Hermès’ “Birkin” and “Kelly” bags are special bags that fans around the world dream of owning. However, encountering them at official stores isn’t easy, and since only a limited number are offered, many people take on the challenge known as “El-Pat” (Hermès Patrol).
El-Pat refers to the practice of repeatedly visiting official stores and checking online to time your visits with new arrivals. While luck and connections play a big role, it’s said that ingenuity and persistence can increase your chances of making a purchase.
In this article, we’ll clearly explain how to start El-Pat, tips for success, the costs involved, and important points to watch out for. We’ll also introduce the resale market option, which you can consider if you ever get tired of the challenge.
This is a helpful first step for those thinking, “Someday, I want to get my dream bag from an Hermès official store.”
“El-Pat” is short for Hermès Patrol, a term coined among enthusiasts in Japan. It means repeatedly visiting official stores to try to buy popular bags like Birkin and Kelly. It’s a common term on social media and blogs.
The goal of El-Pat is to increase your chances of purchasing at official stores. Since the number of Hermès bags displayed on their official site and stores is very limited, and when and where the bags will be available is unknown in advance, visiting stores repeatedly is believed to bring you closer to a “chance encounter.”
There are two main approaches:
Although this takes time and effort, many stories talk about “suddenly being offered the Birkin I dreamed of,” and many people keep trying with hope.
The reason Hermès bags are considered “special” isn’t just because they’re popular. The production system itself creates rarity.
Because of this background, Birkin and Kelly bags aren’t “bags you can buy whenever you want.” They are special items that can only be encountered through a combination of luck, timing, and connection.
Moreover, Hermès has a philosophy of entrusting special bags to customers chosen by the brand.
It’s rare to be offered a bag on your first visit. The products offered tend to change depending on your purchase history and relationship with the brand. This is not about “not selling,” but about valuing craftsmanship and delivering to those who truly need the bags.
For this reason, continuous visits to official stores—that is, El-Pat—are considered necessary to get your dream bag.
El-Pat isn’t just about randomly visiting stores and expecting results. Here are basic steps that even beginners can follow easily:
Start by visiting stores regularly. Continuing at a comfortable pace, such as once a week to a few times a month, is recommended. Visiting multiple stores, not only major ones like Ginza or Omotesando, increases your chances.
Popular bags occasionally appear on the Hermès official online store. Since restocks can happen late at night or early in the morning, frequent checks and using notification services can be effective.
Instead of bluntly asking “Do you have the bag?”, enjoy conversations while looking at scarves or small items. When staff remember your face, it increases the possibility of future offers. On social media, some say they were assigned the best staff after visiting for about six months.
El-Pat doesn’t guarantee quick results, but focusing on “continuity,” “multi-angle approaches,” and “natural relationship building” brings you closer to your chance.
Even if many visit stores in the same way, some meet their dream bags while others don’t. Here are tips to slightly improve your chances:
What matters in continuing El-Pat isn’t just “showing up” but also your behavior and how you engage. Small consistent efforts lead to encounters with your dream bag.
El-Pat requires a certain investment of time and money. Let’s understand the burdens involved in meeting your dream bag:
Since stores are concentrated in Tokyo and major cities, those living outside these areas may spend on Shinkansen, flights, and hotels. Regular weekend visits can cost tens of thousands of yen.
Sometimes, you need to spend a whole day visiting multiple stores or continue for months or years. Keep in mind that short-term results are not guaranteed.
The time and money spent could be used for other hobbies or trips. Whether you enjoy the challenge itself is key to continuing.
Some people split into “non-paying types” who visit many times but limit purchases, and “paying types” who stick with one staff and build buying records.
Of course, these costs can be burdensome, but thinking of them as “investments toward your dream” can keep you motivated.
What’s important is to continue within your lifestyle limits.
Many face similar worries when trying El-Pat. Here are common questions and positive hints:
You may hear stories of “cold treatment” on social media. Often, this just reflects different customer service styles by stores or staff. Don’t get discouraged by one experience; keep interacting naturally. Your respect for the brand will come through.
Some worry you need a high income. But in reality, connections and timing matter more than annual income. Frequent visits and sincere interactions sometimes lead to unexpected offers.
Some say they felt discouraged after hearing others got offers on their first try while they were still struggling. Luck and timing are big factors. If you get tired, consider the resale market as a safer option.
Certified and guaranteed resale shops allow you to compare colors and materials comfortably. It’s a different kind of “encounter” from official stores.
No matter how often you visit, you might not meet your desired Birkin or Kelly. The resale (secondhand) market is an option worth considering.
The resale market offers attractions not found at official stores:
While El-Pat is a dream-filled challenge, “finding your destined bag in the resale market” is another enjoyable approach.
Specialist shops like XIAOMA, with worldwide buyer networks, offer opportunities as good as official stores.
Some meet their bags within months, others after years. Some have found popular jewelry like Chaîne d’Ancre in 1-2 months. Luck and timing largely influence outcomes.
Most go alone, but going with friends or family is fine. What matters is “natural conversation” and “sincere attitude,” not the number of people.
Yes. Since stores concentrate in urban areas, many visit during business trips or travel. Though travel costs and time are factors, with some effort it’s doable.
Some say basic colors appear more overseas, but others report being refused. It varies by country and store. Don’t assume overseas guarantees success.
Hermès values “using with love” over “investment.” Reselling isn’t prohibited but genuine use is preferred by the brand.
It’s not necessarily a problem. Some say they bought elsewhere and still got good service from their staff. But the trust relationship matters, and building it is important.
El-Pat isn’t easy or quick. Some find their dream bag in months, others after years of trying. That’s why a “positive attitude” and “persistence” are essential.
Some say El-Pat became a passion that led them to finally get their dream bag.
While the time and cost of visiting official stores add up, the process itself deepens your relationship with Hermès and lets you experience the brand’s world.
Even if results don’t come immediately, the experience will become your treasure.
And if you ever get too tired, the resale market offers another path with certified and guaranteed options, plus chances to find rare colors and materials.
El-Pat is not only a challenge to get your dream bag but also a journey to find your own style.
Keep your hope alive and enjoy the process—that’s the surest path.
