Chanel in italy

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#376
I've been searching all over Paris for a classic flap mini in caviar to no avail and will be leaving for Italy in 2 days. Does anyone have the idea of stock in Milan (especially during fashion week), Venice, Florence, and Rome? Please advise!
 
#380
Hi everyone! I just purchased my first classic Chanel bag today, jumbo in Caviar with gold hardware from the Florence store and wanted to share a few tips in case others were struggling to find one. I went to the one in Rome and also Florence a couple of times before they would finally sell one to me and I learned a few things along the way.

In case you didn't know (I just learned this), if you walk in to most Chanel stores in western Europe asking for a classic bag, especially in Caviar with gold hardware, they will most likely tell you they don't have one. I believe it's part of a recent process to be more exclusive and give the impression of scarcity for the classic flap bag. Of course you can easily buy one in the US, but the pricing is not as good.

For me, I walked in the first time in both Florence and Rome, they told me they didn't have any. I asked if they would be getting any in soon, how often they get them in, and if I can put my name down to reserve one, the SA shook her head and refused to give any information. As it turns out, they have them in the back, but you have to do a long verbal game for them to even show you the bag. Here's what I learned:

1. Go inside well dressed, they basically refused to help me in both Rome and Florence because I was in casual clothes from traveling. It especially helps if you already own Chanel pieces, wear them, especially your Chanel handbag. You have to prove you already paid your dues with lesser rare pieces.

2. Don't instantly ask for the classic bag you want, especially if it's one of the "rare" ones in black. Instead, be a little more vague and look around a bit, try on other bags. For me, she told me there was no Caviar or classic bags, brought out the 2.55 reissue, then slowly over the course of 30 minutes, brought out more and more classic bags in all the wrong colors (blue, red, teal, etc).

It wasn't until 30-40 minutes later, after I slowly tried on each and every thing she brought out and kept saying things like: "it's just not as perfect as _____ (insert bag you actually want), that she started "checking" her computer after lot of niceties were exchanged. Finally, after half hour of slow story telling, agreeing with her it's so rare, blah blah blah but it's so beautiful, that she "checked" her computer again and voila! there was a classic jumbo in caviar with gold hardware that they had "set aside for another client" and she "couldn't sell it until she asked for approval just now."

3. It doesn't help to argue with them or catch them in a lie, they ARE lying to you when they say they don't have any most of the time. I know some have reported they showing a different inventory each day they go in with some SAs pretending the inventory you just saw yesterday is sold out today. I think they're required to be selective about who they sell it to. Niceties are necessary to keep this long process going so they don't reject you outright, you need to wear them down to the point where they'll show you the bag.

4. Calling to reserve one ahead of time doesn't help, they probably won't help you. A year ago when I went to Amsterdam the SA said to simply reserve one 6 weeks before I show up and they'll have it ready. I tried that this time, and I believe they took away this service. Plus they're busy pretending the purse is unattainable.

5. They took me to the back of the store to show me the bag, it's not locked in any of their front cases where the current collection is. It's all theatrics, but I think you gotta play the game if you want one (at least in Italy) for 14% off with the VAT refund. I was basically told no at all of their stores until I figured out it's a game.

6. Most things are in stock. Assume they're in stock. There's no point in checking if a classic piece is in stock because chances are they won't tell you. They have a huge stock and pretend things are out of stock depending on what you look like, how much they like you, and how the weather is that day.

Good luck ladies!
 
#381
jennywellington said:
Hi everyone! I just purchased my first classic Chanel bag today, jumbo in Caviar with gold hardware from the Florence store and wanted to share a few tips in case others were struggling to find one. I went to the one in Rome and also Florence a couple of times before they would finally sell one to me and I learned a few things along the way.

In case you didn't know (I just learned this), if you walk in to most Chanel stores in western Europe asking for a classic bag, especially in Caviar with gold hardware, they will most likely tell you they don't have one. I believe it's part of a recent process to be more exclusive and give the impression of scarcity for the classic flap bag. Of course you can easily buy one in the US, but the pricing is not as good.

For me, I walked in the first time in both Florence and Rome, they told me they didn't have any. I asked if they would be getting any in soon, how often they get them in, and if I can put my name down to reserve one, the SA shook her head and refused to give any information. As it turns out, they have them in the back, but you have to do a long verbal game for them to even show you the bag. Here's what I learned:

1. Go inside well dressed, they basically refused to help me in both Rome and Florence because I was in casual clothes from traveling. It especially helps if you already own Chanel pieces, wear them, especially your Chanel handbag. You have to prove you already paid your dues with lesser rare pieces.

2. Don't instantly ask for the classic bag you want, especially if it's one of the "rare" ones in black. Instead, be a little more vague and look around a bit, try on other bags. For me, she told me there was no Caviar or classic bags, brought out the 2.55 reissue, then slowly over the course of 30 minutes, brought out more and more classic bags in all the wrong colors (blue, red, teal, etc).

It wasn't until 30-40 minutes later, after I slowly tried on each and every thing she brought out and kept saying things like: "it's just not as perfect as _____ (insert bag you actually want), that she started "checking" her computer after lot of niceties were exchanged. Finally, after half hour of slow story telling, agreeing with her it's so rare, blah blah blah but it's so beautiful, that she "checked" her computer again and voila! there was a classic jumbo in caviar with gold hardware that they had "set aside for another client" and she "couldn't sell it until she asked for approval just now."

3. It doesn't help to argue with them or catch them in a lie, they ARE lying to you when they say they don't have any most of the time. I know some have reported they showing a different inventory each day they go in with some SAs pretending the inventory you just saw yesterday is sold out today. I think they're required to be selective about who they sell it to. Niceties are necessary to keep this long process going so they don't reject you outright, you need to wear them down to the point where they'll show you the bag.

4. Calling to reserve one ahead of time doesn't help, they probably won't help you. A year ago when I went to Amsterdam the SA said to simply reserve one 6 weeks before I show up and they'll have it ready. I tried that this time, and I believe they took away this service. Plus they're busy pretending the purse is unattainable.

5. They took me to the back of the store to show me the bag, it's not locked in any of their front cases where the current collection is. It's all theatrics, but I think you gotta play the game if you want one (at least in Italy) for 14% off with the VAT refund. I was basically told no at all of their stores until I figured out it's a game.

6. Most things are in stock. Assume they're in stock. There's no point in checking if a classic piece is in stock because chances are they won't tell you. They have a huge stock and pretend things are out of stock depending on what you look like, how much they like you, and how the weather is that day.

Good luck ladies!
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the info. I really think you should also post this in the Chit Chat, or start a new thread simply called Buying Chanel in Europe etc because alot of people may not see this here and it is great info. :smile1:
 
#382
jennywellington said:
Hi everyone! I just purchased my first classic Chanel bag today, jumbo in Caviar with gold hardware from the Florence store and wanted to share a few tips in case others were struggling to find one. I went to the one in Rome and also Florence a couple of times before they would finally sell one to me and I learned a few things along the way.

In case you didn't know (I just learned this), if you walk in to most Chanel stores in western Europe asking for a classic bag, especially in Caviar with gold hardware, they will most likely tell you they don't have one. I believe it's part of a recent process to be more exclusive and give the impression of scarcity for the classic flap bag. Of course you can easily buy one in the US, but the pricing is not as good.

For me, I walked in the first time in both Florence and Rome, they told me they didn't have any. I asked if they would be getting any in soon, how often they get them in, and if I can put my name down to reserve one, the SA shook her head and refused to give any information. As it turns out, they have them in the back, but you have to do a long verbal game for them to even show you the bag. Here's what I learned:

1. Go inside well dressed, they basically refused to help me in both Rome and Florence because I was in casual clothes from traveling. It especially helps if you already own Chanel pieces, wear them, especially your Chanel handbag. You have to prove you already paid your dues with lesser rare pieces.

2. Don't instantly ask for the classic bag you want, especially if it's one of the "rare" ones in black. Instead, be a little more vague and look around a bit, try on other bags. For me, she told me there was no Caviar or classic bags, brought out the 2.55 reissue, then slowly over the course of 30 minutes, brought out more and more classic bags in all the wrong colors (blue, red, teal, etc).

It wasn't until 30-40 minutes later, after I slowly tried on each and every thing she brought out and kept saying things like: "it's just not as perfect as _____ (insert bag you actually want), that she started "checking" her computer after lot of niceties were exchanged. Finally, after half hour of slow story telling, agreeing with her it's so rare, blah blah blah but it's so beautiful, that she "checked" her computer again and voila! there was a classic jumbo in caviar with gold hardware that they had "set aside for another client" and she "couldn't sell it until she asked for approval just now."

3. It doesn't help to argue with them or catch them in a lie, they ARE lying to you when they say they don't have any most of the time. I know some have reported they showing a different inventory each day they go in with some SAs pretending the inventory you just saw yesterday is sold out today. I think they're required to be selective about who they sell it to. Niceties are necessary to keep this long process going so they don't reject you outright, you need to wear them down to the point where they'll show you the bag.

4. Calling to reserve one ahead of time doesn't help, they probably won't help you. A year ago when I went to Amsterdam the SA said to simply reserve one 6 weeks before I show up and they'll have it ready. I tried that this time, and I believe they took away this service. Plus they're busy pretending the purse is unattainable.

5. They took me to the back of the store to show me the bag, it's not locked in any of their front cases where the current collection is. It's all theatrics, but I think you gotta play the game if you want one (at least in Italy) for 14% off with the VAT refund. I was basically told no at all of their stores until I figured out it's a game.

6. Most things are in stock. Assume they're in stock. There's no point in checking if a classic piece is in stock because chances are they won't tell you. They have a huge stock and pretend things are out of stock depending on what you look like, how much they like you, and how the weather is that day.

Good luck ladies!
Click to expand...

Thanks for your advice, I have to buy my first chanel in the Milan store (maybe) this week and after your story i will go with my best outfit and with the wife of a colleague of my hubby (both doctors) that have already one classic Chanel!:graucho:
so maybe would be more easy,
anyway i've alredy hear a similar story!!! a good friend of mine, a rich guy,went with his wife at the bvlgari store for buy some jewelry with casual clothes and They did not want to let go them inside!!!! he became angry but he bought a lot of stuff in cash, the SA was really embarrassed...........:cool:
 
#383
Thank you for sharing this info. I am going to Florence in March, and I have been emailing the SA on what I wanted. She advised me to contact her again 3 days before I arrive, wish me luck on my first Chanel.
 
#384
Hey everyone! I will be in Italy in December and I've been drooling over the new collection I already know which pieces I want in my wardrobe.

I will be in Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome over the span of 8 days in Italy so I was hoping I could get some SA contacts from this thread. Could you PM me so I can ask if they have stock for the items and if they can reserve them for me in advance? Thanks so much!!!!
 
#386
jennywellington said:
Hi everyone! I just purchased my first classic Chanel bag today, jumbo in Caviar with gold hardware from the Florence store and wanted to share a few tips in case others were struggling to find one. I went to the one in Rome and also Florence a couple of times before they would finally sell one to me and I learned a few things along the way.

In case you didn't know (I just learned this), if you walk in to most Chanel stores in western Europe asking for a classic bag, especially in Caviar with gold hardware, they will most likely tell you they don't have one. I believe it's part of a recent process to be more exclusive and give the impression of scarcity for the classic flap bag. Of course you can easily buy one in the US, but the pricing is not as good.

For me, I walked in the first time in both Florence and Rome, they told me they didn't have any. I asked if they would be getting any in soon, how often they get them in, and if I can put my name down to reserve one, the SA shook her head and refused to give any information. As it turns out, they have them in the back, but you have to do a long verbal game for them to even show you the bag. Here's what I learned:

1. Go inside well dressed, they basically refused to help me in both Rome and Florence because I was in casual clothes from traveling. It especially helps if you already own Chanel pieces, wear them, especially your Chanel handbag. You have to prove you already paid your dues with lesser rare pieces.

2. Don't instantly ask for the classic bag you want, especially if it's one of the "rare" ones in black. Instead, be a little more vague and look around a bit, try on other bags. For me, she told me there was no Caviar or classic bags, brought out the 2.55 reissue, then slowly over the course of 30 minutes, brought out more and more classic bags in all the wrong colors (blue, red, teal, etc).

It wasn't until 30-40 minutes later, after I slowly tried on each and every thing she brought out and kept saying things like: "it's just not as perfect as _____ (insert bag you actually want), that she started "checking" her computer after lot of niceties were exchanged. Finally, after half hour of slow story telling, agreeing with her it's so rare, blah blah blah but it's so beautiful, that she "checked" her computer again and voila! there was a classic jumbo in caviar with gold hardware that they had "set aside for another client" and she "couldn't sell it until she asked for approval just now."

3. It doesn't help to argue with them or catch them in a lie, they ARE lying to you when they say they don't have any most of the time. I know some have reported they showing a different inventory each day they go in with some SAs pretending the inventory you just saw yesterday is sold out today. I think they're required to be selective about who they sell it to. Niceties are necessary to keep this long process going so they don't reject you outright, you need to wear them down to the point where they'll show you the bag.

4. Calling to reserve one ahead of time doesn't help, they probably won't help you. A year ago when I went to Amsterdam the SA said to simply reserve one 6 weeks before I show up and they'll have it ready. I tried that this time, and I believe they took away this service. Plus they're busy pretending the purse is unattainable.

5. They took me to the back of the store to show me the bag, it's not locked in any of their front cases where the current collection is. It's all theatrics, but I think you gotta play the game if you want one (at least in Italy) for 14% off with the VAT refund. I was basically told no at all of their stores until I figured out it's a game.

6. Most things are in stock. Assume they're in stock. There's no point in checking if a classic piece is in stock because chances are they won't tell you. They have a huge stock and pretend things are out of stock depending on what you look like, how much they like you, and how the weather is that day.

Good luck ladies!
Click to expand...


Thank you for sharing this info with us!!Great that you could score a piece from your wish list :)

Im sorry not to offend anyone but why should I prove that I have payed my my dues with less rare pieces, which probably the SAs even can't afford
Im astonished why we as paying customers who can afford these items have to prove that we are worth*to be able to spend money to people who work there and who probably not even can afford some of the items. With this many competition it should be the brand who should try to convince us to buy with its amazing quality, design, customer service and history and not the other way round which makes me feel I as customer have to beg bring my money there.......

Just my 2 cents .....didn't want to offend anyone and I am always glad if fellow ladies from here can win the stupid games some SAs or brands are playing and can score their pieces
 
#387
Thank you for sharing this story with us, and that you were finally able to get what you wanted after all the theatrics.

It does seem that Chanel is going toward the Hermes route. I used to hang out with a gal who was all about Hermes and if we were shopping together she made sure she was dressed to the nines prior to the store visit, in as much Hermes items as possible. The sales people of course noticed this right away and gave us a lot of positive attention and customer service.

I am a bit puzzled though, that the Chanel sales people have such high expectations on how their customers should look, walking into the store. These days people with a lot of money don't neccesarily want to flaunt it up front.
 
#388
jennywellington said:
Hi everyone! I just purchased my first classic Chanel bag today, jumbo in Caviar with gold hardware from the Florence store and wanted to share a few tips in case others were struggling to find one. I went to the one in Rome and also Florence a couple of times before they would finally sell one to me and I learned a few things along the way.

In case you didn't know (I just learned this), if you walk in to most Chanel stores in western Europe asking for a classic bag, especially in Caviar with gold hardware, they will most likely tell you they don't have one. I believe it's part of a recent process to be more exclusive and give the impression of scarcity for the classic flap bag. Of course you can easily buy one in the US, but the pricing is not as good.

For me, I walked in the first time in both Florence and Rome, they told me they didn't have any. I asked if they would be getting any in soon, how often they get them in, and if I can put my name down to reserve one, the SA shook her head and refused to give any information. As it turns out, they have them in the back, but you have to do a long verbal game for them to even show you the bag. Here's what I learned:

1. Go inside well dressed, they basically refused to help me in both Rome and Florence because I was in casual clothes from traveling. It especially helps if you already own Chanel pieces, wear them, especially your Chanel handbag. You have to prove you already paid your dues with lesser rare pieces.

2. Don't instantly ask for the classic bag you want, especially if it's one of the "rare" ones in black. Instead, be a little more vague and look around a bit, try on other bags. For me, she told me there was no Caviar or classic bags, brought out the 2.55 reissue, then slowly over the course of 30 minutes, brought out more and more classic bags in all the wrong colors (blue, red, teal, etc).

It wasn't until 30-40 minutes later, after I slowly tried on each and every thing she brought out and kept saying things like: "it's just not as perfect as _____ (insert bag you actually want), that she started "checking" her computer after lot of niceties were exchanged. Finally, after half hour of slow story telling, agreeing with her it's so rare, blah blah blah but it's so beautiful, that she "checked" her computer again and voila! there was a classic jumbo in caviar with gold hardware that they had "set aside for another client" and she "couldn't sell it until she asked for approval just now."

6. Most things are in stock. Assume they're in stock. There's no point in checking if a classic piece is in stock because chances are they won't tell you. They have a huge stock and pretend things are out of stock depending on what you look like, how much they like you, and how the weather is that day.

Good luck ladies!
Click to expand...
Your experience is quite different from me.

I went to Rome in Feb and was wearing my thick down jacket that is nothing near fashionable. My Chanel classic woc was hidden inside my jacket. I am an Asian so I could easily be mistaken to be someone from a certain country if others judge one nationality by look.

I walked in the evening and ask for the black GST and black m/l. They inform me that they need to check as stock is low. Shortly they brought out both black caviar and lambskin m/l flap with ghw and mentioned that the caviar was the last piece while the last GST (black with ghw) is with a customer viewing it. They can only let me have the GST if she gave up. Other ladies came along and was advised that I am holding the last caviar m/l, they were advised to wait to see if I would be giving up or to view the lambskin m/l and jumbo instead.

As for the GST, it was the last of the 10 GST that they received the morning, the other lady wanted it so I didn't even have a chance to see it.

In Florence, I tried asking for the GST and was shown the GST XL that they have.

At Rue Cambon, they brought out the GST in another hw and told me to go Lafayette for the other hw. It was when I happened to take down my jacket that the SA realised that I already own Chanel. She asked if I will like to view other bags.

Guess different standard in the way they work and likely it is also dependent on the period. I heard Summer and December are generally the hardest period since the demands are higher.
 
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