It use to be that way but it’s changing due to large tourist asking for b/k
They look up your purchase history in that store with their SA, that was my experience when I was there recently but you can get lucky and be offered one
Hermes Hawaii
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They look up your purchase history in that store with their SA, that was my experience when I was there recently but you can get lucky and be offered one
Ah good to know - can stores see other stores' purchase history (ie. my home store)? At least that way they'd be able to see I'm not a H newbie.
Coveted bags are not offered to clients by the brand but rather by the individual store. Each store has sales goals to meet and reward the customers that help them reach those goals by offering them their limited supply of bags. Yes, every USA store can see all your purchases made in the USA but having an extensive profile with another store actually likely hurts your chances at a new store because the new store will see it as your regular store’s responsibility to offer you a bag and not theirs. Unless, of course, you make it worth their while. Touristy places know that most shoppers are making a one time purchase and thus they have little incentive to offer a quota bag without ‘a major investment’ from the new customer. At the end of the day, with Hermes (in the USA), it is just really important to establish a loyal relationship with one store/SA if you hope to be offered popular items.
Completely the opposite - yes they will see your purchase history but that means they will be less likely to offer you a bag, that’s stealing sales from your home store so to speak. Not to mention that if you buy anything your home store will see it and be prepared that your home store SA and SM will be unhappy about it.
Will your SA be happy if you buy from a different SA? Same idea here. Remember - loyalty is the keyword. It’s why many choose to simply browse and never buy when they travel domestically. Depending on the SA and SM of course; some may not mind as much. But my SA has let me know that my SM is definitely not one to overlook clients “cheating” in other stores when making bag allotment decisions and the best course of action is to let my home SA know if anything catches my eye in other stores when I travel, and she will try to transfer them for me.
Some get around this by starting a separate profile under the family member they are traveling with (most commonly their significant other assuming they don’t have an established profile).
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Ah very useful - thank you! I'm not a high roller (so my profile isn't extensive per se) but I get what you're meaning here. Perhaps the whole idea is fraught
I will be traveling over a major birthday and anniversary so I was just hoping for something fun on the road, not super attached to anything in particular happening on this trip. Good call about telling my SA re. transferring - that might be a great way to go. I hate that I even have to think about the idea of "stealing" from a particular store/SA or "cheating", but I know that's the H way. I'll be with my DH (anniversary as I said) so I could alternately start a profile in his name. I obviously need to put more thought into how I'll handle this since I don't want to upset my SA from who I purchase somewhat regularly. The confusing thing is I know many people have multiple SAs they work with (for example East Coast / West Coast or an additional person in Vegas if they travel there a lot) so I guess I sorta figured this would be similar... And re. a quota bag, I would of course prefer to buy from my home SA since she helps me frequently, but so far even with my spending she hasn't given me an offer. I'm not in any rush so I'm not worried about it, I just know with my home store there are many very very big spenders and I'm certainly not one of those so an offer many never come around.
Ah very useful - thank you! I'm not a high roller (so my profile isn't extensive per se) but I get what you're meaning here. Perhaps the whole idea is fraught
Good call about telling my SA re. transferring - that might be a great way to go. I hate that I even have to think about the idea of "stealing" from a particular store/SA or "cheating", but I know that's the H way. I'll be with my DH (anniversary as I said) so I could alternately start a profile in his name. I obviously need to put more thought into how I'll handle this since I don't want to upset my SA from who I purchase somewhat regularly. The confusing thing is I know many people have multiple SAs they work with (for example East Coast / West Coast or an additional person in Vegas if they travel there a lot) so I guess I sorta figured this would be similar... And re. a quota bag, I would of course prefer to buy from my home SA since she helps me frequently, but so far even with my spending she hasn't given me an offer. I'm not in any rush so I'm not worried about it, I just know with my home store there are many very very big spenders and I'm certainly not one of those so an offer many never come around.
If you are not in any rush just be patient and build history with your home store. If you really want to try in Hawaii, use your DH’s name and make a new profile. I chatted with SAs at Wakiki and Ala Moana when I was in Hawaii earlier this month, and got the hint that corona virus is indeed making scoring one potentially easier right now. So you may get lucky!
Those with multiple SAs in the same country may have different profiles (like with their SO), have very established history and/or $$$, or just very understanding SA and SM (which I reckon having history and $ can help with). But generally not a good idea to split your purchases. Also, a lot of SAs in this country actually know each other - they go to trainings and meet and talk to each other. I learned this because my SA, who loves H herself, is sad she can’t buy bags any more (SAs and their immediate relatives can’t purchase quota bags as a regular customer in the US per Hermes policy). I asked how would they know if you just let your husband do it? And she said it’s actually quite a small world and they can recognize me. When I was visiting to browse I was asked where I’m from, which store I normally shop at (I was wearing H), and then what is the name of my home SA.
So again I advise against purchasing under your name, unless you are willing to establish yourself as a long term client at Hawaii (possible, I was told that they do have clients who just visit Hawaii regularly). The very first things they ask you are how long are you staying in Hawaii and if you visit Hawaii a lot
The Hawaiian stores are *very* used to requests for bags. So many tourists do it. While I was there I heard more than one inquiry for bags, some accompanied with the requester saying that they are “willing to spend to get the bag”. So, you can try to do it that way. Make a pile of items you’d want to purchase, ask about the possibility of a bag, see if you get lucky, if so put everything in under your DH’s profile. This is just the common walk-in bag request method. Some people will straight up walk out and not buy any of what they picked out if they hear there won’t be a bag. I personally would feel too bad to do that...but that’s how it goes.
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If you are not in any rush just be patient and build history with your home store.
I wouldn’t rule out making a new profile with your husband at Hawaii. If you see anything you really want there, doesn’t hurt to put them under a new profile then try for a quota bag. I chatted with them when I was there and definitely got the feeling that the impact of the corona virus is making scoring one easier right now.
Those with multiple SAs in the same country may have different profiles (like with their SO), very established history or $$$, or just very understanding SA and SM (which I would guess is helped by having a long history and $). But generally it’s not a good idea to try split your purchases (under same profile) unless you know otherwise. A lot of SAs in this country actually know each other - they go to trainings and meet and talk to each other. I learned this because my SA, who loves H herself, is very sad she can’t buy bags any more (any SA and their immediate relatives can’t purchase quota bags as a regular customer in the US, it’s an Hermes policy). I asked how would they know if you just let your husband do it? And she said it’s a smaller world than you think they will recognize me. When I was visiting to browse I was asked where I’m from, which store I shop at (I was wearing H), and then what is the name of my home SA.
So I advise against purchasing under your name, unless you are willing to establish yourself as a long term client at Hawaii (possible, they told me they do have long term clients who just visit regularly). The very first things they will ask you are going to be how long are you staying in Hawaii and if you visit Hawaii a lot
Go browse and see if anything really catches your eye. They are *very* used to requests for bags, sooo many tourists do it. While I was there I heard more than one inquiries for bags accompanied with the requester saying that they are “willing to spend to get the bag”. So, you can try to do it that way. Make a pile of items you’d want to purchase, then ask about the possibility of a bag, see if you get lucky. If so just put everything in your DH’s profile. This is the common walk-in bag request method. Some people will straight up walk out and not buy any of the things they picked if they hear there won’t be a bag, I personally would never do that...but that’s how it goes.
This is some really good food for thought. Thank you! I figure the CV must be making big dents on shopping everywhere, of course also in luxe goods. Maybe that will have passed though by the time I get there in a couple months.
I may do the DH-split-purchase thing, but my budget is not enough that I can spend 2x to get more offers... I guess I would do better consolidate my money in one SA/store like you suggest but maybe I shouldn't overthink this as I'm prone to doing
A separate (related?) issue is I work in NYC many many times each year and have been developing a possible SA relationship there. Since that SA and I really gel personality-wise, I would buy from her as well as from my home store (they get very different stock) and knowing they can't transfer bags... does that seems feasible or no? Like if there were a non-quota bag available in the NYC store but not in my home store, would there be feelings of "cheating" or "stealing" if I were to purchase said less-in-demand item? the NYC SA understands I am on business when I am there (and that I have a main store) so the issue would only be with my home SA... but do SAs really (truly) think people don't shop at other stores when they travel? I assumed many people did shop elsewhere - of course with some discretion, but I have trouble imagining that most people only ever shop at their home store? Maybe I'm completely out of left field (and I am quite tired writing this so apologizes if I'm off base or not making sense!). I guess I could establish myself as a long-term client there in addition to my home store (like you suggested about Hawaii if I visited there enough)
I do go to Hawaii frequently so I could start a profile there, but probably not enough to justify it. Like you said maybe I should just browse and see if anything catches the eye. I guess the issue is if things DO catch my eye, should I go the "transfer to my home store" route (of course not say it but it amounts to basically being rude to the person who's helping me) or just buy there with my DH's name? If it's something small (like an SLG or something) I wouldn't worry about it and just buy under my own name, would you? Since I have a budget, I probably wouldn't be one of those people who would walk in and say "I'll spend to get it" and the stack-up-stuff-then-ask method seems a little insensitive - I too would be uncomfortable doing that!
Again, thank you for your advices!
This is some really good food for thought. Thank you! I figure the CV must be making big dents on shopping everywhere, of course also in luxe goods. Maybe that will have passed though by the time I get there in a couple months.
I may do the DH-split-purchase thing, but my budget is not enough that I can spend 2x to get more offers... I guess I would do better consolidate my money in one SA/store like you suggest but maybe I shouldn't overthink this as I'm prone to doing
A separate (related?) issue is I work in NYC many many times each year and have been developing a possible SA relationship there. Since that SA and I really gel personality-wise, I would buy from her as well as from my home store (they get very different stock) and knowing they can't transfer bags... does that seems feasible or no? Like if there were a non-quota bag available in the NYC store but not in my home store, would there be feelings of "cheating" or "stealing" if I were to purchase said less-in-demand item? the NYC SA understands I am on business when I am there (and that I have a main store) so the issue would only be with my home SA... but do SAs really (truly) think people don't shop at other stores when they travel? I assumed many people did shop elsewhere - of course with some discretion, but I have trouble imagining that most people only ever shop at their home store? Maybe I'm completely out of left field (and I am quite tired writing this so apologizes if I'm off base or not making sense!). I guess I could establish myself as a long-term client there in addition to my home store (like you suggested about Hawaii if I visited there enough)
I do go to Hawaii frequently so I could start a profile there, but probably not enough to justify it. Like you said maybe I should just browse and see if anything catches the eye. I guess the issue is if things DO catch my eye, should I go the "transfer to my home store" route (of course not say it but it amounts to basically being rude to the person who's helping me) or just buy there with my DH's name? If it's something small (like an SLG or something) I wouldn't worry about it and just buy under my own name, would you? Since I have a budget, I probably wouldn't be one of those people who would walk in and say "I'll spend to get it" and the stack-up-stuff-then-ask method seems a little insensitive - I too would be uncomfortable doing that!
Again, thank you for your advices!
We are getting off topic, might be more suited for the H relationship thread - but the gist is that it is completely up to how much your SM (and SA) cares about that. Some actually aren’t happy even if it’s a very small purchase (and I know because I read stories here on tPF where their SM got upset that they got a twilly or a scarf or something like that from another store - let me see if I can find which thread that was). Most would be understanding if it’s very small things and I think when I read that story many other members agreed that the SM was not being reasonable. But it can happen.
And yes, many truly do not shop in any other store or with other SAs. I know that’s been discussed and confirmed by multiple members in the H relationship thread
of course this is only for domestic travels, other countries are fine given the systems not being linked. Please feel free to take it over to the other thread - let’s keep this one focused on Hawaii
ETA: I think non quota and less in demand items are actually *more* frowned upon to not purchase from your home store, the reasoning is since they are easier items to get why can’t you wait and get them from the home store? They actually are more understanding if it’s a hot or hard to find time that they can’t guarantee you from their store!
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Ah yes don't want to get off-topic. I do know that thread and have revisited it from time to time - apparently I need to take another perusal! If you do find that specific post about an upset SM would you kindly PM me?We are getting off topic, might be more suited for the H relationship thread - but the gist is that it is completely up to how much your SM (and SA) cares about that. Some actually aren’t happy even if it’s a very small purchase (and I know because I read stories here on tPF where their SM got upset that they got a twilly or a scarf or something like that from another store - let me see if I can find which thread I was). Most would be understanding if it’s very small things and I think when I read that story many other members agreed that the SM was not being reasonable. But it can happen.
And yes, many truly do not shop in any other store or with other SAs. I know that’s been discussed and confirmed by multiple members in the H relationship thread
Please feel free to take it over to the other thread - let’s keep this one focused on Hawaii
ETA: I think non quota and less in demand items are actually *more* frowned upon to not purchase from your home store, the reasoning is since they are easier items to get why can’t you wait and get them from the home store? They actually are more understanding if it’s a hot or hard to find time that they can’t guarantee you from their store!
And re. Hawaii, thanks for the tip about SLGs/small items - I'll keep all this in mind when I visit Waikiki
This is some really good food for thought. Thank you! I figure the CV must be making big dents on shopping everywhere, of course also in luxe goods. Maybe that will have passed though by the time I get there in a couple months.
I may do the DH-split-purchase thing, but my budget is not enough that I can spend 2x to get more offers... I guess I would do better consolidate my money in one SA/store like you suggest but maybe I shouldn't overthink this as I'm prone to doing
A separate (related?) issue is I work in NYC many many times each year and have been developing a possible SA relationship there. Since that SA and I really gel personality-wise, I would buy from her as well as from my home store (they get very different stock) and knowing they can't transfer bags... does that seems feasible or no? Like if there were a non-quota bag available in the NYC store but not in my home store, would there be feelings of "cheating" or "stealing" if I were to purchase said less-in-demand item? the NYC SA understands I am on business when I am there (and that I have a main store) so the issue would only be with my home SA... but do SAs really (truly) think people don't shop at other stores when they travel? I assumed many people did shop elsewhere - of course with some discretion, but I have trouble imagining that most people only ever shop at their home store? Maybe I'm completely out of left field (and I am quite tired writing this so apologizes if I'm off base or not making sense!). I guess I could establish myself as a long-term client there in addition to my home store (like you suggested about Hawaii if I visited there enough)
I do go to Hawaii frequently so I could start a profile there, but probably not enough to justify it. Like you said maybe I should just browse and see if anything catches the eye. I guess the issue is if things DO catch my eye, should I go the "transfer to my home store" route (of course not say it but it amounts to basically being rude to the person who's helping me) or just buy there with my DH's name? If it's something small (like an SLG or something) I wouldn't worry about it and just buy under my own name, would you? Since I have a budget, I probably wouldn't be one of those people who would walk in and say "I'll spend to get it" and the stack-up-stuff-then-ask method seems a little insensitive - I too would be uncomfortable doing that!
Again, thank you for your advices!
Send you PM with what were the threads I was thinking of. And one more thing - the Ala Moana SA, upon learning I have a home store I’m very happy with, also told me to feel free to ask my home SA to request transfer for what I see in store - so I don’t think it’s a rude thing to do (they probably understand the importance of loyalty very well. Of course again it may depend on the specific SA you get).
Thank you - will look at your PMs now
Very good idea to just be up front about transferring items I want since i do enjoy my home store.
I didn’t, I spent about $800 and then inquired about the mini Kelly and then a C18. They didn’t have either. The SA did hint that I should spend on items that I want in order to get a quota bag. She then went downstairs and said that they did have a C24 if I was interested.
I do want to mention that the SA did explicitly say to me that this normally doesn’t happen, usually a pre-spend of more is usually required. However, due to coronavirus, the stock is a little higher than normal. I don’t know how much more is actually supposed to be spent though. I was carrying my B25 with RGHW from Paris that I got, so I don’t know if that helped also.