“Is It True That Hermès Bags Can Cost More Pre-Owned Than at Retail?” — If You’ve Ever Wondered, This Article Is for You.
“Even Hermès might be more affordable—if you go pre-owned.”
But once you start searching, you might be surprised to find that some pre-owned Hermès bags are actually priced higher than retail. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Actually, that’s a very common reaction.
Popular Hermès models like the Birkin, Kelly, and Constance often sell for more than their original retail price—even on the pre-owned market—depending on their condition.
At the same time, more and more people are seeing pre-owned Hermès as a smart choice, not a compromise—especially when the condition is excellent.
In this article, we’ll clearly explain the key points for those who are considering their first Hermès purchase—or simply want to make an informed decision when buying pre-owned.
Additionally, we’ll introduce the unique features of “XIAOMA,” a specialist store known for its wide selection of high-quality, well-maintained pre-owned Hermès pieces.
Shall we start your journey to choosing pre-owned Hermès without regrets—together in this article?
Many people searching for pre-owned Hermès bags often start with the question: "Why are they so expensive even though they’re used?"
For most luxury brands, prices drop significantly once items become pre-owned. However, with Hermès, some models actually maintain—and even exceed—their original retail value in the resale market.
In this section, we’ll clearly explain why pre-owned Hermès bags command high prices, exploring the unique features of the models and the market background.
There are quite a few pre-owned Hermès models that carry price tags higher than their original retail prices.
In particular, the "BKC models"—Birkin, Kelly, and Constance—are in such high demand in the pre-owned market that it's not uncommon for them to sell above retail price, depending on their condition.
The main reasons why prices exceed retail are as follows:
Hermès is unique in that the traditional notion of “used means cheaper” simply doesn’t apply. Rather, value is placed on “immediate availability” and “excellent condition,” with the market highly appreciating each piece as a unique item.
Hermès’ high value in the pre-owned market stems from a craftsmanship philosophy that has been upheld since the brand’s founding.
Every Hermès bag is handcrafted by skilled artisans, with no mass production involved. The time and skill required to complete a single bag are exceptionally advanced, with no compromise on quality.
As a result, supply naturally struggles to keep up with the high demand from customers seeking exceptional quality.
Additionally, popular models and colors often appear only at limited times, which means certain Hermès bags in the pre-owned market are considered “must-buy as soon as you find them.”
This brand philosophy and product rarity are major factors supporting Hermès’ high prices in the pre-owned market.
For most designer bags, it’s common knowledge that their value drops significantly once they become pre-owned. However, Hermès defies that norm.
In this way, Hermès transcends the category of “designer bags” and is valued in the pre-owned market as both a practical item for discerning owners and a tangible asset.
Hermès offers a variety of bag models, but in the pre-owned market, the three most popular are the Birkin, Kelly, and Constance.
Not only are these models expensive at retail, but due to their ongoing scarcity in new condition, well-maintained pre-owned pieces often sell for prices above the original retail value.
In this section, we’ll explain why each of these models is popular in the pre-owned market, highlighting their key features and typical price ranges.
ranges.
The Birkin is Hermès’ flagship model and the most sought-after bag in the pre-owned market.
The Birkin comes in a wide range of size, material, and color combinations, and rare variations can command prices 1.5 to 2 times—or even more—above retail.
The Birkin 25 is especially popular. In recent years, smaller sizes have become mainstream, and Birkin 25 bags made of Togo leather in popular colors like Black, Etoupe, and Gold tend to sell out quickly even in the pre-owned market.
The Kelly is a model beloved especially for formal occasions, featuring an elegant silhouette and refined presence.
In the pre-owned market, prices of Kelly bags vary widely depending on size and material, similar to the Birkin; however, many Kelly pieces are even rarer than Birkins.
In recent years, the Mini Kelly II has seen a surge in popularity, with some saying it’s even harder to obtain brand new than a Birkin. As a result, it consistently commands high prices on the pre-owned market, with some buyers even acquiring it as an investment piece.
You may also like：Mini Kelly Resale Value & Investment Potential: 2025 Market Trends Explained.
“The Constance” is one of Hermès' more modern and urban-inspired shoulder bags. Featuring the iconic H-shaped buckle, it’s also popular among Hermès beginners.
In the pre-owned market, popularity is concentrated on the Constance Mini and models made from Epsom leather. Items in excellent condition with minimal signs of use, unused pieces, or brand-new models typically sell for around ¥1.5 million and above in the pre-owned market (depending on condition, stamps, and accessories). This model is one of those that quickly sells out as soon as it becomes available.
Pre-owned Hermès bags can vary greatly in price, even for the same model and size.
This is because, in the pre-owned market, value is determined not only by the model name but by a combination of various factors.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the five main factors that greatly influence pricing.
First and foremost, the popularity of the model itself and the demand for different sizes directly affect the price
Understanding size trends and choosing accordingly is crucial when buying pre-owned Hermès.
Hermès offers a wide variety of materials and colors, and popular combinations tend to drive prices up significantly.
Even in the pre-owned market, when popular colors, materials, and sizes align, competition to acquire these pieces can become fierce.
Hermès bags feature a “stamp” that indicates the year of manufacture and the workshop where they were made. In the pre-owned market, this stamp helps approximate the production year, which in turn affects the bag’s market value.
Additionally, due to sales restrictions and distribution regulations overseas, models with the latest stamps tend to attract even more attention.
The 'condition grade' clearly impacts the price of pre-owned items.
At XIAOMA, we categorize product conditions using the following detailed grading criteria. Even within the same model, a difference of just one condition grade can lead to a significant price change.
Condition grades greatly affect both price and satisfaction, so when buying pre-owned Hermès, it’s essential to choose carefully according to your model and budget.
At Hermès, the presence or absence of accessories directly affects the resale price. Having the following items complete tends to increase the item's value.
In cases where the main item is clean but accessories are missing, the price can drop by tens of thousands of yen or more. When considering a purchase, it’s important to check both the condition and the accessories together.
When considering buying pre-owned Hermès for the first time, many people wonder, 'What criteria should I use?' or 'How can I tell if it’s authentic?'
In this section, we’ll clearly explain three key points beginners should know to choose a satisfying Hermès piece without any mistakes.
Even pre-owned Hermès bags in excellent condition can command high prices. Therefore, it’s important to consider the balance between price and condition grade, rather than judging by price alone.
For example……
If you're unsure, it's a good idea to start by considering items ranked 'SA' or 'A'. Depending on the model, this range offers a well-balanced option that ensures good quality without being overly expensive.
When buying pre-owned Hermès, the most important factor is choosing a trustworthy retailer.
Such a store provides a trustworthy environment where even first-time buyers can shop with peace of mind.
Especially on flea market apps and private sales, prices may seem low, but issues with authenticity and misrepresented conditions are common.
For first-time buyers, prioritizing reliability often leads to greater satisfaction with their purchase.
In the secondhand market, popular models like the Birkin 25 and Mini Kelly often get the most attention, but popularity doesn’t always mean the best fit for you.
For example……
Each pre-owned Hermès bag has its own unique character, and finding the right one depends on timing and luck.
Choosing a model that fits your usage and lifestyle, rather than just its appearance or popularity, leads to a decision you won’t regret.
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When deciding to purchase pre-owned Hermès, many people face the question, 'Where is the safest place to buy?’
In fact, both the price and quality of pre-owned Hermès can vary greatly depending on the reliability of the seller, making it crucial to choose your retailer carefully.
In this section, we compare the main places to buy pre-owned Hermès and introduce key points for choosing a trustworthy specialty store.
While flea market apps and similar platforms often show lower prices, there is a significantly high risk of counterfeit items and misrepresented conditions, making them not recommended for beginners.
If you prioritize quality, condition, and peace of mind, a specialty store focusing exclusively on Hermès is the most reliable choice.
XIAOMA is a resale shop specializing exclusively in the purchase and sale of Hermès products.
We handle a wide range of products, from brand-new and unused items to gently used pre-owned pieces, offering the following strengths:
Even as pre-owned items, Hermès products are never inexpensive purchases. For that reason, selecting a reliable retailer that offers peace of mind and makes you feel truly satisfied with your purchase is essential.
At XIAOMA, we provide detailed explanations for each product and offer comprehensive pre-purchase consultation support, so even beginners can choose with confidence.
▶︎Start exploring pre-owned Hermès items at XIAOMA
At XIAOMA, we offer not only brand-new and unused items but also a wide selection of pre-owned pieces in excellent condition, including those graded as "SA" and "A”.
Many customers praise our items as “pre-owned but satisfying” and even say they offer great value for money. Rather than just accepting “pre-owned is fine,” we offer pieces that customers specifically want because they are pre-owned.
In this section, we introduce some examples of pre-owned Hermès items that XIAOMA has handled in the past.
Below are some examples of popular models handled by XIAOMA as of 2025 (prices are reference values at the time of article update. Please be sure to check the latest information on the official XIAOMA online store).
| Model Name | Rank | Material／Color／Hardwear | Stamp | Reference Price (Tax Included) |
| Birkin 25 | N | Togo／Black／Gold Hardwear | K（Year 2025） | 4,133,800 yen |
| Kelly 25 Sellier | NS | Epsom／Etoupe／Gold Hardwear | W（Year 2024） | 4,243,800 yen |
| Constance Mini Epsom | NS | Etoupe | B（Year 2023） | 2,219,800 yen |
| Picotin Lock MM | N | Taurillon clemence／Black／Gold Hardwear | W（Year 2024） | 811,800 yen |
| Evelyne TPM（Mini Evelyne） | NS | Taurillon maurice／Gold／Gold Hardwear | Z（Year 2021） | 613,800 yen |
※Prices are reference market values at the time of article publication. Please check the latest product listings for current availability and pricing.
In the pre-owned market, “finding the right piece” is everything. XIAOMA’s strength lies in providing an environment where you can confidently purchase your desired item the moment you find it.
If you're thinking about purchasing a pre-owned Hermès, it's perfectly normal to have some concerns — you might find yourself wondering, “Is it really safe?”
In this section, we’ll explain the most common concerns — especially those that first-time buyers often have — in a simple Q&A format.
A：It depends on the retailer, but reputable specialty stores usually offer warranty coverage.
At XIAOMA, every item comes with a certificate of authenticity, and each certificate includes a 100% money-back guarantee.
▶︎XIAOMA’s Certificate and Authenticity Guarantee
A：Yes, but most regrets come from choosing the wrong model or size.
If you choose based only on design or popularity, you may find it smaller, heavier, or less practical than expected once you actually use it.
Therefore, we recommend that first-time buyers check the following points beforehand.
At XIAOMA, we offer size consultations and personalized model recommendations via LINE. Feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions or concerns.
A：If you might sell it in the future, it’s best to choose an item in excellent condition.
Even for the same model,
Although the initial cost may be higher, when you consider the actual difference in what remains in your hands (net cost), choosing items in excellent condition is often the smarter choice.
At XIAOMA, we also offer post-purchase selling consultations and consignment sales, so we can assist you in choosing items with the perspective of “possibly selling them someday.” Choose a piece you can cherish for a long time while maximizing its value until the end.
You might also like：Top 5 Most Valuable Hermès Items in 2025 + Smart Selling Tips
A：Considering the time and cost involved in finding your desired model at an authorized store, more people are viewing purchasing pre-owned items as a smart choice.
At Hermès official boutiques, it is common for popular models to be offered based on the customer's purchase history and frequency of visits.
As a result, the following cases are commonly seen.
Given this background, many customers feel that searching for their desired model pre-owned from the start is more efficient both in terms of time and money.
On the other hand, when it comes to specialty pre-owned stores,
For this reason, it serves as a compelling choice for anyone looking to confidently secure their desired model immediately.
“Is Hermès really this expensive even when pre-owned?”
If you started reading this article feeling that way, you’ve likely come to appreciate the depth and value of pre-owned Hermès by now.
Hermès is not just a fashion item, but a meaningful brand supported by craftsmanship and rarity.
And that value is consistently recognized not only in new products but also in the pre-owned market.
At XIAOMA, Hermès specialist authenticators are on staff, and every item undergoes a thorough inspection process covering quality, condition, and accessories before being offered to customers.
We offer a wide selection of unused and excellent-condition items, providing an experience where even first-time buyers can choose with confidence and remain satisfied after purchase.
If you find an item you’re interested in, please feel free to consult with us via LINE first.
The official XIAOMA LINE account offers the following services:
“Choosing Hermès without regrets” starts with a conversation with trusted professionals.
Please feel free to reach out to XIAOMA, the Hermès specialty store, for any consultations.
