I was told they didn't have any bags at Waikiki and maybe in April they should be getting more in.
Hermes Hawaii
- Thread starter Julide
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Might be a silly question, but it’s ok to text everyday to ask about bag(s)? How about your “home” store SA? How frequent is reasonable/acceptable…?
I was there for total 4 days so I only texted for 3 days after the first day of arrival. I think for a short period of time when you are actually there, texting the SA everyday doesn't sound very annoying. but after I come back to mainland from Hawaii, I text the SA in Hawaii only when I want something or before I go.
I mean, I wouldn't. They're pretty good at contacting you if they need you...
My SA said she’s happy to check stock when I text her. I should just assume she’s being polite and not check in…?
Yes she's being polite and probably a bit naive to not think a client would actually text that often. The whole point of a relationship is to be on your SA's mind when an item you want comes in without having to constantly nag her about it. And I'm guessing she probably meant items other than bags anyway.
Hey TPF'ers! I went to Ala Moana back during the Pandemic in 2021, met one of the SAs, and got her card (Hopefully she's still there, I have yet to check or text). I might be planning a trip there this summer (Possibly June or July). I didn't have luck last time in regards to scoring any bags (QBs/Non-QBs) but is it wise to check if she's still there VIA text? TBH last I recalled she seemed very " You should try with your SA back at your home store" but she was also very nice to me too? I did buy from her small things since stock was bare during the pandemic.
Other details: 1. My SA left my home store in 2023 here on the mainland. 2. Tried to connect with a new SA but didn't click so I just stopped shopping for this past year. 3. I took a break from shopping H hearing about the higher spending ratios + higher prices on their other goods is also keeping me away (assuming the people continued to revenge spend when the world opened back up making more competition). But I figured when in Rome (or this case Hawaii 😁) go shopping. I might want to pick up things I was eyeing BUT hope it's ok to ask about a QB? I just don't know if that's too straightforward but have heard people make relations, texting before trips to Hawaii or Vegas since supposedly those boutiques have (or had?) better stock, and they get lucky (people VIA YouTube). But of course...usually, their stories entail dropping at a minimum .5+:1 ratio. Shoot, that ratio might be higher in these touristy locations now too tho. But figured I'd ask for opinions or thoughts. My concern too is July is a busy travel season with school being out, not sure how the competition would be 🙈.
PS: I know there's no harm in asking cause the worst that can happen is she isn't there or is still with H but I may just get ignored but wanted to ask about texting etiquette. Or How far ahead do people text before traveling to Hawaii or Vegas. TIA if anyone has advice.
Other details: 1. My SA left my home store in 2023 here on the mainland. 2. Tried to connect with a new SA but didn't click so I just stopped shopping for this past year. 3. I took a break from shopping H hearing about the higher spending ratios + higher prices on their other goods is also keeping me away (assuming the people continued to revenge spend when the world opened back up making more competition). But I figured when in Rome (or this case Hawaii 😁) go shopping. I might want to pick up things I was eyeing BUT hope it's ok to ask about a QB? I just don't know if that's too straightforward but have heard people make relations, texting before trips to Hawaii or Vegas since supposedly those boutiques have (or had?) better stock, and they get lucky (people VIA YouTube). But of course...usually, their stories entail dropping at a minimum .5+:1 ratio. Shoot, that ratio might be higher in these touristy locations now too tho. But figured I'd ask for opinions or thoughts. My concern too is July is a busy travel season with school being out, not sure how the competition would be 🙈.
PS: I know there's no harm in asking cause the worst that can happen is she isn't there or is still with H but I may just get ignored but wanted to ask about texting etiquette. Or How far ahead do people text before traveling to Hawaii or Vegas. TIA if anyone has advice.
This is a straightforward, feel free to buy random things but my plate is full with respect to my regular (bag seeking)
client roster.BC she was nice, imo only, I think she was trying to give you an explicit hint not to waste prespend if you have a local store.
If you have no intention of continuing with your local and wish to make this boutique your main store, you could ask if she would be open to this. But, imo this is a conversation to have in person.
I think people who text already have an open indication from the destination SA that they have a relationship.
JMO on all of the above, ymmv.
ETA: some TPFers manage multiple relationships within the US. But, in general it seems to be discouraged. Those that do it spend enough to ‘support’ that number of SAs, such as 3-5X per SA per location. And, the SAs seem to be vying for such clients to ‘settle down.’ I am not one of these; and this opinion of mine is only based on the experiences of a friend.
ETA: I would not put much faith in social media posts that obtain bags with .5X spend. While it is possible, I think the lucky few are considered potential high spenders; high net worth individuals; or another desirable category.
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SAs typically don’t want to hear about your travel plans more than two weeks ahead of time. They won’t know their work schedule prior to that and can’t hold items that long any way so knowing you are coming does no body any good. If you haven’t shopped there since 2021, it will probably take more than this next visit for you to establish yourself as a Hawaii client (assuming that’s what you’re trying to do?) These days, you’ll need at least a $10k spend on your second trip to be considered for any coveted non quota bag and likely twice that for a quota bag, if they count 2021 at all. You should first decide whether you really want to nuke your home store relationship or not, and depending on that decision, decide to shop Hawai’i (or not) but keep your bag expectations extremely low.
Darn. I wasn't looking to spend too crazy and $10K is pushing it. But I was actually looking for a bigger QB too in the hopes that mayyyybe demand isn't too big for bigger bags still so was hoping a spending ratio wouldn't be AS tough. like a Kelly 32 or 35 as I know the Mini K, K25, K28 are generally the more coveted sizes. I know people are saying go pre-loved for the larger sizes but I figured if I was eyeing a few things anyway, maybe I could hopefully score a bag brand new as I always worry about super fakes making it past authentication if I went pre-loved. Would love a B30 as well but I feel like that's still a highly sought-after size behind the 25.
But I also do remember in 2021 the SA at Ala Moana said "Oh we don't really get big bags in, mostly the smaller ones" and that was when I inquired about a B30. Not sure about Kelly's though.
I'm leaning on nuking that relation with my home store (not in a negative way 😁 ) - it's just I moved a good 2.5-3 hrs away so even to "just drop by to stay on the radar" doesn't make sense (another reason why i took a year off from H shopping). But I also don't come to Hawaii THAT often either so I feel like Im at a loose loose. :/
Hate to say it, but it's distinctly possible H doesn't make and distribute as many larger bags knowing that smaller ones are in higher demand at the moment. So, while you would be in a potentially smaller pool of customers, the difficulty is the same because they're duking it out for a smaller number of those K35s. I think I remember reading somewhere an anecdote of an SA saying to a B35 query, "it's going to be a while before you get a larger bag since those aren't as requested anymore. We don't get many shipments of them."
I especially think this might be the case in a place like Hawaii where it's a lot of Asian customers, and this demographic favors smaller bags. I think I heard something like Europeans still preferring larger bags, and one might have more luck for a larger bag there, but I'm open to being corrected if these assumptions are wrong.
I'd definitely go resale on larger bags. If you're okay with going for an older bag (especially with older hardware) and a good authenticator, I think it's a risk well worth taking.
My SA recently told me that Hermes just implemented some policy changes and that clients can't shop "remotely" anymore without visiting their "home store" every 6 months. So that may have implications for choosing Hawaii as your home store...
I've heard this as well. In order to remote order any item, a client must have already shopped in person with their SA at least once within the past six months. They really want folks to shop their "local" store as a home store!
I live in the mainland and have shopped with my SA for the past two years….however I visit the island at least every 3 months sometimes every month. We also purchased a home there last year and are renovating so she knows eventually I will be a local. My last 3 quotas I was able to spend 1:1-1.5:1. My last quota most recently was almost 2:1 spend. She said it is getting much more competitive and rules are changing aka spend $$$. I would say to go the preloved route. Also have not heard many good stories for non-locals at Ala Moana
I got b30 finally!!!! 1 year 1,5:1. Happy and in love with it.