Tanner Leatherstein debunks viral TikTok claim about Birkin bag costs
While many are captivated by the claim that a US$30,000 bag costs only US$1,400 to make, Yilmaz sheds light on the intricacies behind this price point.
DANIAL HAKIM
SHAH ALAM - Volkan Yilmaz, better known online as Tanner Leatherstein, has taken to Instagram to dissect a viral TikTok trend featuring Chinese factories revealing so-called “truths” behind the luxury leather industry.
While many are captivated by the claim that a US$30,000 bag costs only US$1,400 to make, Yilmaz sheds light on the intricacies behind this price point.
A TikTok video from a Chinese factory owner recently went viral, claiming the out-of-factory cost for a Hermès Birkin bag is only US$1,400.
The video includes a detailed breakdown of raw materials, hardware and labor involved, framed as an exposé in response to the aggressive US trade tariffs on China.
The truth behind the exposé
In his Instagram reel, Yilmaz admitted there were a few truths behind several inaccuracies, namely the material and actual prices mentioned in the viral TikTok.
“The material supply chain, everything is available in China. Yes, that is true,” Yilmaz confirmed, adding that many Chinese buyers spend significant amounts of up to half a million dollars sourcing genuine Togo leather from Europe for counterfeit bags.
“He shows a leather and mentions it is Togo leather. The leather there, however, is not Togo leather,” Yilmaz said.
While the video claims the hardware costs US$150 per bag, Yilmaz agreed that top-grade hardware is accessible in China. However, he disputed the pricing.
“It does not cost US$150; it costs less,” Yilmaz stated, though he didn’t specify an exact figure.
In another instance, the video also claimed that one piece of Togo leather costs US$450, a price Yilmaz disagreed with.
“That’s not true. Togo leather from Weinheimer today costs about US$330, on average 22 square feet at 13 euros a foot. You do the math," he said.
The viral moment that initially sparked the trend came from the claim that Birkin bags cost US$1,400.
Shockingly, Yilmaz clarified the costs were three times less than the initial US$1,400 price point, with materials and craftsmanship akin to the quality of Hermès products themselves.
“US$1,400 for a US$30,000 Birkin. This might surprise you, but his cost estimate is actually too high.
“I was in Guangzhou last month, and I’ve seen these top-level fake Birkins; they were selling at only US$500, notably made with real Togo leather and stainless steel hardware,” he said.
Yilmaz speculated the creator may have inflated costs to justify higher prices for their own counterfeit or dupe bags.
“That is where the problem starts. If you are going to expose anything, you better be accurate,” he added.
Taking on the trade war
While Yilmaz acknowledged China's deep reservoir of manufacturing talent, he questioned the rationale behind copying Western brands.
“In my opinion, why doesn’t China produce their own designs or brands using this top-notch hardware, beautiful material with the incredible skills they have at their disposal and sell those products or bags for US$500?”
The issue is not just economic but ethical in the realm of counterfeits and manufacturing, as the Turkish leather artisan believes China should enforce stricter laws on counterfeits and boost local brands.
Despite harbouring no intent on judging consumers or makers of counterfeit goods, he alternatively challenges the industry to evolve.
“Why not make their own creations and offer that quality at a very affordable price point under their own brand?
"That is the real challenge, and I invite all Chinese people to take on this trade war. Algorithms know what people like or want to watch, which is controversial things,” Yilmaz previously told D Magazine, understanding the draw of viral drama, especially when luxury and ethics collide.
But for him, it always comes back to truth and trust.
“Buying and selling is about trust. Once you trust the person or brand, it’s an easier decision,” Yilmaz said.
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