2 shoppers tried to buy Birkin bags but failed. Now, they are suing Hermès

The Birkin is available in a rare heritage leather and comes with a hefty price tag. (Image: hermes.com)

Two dissatisfied shoppers from California, US, are taking luxury fashion house Hermès to court, alleging discriminatory sales practices surrounding the coveted Birkin bag. Tina Cavalleri and Mark Glinoga have filed a class-action lawsuit, contending that they were denied access to purchase the iconic handbag despite their significant patronage of the brand.

Cavalleri, a devoted Hermès client, expressed her frustration, stating she had invested substantial sums into the brand over the years. However, when she sought to acquire another Birkin bag in September 2022, she was informed that it was exclusively available to patrons with a consistent purchasing history. Interpreting this as a requirement to spend more, Cavalleri found herself shut out from her desired purchase.

Similarly, Glinoga encountered repeated obstacles in his pursuit of the sought-after accessory. Despite his efforts, he was repeatedly informed that additional purchases were necessary to qualify for a Birkin bag.

While Cavalleri owned one Birkin bag already, Glinoga did not. In their quest, the two reportedly spent thousands of dollars at Hermès hoping to secure a step closer to a new Birkin bag.

Disheartened by the elusive nature of the luxury item, Glinoga decided to join forces with Cavalleri in their legal battle against Hermès.

The lawsuit, filed in California, accuses Hermès of antitrust violations, alleging that the brand's sales tactics for Birkin bags constitute an abuse of market power.

Central to their argument is the claim that Hermès forces customers to establish a "purchase profile" by buying other luxury goods before being granted access to the exclusive handbags. This, the plaintiffs assert, artificially inflates the price of Birkin bags and consequently boosts the company's profits.

Hermès, renowned for its high-end offerings, has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the lawsuit. However, the complaint highlights a significant aspect of the alleged unfair practices: while sales associates do not receive commission on Birkin bags, they earn a 3% commission on ancillary products sold to bolster customers' purchase history. This, the lawsuit contends, exposes the brand's manipulation of its sales force to enforce the purportedly unlawful tying arrangement.

Read: Hermès sells single paper envelope for Rs 10,400. Internet in disbelief

The Birkin bag, a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, commands a staggering price tag, with prices starting at $10,000 and soaring into six figures. Despite the astronomical cost, eager shoppers are willing to go to great lengths to acquire these status symbols.