First Time Buying Chanel Boutique Experience

[birkenstocksandcode]

I was wondering if anyone can give me any insight to what it's like buying from the Chanel boutique as a first time buyer more recently.
I've heard/read from other threads that there seems to be more of a game, almost Hermes-like.

I've only gone into a boutique once, and I tried on a seasonal bag that time.
I want to buy a M/L classic flap (haven't really decided what color or leather I want), and I also really want to buy a Mini (also undecided about leather/color).

However, I don't want either bags bad enough that I'm willing to buy other things just to build up a relationship with an SA and try to get offered a bag. I dislike clutter, and there's nothing else I want from Chanel atm (not really interested in shoes/ready-to-wear/costume jewelry). I also definitely do not have the financial means to consistently buy luxury goods anyways.

Is there any chance I would be able to just walk into Chanel and buy either of the bags, or at least be able to be put on a waiting list w/o a purchase history?
I don't want to consider preloved because the risk of getting fakes stresses me out, but I would love to be able to add a Chanel bag to my collection.

 

[crystal_wellness]

Its not like Hermes at all. I suggest ask for the bags you want theres no game to it

 

[Coco.lover]

Chanel is easy if they have it they sell it, if they dont they locate it and ship it to you.

 

[hlzpenguin]

Stocks can be limited nowadays due to various reasons but definitely stop by several boutiques and tell them what you are looking for and whether they can put you on the waitlist. Good luck!

 

[caramelchanel]

Not like Hermes at all. You don’t have to “earn” anything by buying other products first. Just walk in and ask for what you want. They’ll let you know what’s available.

 

[880]

No, no, you don’t need to buy other things to buy a chanel bag. You just walk in and ask for what you want. Everything you see is available for purchase, and if you want something you don’t see, you can ask. Sometimes department stores and boutiques have different selections or colorways (but maybe this is more shoes than bags). have Fun shopping!

 

[Rarsi]

I am in the same boat except that the closest Chanel boutique is 2 hours away -_-
I have never purchased anything from Chanel boutiques and don't have any SA relationship.
I am trying to track down a mini rectangular and/or a coco handle. I contacted customer service to track down the bags and they are telling me one is available at the boutique that is 2 hours from me and they encourage me to visit. lol

They also ask if I have ever bought from a boutique because that is the only way a boutique would ship to me...? Is this true?

 

[Kem45]

I am in the same boat except that the closest Chanel boutique is 2 hours away -_-
I have never purchased anything from Chanel boutiques and don't have any SA relationship.
I am trying to track down a mini rectangular and/or a coco handle. I contacted customer service to track down the bags and they are telling me one is available at the boutique that is 2 hours from me and they encourage me to visit. lol

They also ask if I have ever bought from a boutique because that is the only way a boutique would ship to me...? Is this true?

Yes unfortunately this is correct. You have to make your first purchase in person and then you can do remote orders from there and have them shipped to you.

It's up to you as to whether you think it's worth the two hour drive - in my opinion it probably is worth the one trip to establish an in-person relationship with a SA and purchase something in order get the convenience of the remote orders in the future, especially if you plan on lots of future purchases

 

[angelica138]

I am in the same boat except that the closest Chanel boutique is 2 hours away -_-
I have never purchased anything from Chanel boutiques and don't have any SA relationship.
I am trying to track down a mini rectangular and/or a coco handle. I contacted customer service to track down the bags and they are telling me one is available at the boutique that is 2 hours from me and they encourage me to visit. lol

They also ask if I have ever bought from a boutique because that is the only way a boutique would ship to me...? Is this true?

i agree with the person that also responded to this. My Chanel boutique is an hour and 45 minutes away. I have a Chanel inside a neiman marcus that’s 45 minutes away but they are unhelpful. I’ve gone in so many times and they never had what I was looking for and didn’t even bother to even give me their card unless I asked or say they can order elsewhere so I drove the almost 2 hours to the boutique and made my first purchase. I have also tried buying in the neiman marcus multiple times since then since I rather see things in person before buying but they never have what I want. I finally got one sales associate to offer her help and text me pictures of two bags she had just got in but it wasn’t what I had wanted. weeks after that I still asked her for something else and she didn’t respond for a couple days and she said she had family issues and that she would send me pictures. I said ok no problem and haven’t heard from her since. She never sent me the photos And it’s been 2 weeks. I’m giving up on that neiman chanel all together unless I happen to be at the mall and stop by to browse inside. Or I’m thinking to try out the sales associate that the manager gave me the workers card that he suggested. I’m thankful I actually went to a Chanel boutique though and made a purchase because now I can always just text the sales associate and he can ship me the items I want. So it’s so worth it to drive 2 hours To go to a boutique in my opinion

 

[crystal_wellness]

i agree with the person that also responded to this. My Chanel boutique is an hour and 45 minutes away. I have a Chanel inside a neiman marcus that’s 45 minutes away but they are unhelpful. I’ve gone in so many times and they never had what I was looking for and didn’t even bother to even give me their card unless I asked or say they can order elsewhere so I drove the almost 2 hours to the boutique and made my first purchase. I have also tried buying in the neiman marcus multiple times since then since I rather see things in person before buying but they never have what I want. I finally got one sales associate to offer her help and text me pictures of two bags she had just got in but it wasn’t what I had wanted. weeks after that I still asked her for something else and she didn’t respond for a couple days and she said she had family issues and that she would send me pictures. I said ok no problem and haven’t heard from her since. She never sent me the photos And it’s been 2 weeks. I’m giving up on that neiman chanel all together unless I happen to be at the mall and stop by to browse inside. Or I’m thinking to try out the sales associate that the manager gave me the workers card that he suggested. I’m thankful I actually went to a Chanel boutique though and made a purchase because now I can always just text the sales associate and he can ship me the items I want. So it’s so worth it to drive 2 hours To go to a boutique in my opinion

I would just carry on shopping in the NM store and keep asking for what you want. If they are rude or unhelpful please let their manager know! I dont always use the same SA I usually buy from whoever is there. I dont have much focus on SA as im more interested in getting the stuff I want but I know a helpful SA is a better customer service experience.

 

[angelica138]

I would just carry on shopping in the NM store and keep asking for what you want. If they are rude or unhelpful please let their manager know! I dont always use the same SA I usually buy from whoever is there. I dont have much focus on SA as im more interested in getting the stuff I want but I know a helpful SA is a better customer service experience.

thank you. I will reach out to the SA that the manager referred me to since he gave me her business card. Even though I’ve walked in many times and interacted with her and others and never offered to help me except for the one SA who texted me twice then haven’t heard from since. I also walked in once and a SA was on her phone and seemed bothered I walked in. But yeah as long as I get what I want I don’t care which SA helps. One SA immediately started chatting and helped another customer that walked in to pick something up so obviously she has her customers she helps out. They always seemed preoccupied and doing something else and not really care to help when I walk in. When I told my experience to my boutique SA he was shocked and said they could have ordered what I wanted from another location. Never was offered that. But I’ll try again as it is closer to me then the boutique and I do prefer to check things out in person if possible. The manager of the NM was actually super nice and helpful and we talked about colors and styles so I’m surprised his employees are this way.

 

[mocchi07]

I recently had my first visit to a boutique. I told my SA it was my first time seeing Chanel bags in person lol, so she was definitely kind in showing me the bags I wanted to see (Chanel 19) and answered any questions I had. She and I got along pretty great and she wasn't pushy in trying to make a purchase. I inquired about the 21s light pink Chanel 19 and she said they haven't received the 19 shipments to put on display, so I couldn't see it in person. She did however show me what the color would look like on an SLG, so it was helpful for me to make a decision to buy it or not.

She put me on the waitlist for the 21S Chanel 19 bag, and I didn't have a purchase history prior to this visit. A couple days later I bought a tweed Chanel 19, and I felt pretty content if I never got the pink bag. I was about to give up on the 21S bag because I entered the waitlist so late compared to how long ago the collection was online lol. Oddly enough she messaged me the next week saying she had the 19 bag for me if I still wanted it. Definitely got lucky... I was 3rd on the waitlist. I asked if I could exchange my tweed bag for this one, and she was accommodating to it even though I removed the plastic tabs and cut off the sales tag. I never wore the bag (was JUST about to that same day she texted me).

So with my experience being pretty good, I'd say go for it and put yourself on the waitlist!

 

[pandorabox]

I was wondering if anyone can give me any insight to what it's like buying from the Chanel boutique as a first time buyer more recently.
I've heard/read from other threads that there seems to be more of a game, almost Hermes-like.

I've only gone into a boutique once, and I tried on a seasonal bag that time.
I want to buy a M/L classic flap (haven't really decided what color or leather I want), and I also really want to buy a Mini (also undecided about leather/color).

However, I don't want either bags bad enough that I'm willing to buy other things just to build up a relationship with an SA and try to get offered a bag. I dislike clutter, and there's nothing else I want from Chanel atm (not really interested in shoes/ready-to-wear/costume jewelry). I also definitely do not have the financial means to consistently buy luxury goods anyways.

Is there any chance I would be able to just walk into Chanel and buy either of the bags, or at least be able to be put on a waiting list w/o a purchase history?
I don't want to consider preloved because the risk of getting fakes stresses me out, but I would love to be able to add a Chanel bag to my collection.

I just had my first experience and it was fun and very down to earth. I really enjoyed it.

 

[ElleA92]

I was wondering if anyone can give me any insight to what it's like buying from the Chanel boutique as a first time buyer more recently.
I've heard/read from other threads that there seems to be more of a game, almost Hermes-like.

I've only gone into a boutique once, and I tried on a seasonal bag that time.
I want to buy a M/L classic flap (haven't really decided what color or leather I want), and I also really want to buy a Mini (also undecided about leather/color).

However, I don't want either bags bad enough that I'm willing to buy other things just to build up a relationship with an SA and try to get offered a bag. I dislike clutter, and there's nothing else I want from Chanel atm (not really interested in shoes/ready-to-wear/costume jewelry). I also definitely do not have the financial means to consistently buy luxury goods anyways.

Is there any chance I would be able to just walk into Chanel and buy either of the bags, or at least be able to be put on a waiting list w/o a purchase history?
I don't want to consider preloved because the risk of getting fakes stresses me out, but I would love to be able to add a Chanel bag to my collection.

It’s very easy! No prior purchase needed. Do your research on what you want though before you do go so you don’t end up settling for one that may not be the one you really want. Minis are hard to get but I have been into the boutique a few times to see them available! For a M/L narrow down what you really want. Some boutiques are low on the classics such as black and beige.... it’s just good to prepare yourself ahead of time so when you do see a mini or m/l then you can purchase it right then and there and not have any regrets. HTH

 

[Weknow]

Just had my first experience at both NM and the Chanel boutique in San Francisco. It was pleasant. I was shocked how small the stores are. The SA at the boutique showed me several bags including a small 19 which I will purchase at another time. I was pretty nervous but it was fine.