Chanel vs Hermes, Which bag should you buy first?
Over the past few years Chanel continues to make headlines with their never ending price increases, you may be surprised to learn that the price of a Hermes Birkin / Hermes Kelly is almost the same price as a classic Chanel flap bag. Given that they are roughly the same price, it begs the question, which bag should you purchase first and why?
Should you buy a Hermes Bag or a Chanel Flap?
If you are in the market to purchase a luxury handbag and you are deciding between a Hermes bag, or a Chanel flap bag, I highly recommend that you purchase a Hermes bag first.
Every Hermes bag has incredible craftsmanship and is stitched by hand using techniques they’ve mastered after years of training. Hermes is considered a quiet luxury brand, which means when it's worn, it often goes undetected. Finally, the Hermes bags are incredible investment and will provide you a return on investment (ROI) should you even decide to sell it since they are extremely coveted and desired. Now the next step, being offered a Hermes quota bag!
Price difference of a Chanel Flap Bag, a Hermes Kelly Bag, and a Hermes Birkin bag
A Chanel Flap bag, a Hermes Kelly Bag and a Hermes Birkin bag are all priced within $1,100 of each other! In 2019, this wasn’t the case, the Chanel bags were substantially cheaper than the Hermes bags. To me, it’s shocking to see the Chanel bag priced over $10,000.
Price of a Classic Chanel Flap Bag in Lambskin Leather in the USA: $10,200
Price of a Hermes Kelly Bag 25 in Epsom Leather in the USA: $11,300
Price of a Hermes Birkin Bag 25 in Togo Leather in the USA: $10,400
This is oftentimes why you see many people turn to purchase vintage Chanel bags or vintage Hermes bags.
Is a Chanel or Hermes bag a better investment?
The shorter answer is, a Hermes bag is a better investment than a Chanel bag. If you purchase a Hermes Kelly bag today for $11,300 you have the option of reselling it on the preloved or vintage market for more than you paid for it…roughly double the amount. Many people of the Hermes bags as an alternative investment.
On the flip side, if you buy a new Chanel Flap bag today for $10,200, if you go to resell the bag on the preloved or vintage market you will get less than what you paid for it! Today, the Chanel bags don’t hold their value. If you do have a vintage Chanel bag that you purchased in the 90s and is in still condition, you could probably sell it for what you paid for it, and even a little more.
Why does Chanel continue to raise their prices?
Chanel has been raising their prices at a rapid rate since 2020. My guess is because it’s trying to become more exclusive, compete with Hermes, and lastly because of their microchip authentication process. While these are only my best guesses, I have noticed that Chanel hasn’t seen a slow-down in sales since the price increases. However, I have seen a decrease in price of vintage Chanel bags online. It is important to note that Hermes does increase their prices every year but it's a more consistent.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I do love both Chanel and Hermes. You should purchase the bag that you feel comfortable and confident wearing. If you are looking to purchase a Chanel bag, then I highly recommend that you purchase a vintage Chanel bag. If you are looking to purchase a Hermes bag, then you can purchase one at the store or even a vintage Hermes bag. Which bag would you purchase first?
Sincerely Petite in Paris,
Diane
