The Birkin remains one of Hermès’ most famous, in-demand bags. So much so that in pop culture, “the Birkin” has become a staple accessory that needs no introduction. Characters including Samantha from Sex and the City simply reference their “Birkin” as a clear and valuable asset, safe in the knowledge that no true fashion lover needs any more of an explanation than that.
In short, the Birkin has become more than just a luxury bag. It is a cornerstone of the luxury market that epitomises just how much of a cult following a single design can have – with each and every Birkin that becomes available on the market boasting a huge following and ever-growing waitlist of potential buyers.
With that in mind, what do sellers need to know when it comes to parting with their Birkin? And how do they profit from the reputation and iconic status of Hermès’ most famous bag?
1) The History of the Birkin Bag
The first thing to consider when selling a Birkin bag is the importance of its history – that is, how the Birkin came into existence and how the specific model that you are looking to sell was brought to life.
This starts by understanding the role that actress Jane Birkin played in the design and production of the Birkin bag. Sitting next to Jean-Louis Dumas, the Chief Executive Officer for Hermès at the time, Birkin filled an entire plane journey with talk of what she needed from a bag as a young working mother. The resulting bag has gone on to become recognisable around the world.
From there, as a seller, you need to consider what inspired the exact model that you’re looking to sell. Is your Birkin an early model from around its first release in the 1980s, or are you selling a limited-edition collaboration model? Does it use traditional colour palettes and hardware, or tap into more exotic finishes and fittings?
This blended approach to the history of the bag and how it became one of Hermès’ models is important when it comes to both finding the right audience and selling the bag.
2) The Size of the Birkin
When the Birkin was first released, it was available in the 35 size as standard. Over time, more sizes have been added to the collection, ranging from the 25 to the 30, and even the larger 40cm finish.
The size refers to the width of the bag’s base in centimetres. The overall size of the bag impacts the amount of storage space and therefore the functionality of the bag – however, there is no specific size that is considered more valuable than another. Each has its own audience and its own place on the market.
When it comes to selling a Birkin, the size will impact who buys it and for what purpose. Smaller bags are seen as unique accessories and ideal for formal events, whereas the larger bags are best suited to everyday use.
3) Material Finishes
The Birkin bag has been reinvented and re-released using countless different materials over the years. These include both the standard leathers and more exotic finishes – for example, the Himalaya Birkin, which is made using the skin of a specific crocodile found in the Nile.
The material of your Birkin impacts its texture and aesthetic as well as the value of its core structure.
To help get sellers started, the main materials to be aware of for the Birkin collection are Togo leather, Calfskin leather, Clemence cowhide leather, and Epsom leather – to name just four. The specific leather that your Birkin is made of impacts the way it stands and how it compliments personal style.
For example, the Epsom is a famously rigid material that holds the iconic Birkin shape, regardless of how full the bag is and where it is standing. Meanwhile, the Clemence leather is much softer and is likely to lose its shape over time and with prolonged use. The Togo leather is supple and scratch-resistant, and the Calfskin leather is durable but requires extensive upkeep and maintenance. The more you know about the material of your bag and how it impacts ownership, the better able you are to market and sell it right.
4) The Condition of Your Birkin Bag
Condition is make or break when it comes to selling any authentic Hermès bag – with the best deals coming from bags that are in impeccable condition, and which come with all the original packaging and proof-of-purchase documents.
There’s a reason why so many Hermès bag collectors don’t ever open the box on their bag – and it’s because, when it comes to making a tangible investment, retaining optimum quality is of the utmost importance.
5) Where and When You Choose to Sell
The final thing to consider when it comes to selling an Hermès Birkin bag is where and when you choose to sell. The beauty of Hermès bag ownership is that the brand is so famous and so widely in demand that any authentic Birkin will entice a broad pool of potential buyers and a high price tag to match.
However, in order to make sure that your sale is protected, and you get the most value from your sale, it’s important to only deal with reputable and reliable buyers and resellers. Boutique resellers will often offer an inhouse valuation service to underpin their professionalism, while private buyers can result in quicker sales.
As a seller, you need to decide which is the right and most convenient option for you – alongside whether you want to walk away with the cash value of your bag or access a plethora of new luxury models and accessories. For more on selling Birkin and other luxury bags, visit your local London boutique reseller.
