Hermès Purchase Limits Explained: How Many Bags Can You Really Buy?

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Shopping at Hermès has never been easy, and 2025 just piles on more rules. You can buy up to two quota bags per year from Hermès, now including Birkin, Kelly, Kelly Pochette, Kelly Danse, Kelly Elan, and Constance bags. The brand’s expanded the definition of quota bags and tightened up on accounts, shipping addresses, and repeat purchases.

You’ve probably heard the rumors swirling around Hermès boutiques. Some of them are spot on. The brand now consolidates household accounts, limits shipping addresses, and keeps a close eye on how often you buy the same style. It almost feels like luxury shopping has turned into a strategy game.

Getting your head around these purchase limits isn’t just about memorizing numbers, it’s about figuring out a system built to keep Hermès exclusive and collectors guessing. Let’s get into what counts as a quota bag, the new account rules, and some practical tips for building relationships with sales associates so you actually have a shot at your dream bag.

Key Takeaways

• Hermès limits you to two quota bags a year, now including styles like Kelly Pochette and Constance.
• They’re merging household accounts, so shared accounts can’t double-dip on quota bags.
• Building real relationships with sales associates and buying more than just quota bags boosts your odds.

What Are the Hermès Purchase Limits in 2025?

Hermès has made things even stricter for 2025. The new rules affect everything from what counts as a quota bag to how accounts work. If you thought shopping here was exclusive before, buckle up.

Summary of Current Quota Rules

The main rule hasn’t changed: two quota bags per client per year. But Hermès has broadened what counts.

Previously, only standard Birkin and Kelly bags counted as quota. Now, the list is:

• Birkin bags (all standard sizes)
• Kelly bags (all standard sizes)
• Kelly Pochette
• Kelly Danse
• Kelly Elan
• Constance bags

So, pairing a Birkin with a Kelly Pochette or a Constance in the same year? That’s off the table now. They all count toward your two-bag limit.

Hermès tracks your purchases in your client profile across every boutique. Shopping at different stores won’t reset your count.

Recent Changes and New Shopping Policies

Account consolidation is the biggest shakeup. Hermès scrapped multiple household accounts.

Here’s what’s new:

• No joint or household accounts can buy quota bags
• One shipping address per account
• Limits on repeat purchases of the same style
• Tighter monitoring of buying patterns

If you used to have separate accounts with your spouse or family to get more quota bags, that’s done. Now you pick one main account. And if you switch to a household account, you lose quota bag access.

Hermès also discourages buying the same style over and over in different colors. Forget about building a rainbow of identical Birkins.

Variation by Location and Boutique

Corporate rules set the baseline, but boutiques still have some wiggle room.

What we’ve seen:

• Quota bag definitions can shift a bit from store to store
• Special Orders depend on your relationship with that boutique
• Purchase history requirements can be tougher in big cities
• Wait times and allocations vary a lot

The Constance bag is a good example. Some boutiques counted it as quota even before the official change, while others were more relaxed. Policies can differ, so check with your sales associate, what’s true in Paris might not be in New York.

Why Hermès Sets Purchase Limits

Hermès keeps things exclusive on purpose. By limiting access, they make sure demand always outpaces supply.

Why they do it:

• Protecting brand prestige with scarcity
• Maintaining resale values for current owners
• Encouraging customers to explore more than just quota bags
• Fostering long-term relationships instead of one-time sales

The limits also keep resellers from snapping up all the inventory. Without these controls, resellers could clear out the shelves, leaving genuine collectors with nothing.

By closing loopholes in account policies, Hermès makes things more fair, your access depends on your purchase history and relationship, not clever account tricks.

Understanding Quota Bags: Which Hermès Bags Count Toward Your Limit

The Hermès quota system lets you buy two specific bags per year, but the list has grown beyond the classic Birkin and Kelly. Now, several in-demand styles are restricted, making your choices trickier.

Birkins and Kelly Bags Under the Quota System

Birkin bags are still the backbone of the quota rules, no matter the size, Birkin 25, 30, 35, you name it. All count toward your two-bag yearly limit.

Kelly bags, in all their structured forms (Sellier and Retourné), fall under the same rule. Whether you’re looking at a Kelly 25, 28, 32, or 35, it’s all the same in Hermès’ eyes.

Exotic leathers or standard, it doesn’t matter, a crocodile Birkin eats up a quota slot just like a Togo one.

Hermès does this because these bags take serious craftsmanship and always have sky-high demand.

Expansion of the List: Mini Kelly and Constance Bags

The Mini Kelly is now a quota bag, too. Even though it’s tiny, it’s just as exclusive as its bigger siblings.

Constance bags are also mostly quota bags now, though some boutiques might be slow to enforce it. The Constance’s H-clasp and classic look have made it a must-have, so Hermès clamped down.

Kelly Pochette is a bit of a wild card. Some boutiques count it as quota, others don’t. It’s confusing, to say the least.

Hermès knows smaller bags create just as much frenzy, so they’re keeping all the hot styles scarce.

Kelly Variations and Rare Styles

Kelly Danse and Kelly Elan are newer entries to the quota list. They’re modern spins on the Kelly, but you face the same buying restrictions.

The Mini Kelly II with its updated closure is also under quota rules. New hardware doesn’t get you a pass.

Limited edition Kellys and seasonal versions? Those usually count toward your quota, too. Fancy colors or leathers won’t sneak you past the rules.

But Kelly-inspired wallets and accessories are still fair game. Only the structured handbags with the Kelly shape are restricted.

Annual Quota Breakdown by Bag Type

You get two bags max per calendar year. Usually, that means one in the first half, one in the second.

Hermès won’t let you buy two Birkins or two Kellys in the same quota period. They want you to mix it up.

Mixing works well, a Birkin and a Constance, or a Kelly and a Mini Kelly, will use your quota fully.

The quota resets every January, but honestly, your relationship with your sales associate is what gets you access. Regular clients with a solid history get first dibs.

Non-Quota Bags: How Many Other Hermès Bags Can You Buy?

Non-quota bags don’t have the strict two-per-year rule, but there are still some unwritten limits. How many you can buy depends on whether you shop in person or online, and even which country you’re in.

Non-Quota Bag Styles and Popular Picks

Non-quota bags include a bunch of Hermès favorites that don’t count toward your annual limit. Think Evelyne, Garden Party, Picotin, and Lindy.

The Kelly Cut and Kelly Pochette are usually non-quota in most stores, despite what you might hear. The Constance, however, has mostly moved to the quota side.

Shoulder bags like the Evelyne and easy crossbodies like the Picotin are the most attainable. The Lindy is a nice blend of structure and casual style.

Small leather goods, wallets, cardholders, accessories are also non-quota. These are great for building up your purchase history while you wait for a quota bag.

Online vs. In-Boutique Purchase Limits

In boutiques, you can usually buy one or two non-quota bags per leather appointment. Sometimes, if you’re offered a quota bag, the sales associate will let you buy an extra non-quota bag, too.

Shopping online is a different animal. You can buy non-quota bags on Hermès.com if you can catch them before they sell out. Stock is random and goes fast.

In-person shopping means you need an appointment and a good relationship with your sales associate. That connection often determines what you’re offered and how many bags you can take home.

Online, you skip the relationship part but face inventory shortages and shipping rules. A lot of the most wanted non-quota bags never even hit the website.

Regional Differences in Restrictions

European boutiques, especially in Paris, sometimes let you buy more non-quota bags in a single visit. Some shoppers have lucked out and grabbed several.

North America tends to be stricter. Canadian boutiques usually follow the US lead.

Asia is the toughest market. Some boutiques there set unofficial caps on non-quota bags, and policies can shift from city to city, even from one sales associate to another.

Even within the same country, policies can change. What you get in Toronto might not fly in Vancouver. Always check with your local boutique before making plans.

Account Rules and Purchase Tracking

Hermès has really clamped down on account management for 2025. No more clever workarounds, just one account per client, period. These changes affect everything from family purchases to shipping and really change how you approach buying.

One Account Per Client Policy

Multiple Hermès accounts? Not anymore. Now, you can only have one active account worldwide.

This kills the old trick of juggling separate accounts to get more quota bags. Hermès now tracks client data closely across all their stores.

If you had more than one account, you’ll need to merge them into a single profile. Your purchase history comes together, but you don’t get extra quota bag perks.

Once you’re in the system, you can’t just open a new account somewhere else. Hermès wants to keep tabs on everyone, everywhere.

Restricted Household or Joint Accounts

This one’s a headache for families and couples: Household accounts can’t buy quota bags at all.

If you link your account with a spouse or family member, you lose access to Birkins, Kellys, and the rest of the quota list. That’s a huge change.

Sure, joint accounts might be convenient for non-quota stuff, but most collectors won’t risk it. You basically have to pick: family convenience or a shot at the top bags.

A lot of couples now keep totally separate accounts so they don’t lose quota eligibility. Hermès has made account sharing a non-starter.

Single Shipping Address Rule

Each Hermès account now gets just one shipping address. It sounds simple, but it’s actually a big deal.

You can’t swap between your home, office, or vacation house anymore. Your address is locked to your account.

This helps Hermès make sure clients are real and stops people from gaming the system. It also makes their logistics a lot simpler.

If you need to change your address, you’ll have to work with your sales associate to update your account. Temporary shipping isn’t allowed under the new rules.

Strategic Shopping: Tips and Realities for Getting the Bag You Want

Nabbing your dream Hermès bag takes more than just money. Building a real relationship with your sales associate, understanding the rules, and knowing when to hit the resale market can be the difference between walking out with a Kelly or leaving empty-handed.

Working with Sales Associates

Your sales associate is your lifeline. They decide who gets offered the coveted Birkins and Kellys.

Being genuinely nice isn’t just polite, it matters. Sales associates deal with tough customers all day, so treating them as partners makes you stand out.

Dress well but don’t overdo it. A nice cashmere sweater or a sharp blazer is plenty. You want to look like you belong, not like you’re auditioning for a fashion show.

Show real interest in what they know. Ask about leathers, hardware, or seasonal colors. It shows you care about the brand, not just social media photos.

If you already own Hermès, bring your pieces to the boutique. It signals you’re invested and understand what you’re getting into.

Navigating the 'Mini Kelly Heavy' Issue

The mini Kelly has exploded in popularity, turning into one of the trickiest Hermès bags to get your hands on. Its tiny size and easy-to-style vibe make it a favorite, especially with younger collectors.

Mini Kelly bags count toward the same quota as regular Kellys. If you score one, it’ll usually use up your annual allocation, which can block you from getting another quota bag that year.

Some boutiques treat the mini Kelly as even more exclusive than the full-size. The work that goes into those tiny proportions, plus the crazy demand, just amps up the rarity.

If you’re dreaming of a full-size Kelly, think twice before using your quota on a mini. It might not be the best move for your collection goals.

Wait times for mini Kellys can be brutal, sometimes even longer than for Birkins or regular Kellys in hot colors.

Pre-Spending and Purchase History

Hermès isn’t about quick transactions, it’s about building a relationship. Your purchase history shapes what bags you’ll be offered down the road.

Non-quota items help build your client profile. Scarves, belts, jewelry, and ready-to-wear all show you’re invested, but don’t expect miracles from a handful of small buys.

Most folks report spending two to three times the price of the bag they want before getting an offer. So, for a $15,000 Kelly, you might spend $30,000–$45,000 on other stuff first.

Quality matters more than sheer quantity. A few standout pieces, like a cashmere scarf or home goods, say a lot more to Hermès than a pile of twillys.

Some boutiques look at your spending over the last 12–18 months, not your lifetime total. Steady, consistent shopping usually gets you further than big, random splurges.

Buying From Resellers: Pros and Cons

The resale world gives you instant access to Hermès bags, no boutique schmoozing or spending games required. Of course, that shortcut has its downsides.

Upsides? You get what you want right away. Good resellers have colors and sizes you’ll almost never see in boutiques. You can shop around and get exactly what you’re after.

But you’ll pay for it, literally. The most popular Kellys and Birkins go for 20–50% over retail, sometimes even more if you’re after something rare.

Authentication is a real concern. Stick with dealers who guarantee authenticity and have a solid reputation among collectors.

Buying resale doesn’t help you with Hermès boutiques. If you want to build a collection over time, starting with boutique relationships might save you money (and headaches) in the long run.

Some collectors grab their first bag from a reseller, then start working the boutique angle for future bags. Honestly, it’s a pretty satisfying way to get started without waiting years.

Special Orders and Exclusives: Access and New Limitations

Special Orders are opening up to more clients, but new rules are changing how we chase these ultra-custom bags. The rise of “special order emergencies” and the Rose Sakura craze show just how unpredictable Hermès exclusivity can be.

How Special Order Opportunities Are Changing

Hermès seems to be offering Special Order (SO) slots to a slightly broader group of clients these days, though you still need a strong purchase history and a good relationship with your SA.

The big shift? Special Orders now count toward your annual quota. If you land an SO slot for a Birkin, that’s one of your two quota bags for the year, gone.

Bags eligible for SO:

• Birkin (all standard sizes)
• Kelly (including mini)
• Constance
• Kelly Sac à dépêches
• Bolide and Plume

The wait is still 12–18 months, and the process is a bit clearer now, SAs are more upfront about who qualifies.

Rose Sakura and Rare Colour Trends

Rose Sakura is the poster child for how a rare color can drive SO demand through the roof. This dreamy pink shade showed up in tiny numbers, and collectors went wild.

Here’s how it usually goes: Hermès drops a gorgeous new color in tiny batches, everyone falls in love, and then we all cross our fingers hoping our SA can work magic through Special Orders.

Hot SO color requests right now:

• Rose Sakura (still top of the list)
• Vert Vertigo (that punchy green)
• Bleu Brume (soft, misty blue)

Not every color is available for SO, though. Some are intentionally kept as seasonal, never to be repeated through special orders.

The Special Order Emergency Phenomenon

Special Order emergencies are a real thing now. Sometimes your SA will call out of nowhere and say you have 48 hours to lock in your dream bag specs, color, leather, hardware, the works. If you hesitate, you lose the slot.

We’ve learned to keep wish lists ready with our top three combos mapped out. Smart collectors keep notes on leathers, hardware, and backup colors, just in case.

These emergencies usually happen when someone cancels their SO or Hermès needs to reshuffle production. The slot needs filling fast.

Most SAs say you should always have at least two fully planned combinations ready to go.

Beyond Bags: Limits and Trends for Other Coveted Hermès Items

While everyone talks about quota bags, Hermès has quietly started limiting accessories and shoes that collectors chase just as hard. Reserve lists for bracelets and boots are now as competitive as the bag lists.

Demand Surges for Collier de Chien Bracelets

The Collier de Chien bracelet has gotten surprisingly tough to find. Reserve lists for these iconic pieces now rival those for leather goods.

One collector said she’s been waiting years for a black CDC with gold hardware. That’s not even rare anymore. Classic combos like noir/gold and new seasonal colors vanish from boutiques almost instantly.

The bracelet’s pyramid studs and bold closure have turned it into a status symbol, even for folks who aren’t bag-obsessed. SAs are now putting clients on reserve lists without even being asked.

Trends we’re seeing:

• Classic combos (noir/gold, gold/gold) have the longest waits
• Seasonal colors might be a bit easier, but you’ll still need to get on a list
• No deposit needed, and you’re not obligated to buy when your turn comes up

Hype Around Jaimy Boots and Accessories

The Jaimy boots have pushed Hermès further into the footwear spotlight, and they come with their own buying limits. When they launched, the buzz was immediate, and reserve lists filled up in weeks.

Some clients have managed to get Jaimy boots through the list in just two months, a lot faster than most bag waits. Their unique design and Hermès-level craftsmanship make them a hot ticket.

Reserve lists now cover not just boots, but scarves, jewelry, and small leather goods. Basically, anything with limited production or high demand is getting the “wait your turn” treatment.

It’s the same process as bags: tell your SA what you want, get on the list, and wait for that call. No deposit required, but serious collectors appreciate not having to stalk the boutique every week.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Hermès quota system leaves a lot of us puzzled, how many bags can you actually buy, what counts toward your limit, and how much do you really have to spend? Here’s what we’ve figured out so far.

What's the deal with Hermès' bag limit, how many Birkins or Kellys can I snag in a year, eh?

Most Hermès boutiques cap you at two quota bags a year, usually one in the first half, one in the second.

Your SA tracks this in your client file. Once you hit your limit, you’ll have to wait for the next quota period.

Some stores are stricter, especially flagships or high-traffic locations. Smaller boutiques sometimes have a bit more wiggle room.

Curious about the pre-spending rumours, do I really need to flash some serious cash at Hermès before grabbing a quota bag?

Yeah, pre-spend is a real thing, even if Hermès won’t say so. Most of us end up spending one to two times the bag’s price on non-quota stuff first.

For an $11,000 Kelly, expect to drop $11,000–$22,000 on RTW, shoes, jewelry, scarves, and so on. Some people get lucky with less, but that’s the exception.

The point is to show your commitment to Hermès as a brand, not just the bags. SAs really do prioritize clients who shop across departments and do so regularly.

So, which Hermès bags are playing hard to get and are on the quota 'naughty list'?

The Birkin and Kelly are always quota bags, everywhere. They count toward your two-bag limit for the year.

The Constance sometimes gets treated as quota, but it depends on the boutique. Some include it, some don’t.

Everything else, Evelyne, Picotin, Garden Party, and most seasonal bags, doesn’t count toward quota.

Heard through the grapevine that the Constance bag has a VIP pass, does it skip the quota system or what?

The Constance is in a weird spot. Some boutiques count it as quota, others don’t.

Policies change by location, so it’s best to ask your SA directly. Even if it’s not quota, it’s still tough to get, production is limited, so waitlists are long either way.

I'm aiming for variety here, what are non-quota Hermès bags that won't have me jumping through hoops?

The Kelly Pochette in non-exotic leathers and the newer Kelly Elan are both non-quota, but still have that Hermès look.

Evelyne and Picotin Lock are your best bets for non-quota bags you might actually find in-store. Garden Party and Herbag are usually available too.

Most seasonal and limited edition styles don’t count toward quota. That includes smaller leather goods and crossbodies.

Let's chat dollars and sense, is the Hermès Birkin 30 an investment piece that's worth bending my budget?

Birkin 30s in classic colors and leathers usually keep their value on the resale market. Black, Gold, and Etoupe in Togo or Epsom leather? Those are the safe bets, at least if you ask most collectors.

Still, buying just for investment feels a bit risky. The resale market shifts, and Hermès bumps up retail prices whenever they feel like it.

If you really love the bag and it doesn’t put you in a financial bind, chances are it’ll hold or even grow in value. Just don’t expect it to fund your retirement, bags are fun, but they’re not magic.