You may have heard rumors that Birkin bags can sometimes be bought back at prices higher than their original retail price—and perhaps that sparked your curiosity to do a quick search.
Typically, luxury items lose value once they’ve been used. That’s just how it goes. But with certain Hermès models—like the iconic Birkin—there are cases where, depending on factors such as material, condition, and market availability, they can actually be resold for more than their retail price.
In this article, we’ll break down the question: “Why can Birkins sell for more than their original price?” We'll also cover real examples of resale prices, trends among high-demand models, and tips for maximizing your sale through consignment.
If you're thinking, “I don’t want to take a loss,” or “If possible, I’d love to sell for even more than retail,” — then you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered all the useful info you need.
“Can a resale price really go above the original retail price?” — It’s a question many people have.
For most luxury brands, it’s normal for an item’s value to drop once it’s been used. But the Birkin is a rare exception.
In fact, certain highly sought-after Birkin 25 models—featuring popular combinations like Togo leather, black color, and gold hardware—can sell for nearly 1.5 to 2 times their retail price.
And this isn’t just a fluke. There are several underlying market factors that contribute to this phenomenon:
Because of these reasons, Birkins aren’t just known for “holding their value even secondhand”—they’re now being recognized as models that “can actually increase in value over time.”
In the next section, we’ll break down these factors into three easy-to-understand points, complete with diagrams to make it even clearer.
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There are several reasons why Birkin bags can fetch prices above retail, but the following three are the most significant:
Hermès regularly revises its prices, and from 2023 to 2025, there’s been an overall increase of around 15–25%.
For example, the retail price of a Birkin 25 in Togo leather has risen by over ¥200,000 compared to just a few years ago.
Because of this, it’s entirely possible for someone to sell a Birkin they bought years ago for more than what they originally paid—without any extra effort. And since further price hikes are expected, the overall market value continues to trend upward.
While Birkins are technically available at Hermès boutiques nationwide, it’s extremely rare to walk into a store and purchase one on your first visit.
In reality, availability often depends on your purchase history and the relationship you’ve built with the store—what’s known as an "invitation-based" system.
On top of that, since every Birkin is handmade by skilled artisans, the number produced each year is very limited. And even if a particular model sells out, there’s no guarantee it will be restocked.
This kind of tight supply is one of the major reasons behind the high resale prices.
Recently, especially in Asia, there’s been a growing trend of viewing luxury bags as assets—something to hold value, like stocks or real estate.
Among them, the Birkin stands out as a bag known worldwide for not depreciating easily. In fact, it’s increasingly being purchased as a kind of luxury investment.
Because of this, Birkins in unused or excellent condition are highly valued in the resale market—and it’s no longer unusual to see them sell for more than retail.
Not every Birkin will automatically fetch a price above retail.
In fact, high resale value only applies to models that meet certain conditions. Based on actual market trends, here’s a breakdown of the key features that make a Birkin more likely to sell at a premium.
In recent years, compact sizes have seen a surge in demand.
The Birkin 25, in particular, enjoys immense global popularity. In Asia especially, smaller bags are seen as both elegant and practical. As a result, unused or mint-condition Birkin 25s can sell for 1.5 to 2 times their original retail price.
The Birkin 30 also maintains steady demand thanks to its balance between everyday usability and storage capacity.
On the other hand, larger sizes like the Birkin 35 and 40 tend to sell closer to retail prices and rarely exceed them.
Some combinations are especially desirable and tend to receive higher offers:
Limited editions and special stamps also affect resale value. For instance, popular shades like Rose Sakura may fetch premium prices depending on condition.
Naturally, the better the condition, the higher the potential resale value.
Here are the ideal conditions for a high return:
If these conditions are met, consignment selling may help you fetch an even higher price than direct buyback.
Wondering “Can it really sell above retail?”
The most convincing answer comes from actual sales data.
Let’s take a look at three popular Birkin 25 models, comparing their estimated retail prices to recent resale values as of August 2025:
※Note: Prices are estimates at the time of publication and may fluctuate depending on market conditions.
As you can see, particularly for new Birkin 25s in popular colors, it’s entirely realistic to expect a resale value well above retail.
Even for those who simply stored the bag without using it, the right model with the right stamp and condition could bring in returns far exceeding the original price.
Newer stamp models in excellent condition are often valued highly, and some have sold for over ¥1 million more than their purchase price.
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You now know that it's possible to sell a Birkin for more than its original retail price.
But you might still be wondering — “How do I actually make that happen?”
That’s where consignment selling comes in as a valuable option.
There are two main ways to sell a Birkin: buyback (direct sale) and consignment.
Understanding the differences can help you decide which method is better suited to your goals and selling timeline:
The main appeal of buyback is its speed — you get an appraisal, and that becomes your sale price. It’s quick and hassle-free.
In contrast, consignment gives you the opportunity to discuss and set a target price with the store. That means you can potentially sell for much more than the buyback offer.
However, since the item remains on sale until someone buys it, consignment takes longer — making it ideal for those who are patient and want to maximize their return.
Here’s a typical consignment process:
For example, a pre-owned Birkin 30 was initially appraised at ¥1,000,000 for a buyback offer.
Instead, the seller chose consignment and eventually sold it for ¥1,300,000 — a difference of ¥300,000.
This proves that while consignment takes more time, it allows your bag to sell at a price that reflects its true market value.
▶︎Learn more about XIAOMA’s consignment service here
In the next section, we’ll walk you through what you need to prepare before selling — key tips to help you get the best possible price for your Birkin. Let’s explore what steps you can take right now.
If you’re aiming to sell your Birkin for the highest price possible — ideally above retail — then how you prepare it before appraisal can make a surprising difference.
Below are three key steps that can directly impact your bag’s resale value:
The condition of your bag is one of the biggest factors in determining resale price.
With high-end items like Birkins, even minor scratches or storage creases can affect your appraisal.
Here are a few easy but important care tips:
Pro Tip: Don’t attempt DIY cleaning or repairs — for concerns, consult a professional.
▶︎ Consider XIAOMA’s custom bag pillows to help preserve shape during storage.
Your Birkin’s completeness can significantly boost its value — especially in consignment sales.
Make sure you have:
When all items are included, your bag is considered a “full set”, which increases its appeal and price — especially when negotiating for consignment.
The secondhand luxury market fluctuates daily, but certain moments tend to drive Birkin prices up:
Also, consider selling before newer stamp codes hit the market, as older stamp models can decrease in value once new stock rolls in.
As you’ve seen, getting more than retail for your Birkin depends on a mix of market trends, condition, timing, and your selling method.
The most important first step? Deciding your approach:
Once you’ve chosen your strategy, the next move is finding out what your Birkin is actually worth — that’s the key to a confident, successful sale.
In today’s world where luxury items are being recognized as assets, selling your Birkin isn’t just about parting with it — it can be a smart way to unlock its value.
A: Popular models include Togo or Epsom leather in timeless shades like black, Etoupe, or gold.
Bags with gold hardware and recent stamp codes are also highly valued on the resale market.
A: New or unused bags are more likely to sell above retail, but even gently used ones can come close — especially if they’re a popular color/size and come as a full set.
A: Expect anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
If you're concerned about how long it might take, feel free to consult with XIAOMA, where many sales happen faster than expected — and price negotiations are more flexible.
▶︎Click here to learn more about XIAOMA’s consignment service
A: Birkin 30 remains in high demand, and with good condition, it may fetch a price close to (or slightly above) retail.
Birkin 35 and 40 are generally less sought after, so selling above retail is rare — but not impossible, depending on material and color.
Your best bet? Get an appraisal and see what your specific piece is worth.
