Should I Remove or Retain the Protective Stickers on my Hermès Quota Bags?

Dear PurseBop:

Any advice on whether to remove or retain the protective stickers on the BKC?

Dear Protective Stickers:

This is a classic question that never gets old. Hermès recommends removing the stickers. Hermès lovers are split on whether to remove the stickers or how long to wait before removing them.

There are those who purchase a Hermès bag and immediately remove all stickers from the hardware. They take ownership of their bag and want to immediately see the full beauty of their gold, rose gold, or palladium hardware shine.

There are others who do not remove their protective stickers until they start to lift off the hardware or they see some evidence of tarnishing.

And others who like to wait as long as possible to remove the stickers to keep the bag feeling new longer, and to avoid scratches on the hardware. There is also the issue of resale. A bag with stickers on may fetch you a higher price should you decide to re-home it. But what about enjoying the full beauty of your bag while using it?

A few community members have reported that their hardware showed signs of tarnishing when they removed the stickers after an extended period of time. We are not aware how they stored their bags (in the box, in the dust bag, or in the open air) and whether the bags were exposed to humidity, heat, or other conditions. SA’s have told their clients that humidity can affect how the stickers react on the hardware.

Hermès SA’s advise their clients to remove the stickers after purchase and that leaving the stickers on the hardware (it is unknown how long) may cause the hardware to tarnish. The good news is the Hermès spa is able to repair and/or replace hardware.

In conclusion, it is a very personal decision – one must decide for themselves whether to remove the protective stickers immediately or retain them until a future date. Let us know your preference.

Read:

Sticker seals on bags, on or off?

A Visit To The Spa – Hermès Style