Many people who already own a Picotin or Evelyne are thinking, "Next, I want a Birkin."
However, even if you regularly visit an official Hermès store, it's not uncommon to hear concerns such as "I'm not being offered one" or "I missed my chance..."
Among these concerns, the term "30-minute rule" is often brought up.
You may have heard the rumor: “If you don’t make a decision within 30 minutes of being offered a Birkin, it will be passed on to another customer.”
In this article, we’ll explain what the “30-minute rule” really means, including its background and real-life experiences.
We’ll also share important points that those aiming for their first Birkin should keep in mind, and options to consider if you can’t get one at an official store.
The "30-minute rule" refers to an unspoken rule that if you’re offered a Birkin at a Hermès store, you must show your intention to purchase within 30 minutes.
In reality, there are multiple firsthand accounts such as:
Of course, this is not an official rule established by Hermès.
It’s talked about more as an on-the-ground judgment or custom to fairly offer limited bags.
For those aiming for their first Birkin, knowing about this rumor might help them prepare mentally so they don’t miss their chance.
Hermès has not officially implemented a rule saying, “You must decide within 30 minutes.”
However, there are several reasons behind the spread of this rumor:
Birkins are handcrafted one by one by artisans, so the total production volume is very limited.
If it’s a popular color or rare material, the restock date is often unknown.
It’s not uncommon for multiple customers to want the same bag.
Many people say, “I was offered one once, but I hesitated and missed my chance.”
One customer even said, “While I was thinking about it, it was passed on to the next customer,” showing that chances can vanish instantly.
Taking too long to decide might take away the chance from another customer, so sales associates may encourage quick decisions.
This is especially common for “walk-in” customers who don’t have an assigned sales associate—your opportunity may be passed to the next person.
Stories like “If you don’t decide within about 30 minutes, it goes to the next customer” have been shared via word of mouth and social media, which may have made it seem like an official rule.
In other words, the “30-minute rule” is not a system, but an unspoken custom formed through customer experiences.
Being offered a Birkin happens in an instant. To avoid missing a precious chance, preparation is key.
Cases where someone thinks “I’ll decide after trying it on” and then misses the opportunity are common.
Narrowing down the size (25, 30, 35, etc.), preferred color, and material according to your lifestyle beforehand will help you make quicker decisions.
If you're unsure about the size, checking out a Birkin size comparison article is recommended.
Because it’s a high-priced purchase, being ready with your budget and payment method in advance gives peace of mind.
There are even reports of people saying, “I couldn’t buy it because the payment arrangements took too long.”
It’s natural to wonder “Is this really the one?” but if you take too long, the bag may go to someone else.
If you decide beforehand, “If it’s this size and color, I’ll go for it immediately,” you can make a calm decision when the time comes.
For more on Hermès colors, it’s helpful to check a Hermès popular color ranking article.
A: There’s no fixed answer. Purchase history and relationship with the sales associate are more important than income. There are people with high income who haven’t been offered one, and others who steadily made purchases and were offered one.
A: Hermès offers different items to each customer. It’s harder to be offered one during your first visit or in short-term relationships. It’s not that they “won’t sell,” but that the offer depends on your purchase history and relationship with the store.
A: Very low. On social media, some say less than 1%. Many of those who got one describe it as a “complete coincidence.”
A: This is a common concern. Some regret buying a color they didn’t want, while others said they declined and were later offered their preferred color months later.
Declining does not necessarily mean you won’t be offered another. However, depending on your relationship with the sales associate or the store’s situation, it might take time to get another chance.
Rather than regretting a forced decision, it’s important to judge based on whether the item is truly what you want.
A: Quick resale may negatively affect your relationship with Hermès. There are reports of people saying, “I stopped getting offered bags after that.”
Rather than forcing a quick decision, waiting for the color or size you really want tends to lead to higher satisfaction.
If you absolutely can’t find one at an official store, carefully comparing options on a trusted resale market is also a safe choice.
Even if you regularly visit an official store aiming for your first Birkin, you won’t always be offered one. In fact, more people say “I never got one despite many visits.”
In that case, consider buying through a trusted resale market.
At XIAOMA, we offer a large inventory sourced from a global network.
From “high-value classic colors” to “rare limited editions,” our range is extensive. Every item is authenticated by professional appraisers, so you can shop with confidence.
▶︎ See XIAOMA’s Birkin lineup here
The Birkin “30-minute rule” is not an official policy by Hermès but an unspoken custom born from real customer experiences.
However, due to the limited number of bags produced by artisans, the bags available for offer are few, and being mentally prepared to make a quick decision is important when the opportunity arises.
To do that, it’s effective to narrow down the size and color you want in advance.
With proper preparation, you won’t miss your valuable opportunity. Still, there’s no need to make a rushed decision—you can also choose to wait for the one that truly satisfies you.
And if you don’t encounter one at an official store, using a trusted resale market is a smart option.
In a certified and guaranteed environment, you can safely find a Birkin that suits you.
Knowing about the “30-minute rule” is a key mindset when going for your first Birkin. Enjoy your experience at official stores while imagining the model you truly want for when the opportunity finally comes.
At XIAOMA, we carry a wide selection of Birkins.
We also welcome those who “want to figure out which Birkin suits them before trying at the official store.”
