Finds with Vi

Many seem to believe that purchasing certain categories at Hermès with a higher commission will help acquire a quota bag more quickly. A quota bag typically refers to highly sought-after styles like the Kelly, the Birkin, and sometimes the Constance, depending where you live. The categories people often mention are ready-to-wear, fine jewelry, tableware, and furniture.

The Reality of Quota Bags

From my experience, this isn’t entirely true, at least in Japan.

There were times when I purchased only shoes, scarves, and leather items, yet I was offered a quota bag in less than six months. This wasn’t even close to a 1:1 ratio. Conversely, I’ve also had times when I bought more than a 2.5:1 ratio (mostly ready-to-wear, tableware, and blankets), and I still didn’t receive a quota bag after more than 1.5 years of shopping with the same Sales Associate (SA). Here, ratio refers to the amount you spend relative to the price of the bag you want.

So when they say timing matters, it is indeed true. However, it’s not just timing; I believe many other factors come into play.

Photo credit: @eliteusa @hermesclub

Factors Influencing Your Purchase

Many factors affect the buying process, such as the store’s competitiveness, location, the spec you want, your SA’s seniority, and your relationship with them. The latter two points are in fact the most important.

I have witnessed an SA tell a customer, “No matter how much you spend today, there is no bag.” Of course, if you spend over $100,000 or more all at once, the situation might be different—who knows? But the notion that focusing on certain categories is the key to securing a quota bag isn’t entirely accurate.

In another post, I shared an experience where I saw someone who appeared to be a tourist being offered a Birkin without any prior purchase history.

https://findswithvi.com/2024/10/17/rare-hermes-encounter-my-birkin-story/

Enjoying Your Journey

While it might seem cliché, I believe that buying things you love quite consistently is better than just getting items to score a specific bag. This not only lowers stress but also improves your overall experience, as you’ll have pieces you enjoy, even if you don’t get a quota bag.

Many people buy items to resell them at lower prices, hoping to secure a quota bag. While some succeed, many feel disappointed and exhausted, especially if they can’t afford it. Most items, especially ready-to-wear, lose at least 40% of their value after leaving the store. Frequent or large purchases don’t always guarantee a quota bag unless you’re a VIP or have a senior sales associate.

If you found this post helpful, please share your own experiences with acquiring quota bags at Hermès in the comments below. I’d love to hear your stories! What strategies have worked for you? Have you faced any challenges in your luxury shopping journey? Let’s learn from each other’s experiences and navigate the fascinating world of luxury shopping together!

Cheers!