REWIND VINTAGE AFFAIRS' ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUYING A PRE-OWNED HERMÈS BAG IN 2025

In the pantheon of fashion, nothing hits quite like an Hermès bag. The Birkin waitlist is  stuff of folklore, the Kelly has been immortalised by eternal fashion icon Grace Kelly herself, and the resale prices are stuff of urban legend. But in 2025, an Hermès handbag is so much more than just flexing a status symbol. It’s about making a smart investment. Hermès has consistently outperformed even the stock market when it comes to resale values. So, if you’re eyeing up a pre-loved Hermès bag, and if you’re here, we know you are, you’re not just shopping. You’re buying into legacy.

WHAT TO PAY: 2025 MARKET SNAPSHOT

The numbers don’t lie. Resale prices have surged again this year, with Birkin and Kelly bags going for anything from £8,000 to £40,000+, depending on things like condition, size and rarity. For example...

Birkin 30 Togo Leather: from around £9,500 

Pre-loved Kelly 25 Epsom Leather: £11,000+ in excellent condition 

Constance: often £6,000–£9,000, depending on colour/hardware 

Evelyne: the more “casual” Hermès, still a solid £2,000–£3,500

So, what does this mean? Sure, even second-hand Hermès isn’t “cheap”, but it’s consistent. Unlike most designer bags, Hermès pieces rarely depreciate. In fact, they usually climb. At Rewind, we price competitively within this range - every bag authenticated and curated by our expert team. Unlike many platforms, we don’t simply list bags: we source, vet, and stand behind every single piece.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION

If you’re buying pre-loved Hermès, the golden rule is authentication. Here’s what the insiders (that’s us) know to check:

Stitching: Each Hermès bag is hand-stitched in the saddle style. Perfect, but not machine-perfect. 

Blind Stamp: Every bag has a code inside (a letter, year, and artisan ID). Learn to read it.

Hardware: Always solid, weighty, engraved - never flimsy or coated. 

Leather: Togo, Clemence, Epsom, Swift - knowing the leather type helps date and value a bag.

If you’re buying elsewhere, these are the cues to check. But with Rewind? You know it’s been handled by experts who live and breathe Hermès.

WHAT TO AVOID: INSIDER TIPS FROM THE REWIND TEAM

Buying pre-loved Hermès is exciting. So exciting, but a few missteps can cost you thousands. Here’s what our team flags most often:

Too-good-to-be-true pricing If a Birkin or Kelly is listed well below market value, pause. Unrealistic deals often mean corners have been cut, or worse, it’s not authentic. 

Anonymous sellers & sketchy platforms Without authentication guarantees or a transparent history, you’re taking a gamble. Trust in expertise, not just photos. 

Unverified condition claims “Like new” is subjective. At Rewind, we grade each bag rigorously: scratches, scuffs, or patina all affect price and long-term value. 

Ignoring provenance Hermès isn’t just about looks. Knowing the bag’s story, previous ownership, purchase receipts, and servicing history,  matters for authenticity and resale. 

DIY repairs or shortcuts Leather, hardware, and stitching are delicate. Avoid unqualified restorers or over-polishing; the bag’s value can drop instantly.

Let Rewind guide you, with the thrill of the find, minus the risk.

Buying a pre-loved Hermès in 2025 isn’t simply retail therapy - it’s a strategic investment in craftsmanship and heritage. Whether it’s your first Kelly or your fifth Birkin, you deserve peace of mind. That’s why Rewind is here: to bring the rarest, most coveted Hermès bags to your wardrobe, fully authenticated and endlessly chic. When you buy from Rewind, you’re not just purchasing a bag - you’re entering a curated circle of collectors, connoisseurs, and fashion insiders who understand the value of true luxury.