Hermes Special Order Bags

Since this thread is now huge and the internal links to frequently asked questions no longer work, here is a brief FAQ for newcomers to the Hermes Special Order process.

What are the current choices for "a la carte" Special Order bags?
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Most Recently Known Selection Definitions (bag types, sizes, combos) Sept 4, 2021
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What is an Hermes Special Order?
Each year Hermes gives select clients the opportunity to customize a classic bag in a made-to-order a la carte process. This thread is only for bag A La Carte orders (please use the separate threads for watch SOs and shoe SOs). "A la carte", "SO" (special order), and "HSS" (horse shoe stamp) are used interchangeably on this forum.

When is the Special Order season?
Currently, there is one SO season each calendar year, opening around the beginning of February and closing when slots run out or the end of December, whichever occurs first. New SO menus are typically leaked in February and remain constant until the following calendar year. Individual stores have complete discretion on when, within this window, they offer SO appointments to their clients.

Which specs can I customize?
Hermes defines which specs can be customized and these specs can change each SO season. Generally these specs include: leather type, leather color, and hardware color. At your SO appointment, your SA will present you will the limited menu of choices including bag types and sizes (Birkin 25, Kelly 28, etc), pre-set combination designs (line, verso, multico, etc), leather choices, leather colors, hardwares, and a map for which options can be selected for which bag type and size. Not all leathers and hardwares are allowed for all bag types and sizes.

Can I make physical changes to a bag definition during SO?
Sometimes clients would like to change a physical aspect of a bag, like increase the handle drop or add a pocket or a strap. Unfortunately, Hermes does not allow any type of alteration to the bag definition during SO. For extensive changes like these, a client would need to pursue a “Horizon order” which can be read about here.

How long will my SO take?
There is no way to predict how long a SO will take from placing the order to receipt of the finished product. Although Hermes has recently put forward efforts to fulfill a la carte orders within a year, it isn’t uncommon for bags to arrive in just a few months or also much longer than the year estimate.

Can my SA give me status my existing SO?
Unfortunately, the info that can be seen by SAs at the local store is very limited. They can generally see if the order is still outstanding (ie hasn’t been cancelled) but do not get status updates beyond that. Some stores will update clients when they get notice that a bag has been shipped from Paris but other stores wait until the bag is physically in store before alerting the client.

Do I need to place a deposit for SO?
In most regions of the world, a deposit is not required for SOs. However, some Asian and Middle Eastern locations do seem to request at least a partial deposit. Deposits may also be required in other regions if the SO selections are very personalized (ie if you have your personal initials hot stamped onto the bag) such that selling the bag to a different client, if the original client declines the bag, would be difficult.

Do I receive confirmation of my SO after placing my order?
In most regions of the world, the client gives their specifications to their SA and that is the last they hear about it until the bag arrives. Paris stores seem to be an exception to this and send the client a confirmation email within a few weeks of placing the order.

Is there a premium for a SO bag?
No, there is no premium price for SO bags. Their price is the same as any other standard stock bag of the same specifications at the time of delivery.

Is my SO a quota bag?
SO bags are generally counted toward a client’s two-bags-per-year limit at the time that the bag is received and paid for. If a client has already maxed out their quota bag allocation for the year, some stores will allow an exception to purchase your SO as a third bag for the year while other stores will require the customer to wait until a new calendar year before receiving the bag. These policies are subject to be changed per store at their convenience so it is always wise to check with your specific SA.

Where can I get ideas for my SO bag?
This thread shows unique combination bags and this thread shows contrasting stitching bags. Please consider posting your bag there once it arrives!

Where can I see historical SO menus?
2023 on post 19,874 page 1325 Feb 3, 2023
2022 on post 17,729 page 1182 Sept 13, 2021
2021 on post 15,439 page 1030 Aug 16, 2020
2020 on post 13,222 page 882 Aug 8, 2019
2019 on post 10,472 page 699 Sept 10, 2018
2018 on post 7,687 page 513 Sept 15, 2017
2017 on post 4,749 page 317 Sept 26, 2016
 
Does everyone receive an email confirmation for their SO? I never received one but the store has confirmed verbally that my SO has been processed. I did the SO in Oct but was actually processed in January. Has anyone experienced this?
I placed my order in September and never got a confirmation email but got the verbal from my SA. I’m from the states.
 
Does everyone receive an email confirmation for their SO? I never received one but the store has confirmed verbally that my SO has been processed. I did the SO in Oct but was actually processed in January. Has anyone experienced this?
I've placed I think 9 or so and never had an email confirmation or any formal communication outside of chats with my SAs, which are never email, usually text, WeChat, WhatsApp, Facebook Msgr, etc. They've all come in so far, except one that was lost due to exceptional circumstances, at which point I did hear back via a phone call, not at all a related circumstance.
 
Previous to the stinky leather issue which resulted in much chaos for replacing these bags amongst SO and PO orders, all my SOs placed in Paris arrived about 6 months apart (except exotics) with a confirmation email sent directly to me from the leather department. I arranged my appointments with my SAs via email or WA. In other countries I am asked to come by my SAs most of the time, this would be 2 stores in London and one in Asia. Longest wait was 2 years and shortest 8 weeks. FSH used to ship out but now I rather visit, check the bag and collect in person. Things have changed a lot regarding placing and collecting SOs but I do notice the worldwide wait time is much better now. It's a pity the colour and style options have then been reduced drastically.
 
Only Paris stores seem to send an email confirmation to the client for some reason.

I placed my order in September and never got a confirmation email but got the verbal from my SA. I’m from the states.

I've placed I think 9 or so and never had an email confirmation or any formal communication outside of chats with my SAs, which are never email, usually text, WeChat, WhatsApp, Facebook Msgr, etc. They've all come in so far, except one that was lost due to exceptional circumstances, at which point I did hear back via a phone call, not at all a related circumstance.
Thank you guys for sharing your experiences! My experience is based in the UK so phew! Good to know the email communication is more of a standard procedure in Paris.
 
Haha me too! I came here looking for some hope as I also placed mine mid April in 2022. On one hand I’m hoping it takes a few more months since I was surprised with a touch bag in March and my wallet could use a break. On the other hand I’m getting impatient. :giggle:
I’m in the exact same boat! I recently got an Ombré Lizard bag and a b25 so my wallet could definitely use a break…. But my patience is running out lol
 
Got the email that my SO from FSH is ready!!!!!! Here's a quick timeline:
Sep 10: Placed order
Oct 20: Email confirmation for order
Apr 11: Order is ready!!!!!

So almost exactly 7 months to the day even though I was told ~12 months :smile:

Also super conveniently, I already have a trip planned soon!
Congratulations, that's so exciting! I did mine the same week as you, hoping it comes soon! :yahoo:
 
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Thank you guys for sharing your experiences! My experience is based in the UK so phew! Good to know the email communication is more of a standard procedure in Paris.
I have placed four SOs in Paris; no formal email ever although they might get mentioned in WhatsApps and emails with my SAs. All my SOs have arrived except the one I placed in November. (FWIW, for everything I have in apres-vente in Paris (spa) I do get an email and a tracking link. Would be amazing to have that for SOs!)

Edited: because I realized I wasn't a local for 3 of these LOL. Need more coffee! Anyway, the point is not to stress about emails. 1350 pages of SO threads and I don't remember anyone placing an SO that completely disappeared (SOs that get lost do happen but are very rare).
 
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I have placed four SOs in Paris; no formal email ever although they might get mentioned in WhatsApps and emails with my SAs. All my SOs have arrived except the one I placed in November. (FWIW, for everything I have in apres-vente in Paris (spa) I do get an email and a tracking link. Would be amazing to have that for SOs!)

Edited: because I realized I wasn't a local for 3 of these LOL. Need more coffee! Anyway, the point is not to stress about emails. 1350 pages of SO threads and I don't remember anyone placing an SO that completely disappeared (SOs that get lost do happen but are very rare).
Thank you for reassuring me much appreciated :smile:
 
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