Birkin Bag Price
Given the number of questions we field from potential Birkin bag buyers and sellers, the handbag specialists at Sotheby's wanted to help buyers and sellers better understand what determines a Birkin bag price on the secondary market.
What Influences an Hermès Birkin Price?
Many factors influence a Birkin bag price in the secondary market. The top factors are condition, size, material, color and date stamp. The most important factor influencing the price is condition followed by size and material.
Birkin Condition
"Store Fresh" or bags that haven't been carried and still have the original box and plastic on the hardware are always more expensive than the same bag that has been carried, plastic removed and has small signs of wear. A Birkin that has obvious signs of wear like scratching on the hardware or marks on the corners sell for about 30%+ less expensive than a bag with no signs of wear. A store fresh leather Birkin sells for almost three times the original retail price or around $30,000 for a Birkin 25 or Birkin 30. A pristine Birkin 35 sells for closer to $20,000
Birkin Size
In the last few years, the smaller Birkin 25 bag has been in much higher demand, so this size is generally more expensive than a Birkin 30, Birkin 35 or Birkin 40. There are fewer Birkin 25 bags in the secondary market, which also influences the price. The Birkin 30 is the most popular and sometimes a pristine Birkin 30 is similar in price as a Birkin 25. Birkin 35 and Birkin 40 are almost always less expensive due to less demand and longer production.
Birkin Material
The Birkin material is also a big driver in determining a Birkin bag price. While generally leather is cheaper than ostrich, lizard, crocodile or alligator, there are exceptions to this rule. An older exotic Birkin 40 or Birkin 35 that is 10 plus years old with signs of wear could be priced lower than a store fresh Birkin 25 in Togo leather in a high demand color. In general Ostrich is the least popular exotic material. Lizard is also less popular than crocodile or alligator. Leather is the most popular material but a new leather Birkin 25 is about half of the price of a new crocodile or alligator Birkin 25 on the secondary market.
Birkin Color
Color is another important price factor with the most desirable bags being neutrals or pale colors. Bright colored Birkin bag prices are lower than the equivalent neutral or pastel color bag. The demand for brighter colored Birkins is less than the neutrals and pastels, which is a key driver of price. A less important factor is hardware since this is often a personal style preference versus a value driver. There are some Hermès colors that are more popular with one hardware versus another. Some buyers also seek out limited edition hardware like Rose Gold or Brushed Palladium but hardware tends to have the least influence on the price than other attributes.
Birkin Age
The date stamp on a Birkin can also influence the price. The newest bags sell at the highest premium, especially if the bag is in pristine condition. Birkin bag prices start to decline for bags with older date stamps. Birkin bags that are 5 years or older tend to sell at a lower price than a comparable bag with a date stamp that is more recent.
Why are Birkin Bags so Expensive?
Many factors contribute to the Hermès Birkin Bag price. The most important factor can be explained by the scarcity principle. The economics of supply and demand have driven up Birkin prices for the last 20 years. In some cases a Birkin can sell for multiples of the original retail price. A leather Birkin bag purchased directly from the store starts at $9,000 and can sell for $30,000+ depending on size, color, material and condition. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Birkin with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a Birkin Bag at an Hermès boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. In many cases you may be offered a Birkin that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Birkins in a year.
How Much Does a Birkin Cost?
The short answer to the question is it depends on a lot of factors. The most important factors are condition, date stamp, material, size and color. The most expensive Birkin bag sold at Sotheby's was a Himalaya Birkin 30 with diamonds for $450,000. Even a Himalayan Birkin without diamonds sells for $100,000-250,000+. At the other end are older leather Birkin 40 or Birkin 35 in excellent condition with some signs of wear that sell for $10,000-15,000. The cost of a leather Birkin 25 in pristine or store fresh condition generally ranges from $25,000-$35,000. The cost of a leather Birkin 30 in the same condition is generally slightly lower in the $20,000-$30,000. Birkin 35 and Birkin 40 in store fresh or pristine is generally slightly less but in some cases the same as the Birkin 30. Ostrich Birkin bags are less popular than Crocodile or Alligator and often sell at prices close to leather depending in the condition, color and size.
How to Buy a Birkin Bag?
Sotheby's has a selection of Birkins available on our Buy Now Marketplace for immediate shipping. New bags are listed weekly but Birkin bags can sell quickly. A Birkin bag in a neutral color, recent date stamp in store fresh condition sell the fastest while older bags that aren't in pristine condition in bright colors don't sell as quickly. Exotic material Birkin bags also can take longer to sell since there are fewer buyers for exotic bags. Sotheby's also sells Birkin bags at auction in New York, Hong Kong, Geneva and Paris through out the year. A small selection of Birkin bags are also available for private sale. Finally a Sotheby's handbag specialist can also source a special Birkin bag but it may take some time depending on the bag. You can email HandbagSpecialists@sothebys.com if you have questions or would like us to source a special Limited Edition Birkin.
Buying and Selling an Hermès Birkin at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of Hermès Birkins available on Marketplace for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès Birkin bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find Birkins in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's also has rare and limited edition Hermès Birkin bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware. Prices for Hermès Birkin bags start at around $20,000 for larger older Birkin bags and exceed $100,000 for a Himalaya Birkin.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Speak to Handbag Specialist about selling an Hermès Birkin bag or submit your item here for valuation.
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