Am I too poor for Hèrmes?

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#121
Good points.
Coconuts40 said:
I am well aware of the Toronto store, SA's may be distant at first because they have people asking for quote bags all day long. Don't be intimidated by the store. Also, for your first time you may feel more comfortable going in and not being bothered anyways, which will allow yourself to acclimate to the store and culture. You don't need to be of any economic status to go into the store, go inside and walk around to see what they have. You may be surprised and like what they have and want to purchase something you may have never considered.
If you only want a quota bag, go the resale route.

Regarding your comment on exclusivity and not wanting to be part of a group that everyone can't be part of : You say you have purchased other luxury goods and handbags for many years already - do you realize you already are part of the exclusive upper class society that can afford to do so, as most people can't even afford LV, Gucci, etc.... So in all honesty you already are part of an exclusive group that everyone can't belong to.
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#123
laurasaprincess said:
I never said I was after a B or K.
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Then you have no worries and the world is your oyster. :smile: If you don’t want a quota bag you can shop online or at any H store anywhere in the world, with any SA you like. You don’t need to be concerned about cultivating a relationship with one SA or pre-spends, or how much you spend per month at any one store. Just go and have fun!
 
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#125
eckw said:
An interesting question and one that seems more psychological to me than financial. After reading all the responses, it sounds like the question is not so much “can you afford” but are you mentally prepared to “pay for H”.

Personally I think luxury price desensitisation has a lot to do with the H game. For many, we start with other fashion houses at lower price points and move up. Personally I moved on to H from Chanel after Chanel’s price hikes became too aggressive and bag quality didn’t seem to match up. (Also collected all Chanel classic styles that I wanted and still love/use.)

My first bag was a Lindy (non-quota bag) from my home H store and I fell in love with CSGM scarves and leather double-tour bracelets. Didn’t want to play the H game so I bought a Birkin from a trusted reseller to take that out of the equation. But recently I started appreciating their fine jewellery and then it became much easier to get quota bags (fancy that!) from my home store - especially after I met a lovely SA. But that’s just my own experience.

I have noticed that after moving to H, my luxury spending has gone up astronomically and it’s happened quite unconsciously. I spend within my means so it’s manageable but I do get guilty twinges at times when I think about it. I think your question is therefore quite a wise one as it’s not something many of us (not me anyway) asked ourselves before starting our “H journey”.

Btw, I’m curious to know what is it that interests you from H? (I think you said it wasn’t a quota bag?)
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WoW! This is exactly my experience as well...
 
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#127
This is an interesting topic to put my 2 cents in. If a store has doors that open to the public, anybody is welcome to go in and browse. Every H boutique will seem to have different level of friendliness and it all comes down which SAs you interact with- there are some who are wonderful and some who turn their nose up. I find its not any different than any other luxury store (from Chanel to Cartier to Breguet). Though Goyard's outside line up in San Fran is a little silly, I must say.

Everyone here who has a passion for H has a different story and economic backgrounds across the spectrum. Someone may be in lot of financial debt and but they shop when they feel depressed.. or someone may be very well kept and can buy multiple bags a month without batting an eyelash... or someone may have recently sold a few of their other handbags to buy one special H bag. From my observation, there isn't so much of an exclusivity or percentage on the wealth scale to buy Hermes. I should hope people buy any products because they like them and not because they are buying things for the sake of buying to build a relationship.
 
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#129
laurasaprincess said:
Update - went to Hermes today with a friend in Toronto. Beautiful store. Multiple SA’s approached me for assistance and were so sweet!!
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Sounds like you had a wonderful time at Hermès. I’m glad it was a nice experience.

When I’m in NY I usually go to Tiffany and browse at some serious bling, always leaving the store with something nice but in a more comfortable price range. I do the same at the VCA Vendôme store. Last time I was there I tried three different earrings but needed time to consider which piece or if any would work for me. Looking at masterpieces is part of the boutique experience even if I only buy within my own comfort zone. I feel every potential customer is a valued one. You wrote you have started to become interested in Hermès. I think it is very common to start with smaller items gradually working towards bags. My first purchase was a belt and bracelet, after that agendas and silks. In the beginning I didn’t crave for a bag, even if I had the money. I think it’s perfectly fine that Hermès decides who they offer their most desirable bags to or who gets to do a special order. This has nothing to do with how much money you have. They simply value established loyal customers. I have visited over 20 H stores in the world and I have never felt any pressure buying things not on my shopping list.

Hope you enjoy browsing/shopping at Hermès in future too. They usually have gorgeous crafted leather items on display that are not for sale but nice to look at.
 
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#131
I honestly think most of it is about relationships. I spent $800 this year and am still offered my quota bags. I have an outstanding 2 year SO and cannot be offered another until I get it. I don't know if I will be. My store opens the bags in a dressing room and then when you decide yes they bring them out and you can try on accessories and such on the bag. I have bought a few k/b from the store and this is how it's work for every one. I have had people look at the bag I am taking and try to pick it up. I just give them a hard stare and normally people back away. Or I've had people say "I want that bag" and point to it when they have an evelyn or garden party in front of them. LOL. I normally walk out of the store carrying my new bag because I am so excited.
 
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#133
Love Of My Life said:
to

The 1%er's in the world are not what most business plans are based on.
As far as being "worthy" because you may not consider yourself to be a 1%er, that really is something that
you have to come to terms with.
While H is being thought of as being so exclusive, they probably sell more scarves than handbags because
more people can afford that price point than 10k+ on bags. The inventory on H scarves in the stores that
I have been in including FSH are plentiful..
And not every 1%er wants H or for that manner any high end designer bag.
There are many wealthy people who consider spending that kind of money on a bag absurd.
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That's the whole point. These people stay wealthy for they didn't fall in the orange trap.
 
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#134
laurasaprincess said:
I have been a luxury buyer since I was in my teens. I’ve always been lucky to be able to buy what I want without worrying about prices/ having to save up. I’d never purchase anything if I could not buy it cash and be completely comfortable. I’ve recently started to be interested in Hèrmes. However, in perusing the Hèrmes thread, I feel as if there’s a reason it is difficult to get a Birkin or Kelly... do they only want to sell to extremely wealthy people? How much does one need to make to start shopping at Hermes? Does it even make sense to start a relationship with the brand if you’re not ready to drop 10k every couple months? Please advise!
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Things might be changing with this pandemic.. many have expressed how uneasy they now are feeling about spending $$$$ for luxury in general
 
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#135
For me the Pandemic has made me vow to buy less but buy better.
I have always worked in fashion since my 1st job as a saturday girl in designer store when I was 16 so I've been lucky enough to get good quality designer clothes at discount.
I also look for preloved clothes by my favourite designers.
However I've always brought a couple of new designer bags a year Loewe,Celine, in the early 2000's It was Marc Jacobs.
I've always been obsessed with Hermes but felt it was out of my price range.
Now I've decided to not buy things that I like..as I really NEED nothing.
And instead to only buy what I really really Love.
And therefore I have decided to save my money to buy a Hermes pre-loved bag each year because I know the quality and longevity of these bags makes them an investment-not to resell but just to wear and get joy from over and over.
I will buy less but buy the very best quality
 
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