If you’re a fan of luxury fashion, then you’ve probably heard of the French brand, Hermès. Known for its iconic Birkin and Kelly bags, this luxury fashion house is a symbol of timeless elegance and sophistication. But with prices that can range from $10,000 to $500,000 or more, owning an Hermès item might seem like an impossible dream for many.
However, did you know that there are countries where you can buy Hermès items at a significantly lower price? Yes, it’s true! In this article, we’ll explore the cheapest country to buy Hermès and some tips on how to get the best deals.
Why Are Hermès Items So Expensive?
Before we dive into the cheapest country to buy Hermès items, let’s first understand why they’re so expensive. The high price tag is due to several factors:
- The craftsmanship: Each item is handmade by skilled artisans who have gone through years of training. It takes up to 48 hours to make a Birkin bag and up to 18 hours for a Kelly bag.
- The materials: Hermès only uses the finest materials such as calf leather and crocodile skin for their bags.
- The exclusivity: Hermès maintains strict control over its production process and limits the number of items made each year. This exclusivity makes their products even more desirable.
The Cheapest Country to Buy Hermès
Now that you know why Hermès items are so expensive let’s talk about which country offers the best prices. According to research done by Baghunter in 2016, Japan is the cheapest country to buy a Birkin bag.
- Birkin Bag Prices in Japan: On average, a Birkin bag costs around 1.5 million yen in Japan, which is approximately $13,500 USD.
- Birkin Bag Prices in the US: In comparison, the same Birkin bag costs around $16,000 USD in the United States.
It’s important to note that prices may vary depending on the exchange rate and availability of stock. In addition, it’s worth noting that Hermès items are highly sought after in Japan and other countries with lower prices. This means that you may have to put yourself on a waiting list or be subject to limited availability.
Tips for Buying Hermès Items at a Lower Price
Buying an Hermès item at a lower price requires some patience and strategy. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal:
- Shop Abroad: As we’ve mentioned earlier, certain countries offer lower prices for Hermès items. If you have travel plans lined up, try visiting these countries and checking out their boutiques.
- Buy Pre-Owned: You can also consider buying pre-owned items from trusted resellers.
This can save you up to 30% off the retail price.
- Stay on Waiting Lists: If you’re set on buying a new Hermès item from a boutique, put yourself on their waiting list. This will increase your chances of getting your desired item without being subject to marked-up prices from resellers.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking to buy an Hermès item and want to save some money while doing so, consider shopping abroad or buying pre-owned. And don’t forget to put yourself on waiting lists if you’re set on getting a new item. With a bit of patience and strategy, you can own an iconic Hermès item without breaking the bank.