Hermes boutiques in London

[GloWW0rM]

Hi everyone! This is my very first post. I need some advice from seasoned Hermes shoppers

I've started my official Hermes journey from September 2022 at CP. Although I bought some bracelets, Orans, scarves previously for the past 10 years, but I never registered myself in the system (I know!), because I never wanted a bag.

So now I've bought a couple of things online and in store (altogether 4000 GBP). SA who was helping me initially seemed very nice and helped me to score highly sought after Non-Quota Bag quickly without pre-spend in the exact specs I wanted (it was in store that day). I made my wish list with them that day in October. Since then I modified my wishlist a few times (re hardware, leather) and SA seemed annoyed. But it's a dream bag so! Since then my SA always seemed busy, rushed, tired and not willing to talk much. Then I've made an appointment to make sure I buy an item that day without being rushed and to be able to connect with my SA, but my SA was helping someone else at my time slot and so was dividing attention between them and me which didn't feel nice or right.

Last time I came to buy a present for my husband and my SA was busy with someone and said to buy with someone else, I said I can wait - they said it might take an hour. Ok I said, I'd come back. I came back in an hour and SA said they're busy again with someone and can't help (after helping that client reception lady said my SA went for lunch break). After telling me to come back in an hour? I felt so heartbroken and upset.

Q: should I change my SA? As it doesn't seem we get along that well according to my experience, although I always try to be nice, polite, smiley (with everyone really!). But first NQB was scored so easily. And my wishlist created with that SA. But last time they seemed almost just rude.
Q2: any recommendation on a nice SA at CP? So many new faces since I started shopping there.

Thank you so much! X

I agree with QuelleFromage, it’s not worth staying with an SA you’re unhappy with. It’s a good idea to take your time and talk to a few SAs next time you visit and see if you make a better connection with another SA.

Don’t worry about your SA being annoyed about you changing your wish. There are so many unfulfilled wishes this year that I doubt it changes anything for your SA at all, and better that you clarify what you want before you’re offered a bag and have to turn it down. You’ve done the right thing! I myself changed my wish after it expired earlier this year and I went to renew it. I hope you have a better experience the next time you visit CP!

 

[Hermes_Girl1]

Honestly, doesn't sound like you like this SA much, and they do not sound helpful. You've only been shopping with them 4-ish months, so hardly a ton of investment timewise. Next time you have something in mind you'd like to buy, I'd go in and chat to a few people til you find someone helpful. It's always easier to start a rapport when you have a clear goal that day.

If I may say...I also would not feel heartbroken about the actions of a salesperson. Life is too short for that.

Thanks for the reply!

I think heartbroken not the right word... humiliated more like it! As I waited, came back and was turned down.

Also I did like my SA throughout this time (even now still considering whether to stay or move), but felt like that wasn't mutual and I tried to put it on SA's tiredness, busy Christmas season etc. Maybe that's what it was? But my gut feeling tells me relationship could be easier and more flowy.

But if I start my journey with someone else, would it prolong my wait for the QB? Or wouldn't seem strange I'm shopping not with someone I did my wishlist with?

 

[Hermes_Girl1]

I agree with QuelleFromage, it’s not worth staying with an SA you’re unhappy with. It’s a good idea to take your time and talk to a few SAs next time you visit and see if you make a better connection with another SA.

Don’t worry about your SA being annoyed about you changing your wish. There are so many unfulfilled wishes this year that I doubt it changes anything for your SA at all, and better that you clarify what you want before you’re offered a bag and have to turn it down. You’ve done the right thing! I myself changed my wish after it expired earlier this year and I went to renew it. I hope you have a better experience the next time you visit CP!

Thank you for the advice.

Interestingly, I was changing my wishlist with other SA as mine wasn't in that day and they were super supportive about it - yes, it's totally fine to modify it as it's your dream bag. When the last time I brought it up with my SA, they said "You should stop updating it! Just forget about it for now and let it be". Again I don't know if my SA is just very straightforward or we're not clicking well!

Also a question, would QB arrival depend on the SA's support or your overall spend in the store and purchasing at different categories etc. and then you randomly get an email, like they explain the wishlist system?

 

[QuelleFromage]

Thanks for the reply!

I think heartbroken not the right word... humiliated more like it! As I waited, came back and was turned down.

Also I did like my SA throughout this time (even now still considering whether to stay or move), but felt like that wasn't mutual and I tried to put it on SA's tiredness, busy Christmas season etc. Maybe that's what it was? But my gut feeling tells me relationship could be easier and more flowy.

But if I start my journey with someone else, would it prolong my wait for the QB? Or wouldn't seem strange I'm shopping not with someone I did my wishlist with?

Thank you for the advice.

Interestingly, I was changing my wishlist with other SA as mine wasn't in that day and they were super supportive about it - yes, it's totally fine to modify it as it's your dream bag. When the last time I brought it up with my SA, they said "You should stop updating it! Just forget about it for now and let it be". Again I don't know if my SA is just very straightforward or we're not clicking well!

Also a question, would QB arrival depend on the SA's support or your overall spend in the store and purchasing at different categories etc. and then you randomly get an email, like they explain the wishlist system?

You should always feel comfortable and happy with your SA. You're spending money....it should be fun and fruitful.

I can't speak to the wishlist function as that's not how my SA relationships in London work (and I have only bought a few things in London since it was instituted - my home town is so much easier and quite a bit less expensive!); but in general, store spend and local spend apply no matter which SA you are working with. Your "progress" is not tied to your SA. Your SA DOES advocate for you to get a "quota" bag, but IMO that is all the more reason to find someone who is nicer.

 

[_gelato_]

Also a question, would QB arrival depend on the SA's support or your overall spend in the store and purchasing at different categories etc. and then you randomly get an email, like they explain the wishlist system?

From my personal experience with CP, the fulfilment of the wish is not dependent on the SA who created the wishlist for you, or the SA you shop with. I’d recommend switching SAs as what you described is a bit too much to have to tolerate. Shopping should be enjoyable, and like the supportive SA told you, ‘it’s totally fine to amend the wishlist as it’s your dream bag’.

 

[shermes]

From my personal experience with CP, the fulfilment of the wish is not dependent on the SA who created the wishlist for you, or the SA you shop with. I’d recommend switching SAs as what you described is a bit too much to have to tolerate. Shopping should be enjoyable, and like the supportive SA told you, ‘it’s totally fine to amend the wishlist as it’s your dream bag’.

I 100% agree with @_gelato_ funnily enough whenever my family have had their wishes fulfilled it was a random SA that presented the bag as you will receive an email that your wish has been fulfilled.

Although I believe having a relationship with an SA is important from the aspect of stock queries and appointments. I don’t think SA relationship and spend is that big of a deal in London to be offered a QB.

My family have been offered QB before me with far less spend than me. My wish was not fulfilled this year and I’m now a few months in my second wish. All I’ve been offered since establishing a relationship is a SO.

Everyone’s journey and experience is different. Try a few SAs and go with the flowwww

 

[bagsforlife10]

Hi guys! I’m new to shopping in Hermes at London and I have just gave an SA that I’ve met at the store my wish list on my first visit after buying some items. May I know what are the chances of my wish list being fulfilled? Is it a 50-50 kinda thing? Just curious about the odds.

 

[Hermes_Girl1]

You should always feel comfortable and happy with your SA. You're spending money....it should be fun and fruitful.

I can't speak to the wishlist function as that's not how my SA relationships in London work (and I have only bought a few things in London since it was instituted - my home town is so much easier and quite a bit less expensive!); but in general, store spend and local spend apply no matter which SA you are working with. Your "progress" is not tied to your SA. Your SA DOES advocate for you to get a "quota" bag, but IMO that is all the more reason to find someone who is nicer.

Thank you, you're absolutely right. Especially given that shopping at Hermes is generally quite expensive. So at least you want to enjoy the process!

 

[Hermes_Girl1]

From my personal experience with CP, the fulfilment of the wish is not dependent on the SA who created the wishlist for you, or the SA you shop with. I’d recommend switching SAs as what you described is a bit too much to have to tolerate. Shopping should be enjoyable, and like the supportive SA told you, ‘it’s totally fine to amend the wishlist as it’s your dream bag’.

Omg thank you so much for the reassurance! I'm so happy I registered here and had a courage to make that post

This is so great to know that I can just enjoy the process in a more natural way, coming and shopping with whoever is available and buying or just browsing for things I like without any pressure. If I form a natural relationship with one of the SAs in particular, will stay with them.

Also reassuring to know that the information they give re wishlist system is true, I thought they were brushing me off and it only relies on SA.

 

[Hermes_Girl1]

I 100% agree with @_gelato_ funnily enough whenever my family have had their wishes fulfilled it was a random SA that presented the bag as you will receive an email that your wish has been fulfilled.

Although I believe having a relationship with an SA is important from the aspect of stock queries and appointments. I don’t think SA relationship and spend is that big of a deal in London to be offered a QB.

My family have been offered QB before me with far less spend than me. My wish was not fulfilled this year and I’m now a few months in my second wish. All I’ve been offered since establishing a relationship is a SO.

Everyone’s journey and experience is different. Try a few SAs and go with the flowwww

Thank you! I think that legend or obsession about "SA relationship" comes a lot from the US based YouTubers (+Australia, Canada), so I was slightly obsessing over it. Also couldn't understand how do you form a relationship with a particular SA if they're busy with someone every time you come?

Is it customary to make appointment with your SA before hand? When I made appointments with my SA twice over the customer line (so I could avoid queuing) I felt my SAs reaction was slightly surprised upon greeting. Maybe it's for a bigger spenders? Oh I so much prefer an online shopping!

 

[Handbag1234]

in my personal experience I have shopped in stores and approached whoever is free and the SA I end up working with on a regular basis has approached me to start to build a working relationship. This goes for all premium brands not just Hermes. This means you end up with someone who has time for you and you have a connection with. I’m not a huge spender, but I show brand loyalty and shop regularly. I get good service and get offered limited/premium pieces across the brands I shop with.

 

[shermes]

Thank you! I think that legend or obsession about "SA relationship" comes a lot from the US based YouTubers (+Australia, Canada), so I was slightly obsessing over it. Also couldn't understand how do you form a relationship with a particular SA if they're busy with someone every time you come?

Is it customary to make appointment with your SA before hand? When I made appointments with my SA twice over the customer line (so I could avoid queuing) I felt my SAs reaction was slightly surprised upon greeting. Maybe it's for a bigger spenders? Oh I so much prefer an online shopping!

Yes it’s definitely big on spend and relation in the US! Here you just make your wish, wait patiently for the email and hope for the best!

When I think back to when I first established my relationship with my SA: I, like you, was very keen to connect and “play the game”. I would buy an item with a few different SAs until I clicked with one. I would always make an appt or ask the lady at the door “is X working today, I’d like to see him/her?” and then I would make my decision based on the following:

He/she is in - ok great just wait around for them and browse if I have time.
He/she isn’t in - do you need the item right now if in stock and buy through another SA. Or are you happy to wait until they are back at work?

It’s not necessary to make an appointment as it operates on a walk in basis too. Making appointments is definitely not for high spenders only. It is preferable if you want a more seamless experience.

I wouldn’t look too much into the expressions or reactions of the SA because at the end of the day, for those working at hermes in the retail world it is a very demanding job especially during this time of year. Someone has probably chewed their ear off demanding a QB right there and then and another has moaned about the stock levels.

Maybe you need to experience with a few SAs in few different stores like Bond St or Selfridges and see how you feel before establishing a relationship.

I think we all go in hoping it will be like this magical click and it all goes up from there but it definitely takes time

 

[Prada Prince]

Tried my luck at NBS (not my usual store) today to try and get a Mini Lindy - arrived 10 minutes after opening time and ended up waiting for a couple of hours - with only a Mini Della Cavalleria in Vert Fizz left in stock by the time it was my turn…

Saw a black Lindy 26, a beige and natural canvas Steeple and a canvas black/marine Picotin being offered. But I don’t know what was available beforehand cos I saw a few people leave before my appointment with bag-sized boxes.

 

[_gelato_]

Omg thank you so much for the reassurance! I'm so happy I registered here and had a courage to make that post

This is so great to know that I can just enjoy the process in a more natural way, coming and shopping with whoever is available and buying or just browsing for things I like without any pressure. If I form a natural relationship with one of the SAs in particular, will stay with them.

Also reassuring to know that the information they give re wishlist system is true, I thought they were brushing me off and it only relies on SA.

Yes I do believe what they say about the wishlist system is true, at least at CP.

Tried my luck at NBS (not my usual store) today to try and get a Mini Lindy - arrived 10 minutes after opening time and ended up waiting for a couple of hours - with only a Mini Della Cavalleria in Vert Fizz left in stock by the time it was my turn…

Saw a black Lindy 26, a beige and natural canvas Steeple and a canvas black/marine Picotin being offered. But I don’t know what was available beforehand cos I saw a few people leave before my appointment with bag-sized boxes.

Oh wow, a couple of hours wait even though you arrived at opening time (on a Tuesday)?!

 

[GloWW0rM]

Tried my luck at NBS (not my usual store) today to try and get a Mini Lindy - arrived 10 minutes after opening time and ended up waiting for a couple of hours - with only a Mini Della Cavalleria in Vert Fizz left in stock by the time it was my turn…

Saw a black Lindy 26, a beige and natural canvas Steeple and a canvas black/marine Picotin being offered. But I don’t know what was available beforehand cos I saw a few people leave before my appointment with bag-sized boxes.

I was at NBS 5 min before opening and there was already a sizeable queue. By the time I got to the door an SA had come out to ask if anyone else was waiting for bags and SLG as they were already full and it would be a long wait to be seen. I was there to collect a scarf that had arrived in store and also saw a few big boxes taken discreetly to the register upstairs to be paid for in the first hour. I don’t think the majority were quota bags as the amounts charged were not quite quota bag prices. I know it’s a stretch but keep trying on H.com as I’ve seen a few mini Lindy come up recently and I’ve managed to get a couple of bags online so it’s possible! Best of luck.

Note sadly no new collection scarves yet!