Is The Quality of Hermès bags' Craftsmanship Going Down?

Dear PurseBop:

Have you noticed the quality of Hermès bags’ craftsmanship is going down? It seems to be particularly noticeable with contrast stitching on some bags.

Dear Contrast Stitching Concerns:

There have been discussions among Hermès enthusiasts about variations in craftsmanship over time. Hermès bags are crafted entirely by hand by one artisan. Historically they maintain very high quality standards, and any variations are usually addressed promptly. The brand prides itself on craftsmanship, and quality control is a significant part of their process.

Occasionally, there may be variations in stitching or other details, which might be due to human factors in handcrafting each piece. These variations are generally minor, but when noticeable, they can be surprising, especially for such a high-end brand.

As a result, there may be slight variations in some of the bag sizes and details. However, these are rare occurrences and should be brought to the attention of the boutique immediately.

Hermès is known for its rigorous quality control. Significant quality issues are rare but may occur. If you notice a quality control issue it is best to discuss it first with your SA who will direct you to the After Care department either within your location or they will ship your bag to the nearest location.

It is always good practice to thoroughly inspect new purchases, especially the contrast stitching on bags in Etoupe, Gold, and New Blue Jean. If the stitching appears to be crooked or other deviations are seen with the stitching or other areas they can be handled immediately by your home store.

Hermès considers customer feedback invaluable and holds itself to a high level of customer satisfaction. If there are any concerns with your purchase, your SA will handle it until a successful resolution is reached.

In 2022 Hermès recalled all bags produced in Blue Brume Epsom leather because they noticed the stitching was turning yellow against the leather. Customers were advised to return their bag to the boutique for a full refund. Unfortunately, a replacement was not guaranteed at that time. However, it is likely that the SA’s made every effort to offer a new bag within a reasonable amount of time.

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