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Is the Hermès Bag Still a Smart Investment – or Just an Expensive Dream?

When it comes to designer bags as an investment, one name has been one of the most desired bags for years: the Hermès Birkin Bag. First introduced in the 1980s, it quickly became the ultimate status symbol.

These days, the Hermès Mini Kelly is just as popular. Not only because of the status it brings, but also because it’s so hard to get. For many women, it’s an accessory that shows their success and personal style a clear sign of their place in a world built on taste, status, and exclusivity.

The models above are part of what Hermès calls Quota Bags: exclusive handbags you can officially buy no more than two of per year. In reality, most clients get offered just one, and many don’t get an offer at all. In the Netherlands, the waiting list only opens for a short time each year, often just for regular customers who already spend money on other Hermès items like shoes, clothing, or jewellery. Even then, it can take six to twelve months before you get the call.

VIP customers  the big spenders are usually offered one or two Quota Bags a year. Hermès also sells other handbags without Quota Bag status, which are a bit easier to buy, but the choice is still very limited. With these too, the boutique decides who gets what, and it’s far from transparent.

Besides the Birkin and Mini Kelly, the classic Kelly and the Constance are also Quota Bags. These aren’t sold off the shelf you have to request them, and they’re not kept in stock.

The Birkin, Mini Kelly, and Kelly have proven to be strong investments for years. It’s not just about exclusivity the bags are beautifully made with the best materials, and they can last for generations. A Birkin or Kelly always increases in value  that much is clear. The Birkin and Mini Kelly tend to rise the fastest, while the classic Kelly also goes up but at a slower pace. Popular colours like gold, black, and etoupe often see an instant jump in resale value.

Take Jelline Brands as an example a young Dutch entrepreneur who earns most of her income through YouTube. In under two years, she grew her TikTok® following to over 250,000, mainly by posting videos where she unboxes her Hermès purchases and shows what she bought.

She often films in front of her wardrobe full of designer bags, openly sharing her buying habits. Her story shows how quickly you can get noticed by Hermès if you spend a lot and spend often. Over about two years, she was offered several Kelly and Birkin bags. This wasn’t because she waited patiently, but because she spent a huge amount at Hermès in a short time.

For most people, that’s simply not possible. But it shows how the Hermès system has changed. In the past, you could join a waiting list no matter who you were or how much you spent and eventually get a bag. Now, it works differently: spend a lot in a short time, and your chances go up. For others, it’s more about patience and hoping your turn will come.

Conclusion
So, is a Hermès bag still a smart investment  or just an expensive dream? A Birkin or Kelly always increases in value  that much is clear. But the buying process has changed. You can’t just walk in and get a Birkin or Kelly. Often, you’ll need to spend thousands on other items first  pieces that lose value. This makes the investment less straightforward. The real question is: how much do you need to spend before you even get the chance to buy one?

For a small group, buying a Birkin or Kelly can still pay off. For most, it’s more of a costly journey towards owning one of the most desired fashion pieces in the world.

Written by Revalue My Bag · August 20, 2025