This practice is NOT only UAE at all. It is common practice in many parts of the world. If you read the rest of this thread, replies from many members in other parts of the world all agree that is the case. It is most common in Asia where they will be open and directly tell you this is how it works. In other places like the US, this is still very much how it works but the SAs don’t say it out loud (most of the time; some SAs can be direct too) but even though they don’t tell you how it works, it is nonetheless implicitly how it works (you will be told there are no bags for you until you start buying other stuff). The more desirable a bag spec is (currently the small sizes in universally loved colors are the hottest) the bigger this pre spend on other stuff is expected to be. If you don’t like this, shopping Hermès directly for quota bags (Birkins, Kellys and to a lesser extent but often Constances) is currently just not for you. There are exceptions to this rule, but sadly this is the rule - around the world - and the few places where it doesn’t work like this are exceptions (notable exceptions include the Paris FSH appointment system for example).
Hermes B and K offer
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This practice is NOT only UAE at all. It is common practice in many parts of the world. If you read the rest of this thread, replies from many members in other parts of the world all agree that is the case. It is most common in Asia where they will be open and directly tell you this is how it works. In other places like the US, this is still very much how it works but the SAs don’t say it out loud (most of the time; some SAs can be direct too) but even though they don’t tell you how it works, it is nonetheless implicitly how it works (you will be told there are no bags for you until you start buying other stuff). The more desirable a bag spec is (currently the small sizes in universally loved colors are the hottest) the bigger this pre spend on other stuff is expected to be. If you don’t like this, shopping Hermès directly for quota bags (Birkins, Kellys and to a lesser extent but often Constances) is currently just not for you. There are exceptions to this rule, but sadly this is the rule - around the world - and the few places where it doesn’t work like this are exceptions (notable exceptions include the Paris FSH appointment system for example).
Hmm..well I am indeed aware of that it is not only in the uae it is the same criteria everywhere. It’s very much understood by the clients.
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It used to be like that elsewhere too…you used to be able to walk into a boutique and come out with a bag without anything else. Then these bags got popular and eventually the new system started. There are threads discussing how it used to work in the past in this forum.
Edit: oops looks like you edited your comment? Was trying to respond to you saying that only UAE changed or something like that, sorry don’t recall the full comment
So reading this makes me wonder how so often you see a YouTube video how some influencer or another walked out with a birkin with barely any purchase history (thinking of how cassie Thorpe last year claimed she only bought a blanket & a pen and next thing you know she was offered a 25 birkin.)
Is this only for influencers?
Because these videos make it seem like oh it was a random chance (so hint hint maybe you can get lucky too)?
Is this only for influencers?
Because these videos make it seem like oh it was a random chance (so hint hint maybe you can get lucky too)?
From what I've seen, "influencers" absolutely get preferential treatment in the UK and in France, but I don't know whether that's the case elsewhere....
What is an established customer? I’ve been buying Hermes on and off since 1997. I went to different US stores with different SA’s. Would I be an established customer?I understand your question and the answer is that we, referring to Europe in this case, are not used to this. Such questions are not being asked, nor is it being communicated directly to us that you need to spend certain amount in order to get a Kelly or a Birkin offered. HOWEVER, except for Paris, I am not aware of any other shops in Europe where you will be offered a Kelly or a Birkin especially in sizes you mentioned, without having a customer profile, meaning without being established customer of Hermes. For bigger bags this is possible, for smaller bags, I strongly doubt it.
Many ladies (on this forum as well) must wait for quite some time, to be offered a 25 Birkin or a Kelly.
Both colours etoupe and noir are popular colours, however my personal choice would be black, since I am not that charmed by etoupe.
My advice would be size 25, since it is the most popular size at the moment. When it comes to colour, just pick the one which makes your heart sing
When it comes to Europe, besides having purchased Hermes products, you need a relationship with one store or let us say one SA. Hermes "insists" on building a relationship, a long term one with certain "personal touch".
I can not comment on the USA, but I do not believe that shopping with different shops and different SA´s can bring you to the level of established customer who "regularly" gets offered highly desired products.
No difference in the USA. Build relationship with one store & one SA has been my experience. Local presence / being able to travel frequently to location also a component.
Thanks for the info Anum.do you suggest any particular SA in dubai? Which store?
This is very common in Asia and id say the pre spend ratio you were given is considered quite low actually for the colours and sizes you’ve been offered for Birkin/ Kelly. Personally quite ok with this sort of upfront approach because this is the reality with Hermes in this part of the world and it’s better to know what’s the deal beforehand rather than guessing when will the relationship with SA be deemed as “loyal” enough to be offered a bag. If you like the brand and given its price point don’t think it’d be too difficult to spend that said amount on other items than bag. But that of course depends on whether they have the items that you want in stock.
Based on the options given I’d go for the size 25 bags and whether it’s a Kelly (for a smart business look) or Birkin (for casual outings) it really depends on your lifestyle.
Based on the options given I’d go for the size 25 bags and whether it’s a Kelly (for a smart business look) or Birkin (for casual outings) it really depends on your lifestyle.