Hi All! New USA Hermes shopper here. With covid and stores appointment only how do I make purchase or start a relationship with SA? Is it still possible to purchase hard to find items for first time or purchase through phone? How do I shop at Hermes? Any advice for first time shopping at Hermes would rly appreciated. Thank you!
First Time shopping
- Thread starter picklelover
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Following your post as we are on the same boat. I booked an appointment and got assigned with an SA at Hermes here in King of Prussia, PA. What’s your gameplan?
Make an appointment at your nearest store and tell them you don’t currently have an SA and would like to be assigned one. Don’t purchase anything “big” your first appointment because you want to develop a relationship with your SA. If you don’t end up liking the SA you are assigned, ask for a different one on your next visit. You don’t want to start a big purchase history with an SA that’s not going to advocate for you when you need them to. When you find a good SA you stay loyal. As far as hard to find items, if you’re referring to a B or K, it’s incredibly unlikely. You want to build a well rounded purchase history with your SA in order to be offered a special bag. Hope this helps.
Hi!
I would suggest to start a relationship with your SA. I started to purchase small items like perfume, a bow tie, Calvi, Bastia or Ulysse to begin with. After that it didn't take a long before I was offered a SO and quota bag ☺
Now I have a really good relationship with several SAs in my local boutique and I have been offered quota bags on several occasions.
So to summarize I made around 5 purchases before I got offered my first Birkin and after that I have just established a good relationship with the SAs by being nice and when I go to my local boutique I ask for the specific SAs and when I meet them I ask how they are, what's new and just being nice in general. I feel like they appreciate someone being generally nice to them helps. At least it has helped me in several of the brand boutiques like Prada, Céline, LV, Chanel and Gucci because now when I come back they always ask me about my family, marriage etc (with some the SAs I have even start to hang out with outside of the boutique)
I think the most important thing is to be genuine and take time to give them as much attention as they give you. Just be yourself and nice and it will get you far
I would suggest to start a relationship with your SA. I started to purchase small items like perfume, a bow tie, Calvi, Bastia or Ulysse to begin with. After that it didn't take a long before I was offered a SO and quota bag ☺
Now I have a really good relationship with several SAs in my local boutique and I have been offered quota bags on several occasions.
So to summarize I made around 5 purchases before I got offered my first Birkin and after that I have just established a good relationship with the SAs by being nice and when I go to my local boutique I ask for the specific SAs and when I meet them I ask how they are, what's new and just being nice in general. I feel like they appreciate someone being generally nice to them helps. At least it has helped me in several of the brand boutiques like Prada, Céline, LV, Chanel and Gucci because now when I come back they always ask me about my family, marriage etc (with some the SAs I have even start to hang out with outside of the boutique)
I think the most important thing is to be genuine and take time to give them as much attention as they give you. Just be yourself and nice and it will get you far
Hi!
I would suggest to start a relationship with your SA. I started to purchase small items like perfume, a bow tie, Calvi, Bastia or Ulysse to begin with. After that it didn't take a long before I was offered a SO and quota bag ☺
Now I have a really good relationship with several SAs in my local boutique and I have been offered quota bags on several occasions.
So to summarize I made around 5 purchases before I got offered my first Birkin and after that I have just established a good relationship with the SAs by being nice and when I go to my local boutique I ask for the specific SAs and when I meet them I ask how they are, what's new and just being nice in general. I feel like they appreciate someone being generally nice to them helps. At least it has helped me in several of the brand boutiques like Prada, Céline, LV, Chanel and Gucci because now when I come back they always ask me about my family, marriage etc (with some the SAs I have even start to hang out with outside of the boutique)
I think the most important thing is to be genuine and take time to give them as much attention as they give you. Just be yourself and nice and it will get you far
Awww, appreciate this advise. Thank you!
Hi!
I would suggest to start a relationship with your SA. I started to purchase small items like perfume, a bow tie, Calvi, Bastia or Ulysse to begin with. After that it didn't take a long before I was offered a SO and quota bag ☺
Now I have a really good relationship with several SAs in my local boutique and I have been offered quota bags on several occasions.
So to summarize I made around 5 purchases before I got offered my first Birkin and after that I have just established a good relationship with the SAs by being nice and when I go to my local boutique I ask for the specific SAs and when I meet them I ask how they are, what's new and just being nice in general. I feel like they appreciate someone being generally nice to them helps. At least it has helped me in several of the brand boutiques like Prada, Céline, LV, Chanel and Gucci because now when I come back they always ask me about my family, marriage etc (with some the SAs I have even start to hang out with outside of the boutique)
I think the most important thing is to be genuine and take time to give them as much attention as they give you. Just be yourself and nice and it will get you far
I so endorse all your advice and you sum it up so well in your last sentence.
@Playboy Mommy yah, I just made an appointment..
Question for all-- Thanks so much for all your advice!! Is it better to just get a random SA or ask your friends to refer their SA? Thanks again!!
Question for all-- Thanks so much for all your advice!! Is it better to just get a random SA or ask your friends to refer their SA? Thanks again!!
If your friends like an SA at your boutique, it makes sense to ask for an introduction. Of course, what works for them may not work for you.
UPDATE: I went to my appointment and got a cardholder and evelyne tpm! My SA said text her my wishlist. I was wondering what is a wishlist and how long is too long of a wishlist? I obviously want a B25/30 or mini Kelly... Should I include everything I want (like easy available items like oran sandals and is it too much to ask for a mini kelly picnic lol..) or occasionally every once in a while text her to shop with her? How does this work? 
THANK YOU ALL!
THANK YOU ALL!
UPDATE: I went to my appointment and got a cardholder and evelyne tpm! My SA said text her my wishlist. I was wondering what is a wishlist and how long is too long of a wishlist? I obviously want a B25/30 or mini Kelly... Should I include everything I want (like easy available items like oran sandals and is it too much to ask for a mini kelly picnic lol..) or occasionally every once in a while text her to shop with her? How does this work?
Congratulations! Hope you had a fun time as well as your new items. What colours did you get?
As for your wishlist, in my experience, it’s best to weave the hard-to-get or HG items among the easier purchases. Those tend to turn up relatively fast so manage your budget (even if you don’t need to save up per se)
by not having a 20-item wishlist. What I generally do is ask for the 4-5 things I want “right now” (or that month), check what is due to arrive (of any outstanding orders or transfers) and a reminder for the long-game items.Congratulations! Hope you had a fun time as well as your new items. What colours did you get?
As for your wishlist, in my experience, it’s best to weave the hard-to-get or HG items among the easier purchases. Those tend to turn up relatively fast so manage your budget (even if you don’t need to save up per se)
Oh wowwowee! So exciting keep us posted when you get offered the B/K.
@Perja thank you I got the brown tpm and black exterior and brown interior cardholder! How often do you shop with your SA? Wait so what does your wishlist looks like? Is it ok if my wishlist is all bags? 
How do I ask/know about what is due to arrive? When talking about wishlist, the SA kept saying be OPEN lol. Also how easy is it to get mini lindy? Does evelyne tpm / mini lindy count towards bag offers/quota? Really appreciate your advice!!!
I got the brown tpm and black exterior and brown interior cardholder! How often do you shop with your SA? Wait so what does your wishlist looks like? Is it ok if my wishlist is all bags? How do I ask/know about what is due to arrive? When talking about wishlist, the SA kept saying be OPEN lol. Also how easy is it to get mini lindy? Does evelyne tpm / mini lindy count towards bag offers/quota? Really appreciate your advice!!!Wow, I really want a SO too but I think it is very competitive in New York City boutiques. I have been shopping there for almost two years now. Have a lovely SA who got me many hard to find items including two mini Lindy, two Kelly Pochette, a Constance 18, Kelly Danse, Kelly wallet to go, plus 5 Birkin/Kelly but I haven't been offered a SO yet. I wonder how long I have to wait for that ......Hi!
I would suggest to start a relationship with your SA. I started to purchase small items like perfume, a bow tie, Calvi, Bastia or Ulysse to begin with. After that it didn't take a long before I was offered a SO and quota bag ☺
Now I have a really good relationship with several SAs in my local boutique and I have been offered quota bags on several occasions.
So to summarize I made around 5 purchases before I got offered my first Birkin and after that I have just established a good relationship with the SAs by being nice and when I go to my local boutique I ask for the specific SAs and when I meet them I ask how they are, what's new and just being nice in general. I feel like they appreciate someone being generally nice to them helps. At least it has helped me in several of the brand boutiques like Prada, Céline, LV, Chanel and Gucci because now when I come back they always ask me about my family, marriage etc (with some the SAs I have even start to hang out with outside of the boutique)
I think the most important thing is to be genuine and take time to give them as much attention as they give you. Just be yourself and nice and it will get you far
As for the advice for a new shopper, what I did was go in often in the beginning (like once every two to three weeks) to solidify your relationship with your SA, making small purchases each time you go (scarves, shoes, belts, etc.) Then ask about getting a B/K - it'll be much easier if you ask for bigger sizes especially for a busy boutique like the flagship one in NYC ...... It will happen, you just have to be patient and persistent. Good luck!
@Perja thank you
How often I shop with my SA:
Don't laugh, but this week, I went almost every day (my office is near the boutique). To the point where I told the security guard "see you tomorrow" instead of just bye. Out of that, I ordered 2 things, bought 1 and got this year's card out of it too.
What does my wishlist look like:
Like a tornado went through the stockroom?
Just kidding. Currently, I have a mini Roulis, an SO Kelly combination (I was asked to think long & hard about what combo I wanted, so I have my options), some bracelets for my watch, a bunch of homeware, a dress. On the fence about a 24/24 that I saw, so it's not really on my wishlist, but I may pop in to try it.At some point, I may add a KP (have a Cut already so I'm not in any hurry) and a mini Bolide (this one might go on my official wishlist next week). Everything else I'm looking at is in season, so it's just a question of requesting them when I feel like actually getting them (I don't want to waste my SA's search efforts if I'm then not ready to purchase).
Counting towards quota:
From what I understand of H USA, the bags count towards your next quota bag.
But remember that at H, nothing is ever guaranteed and as much as you feel it is a game, with a target $ amount to reach, that isn't the case. Even a confirmed SO could end up being canceled for a variety of reasons. What counts more is genuine enthusiasm for the brand and a great human connection with an SA/SM.
@Ball is absolutely right, and it works wonders to go quite regularly, EVERYWHERE. I'm currently in Europe and it works there, but it' worked in Asia and the US too. That's why I suggested smaller items in the beginning, as you'll want to solidify these visits with purchases. BUT, and that's key in anything Hermès, ONLY GET THINGS YOU WANT (or are planning on giving as gifts to loved ones). Don't just buy random things for the sake of tallying up "credit". An offer for BKC or SO isn't a "gift with purchase" that you end up accessing if you have enough points.
Have you considered dropping a subtle hint such as "My dream bag is (insert quite detailed SO description here)."
Honestly at this stage, a nudge-nudge-wink-wink might be in order given how good your SA has been so far.