Forgot to add the following (and cannot seem to edit my post above, apologies). If you let your SA know that you would like to shop various categories or RTW, they will budget sufficient time so as not to rush you. I’ve had ample time to discuss my preferences; decide house ware and other categories; and try on clothing and jewelry. (They will also tell you if their day is too crowded when you schedule). Although I do not buy as much H RTW as I do at other boutiques (mainly chanel, Dior and brunello), no SA will ever rush you in a dressing room bc you need time to try stuff on and, honestly, they need the time to source sizes, colors, styles, or other options. I personally prefer not to buy unless I’m certain, as I prefer not to return.
Does having to make an appointment annoy you?
- Thread starter momasaurus
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My SA loves the appointment system. I don't. I won't make an appointment just to browse and I often made purchases when going in just to browse.
The edit function does not appear to be working. Just to add that because my store is in a mall, I browsed often when in the mall for other purposes. Just as I might other stores. Made shopping fun and easy.
100% agreed with your comment. This applies for me also.
Just thought I’d share that Hermès in Miami did away with their appointment only policy this week. My local boutique is still appointment only though... just makes me feel pressured to buy something, and if I don’t, I’m “wasting their time.”
Just wanted to say, although it’s probably obvious, it can be enjoyable for your regular SA if you ask when texting for the appt if there is anything new that the SA thinks you might like. That way there is a heads up that you will be open to browsing. I typically tack this onto a purchase pick up, but there’s no reason why it cannot be a stand alone request. I’ve bought things that were a surprise on that basis. and, sometimes desire doesn’t strike. That’s okay too.
I live a couple of hours away from my H store, so pre-COVID I would usually set an approximate appt time with my SA anyways, with the understanding that she could be busy with another client when we arrived. I don’t mind the current appt system at all because now when I show up I get her undivided attention for the whole time lol. The only thing I dislike is one hour really is not enough time!
Same - when I go in to browse I almost always come away with something unexpected. That's the fun for me. Otherwise I would just stay home and order from the web, like I've been doing for 14 months, without a lot of success!
In my job we work on an appointment basis (taking the occasional walk in if we are free and they are obviously wanting to shop (and by implication spend)and we get a few no-shows a week despite our receptionist phoning to confirm the booking a day or so before.
Its VERY VERY annoying because I could have told regular clients I'm fully booked on a given day and then lo and behold nobody shows up their appointments or cancels an hour before and its a day wasted.
Very annoying!!!!
Appointments don't bother me at all, I actually have grown to prefer it. My first experiences shopping at H, especially on Saturday, I would just equate to a zoo with how busy the store was and I've loved the personal, almost private, feeling of shopping on an appointment basis. I know my SA has mentioned frustration when people no show and/or show late and it throws off the rest of the day, and at first I wasn't sure how I felt about the appointments because I had felt rushed at times. Now I've grown to be a bit spoiled and my SA will usually give me "double" or "long" appoitnment - usually 1.5 / 2 hours. I'd like to think its because they want me to take my time but the reality is that it becomes much more dangerous to my wallet the longer they invite me into the store!! lol
I've never made an appointment. Being a few hours from a boutique and having been a customer for more than 30 years has helped. You wouldn't believe the number of SAs I've gone through over the years due to simple attrition. When something comes in that I've expressed interest in, I get a call and either take it or pass. Shipping is a wonderful thing. Before covid, I'd try to get to the boutique a couple of times a year, and I loved just browsing, but I've done business with Hermes via telephone for as long as I've been a customer. On my very first visit to Hermes, I bought 28cm Kelly right off the shelf. Those were the days!
Being a long time, loyal customer certainly must help! I love the idea of long distance sales. It’s how luxury shopping (in the West at least, could have been different in Africa and Asia) was done for a long time unless you lived in Paris, NYC or London.
With regard to the appointment system, I prefer it. It helps to have the SA focused on my needs for the duration of my visit. I also like not having so many people in the boutique at once. It reminds me of how Goyard manages its clients, and I’m more drawn to that system. If I don’t intend to buy, I won’t make an appointment. If I want the thrill of window shopping (seeing new merchandisw), I go on Instagram and Pinterest to see what’s been released and how people are styling it.
I like the appointment system. Doesn’t make me feel unwanted in the store. Prior to covid, I would walk-in for specific items but wait forever to be served as I didnt have a designated SA. So I would only go in if I had a specific item, and usually purchase during travels. During covid, I called in for a pair of shoes, got assigned to a sweet SA and I’ve been going back eversince. Yes, there is the pressure to make their time worthwhile and for the most part I’ve been doing my browsing here so I usually know what items I want and have my SA set it aside even before I go in store.
I like the appointment system when there is something specific I’m looking for or purchasing. Otherwise usually the store is so busy and such a long wait, once the wait was so long and/or we were being ignored that I just left. The appointment is much more efficient for me.
But when I just want to shop the mall with my girlfriend then there’s no way to just browse and chat and that’s a bummer. But hey, saves us money I guess from random purchases
But when I just want to shop the mall with my girlfriend then there’s no way to just browse and chat and that’s a bummer. But hey, saves us money I guess from random purchases