For handbag lovers and Hermès aficionados, the Mini Kelly II may be considered the ultimate prize. But with soaring demand and limited availability, securing one is no easy feat. If you’re lucky enough to score this coveted bag in Paris—or considering making the trip—you’ll want to know whether the savings justify the effort. Let’s break down the real cost of purchasing a Mini Kelly II in Paris versus the United States to illustrate the potential savings.
Image courtesy: @karenzpurses
Scoring a quota bag in Paris is becoming increasingly difficult, even if you manage to secure an online appointment (which, let’s be honest, feels like winning the Hermès lottery itself). The Mini Kelly, in particular, adds another layer of challenge due to its immense popularity and limited availability. Its exclusivity makes it one of the most sought-after handbags, turning the hunt for one into an even greater challenge.
Read also: Updated Guide to the Hermès Leather Appointment System in Paris 2024
Image courtesy: @veronikaorchid
Breaking Down the Costs
PurseBop’s ongoing travel series, coined “handbag math,” provides detailed price comparisons between European and US prices. Handbag math refers to the art of calculating savings by comparing the euro price of a bag to its US counterpart. Below is our handbag math for the Mini Kelly II in both Epsom and Chèvre leather.
Image courtesy: @karenzpurses
2025 Price of Hermès Mini Kelly II
| Region | Hermès Mini Kelly II Epsom |
| USA | $10,000 |
| Europe | €7,450 |
| USD Equivalent | $7,759 |
| Savings | $2,241 (22.4%) |
| VAT Refund | $745 |
| Total Savings | $2,986 |
€1=$1.04 as of February 13, 2025
| Region | Hermès Mini Kelly II Chèvre |
| USA | $10,800 |
| Europe | €8,000 |
| USD Equivalent | $8,332 |
| Savings | $2,468 (22.8%) |
| VAT Refund | $800 |
| Total Savings | $3,268 |
A crucial part of the shopping experience in Europe is the VAT (Value Added Tax) refund, which can significantly impact the final cost. At Hermès, a 20% tax is included in the retail price of all products, including handbags. However, eligible customers can receive a VAT refund of approximately 10% when filing the appropriate paperwork upon departure from the EU. Refunds are typically processed using the original payment method used at the time of purchase.
While our calculations reflect the base price and VAT refunds, they do not account for duties upon US re-entry or state sales tax, as these costs typically balance out.
Image courtesy: @leoniehanne
Is Buying a Mini Kelly in Paris Still Worth It?
Despite annual price hikes in Europe (around 4%) and the US (around 6%), buying a Mini Kelly II in Europe is still the smarter, more cost-effective choice—especially if you can snag an offer. With the US dollar holding strong against the Euro, your potential savings get even sweeter.
Read also: New Confirmed Hermès Prices in Europe 2025
To put it into perspective, if you opt for a Mini Kelly II in Epsom leather, you could be pocketing a substantial $2,986 in savings compared to buying it in the US. And if you’re leaning toward the Chèvre version, your potential savings increase even more, reaching around $3,268.
Image courtesy: @freyakillin
However, if you’re traveling to Paris solely to obtain a quota bag, you must factor in travel expenses, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals. If, on the other hand, you’re already planning a trip with a side of Hermès shopping, the savings can justify the purchase.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for Hermès in Europe can offer significant savings, but there’s more to consider. Securing a Mini Kelly II can be a challenge, and there are travel costs to factor in. You may also need to meet minimum spending requirements at the boutique, and it’s important to think about the potential impact on your relationship with your home store SA. Plus, with Hermès now linking purchase profiles between Paris and the US, things are getting more complicated. It’s not just about the price tag—it’s about the bigger picture.
So, is it really worth the trip? Only you can decide. Good luck, and be sure to share your success stories with us!
Read related articles:
New Confirmed Hermès Prices in Europe 2025
US Hermès Price Increase 2025 – Here are the New Prices
The 2025 US Price Increase is Coming: How Much Are You Willing to Pay for a Hermès Bag?
The Original Hermès Bag: The Hottest HACs
6 New Bags We Can’t Wait For in 2025
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Updated: February 15th, 2025
Comments
2 Responses to “How Much Does a Mini Kelly II Really Cost in Paris in 2025? The Handbag Math”
I want one
It’s essential to consider potential import duties upon returning to your home country, as well as any travel expenses incurred during your trip. Moreover, acquiring a Mini Kelly II directly from an Hermès boutique can be challenging due to its high demand and limited availability. Therefore, while the financial savings are significant, the overall feasibility depends on these additional factors.