Do your homework: before you buy anything, spend a few weeks monitoring the auctions, learn what scarves sell for, who the repeat sellers are, which scarves don’t sell or fail to meet their reserves.

Follow up:

Read the item description carefully. There’s lots of information about condition in the descriptions. What is not said can be as important as what is said. Be attentive to “I’m not really sure what this is” or “I don’t know anything about Hermès scarves but….” You’ll be happiest if the seller’s knowledge level matches your own. Ask questions: ask the seller questions about condition (best phrased as “I’m very picky” rather than doubts about seller’s credibility), ask an internet chat group or other buyer about technical points, and you can even try asking Hermès about design questions, if time permits. Check feedback: Check the seller’s feedback, with particular attention to “Seller” feedback. It’s easier to accumulate good feedback as a buyer than as a seller. You want a seller who deals in high-end items and has sold Hermès items before. Size: centimeters, inches, square inches? 2002 full-sized silk Hermès carrés measures 35 7/16ths inches or 90 centimeters on each side. Older scarves may be slightly smaller; dry cleaning and washing may be reflected in smaller dimensions. there are other Hermès scarf products with different dimensions, such as the double opera scarf, the cashmere shawl, the 40 centimeter square pochette or pocket square. Know what you’re bidding on. Box: like you, sellers can purchase an Hermès box on-line so MIB (mint in box) may or may not mean the scarf has never seen daylight. Hem: scarves that have been ironed or dry cleaned may have flat hems; “plump” hems are a good thing. Fakes: know the markings (pre-copyright and post-copyright), the tags -“Fabrique en Franc,” the early “100% Soie”—the frequently copied designs. “Too good to be true” is usually too good to be true. Overseas transactions: international sales may involve other languages, translation, confusion, and more complicated payment methods…but not necessarily. Read payment methods carefully and know what additional charges you will be subject to for a bank wire, Western Union, or the purchase of a different currency money order. If you want guaranteed, authentic mint in the box Hermès with absolutely no risk and 100% satisfaction, go directly to your local Hermès store and shop until you drop.