Have you ever found yourself thinking, “It’s about time I got a Picotin,” only to visit Hermes stores repeatedly and still come up empty-handed? You ask the staff, but you’re gently told, “Sorry, we don’t have it in stock.” Meanwhile, on social media, you see one “I got my Picotin!” post after another. Feeling like your heart might break from the frustration?
The Picotin is one of Hermes’ more accessible and user-friendly popular models. That’s why so many people aim for it as their very first Hermes bag. But at the same time, it’s true that more and more are finding it difficult to actually buy one.
In this article, we’ll explore why the Picotin is so hard to get, breaking down the real reasons behind the scarcity. We’ll also uncover the genuine actions and success patterns of those who managed to purchase it.
Plus, we’ll explain the differences between buying from official stores, online, overseas, and specialty shops. For those tired of endlessly hunting for the Picotin, we’ll share some practical options too.
If you dream of owning a Picotin someday, this guide will offer you helpful tips to finally get your hands on one — in a way that makes sense for you.
Hermès’ Picotin bag is popular for its perfect balance of size, usability, and price range—making it a top pick for those looking to buy their very first Hermès.
But in reality, many people find themselves frustrated: “I want one, but I just can’t find it anywhere,” or “No matter how many times I visit the store, they never have it in stock.”
So why is the Picotin so difficult to get your hands on? Let’s break it down from three key perspectives.
Although the Picotin is considered a “classic” within Hermès’ lineup, the number produced is far from abundant.
Particularly popular versions—like the Picotin Lock PM (size 18) in classic colors such as black, etoupe, or gold—are extremely rare in Japan, often selling out immediately after they arrive in stores.
Hermès sticks to its craftsmanship roots, avoiding mass production. Because each piece is handmade by artisans, even popular models aren’t always available. This low supply is at the heart of why the Picotin is so elusive.
At Hermès, this emphasis on customer relationships isn’t just for Birkin or Kelly bags— even for more accessible models like the Picotin, how well you’re connected with the staff matters.
This has led to the reputation of “no first-timers allowed.”
Not every store enforces this strictly, and sometimes new customers do get lucky, but generally speaking, having a good relationship with your sales associate and a history of visits definitely helps.
There’s no official, clear-cut rule like “If you do X, you can buy a Picotin.”
So sometimes you’ll visit repeatedly without success, and other times you might just happen to stumble on one at the right moment. It’s a game of luck and connection.
Rumors say you need to build purchase history with smaller items first, but Hermès never confirms this. Still, many who eventually got a Picotin report that buying other products beforehand helped them build trust and get recommended.
In short, the difficulty in buying a Picotin comes down to Hermès’ brand philosophy, its sales approach, and the simple imbalance between demand and supply.
Despite how hard it seems, buying a Picotin isn’t impossible. Those who have managed it have taken various routes. Here are four main ways, along with their pros, cons, and what to watch out for.
For residents of Japan, the most legitimate route is buying directly at a Hermès boutique in Japan. Flagship stores like Ginza and Omotesando attract many customers hoping to get a Picotin.
These stores often assign dedicated sales staff, and your purchase history and frequency of visits usually influence your chances.
The term “paying your dues” is sometimes used to describe this—meaning the more you’ve spent in the past, the better your chances—but this is just a colloquial way to say “having a good relationship with the staff.” Hermès doesn’t officially require any spending thresholds.
Still, many buyers report that after purchasing multiple items like shoes or scarves, they were introduced to the Picotin. This relationship-building approach clearly benefits repeat customers.
There are rare cases where new customers happened to find a Picotin in stock and bought it. But this is very uncommon. Generally, the system operates like an invite-only club.
Your best bet is to be patient, hope for luck and good timing, and don’t get your hopes too high—but don’t lose them entirely either!
Occasionally, the Picotin appears on Hermès’ official online store. However, these listings don’t last long, and many people report putting the bag in their cart but not being able to complete the purchase.
That said, there are success stories of people checking regularly and suddenly finding a Picotin available to buy instantly.
Is there a pattern to when bags appear online?
Hermès does not disclose any schedule, and while rumors suggest afternoons or Mondays might be common times, nothing is confirmed.
The key is consistent, patient checking rather than waiting for a “perfect time.”
Surprisingly, many buyers have had better luck purchasing Picotins overseas. Places like Taiwan, South Korea, Hawaii, and the U.S. tend to have slightly better stock availability than Japan.
This is partly because each country has different inventory and sales policies, and cultural preferences play a role—some places don’t favor open-top bags like the Picotin as much, which affects stock.
Since each country, store, and sales associate handles things differently, it’s best to keep a relaxed mindset and consider it a lucky bonus if you happen to spot a Picotin while traveling.
Also, requirements like showing your passport or tax-free procedures vary from store to store, so if you’re thinking about buying abroad, it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand.
If you’re feeling like, “I just don’t see myself finding one at an official store anymore,” or “Waiting endlessly without knowing when I’ll get one is too stressful,” then buying from trusted resale or specialty shops can be a practical and reassuring option.
That said, because the Picotin is so popular, counterfeit bags can be common in the resale market.
When buying secondhand, it’s crucial to choose shops that have a solid authentication system and experienced experts on staff.
For example, at the Hermès specialty shop XIAOMA , expert authenticators with 10 to 30 years of experience carefully inspect every single item. This ensures buyers can shop with confidence when it comes to quality and guarantees.
While many say buying a Picotin is all about luck and timing, those who actually succeeded share some common behaviors.
Based on personal blogs and social media stories, here’s a summary of what “successful buyers” have done:
At Hermès boutiques, it’s common to be told “No stock available” if you just ask outright about bags.
But many who got their Picotin took gradual steps like greeting staff, buying small accessories, and visiting multiple times to slowly build trust with the sales associates.
Some even say they were introduced to the bag on their very first appointment or after a few thoughtful conversations while buying smaller items worth a few thousand dollars.
While there are no official rules, being recognized as a “regular” by the store definitely makes it easier to be offered bags.
Some buyers managed to buy a Picotin without a dedicated sales associate, simply by coming across free stock or display items.
Stories include situations like “Someone ahead of me in line didn’t buy it, so I got the chance,” or “I bought a display Picotin without prior purchases.”
These fortunate moments do happen but are very rare, and many buyers talk about weeks of visiting before getting such a chance. Treat these as lucky exceptions rather than the norm.
Many successful buyers say the moment they got a dedicated sales associate was also when things started moving forward.
Even first-time Hermès customers often build a relationship by being friendly and consistent visitors, eventually gaining a sales associate who then starts recommending bags.
There are stories of buyers being introduced to the Picotin, then a Mini Evelyne, and eventually a Birkin in a gradual, trust-building progression. This shows how becoming a “trusted customer” can open doors.
“I’ve visited the store so many times, but they still won’t bring one out for me.”
“All I see are people posting about their purchases, and I feel like I’m the only one left out.”
If you’ve ever felt like giving up because you just can’t get your hands on a Picotin, you’re definitely not alone.
In this section, we’ll share some common patterns of frustration, explore why the Picotin is so highly coveted, and offer honest reflections from those who finally succeeded—all to help you feel a little more understood as you face your own struggles.
“I spent over 200,000 yen, yet still wasn’t offered the bag.”
“I keep going back, but they won’t even tell me if there’s stock.”
“They showed the bag to someone next to me, but ignored me completely.”
Stories like these are all over social media.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to buying from Hermès. Trust, timing, and the discretion of the sales associate all play a role in this complex, often invisible process. So it’s completely understandable to feel like your efforts aren’t paying off sometimes.
The Picotin’s huge appeal comes down to its practicality and perfect “just right” balance:
In other words, the Picotin strikes a perfect balance between lifestyle and fashion—it’s the practical dream bag for many.
That’s why so many people desperately want it, and the competition is fierce.
Among those lucky enough to buy a Picotin, many rave about how easy and enjoyable it is to use. But some also mention surprising “downsides”:
On the flip side, many people say they weren’t initially obsessed, but after seeing and touching the real bag, they fell completely in love—what some call falling into the “Picotin trap.”
It’s striking how many buyers’ feelings changed once they experienced the actual bag in person.
For those of you who feel like your efforts just aren’t paying off, I want you to know that there’s also a “no-stress” option available.
In the next chapter, we’ll explore a practical route: buying from trustworthy specialty stores.
By this point, some of you might feel even more determined to get that Picotin, while others might be wondering whether it’s worth sticking strictly to buying from official Hermès boutiques.
Either way, now is the perfect time to take a step back and reconsider what the best option really is for you.
In this section, we’ll break down three actions you can take right now to help you finally secure your Picotin — along with what makes each route unique.
There are basically four main ways to get your hands on a Picotin:
There’s no single “right” way — the best path depends on what you prioritize most. If you’re set on buying at retail price and don’t mind waiting, the official store route might suit you best. But if you want a certain color or size now, or you want to avoid endless waiting, specialized shops are definitely worth considering.
The price of the Picotin keeps rising year after year, and many wish they had bought it sooner. If you buy from a trusted shop, resale prices tend to stay stable, making the bag not just a coveted item but a valuable asset.
If you’re stuck wondering whether to buy now or wait, it’s smart to keep multiple options open. This will help you make a choice you feel confident about, whatever you decide.
If you’re tired of endlessly checking official stores or don’t want to be overly fixated on retail price, XIAOMA might be the perfect fit for you.
Here’s what sets XIAOMA apart:
If you want to welcome your Picotin into your life without pressure but with full confidence, XIAOMA has your back.
▶︎ Check out the latest Picotin stock at XIAOMA (official site)
We’ve gathered some common questions and answered them to help clear up any doubts you might have:
A: It’s possible! There are cases where people have bought free stock or display items unexpectedly. But Hermès places a strong emphasis on building trust, so frequent visits and a good relationship with staff definitely help.
A: Sometimes bags are listed, but competition is fierce. Even if you add a bag to your cart, completing the purchase is tough. Frequent checks and some luck are essential.
A: Hermès doesn’t disclose official timings, and there’s no clear pattern. Some say afternoons on weekdays or Mondays, but it’s mostly unpredictable.
A: It depends on what matters most to you. If you want retail price and to build a relationship with Hermès, be patient and persistent at boutiques. If you want a specific color/size right now or are tired of the hunt, trusted specialty shops are a realistic option.
A. Yes, the price of the Picotin has been steadily increasing in recent years. For example, the Picotin PM retailed for ¥490,600 in 2024, but by 2025, it had risen to ¥537,900. Given this trend, it’s very likely that prices will continue to rise.
That’s why many people believe that “the right time to buy is when you find one.”
Recommended Reading: [2025 Edition] Hermès Picotin Lock Price List – A Complete Breakdown by Size and Style
A. The most sought-after model is the Picotin Lock PM (size 18).
As for colors, timeless shades like Black, Etoupe, and Gold remain fan favorites. These are in especially short supply both in official boutiques and on the resale market.
Also Read: The Ultimate Hermès Picotin Guide – Prices, Sizes, Styling & How to Choose Yours
A. Many users praise its surprising capacity and lightweight feel, but it’s not without its downsides. Some owners mention that it loses shape easily or struggles to stand upright. Overall, your experience depends on how much you carry and which material and size you choose—those details really matter.
A. Because the Picotin is such a popular style, it’s unfortunately a target for counterfeiting.
To avoid getting burned, it’s essential to buy from trusted specialty stores with a strong authentication process.
For example, XIAOMA only handles Picotins that have passed inspection by expert authenticators with 10 to 30+ years of experience.
Each piece is evaluated individually using their own strict standards, ensuring you get the real deal—with complete peace of mind.
