What Condition Is My Hermès Bag In? How to Assess Its Grade

What condition is my Hermès bag in? How many condition grades are there? If I think my bag is still in excellent condition, could it receive a lower grade? What grade does a bag with scratches fall under?

Hermès bags are classified into seven condition grades: Brand New, Unused (Stored), SA Excellent, A Very Good, Pre-owned AB, Pre-owned B, and Pre-owned BC. The assessment is based on visible signs of use and imperfections on the bag.

How Many Condition Grades Are There for Hermès Bags?

There are seven grades, each with clearly defined assessment criteria.

XIAOMA uses the following condition grading standards:

Condition is one of the most direct factors affecting a buyout price. The market value of the same bag can vary significantly depending on its condition grade.

Does an Unused Hermès Bag Automatically Qualify as Brand New?

Not necessarily. An unused bag that does not meet the criteria for Brand New is classified as “Unused (Stored),” rather than “Brand New.”

To qualify as Brand New, a bag must meet all three conditions: it has never been used, has no imperfections, and remains in completely new condition.

Could My Hermès Bag Receive a Lower Grade Even If I Think It Is Still in Excellent Condition?

The final grade is determined through a physical appraisal. What matters is the actual wear and imperfections on the bag, not the owner's personal impression of its condition.

If you believe your bag is still in excellent condition, you can compare the criteria for SA Excellent and A Very Good:

1. SA Excellent: Lightly used and very well maintained, with almost no signs of use; may have extremely minor surface scratches.
2. A Very Good: Light use, well maintained, with some signs of wear.

If the grade or quoted price is lowered after the physical appraisal, you can ask the buyer to explain each adjustment and its corresponding amount individually, rather than simply attributing the change to market conditions. A reputable platform should be able to identify the specific areas (such as worn corners, hardware scratches, or missing accessories) and explain how each affects the valuation.

What Grade Does an Hermès Bag with Scratches Fall Under?

It depends on the severity and number of scratches. The bag is assessed according to the following seven-grade system:

Will Missing Accessories Affect the Condition Grade?

Condition and accessories are assessed separately. During the appraisal, the bag's physical condition is examined to determine its grade, while the accessories are checked separately for completeness and consistency with the original set.

The impact of accessories on valuation, from greatest to least, is generally as follows: shoulder strap (where applicable) > clochette > lock and keys > blue dust bag and blue box > standard dust bag and box. Functional accessories are considered part of the item itself and may need to be replaced if missing. Dust bags and packaging boxes are supplementary items, so their impact is relatively smaller.

What Photos Should I Take to Find Out My Hermès Bag's Condition in Advance?

For an initial online quote, we recommend providing the following photos:

Full front view, back, base, all four corners, handle bases, close-ups of the hardware, interior lining, stamp location, a group photo of all included accessories, and a video showing the bag from all angles. The more complete the information, the smaller the price adjustment is likely to be after the physical appraisal.

XIAOMA's initial online quote turnaround time: 30 minutes to 2 hours for standard models, and within 24 hours for rare models and exotic leathers.

Next Steps

For market price references by model, see How Much Is My Hermès Bag Worth Today?.

For other factors that affect buyout prices besides condition, see Why Do Hermès Buyout Prices Differ?.

XIAOMA has over 10 years of experience specializing in Hermès and has authenticated more than 2 million luxury items.

XIAOMA (Ginza Xiaoma) is operated by ASU BRAND Co., Ltd.

Not sure whether to choose a buyout or consignment? Contact XIAOMA for a complimentary buyout quote and recommended consignment price, so you can compare both options at once.

Last updated: November 2026