The Hermès Game 101 | How They Get You
Doctor Chrissie, MD
17,279 views
Luxury shoppers call it "The Hermès Game," and once you understand the rules, you'll realize this is about much more than handbags. We explore scarcity, status, dopamine, and the psychology behind one of the most exclusive shopping experiences in the world. Using TikTok creators as our guides, we'll unpack why people willingly spend thousands before they're even allowed to buy the bag they came for—and what it reveals about all of us.
#luxury #luxuryclothing #hermes #thrift #overconsumption #shoppingpsychology #shoppingaddict #personalfinance
20 Comments
@seabreeze4559 1 month ago
I've always said it's a country club with a gift shop attached
@baronessboomer3865 1 month ago
I saw a video from a supposedly former Hermes SA & she said that the associates originally created "the game" in order to sell their quotas of the overpriced housewares, accessories & furniture, etc. If so, that was diabolical! 🙄
@AmberTheeSag 1 month ago (edited)
The resale market also includes BNIB (brand new in box) or called "box fresh". There are plenty of people who get offered a bag in a colorway/style they didn't really want so they immediately resell it for a tidy profit.
@stephaniehuthmacher4214 1 month ago
To me, these bags (and most "designer bags", to be truthful) are overpriced and impractical. Give me a bag with pockets and dividers that keep me organized. "Names" mean nothing to me. Stupidity is rampant!! Sweet baby gherkin save me from this madness!!!
@Rckxs 1 month ago
😂the crazy part is they’re forcing the buyer to get to know the seller. When it’s actually the SA that should have profile on the buyer in order to best help them shop.
@Rosula_D 1 month ago
I understand scarcity marketing. And I don't blame a luxury brand for doing it on principle. HOWEVER the Hermès situation is out of hand.
First of all, the scarcity doesn't actually exist anymore. Both because of the resellers/ secondhand market and because the influencers have made these bags "not so special". Add to that the fact that fake Hermès bags look so realistic nowadays that unless you touch the bag and look inside, it's difficult to tell whether it's real or not.
Second, the game itself has become more of the humiliation ritual than a "loyalty test". Of course, everyone should treat retail workers with respect. But why do I have to pretend to be bffs with a lady I don't know just so that she allows me to spend money to eventually move up to spending even more money? Why do I have to buy stuff I don't need or like just to get a bag in a color that might not suit me? And realistically, the people who are actually wealthy aren't jumping through these hoops. Because the Hermès staff knows who they are already.
Lastly, this system wasn't always in place. Yes, Hermès has always been a luxury brand, but women didn't have to experience a sorority initiation to buy a bag. Just look at older French women. From what I know, in the 80s, 90s, and even early 00s, it wasn't particularly hard to get these bags. It's only after the proto-influencers and socialites started using it as a status symbol towards their normie audience that the Hermès game became a thing. And it has only gotten worse since then.
First of all, the scarcity doesn't actually exist anymore. Both because of the resellers/ secondhand market and because the influencers have made these bags "not so special". Add to that the fact that fake Hermès bags look so realistic nowadays that unless you touch the bag and look inside, it's difficult to tell whether it's real or not.
Second, the game itself has become more of the humiliation ritual than a "loyalty test". Of course, everyone should treat retail workers with respect. But why do I have to pretend to be bffs with a lady I don't know just so that she allows me to spend money to eventually move up to spending even more money? Why do I have to buy stuff I don't need or like just to get a bag in a color that might not suit me? And realistically, the people who are actually wealthy aren't jumping through these hoops. Because the Hermès staff knows who they are already.
Lastly, this system wasn't always in place. Yes, Hermès has always been a luxury brand, but women didn't have to experience a sorority initiation to buy a bag. Just look at older French women. From what I know, in the 80s, 90s, and even early 00s, it wasn't particularly hard to get these bags. It's only after the proto-influencers and socialites started using it as a status symbol towards their normie audience that the Hermès game became a thing. And it has only gotten worse since then.
@marketagalicova3375 1 month ago
This is so funny...its like being in a relantoonship with someone that does not want you and yoz remaining just for the status...bit masochistic.
@amanda_etal 1 month ago
Feels like they’re just trying to offload all their non-bag items that people don’t “really want”.
@Roro.rorooo 1 month ago
Even though I have nothing against all these things but I really enjoy videos like this that gets deep into this kind of subject 😊
@SugaryKeko 1 month ago
25:18 that is exactly what it feels like listening to some people talk about their sales associates.
@chxslxydoncic 1 month ago
I have a high quality Birkin and Kelly dupes for less and it’s top grain leather. No logo.
@GIGI06408 1 month ago
The whole set up is outrageous
And I’m sure it’s illegal
But they have got round it by saying they have not put this in writing.
As the
sales team don’t get commission on quota bags they came up with this system
Yah right
To say I can only give you what you want when you show
Loyalty to the brand and you have to spend throughout the house
This needs to be studied
I mean we’ll done Hermes
💕
And I’m sure it’s illegal
But they have got round it by saying they have not put this in writing.
As the
sales team don’t get commission on quota bags they came up with this system
Yah right
To say I can only give you what you want when you show
Loyalty to the brand and you have to spend throughout the house
This needs to be studied
I mean we’ll done Hermes
💕
@Raven_Evermore 1 month ago
It's so cringe to watch these people "play the Hermes game. " It's like they're stuck in an abusive relationship where the narcissist keeps moving up the goal post. They get treated like dirt because they allow them to by buying from them. Why not support independent artisans who can custom make a bag that's even better and to your liking? and with more character?
@benedictaririhdirja 1 month ago (edited)
People who beg for buying luxury brands are so pathetic and don’t have self esteem…I can’t stand today’s society
@Champagneandprotein 1 month ago
I switched SA after not receiving a bag after 2yrs of 2/1 shopping. Waited a full year of no buy and started at another location and SA. The SA relationship and availability is everything
The Hermès Game 101 | How They Get You
Doctor Chrissie, MD
17,279 views
Luxury shoppers call it "The Hermès Game," and once you understand the rules, you'll realize this is about much more than handbags. We explore scarcity, status, dopamine, and the psychology behind one of the most exclusive shopping experiences in the world. Using TikTok creators as our guides, we'll unpack why people willingly spend thousands before they're even allowed to buy the bag they came for—and what it reveals about all of us.
#luxury #luxuryclothing #hermes #thrift #overconsumption #shoppingpsychology #shoppingaddict #personalfinance