Another Hermes odyssey - Paris leather appointment

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Carnel

Carnel

Nobody's purrfect
Decade Club
Feb 9, 2013
594
152
#1
Hi everyone, it's my first time posting in the Hermes forum as I've waited such a long time before deciding to buy my first H bag. My everyday bag, an old beaten up LV, is in such a bad shape I had to replace it and after an extensive search I realized I couldn't stop thinking about the Evelyne : I needed a very light bag to protect my back and wanted it casual (and the highest quality of course).

The Evelyne really ticked all the boxes and I was excited about getting my first Hermes bag, even though it’s probably their most basic option.

Unfortunately, when I contacted H client service back in december they confirmed what I feared...a leather appointment is needed for any bag, even an Evelyne. I've tried the lottery everyday since 24th December, still no luck...

I didn't try to get a walk-in appointment as I understand the SA's get so many requests all day long, and I don’t want to bother them.

I did try to buy from the French H website but it’s a nightmare: very few bags are dropped 3 or 4 times per week, and it’s been impossible to secure an Evelyne 16. As soon as it drops (and you never know when it will) it’s sold…I’ve tried all kind of tricks to monitor the website but it didn’t help.

I ended up buying an almost new Evelyn 16 yesterday from an established reseller (full set, with original invoice, box, dustbag…even the ribbon for the box was included). It makes me slightly sad I had to go that route but it may take months/years before I get an appointment and I can’t wait that long.

Since I live 30 minutes or less from the three H stores in Paris I've decided to keep trying and share my experience hoping it may help others!

Wish me luck, it may take months or years before I get an appointment! I don’t know yet what bag to request now that I have my Evelyne, will go with a very open mind if it ever happens…
 
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#3
I once tried to have a look at some bags at the FSH store. It several years ago and the SA coldly told me no, no explanation. It was before the lottery was put in place. I was well dressed, carrying one of my Chanel bags, and am used to shopping luxury brands 😕

I’ve already bought accessories from their other stores in Paris, but never felt truly welcome. No matter what I bought I never felt like a valued client. That doesn’t encourage me to show up without an appointment…
 
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#11
Carnel said:
I once tried to have a look at some bags at the FSH store. It several years ago and the SA coldly told me no, no explanation. It was before the lottery was put in place. I was well dressed, carrying one of my Chanel bags, and am used to shopping luxury brands 😕

I’ve already bought accessories from their other stores in Paris, but never felt truly welcome. No matter what I bought I never felt like a valued client. That doesn’t encourage me to show up without an appointment…
Click to expand...
Last month, I bought two Evies (of the 6 I was offered) without an appt. The year before I bought one as well, without an appt. I also got Evies in Capri and Australia upon request. I'm never dressed up and I'm just direct about what I'm looking for. It's definitely possible.
 
#12
My guess would be they are more cautious with French client as they fear you are going to resell for a profit…there are many places in Paris / websites where you can buy « like new » H bags, and it’s often more expensive than buying directly from Hermes.

When i feel like it I’ll stop by FSH, maybe i’ll get lucky 🙂
 
#14
Carnel said:
Hi everyone, it's my first time posting in the Hermes forum as I've waited such a long time before deciding to buy my first H bag. My everyday bag, an old beaten up LV, is in such a bad shape I had to replace it and after an extensive search I realized I couldn't stop thinking about the Evelyne : I needed a very light bag to protect my back and wanted it casual (and the highest quality of course).

The Evelyne really ticked all the boxes and I was excited about getting my first Hermes bag, even though it’s probably their most basic option.

Unfortunately, when I contacted H client service back in december they confirmed what I feared...a leather appointment is needed for any bag, even an Evelyne. I've tried the lottery everyday since 24th December, still no luck...

I didn't try to get a walk-in appointment as I understand the SA's get so many requests all day long, and I don’t want to bother them.

I did try to buy from the French H website but it’s a nightmare: very few bags are dropped 3 or 4 times per week, and it’s been impossible to secure an Evelyne 16. As soon as it drops (and you never know when it will) it’s sold…I’ve tried all kind of tricks to monitor the website but it didn’t help.

I ended up buying an almost new Evelyn 16 yesterday from an established reseller (full set, with original invoice, box, dustbag…even the ribbon for the box was included). It makes me slightly sad I had to go that route but it may take months/years before I get an appointment and I can’t wait that long.

Since I live 30 minutes or less from the three H stores in Paris I've decided to keep trying and share my experience hoping it may help others!

Wish me luck, it may take months or years before I get an appointment! I don’t know yet what bag to request now that I have my Evelyne, will go with a very open mind if it ever happens…
Click to expand...

unfortunately, this is not new information. Parisians have had to apply for appointments for about two years now. However, regular clients somehow (!) manage to get approval. (For reference, I know this from my family members.)

For Evelyn, though, you may have a chance as a walk-in. If you have no partnership with any branch, try Sevres.
 
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#15
Seriously, if you are local in Paris (or anywhere) but not interested in purchasing other boutique merchandise, I think resale, some of which is well priced, is absolutely the best way to go. Resale prices are going down, and there is a ton of selection. Unfortunately, bc of social media, it seems getting bags from the boutique will only get harder.

The Evelyn TPM is actually one of the more popular bags bc it is well priced for an Hermes bag; small; light; and cross body. I picked two up at resale bc my local SA couldn’t seem to get any that I wanted within the time frame I preferred. I am glad you were able to get the one you wanted. No reason to be sad :smile: congrats on your new bag

ETA: I’ve had best experiences with FSH, but my FSH and another SA at sevres (the latter of which I did not shop with and who offered to transfer a yoga sweater to FSH) have told me that it’s important to the Paris boutiques to stick to one of them if you would like to build any kind of relationship
 
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