Ah, the elusive Hermès quota bag—the holy grail of luxury handbags. Whether you dream of walking out of the boutique with a Birkin or Kelly, the journey to securing one is anything but straightforward. Shopping at Hermès isn’t like picking out a handbag at your favorite department store. It’s a relationship-based process, and there’s a fine line between making a great impression and unknowingly sabotaging your chances.
If you’re serious about getting your dream bag, here’s a guide on what NOT to do at Hermès—because sometimes, what you don’t do matters just as much as what you do!
1. Don’t Walk in and Ask for a Birkin or Kelly Right Away
Imagine stepping into a high-end restaurant, sitting down, and immediately asking, “Can I have your most exclusive dish that’s not even on the menu?” That’s essentially what it sounds like when someone walks into Hermès and bluntly asks, “Do you have any Birkins or Kellys?”
Why This Doesn’t Work
• Quota bags aren’t just sitting on the shelves waiting to be picked up. They’re offered, not requested.
• Sales associates (SAs) prioritize long-term relationships with clients who appreciate the brand beyond just the trophy bag.
• It signals that you’re only interested in the bag, not Hermès as a brand, which can work against you.
What to Do Instead
• Start by browsing other collections—shoes, ready-to-wear, home goods, or even silk scarves.
• Show interest in the craftsmanship and heritage of the brand.
• Build a natural rapport with your SA before ever mentioning a quota bag.
2. Don’t Expect Instant Gratification
Getting a quota bag at Hermès is not an impulse purchase—it’s a process. Some people walk in and get lucky, but for most, it takes time, relationship-building, and a solid purchase history.
Why This Doesn’t Work
• First-time shoppers rarely get offered a Birkin or Kelly unless they’re truly in the right place at the right time.
• Hermès is notoriously selective, and patience is key.
• SAs remember clients who understand the process versus those who just want to “spend big” and expect instant results.
What to Do Instead
• Treat your Hermès journey as a luxury shopping experience, not just a transaction.
• Enjoy the process of discovering the brand—explore new categories, learn about leathers, and appreciate the artistry behind each piece.
• Focus on building a genuine shopping history rather than rushing to hit an arbitrary spending number.
3. Don’t Overspend on Random Items Just to “Prove” Yourself
One of the biggest mistakes aspiring Hermès collectors make is panic-buying a bunch of items they don’t actually love, thinking it will help them secure a quota bag faster.
Why This Doesn’t Work
• SAs can tell when you’re buying strategically versus authentically.
• Spending excessively on items you don’t truly want can lead to regret and frustration—not to mention a closet full of things you’ll never use.
• A high spend history doesn’t guarantee a quota bag—it’s about how well-rounded and engaged you are with the brand.
What to Do Instead
• Purchase items you genuinely love and will use—shoes, accessories, homeware, or ready-to-wear.
• Build your profile organically over time rather than making large, forced purchases.
• Let your SA guide you—they often appreciate clients who shop mindfully rather than aggressively.
4. Don’t Be Rude or Entitled
Hermès is a brand built on discretion, exclusivity, and customer experience. Walking into the boutique with an attitude of entitlement (or frustration) can be a major red flag.
Why This Doesn’t Work
• SAs prefer to work with clients who are polite, patient, and enjoyable to assist.
• Being rude or demanding can actually hurt your chances of securing a bag.
• The luxury shopping experience is a two-way street—mutual respect matters.
What to Do Instead
• Treat your SA with the same kindness and respect you’d expect in return.
• Be patient and enjoy the Hermès journey—even if it takes longer than expected.
• Remember, SAs are not gatekeepers, but they do have influence over who gets offered what.
5. Don’t Obsess Over “Spending Ratios”
There’s a lot of talk about “the Hermès spending game” and so-called quota bag ratios (e.g., spend 1:1 on non-bag items to qualify for a Birkin or Kelly). While spending history matters, it’s not a hard-and-fast rule.
Why This Doesn’t Work
• There is no official formula for getting a quota bag—each boutique and SA operates differently.
• Focusing on numbers alone can take away from the joy of the experience.
• Some clients receive offers with minimal spend, while others shop regularly and wait longer—it’s about relationship, timing, and availability.
What to Do Instead
• Shop based on what you love, not just what you think will “qualify” you.
• Build a shopping history organically instead of trying to “game the system.”
• Keep an open mind—sometimes the perfect bag comes when you least expect it.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Hermès Experience
Pursuing a quota bag at Hermès is an art, not a science. While there’s no guaranteed formula for securing a Birkin or Kelly, there are definitely ways to improve your chances—or hurt them.
If you take one thing from this post, let it be this: approach Hermès with genuine appreciation, patience, and respect.Don’t rush the process, don’t force purchases, and most importantly—enjoy the experience.
Because at the end of the day, whether you walk out with a Birkin, a Kelly, or a beautiful silk scarf, shopping at Hermès should always feel like a luxury, not a chase.
Have you started your Hermès journey? What has your experience been like? Let’s chat in the comments!
