First-time Hermes customer interested in a Picotin. What can I expect?

[periwinklepenguin]

Hi everyone, I'm a first-time Hermes customer (i.e. no purchase history at all) and I'm interested in buying a Picotin 18 or 22. I am going to be in three different US cities over the next month, so I'm hoping to visit Hermes boutiques in each location. I am also going to be in Europe in the fall (Rome, Monaco, St. Tropez, and Nice for cities that I believe have Hermes boutiques).
My question is this: can anyone tell me what to expect for the process in buying a Picotin? I hear some say that they get bags their first time in; others have said that they had to spend the amount of the bag on other items to be offered one. I don't know if I'd want to to do that, so I feel my options are:
1) Try my luck at these three US boutiques, but is this a pointless effort if I'm not going to spend a lot?
2) Wait until I'm in Europe in the fall and try my luck there (is it easier?)
3) Buy preloved
4) Play website roulette and cross my fingers
I really appreciate any insights, tips, thoughts, or recommendations that people are willing to share!

 

[BreezyE]

I would also try at the airport, might be easier although you will likely have to spend a little.

 

[acrowcounted]

Stores don’t generally sell a bag as a first time one and only item in the transaction situation. You’d up your chances of getting a bag if you start by first shopping for something else and making it clear that you are genuinely interested in that other item. Be it a scarf, or pair of orans, or some costume jewelry, making that purchase will likely vastly increase your chance at a Picotin (though still probably reasonably unlikely). The biggest problem is, I wouldn’t mention the bag until after committing to buying the other item so you won’t have any clues as to whether a bag is possible (or even in stock) until after you’ve already invested, and you’d need to do this at each individual store you try. You can certainly try just the walk in cold approach at each of your destinations but the repeat rejection is going to feel very unpleasant. My best advice is to take your time researching here and on Hermes.com and find other Hermes items you can fall in love with and then pick your most convenient local store and commit to a loyal ongoing relationship there, or go resale/online.

 

[periwinklepenguin]

Stores don’t generally sell a bag as a first time one and only item in the transaction situation. You’d up your chances of getting a bag if you start by first shopping for something else and making it clear that you are genuinely interested in that other item. Be it a scarf, or pair of orans, or some costume jewelry, making that purchase will likely vastly increase your chance at a Picotin (though still probably reasonably unlikely). The biggest problem is, I wouldn’t mention the bag until after committing to buying the other item so you won’t have any clues as to whether a bag is possible (or even in stock) until after you’ve already invested, and you’d need to do this at each individual store you try. You can certainly try just the walk in cold approach at each of your destinations but the repeat rejection is going to feel very unpleasant. My best advice is to take your time researching here and on Hermes.com and find other Hermes items you can fall in love with and then pick your most convenient local store and commit to a loyal ongoing relationship there, or go resale/online.

Thank you so much for your response and for this helpful information! So would you suggest checking out with the other items I'm purchasing, and then (after paying) inquire about my interest in a Picotin? Or return on a separate visit? Unfortunately, I don't live close to any of these stores (the closest one is two hours away), so it makes things a little bit trickier.

 

[periwinklepenguin]

I would also try at the airport, might be easier although you will likely have to spend a little.

Great suggestion, thank you!

 

[acrowcounted]

Thank you so much for your response and for this helpful information! So would you suggest checking out with the other items I'm purchasing, and then (after paying) inquire about my interest in a Picotin? Or return on a separate visit? Unfortunately, I don't live close to any of these stores (the closest one is two hours away), so it makes things a little bit trickier.

Near the end of the interaction, the SA will likely ask you if there is anything else they can help you with. I would bring it up at this point “well if you happen to have an xyz, I’d consider it my lucky day haha” However I strongly encourage you to continue with the purchase of the original item, regardless of the bag answer.
Many of us don’t have a super close by convenient store. Gotta just pick one that will work with the least amount if trouble and stick with it, imo. But again, your chances are close to zero unless you accept that you’ll have to buy other items. Airports are strictest about this, in my research, and typically require a direct 1:1 same day other items purchase. If none of this appeals to you, go resale and pick your exact specs and skip the wait.

 

[periwinklepenguin]

Near the end of the interaction, the SA will likely ask you if there is anything else they can help you with. I would bring it up at this point “well if you happen to have an xyz, I’d consider it my lucky day haha” However I strongly encourage you to continue with the purchase of the original item, regardless of the bag answer.
Many of us don’t have a super close by convenient store. Gotta just pick one that will work with the least amount if trouble and stick with it, imo. But again, your chances are close to zero unless you accept that you’ll have to buy other items. Airports are strictest about this, in my research, and typically require a direct 1:1 same day other items purchase. If none of this appeals to you, go resale and pick your exact specs and skip the wait.

Truly, thank you so much for your help with this! This whole idea of the Hermes game really kicks my social anxiety into high gear lol and feels a bit intimidating. It's so helpful to know more about what to expect - even if I am not able to walk away with the bag I want in that visit (which I know is unlikely), it feels better to go in with an idea of how to navigate the situation.
If I were to establish a relationship with an SA but I'm not within driving distance of the store, do you know if I can place future orders through that SA and if they'd be willing to ship? Do they ship bags? I realize it may vary from one SA to the next, but thought I'd ask in case you (or anyone else) knows!

 

[acrowcounted]

Truly, thank you so much for your help with this! This whole idea of the Hermes game really kicks my social anxiety into high gear lol and feels a bit intimidating. It's so helpful to know more about what to expect - even if I am not able to walk away with the bag I want in that visit (which I know is unlikely), it feels better to go in with an idea of how to navigate the situation.
If I were to establish a relationship with an SA but I'm not within driving distance of the store, do you know if I can place future orders through that SA and if they'd be willing to ship? Do they ship bags? I realize it may vary from one SA to the next, but thought I'd ask in case you (or anyone else) knows!

They do not generally ship leather. Some stores seem to be cracking down on this and include SLGs, while others it’s just all bags, and others still it’s only birkins and Kellys. Some stores will break this rule in some cases but that typically requires being a known longer term client. But they will ship most everything else.

 

[880]

I hear some say that they get bags their first time in; others have said that they had to spend the amount of the bag on other items to be offered one. I don't know if I'd want to to do that, so I feel my options are:
1) Try my luck at these three US boutiques, but is this a pointless effort if I'm not going to spend a lot?
2) Wait until I'm in Europe in the fall and try my luck there (is it easier?)
3) Buy preloved
4) Play website roulette and cross my fingers
I really appreciate any insights, tips, thoughts, or recommendations that people are willing to share!

I don’t recommend buying anything that you don’t adore. i Don’t see anything wrong with buying preloved ( I buy both from the boutique and resale). Authenticate ( via photos; many here use @bababebi prior to purchase) and pay with Amex or PayPal backed by Amex. there are a ton of picotins at resale.

of course it’s different if you end up loving other boutique items, and wish to ask for a pico. But, I find your local boutique Is generally easier than when traveling unless you luck out in Paris. If you aren’t in a stones throw of a boutique, it’s harder.But, I think it’s fine to explore the boutique offerings, get your bearings, bc how else will you figure out what you want. If you go the boutique route, I do advise keeping an open mind and taking your time. In other words, I think the boutique route is best if the bag is not your primary or sole goal. I recommend going in without a list of must have items bc it’s easier to develop less of a one-of, transactional exchange and more of a genuine rapport, but that’s just how I approach SAs generally.

if you see this as a game, you will burn out quickly. It’s a business, and the truth is boutique bags are being reserved for regular clients. It’s surprising and sad that this could be true of a pico, which used to be readily available.

ETA: a pico 22 may be easier to get than an 18. But, you could always be lucky. I have never had any luck in airports, but that may just be me.

 

[Smae-ze]

Go the resale route.
You can be very specific with what you are looking for and find it.
You will get your bag relatively soon.
Ultimately you will most likely spend the same amount of money.

 

[Nibb]

If Southern California or New York City are part of the US itinerary I suggest a trip to a Fashionphile location. You can at least look a various sizes and colors, there is no pressure to purchase. The photo is part of the pile of bags I looked at durning my recent visit. You will need an account and a shopping appointment to visit. Good luck and safe travels.

 

[periwinklepenguin]

If Southern California or New York City are part of the US itinerary I suggest a trip to a Fashionphile location. You can at least look a various sizes and colors, there is no pressure to purchase. The photo is part of the pile of bags I looked at durning my recent visit. You will need an account and a shopping appointment to visit. Good luck and safe travels.
View attachment 5775281

I actually am going to be in NYC and have a Fashionphile account, so this is a great tip! Thank you!

 

[periwinklepenguin]

I don’t recommend buying anything that you don’t adore. i Don’t see anything wrong with buying preloved ( I buy both from the boutique and resale). Authenticate ( via photos; many here use @bababebi prior to purchase) and pay with Amex or PayPal backed by Amex. there are a ton of picotins at resale.

of course it’s different if you end up loving other boutique items, and wish to ask for a pico. But, I find your local boutique Is generally easier than when traveling unless you luck out in Paris. If you aren’t in a stones throw of a boutique, it’s harder.But, I think it’s fine to explore the boutique offerings, get your bearings, bc how else will you figure out what you want. If you go the boutique route, I do advise keeping an open mind and taking your time. In other words, I think the boutique route is best if the bag is not your primary or sole goal. I recommend going in without a list of must have items bc it’s easier to develop less of a one-of, transactional exchange and more of a genuine rapport, but that’s just how I approach SAs generally.

if you see this as a game, you will burn out quickly. It’s a business, and the truth is boutique bags are being reserved for regular clients. It’s surprising and sad that this could be true of a pico, which used to be readily available.

ETA: a pico 22 may be easier to get than an 18. But, you could always be lucky. I have never had any luck in airports, but that may just be me.

This is a super helpful response all around. It's possible that I'll go into the boutique and find a ton of other things that I just have to have, but I think that more likely than not, I'd be looking at those purchases as a means to getting the bag, and I don't want to burn out with that process!

 

[leechiyong]

H shopping is unpredictable, but don’t let it intimidate you too much. I was nervous the first time I went in, but it’s really like shopping anywhere else. It will depend on the store's selling approach and inventory and your buying approach and items you like. Personally, I'd try to go early in my trips at each one just to browse, but wanting to find other things I like and seeing how it goes. If they have items I like (don’t just buy to buy because that will burn you out) and there's an SA with who I'm able to converse comfortably, I'd make a purchase and mention the Picotin, but be ready for a no, or if lucky, a “let me take your number down in case something comes in.”

 

[QuelleFromage]

There aren't any rules. Since you're ok waiting til you get to Europe, personally I'd stop worrying and tell yourself you're going to enjoy a spot of luxury shopping in the US. Be nice, be yourself. Drop into ALL these three boutiques with the expectation of a fun browse and IF there's anything you are interested in, ask to see it. If there is not, ask if they happen to have any Picotins.
There is a bit of a bag shortage at the moment, and most SAs (not just leather) in big stores like BH and Madison have a limited number of things they can offer each day. But walk-in offers still happen all the time.

Don't burn out either your wallet on things you don't want, or your psyche on it being a game. You can always get your bag at resale.

If you want, stop at Fashionphile/Rebag/TheRealReal first to educate yourself on the bag and possible colors.

This is supposed to be fun, and it can be.