Hi everyone! I am new to shopping at Hermes and just received, and purchased, my first quota bag! I’m very appreciative and excited about it. I just don’t have a good understanding yet of how rare or common this QB is. I’d like to have a rough idea so that I know if my SA really went above and beyond, so I can show the appropriate level of appreciation! Can more experienced Hermes shoppers please let me know what you think? The offer was for a Constance 18 noir bag in box leather and gold hardware. Is this particularly hard to get or a common offer? Either way, I love it and am very pleased. Thank you!
First Hermes QB offer - Question
- Thread starter sb201
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It’s a beautiful bag but Constances are not actually quota bags (though they may be difficult to get and require an SA relationship like quota bags do). I wouldn’t say it’s any rarer than any other bag either. Though it is a classic and desired color (noir) however box can be difficult to sell as it’s a more niche leather type. Some love it, some don’t. It really just matters if you love it and especially if it’s a bag you requested from your SA. I always think the SA deserves extra credit if they actually offer you something you’ve specifically requested rather than just whatever happens to be lying around unclaimed in the back room. Congrats on your bag. Would love to see pictures!
I agree completely. My only caution would be to your comment about “level of appreciation”. Words, notes, etc. are fine. But SAs are not allowed to accept gifts if that’s where you’re thinking. Around the holidays we may bring some cookies or something, but those go into the break room for all of the staff to enjoy.
Black Box calf with gold is a forever bag in any configuration and is stunning in a Constance. As @acrowcounted mentions, this is not a "quota bag", but it is an iconic Hermes design. Congratulations!
You may want to read up on Box leather to understand more about it. It is a heritage leather and a signature leather for the house.
As for thanking your SA, just know that Hermès SAs are technically not supposed to accept gifts unless those gifts can be shared among the store team (chocolates, etc.). Some SAs do accept gifts but it is against corporate policy and I wouldn't try it with a new SA relationship. A nice note and a shareable treat would be the most I would personally recommend.
You may want to read up on Box leather to understand more about it. It is a heritage leather and a signature leather for the house.
As for thanking your SA, just know that Hermès SAs are technically not supposed to accept gifts unless those gifts can be shared among the store team (chocolates, etc.). Some SAs do accept gifts but it is against corporate policy and I wouldn't try it with a new SA relationship. A nice note and a shareable treat would be the most I would personally recommend.
Thank you all for providing such helpful context. I really appreciate it!
I’m surprised to hear that Constance isn’t a QB because I actually asked my SA if it is considered a QB and she said yes quite definitively! Maybe in some stores here in the US it is?
I’m surprised to hear that Constance isn’t a QB because I actually asked my SA if it is considered a QB and she said yes quite definitively! Maybe in some stores here in the US it is?
Nope! They may "treat it like one" such that you have to spend for it and it eats up good will toward getting a Birkin or a Kelly but if you went in tomorrow and dropped a million bucks on prespend, they would have no issue selling you two Birkins on the spot (ie wouldn't need directorate level approval for breaking the "no more than two per calendar year" quota bag "rule"). There is a global counter on each client's profile that tracks quota bags purchased per time period. As such, it needs to be a global definition of what defines a quota bag and a constance is not on that list. My guess is that your SA was trying to temper expectations for receiving another bag before the end of the year and/or saying in fewer words that clients who haven't received any bag are prioritized above those who have gotten a constance.
Agree with the above and perhaps, if you SA is newer, she may be confusion quota bag with "push offer". Push offer is a bag the store didn't order but was sent to them anyway - typically seldomly made bags in unique leathers, hardware etc.
First of all, congratulations 🎉
I got my first C - Elan bag this summer at FSH. Sa told me that it will be quota bag for next year.
Another SA, who is a working at the airport Hermes, also said that she think I am very lucky with this offer. Therefore, I believe you should never doubt it. Enjoy using it!
I agree with cravin
the words
'I’d like to have a rough idea so that I know if my SA really went above and beyond, so I can show the appropriate level of appreciation!'
really jarred with me
your appreciation should not be in proprtion to the rarity of the bag
your appreciation should be your enjoyment of the bag
if you calculate it, it will be insincere
if this were not something by Hermes, would you even be considering the question - social (insert expletive) media !
p.s. to Cravin, if I overinflated your comment, I apologise
the words
'I’d like to have a rough idea so that I know if my SA really went above and beyond, so I can show the appropriate level of appreciation!'
really jarred with me
your appreciation should not be in proprtion to the rarity of the bag
your appreciation should be your enjoyment of the bag
if you calculate it, it will be insincere
if this were not something by Hermes, would you even be considering the question - social (insert expletive) media !
p.s. to Cravin, if I overinflated your comment, I apologise
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Congrats on your first offer 
A handwritten note or simply wearing the bag or item so they can see how you style it in the course of everyday usage is more than enough to communicate appreciation especially as a new client.
I know my SAs quite well. And it is my custom to bring comestibles that can be shared. My personal rule is to only bring those that are homemade and therefore of no monetary value. This happens to be my custom, whether it’s my doorman or cobbler or premier brand SA. BUT, I would not do it in gratitude for a particular purchase. It is therefore crystal clear that treats are an acknowledgment of the time and thought they put into their longstanding relationship with me, not a coveted bag or item.
By the way, my SAs immediately bring comestibles down to their break area, so everyone can enjoy. They might take a taste or nibble on the way there, but such treats are often devoured before our appointments are done JMO, and YMMV
A handwritten note or simply wearing the bag or item so they can see how you style it in the course of everyday usage is more than enough to communicate appreciation especially as a new client. I know my SAs quite well. And it is my custom to bring comestibles that can be shared. My personal rule is to only bring those that are homemade and therefore of no monetary value. This happens to be my custom, whether it’s my doorman or cobbler or premier brand SA. BUT, I would not do it in gratitude for a particular purchase. It is therefore crystal clear that treats are an acknowledgment of the time and thought they put into their longstanding relationship with me, not a coveted bag or item.
By the way, my SAs immediately bring comestibles down to their break area, so everyone can enjoy. They might take a taste or nibble on the way there, but such treats are often devoured before our appointments are done
JMO, and YMMVThank you! That is a great idea and a nice way to show appreciationCongrats on your first offer
I know my SAs quite well. And it is my custom to bring comestibles that can be shared. My personal rule is to only bring those that are homemade and therefore of no monetary value. This happens to be my custom, whether it’s my doorman or cobbler or premier brand SA. BUT, I would not do it in gratitude for a particular purchase. It is therefore crystal clear that treats are an acknowledgment of the time and thought they put into their longstanding relationship with me, not a coveted bag or item.
By the way, my SAs immediately bring comestibles down to their break area, so everyone can enjoy. They might take a taste or nibble on the way there, but such treats are often devoured before our appointments are done