Do you have a store you work with?