Hermès New York City Stores

[Tykhe]

Am I seeing a Hermes dog leash? )

Lol yes!! Good catch hah hah

 

[momasaurus]

They only care about purchases made at that specific store. Your SA needs to nominate you for a bag so it’s best to give her incentive to do so by being strictly loyal and buying only from her. In addition, purchases made elsewhere can actually work against you as they see it as missed sales and it becomes easier for them to tell themselves “why should we be the ones to give her a coveted bag? The other stores can use their limited bag stock on her instead.”

This mentality is baffling to me. So you are punished if you just love H and buy stuff wherever you travel.
Good thing I am not "pre-spending" or working on my "purchase history" in order to "score" a "coveted" "quota bag."

 

[cravin]

This mentality is baffling to me. So you are punished if you just love H and buy stuff wherever you travel.
Good thing I am not "pre-spending" or working on my "purchase history" in order to "score" a "coveted" "quota bag."

My opinion alone:

There are two facets in play.

There is individual compensation of the SA. Since compensation drives behavior, the SA is incentivized to have a customer shop with them across all categories so that they can make a commission against quota. The quota bags are a loyalty tier thing if you will, to keep one working with them. Just like any other sales relationship, the SA and client find a common ground of what makes their relationship run well.

Overall brand loyalty matters to SA Supervisors and above. They’re compensated on the overall spend at the boutique which includes quota bags. The decision of whether or not someone will be offered a B or K will come down to timing, demand, client profile, etc.

There are no hard set rules with any of this. Hermes has a formula that works very well and one getting too worried about “if I buy something here or there” is more concern than it’s worth. I have asked my SAs multiple times how and what they’re compensated on. They reply with a “thank you” first and foremost because not many people care about their motivations. We then buy what we want where we ping them first and if they can’t get it, they order it from their online terminal if they can. If not, they advise us to buy it if we see it anywhere else. SAs have to sell what the SMs order for the boutique. They know they won’t have every single thing H sells but appreciate the attempt of trying to get it first for a client that they enjoy working with.

We met a great SA at Wall St. and she essentially told us to not bother coming all the way downtown because their stock was horribly low.

We tried MP but the SA was all bubbly and talking about “dream bags” that would resonate with some but not us.

We now shop at Madison because we met a non-pretentious SA that we enjoy spending time and money with. I HATED Madison Ave for the longest and then we met a great SA and all of pretentiousness of Madison melted away.

 

[Jenna989]

My opinion alone:

There are two facets in play.

There is individual compensation of the SA. Since compensation drives behavior, the SA is incentivized to have a customer shop with them across all categories so that they can make a commission against quota. The quota bags are a loyalty tier thing if you will, to keep one working with them. Just like any other sales relationship, the SA and client find a common ground of what makes their relationship run well.

Overall brand loyalty matters to SA Supervisors and above. They’re compensated on the overall spend at the boutique which includes quota bags. The decision of whether or not someone will be offered a B or K will come down to timing, demand, client profile, etc.

There are no hard set rules with any of this. Hermes has a formula that works very well and one getting too worried about “if I buy something here or there” is more concern than it’s worth. I have asked my SAs multiple times how and what they’re compensated on. They reply with a “thank you” first and foremost because not many people care about their motivations. We then buy what we want where we ping them first and if they can’t get it, they order it from their online terminal if they can. If not, they advise us to buy it if we see it anywhere else. SAs have to sell what the SMs order for the boutique. They know they won’t have every single thing H sells but appreciate the attempt of trying to get it first for a client that they enjoy working with.

We met a great SA at Wall St. and she essentially told us to not bother coming all the way downtown because their stock was horribly low.

We tried MP but the SA was all bubbly and talking about “dream bags” that would resonate with some but not us.

We now shop at Madison because we met a non-pretentious SA that we enjoy spending time and money with. I HATED Madison Ave for the longest and then we met a great SA and all of pretentiousness of Madison melted away.

Is it frustrating for you to change SAs multiple times? I am just starting to take my Hermes journey more seriously in terms of choosing a dedicated SA to work with long term and building up my customer profile. I went into the store recently looking for a couple of non-quota bags (for now ) but feel the pressure of getting the right SA the first time. I was talking to a super friendly SA about our dogs (we have the same breed), and I thought that she would be a good SA for me given how friendly she was. Unfortunately, she was very busy at the time carrying/organizing inventory around the store, so I refrained from bothering her with my Hermes questions.

I approached a different SA who is very reserved (but polite and nice). She is not the chatty or friendly type, but very professional and low-key. I actually like her personality very much in real life, but as an SA, I feel like I cannot read her face very well without all the enthusiasm lol. I had to give her my wishlist for my non-quota bags (there were hardly any bags left in Madison). Hard to tell if she will ever call me back. I keep wondering if I should have gone for the more outgoing SA so I don't have to read her mind as much.

Frankly, shopping at Hermes is just plain bizarre. I feel like I am at their mercy and all I do is to hope and pray that they will "offer" me a bag (and I am talking about non-quota :o).

 

[DoggieBags]

Is it frustrating for you to change SAs multiple times? I am just starting to take my Hermes journey more seriously in terms of choosing a dedicated SA to work with long term and building up my customer profile. I went into the store recently looking for a couple of non-quota bags (for now ) but feel the pressure of getting the right SA the first time. I was talking to a super friendly SA about our dogs (we have the same breed), and I thought that she would be a good SA for me given how friendly she was. Unfortunately, she was very busy at the time carrying/organizing inventory around the store, so I refrained from bothering her with my Hermes questions.

I approached a different SA who is very reserved (but polite and nice). She is not the chatty or friendly type, but very professional and low-key. I actually like her personality very much in real life, but as an SA, I feel like I cannot read her face very well without all the enthusiasm lol. I had to give her my wishlist for my non-quota bags (there were hardly any bags left in Madison). Hard to tell if she will ever call me back. I keep wondering if I should have gone for the more outgoing SA so I don't have to read her mind as much.

Frankly, shopping at Hermes is just plain bizarre. I feel like I am at their mercy and all I do is to hope and pray that they will "offer" me a bag (and I am talking about non-quota :o).

While the stock of bags in Madison is not what it was like pre-COVID and the bag stocks were really depleted in the last few months in 2021, I thought that they have been getting regular shipments this year. So I’m surprised to hear you say that there were hardly any bags at Madison during your recent visit. I hope you don’t mind my asking, but what non-quota bags were you looking for?

 

[Jenna989]

While the stock of bags in Madison is not what it was like pre-COVID and the bag stocks were really depleted in the last few months in 2021, I thought that they have been getting regular shipments this year. So I’m surprised to hear you say that there were hardly any bags at Madison during your recent visit. I hope you don’t mind my asking, but what non-quota bags were you looking for?

I am looking for a mini Roulis or the Kelly ado ll backpack. Of course it could just be that they are lying to me :/

 

[cravin]

Is it frustrating for you to change SAs multiple times? I am just starting to take my Hermes journey more seriously in terms of choosing a dedicated SA to work with long term and building up my customer profile. I went into the store recently looking for a couple of non-quota bags (for now ) but feel the pressure of getting the right SA the first time. I was talking to a super friendly SA about our dogs (we have the same breed), and I thought that she would be a good SA for me given how friendly she was. Unfortunately, she was very busy at the time carrying/organizing inventory around the store, so I refrained from bothering her with my Hermes questions.

I approached a different SA who is very reserved (but polite and nice). She is not the chatty or friendly type, but very professional and low-key. I actually like her personality very much in real life, but as an SA, I feel like I cannot read her face very well without all the enthusiasm lol. I had to give her my wishlist for my non-quota bags (there were hardly any bags left in Madison). Hard to tell if she will ever call me back. I keep wondering if I should have gone for the more outgoing SA so I don't have to read her mind as much.

Frankly, shopping at Hermes is just plain bizarre. I feel like I am at their mercy and all I do is to hope and pray that they will "offer" me a bag (and I am talking about non-quota :o).

We didn't really change SAs. We usually shop in Connecticut but the SA that we worked with and the SM both left Hermes. So when we were in the city, we tried Wall and MP where it didn't work. We then walked into Madison (when it was still appointment only) and were randomly assigned the SA that we work so well with today. She is outgoing and the conversation just flowed. I think part of what makes Madison so overwhelming for many new customers is the size of the store and the amount of people. I am convinced that the appointment only time during the pandemic was what helped us form the relationship. She wasn't busy running around and pushing through groups of people. It was a very calm enjoyable visit and then it stuck. Now when we plan on going to Madison, we schedule an appointment with her on a late weekday where we know it will be more calm and we will have time to shop, not just buy.

 

[Jenna989]

We didn't really change SAs. We usually shop in Connecticut but the SA that we worked with and the SM both left Hermes. So when we were in the city, we tried Wall and MP where it didn't work. We then walked into Madison (when it was still appointment only) and were randomly assigned the SA that we work so well with today. She is outgoing and the conversation just flowed. I think part of what makes Madison so overwhelming for many new customers is the size of the store and the amount of people. I am convinced that the appointment only time during the pandemic was what helped us form the relationship. She wasn't busy running around and pushing through groups of people. It was a very calm enjoyable visit and then it stuck. Now when we plan on going to Madison, we schedule an appointment with her on a late weekday where we know it will be more calm and we will have time to shop, not just buy.

Now I am regretting not getting the friendly SA, kinda awkward to change now since I already gave the other SA my wishlist

 

[DoggieBags]

I am looking for a mini Roulis or the Kelly ado ll backpack. Of course it could just be that they are lying to me :/

Both bags are in demand so I’m not surprised that they had none available. Now if you had said you asked for a GP 36 in any color and they said they had none at Madison then I would have been surprised. Bag stocks are trickling in but the most requested bags are still quite scarce unfortunately.

 

[chicfinds]

Nothing to feel awkward about, just go back to the first SA and start shopping with them next time. don't overthink it. SAs have many many clients and I highly doubt they're sitting there wondering why you ditched them after one random shopping visit and decided to shop with someone else. unless you've spent thousands with that SA, I would just switch and do what you want. i know many newcomers are intimidated by the whole hermes shopping experience but don't take it too seriously. have fun with it!

btw the mini roulis is sold to any walk-in. if its available, they'll sell it to you. Pre-covid, mini roulis, picotins and all those other non-quota bags were easily accessible. its only harder now because they're not getting as many leather goods in their shipments. kelly ado backpack might be a little harder i think? might take more of a purchase history. its not a quota bag or anything but they just don't come in as often. good luck!

I am looking for a mini Roulis or the Kelly ado ll backpack. Of course it could just be that they are lying to me :/

Is it frustrating for you to change SAs multiple times? I am just starting to take my Hermes journey more seriously in terms of choosing a dedicated SA to work with long term and building up my customer profile. I went into the store recently looking for a couple of non-quota bags (for now ) but feel the pressure of getting the right SA the first time. I was talking to a super friendly SA about our dogs (we have the same breed), and I thought that she would be a good SA for me given how friendly she was. Unfortunately, she was very busy at the time carrying/organizing inventory around the store, so I refrained from bothering her with my Hermes questions.

I approached a different SA who is very reserved (but polite and nice). She is not the chatty or friendly type, but very professional and low-key. I actually like her personality very much in real life, but as an SA, I feel like I cannot read her face very well without all the enthusiasm lol. I had to give her my wishlist for my non-quota bags (there were hardly any bags left in Madison). Hard to tell if she will ever call me back. I keep wondering if I should have gone for the more outgoing SA so I don't have to read her mind as much.

Frankly, shopping at Hermes is just plain bizarre. I feel like I am at their mercy and all I do is to hope and pray that they will "offer" me a bag (and I am talking about non-quota :o).

 

[millivanilli]

Interesting. I’m about to go on the H dot com forum to lament how there’s no show inventory for bigger sizes on the site. It’s all 34-36 for the stuff I want. I did have luck with a couple of pairs in store the past two weeks so it’s like they’ve flip flopped inventory between store and site.

do lament! I don't know why, but after lamenting there, shoes in my sizes appeared at store. Sure it has nothing to do with my crying around how unfair this is, but.....

 

[momasaurus]

My opinion alone:

There are two facets in play.

There is individual compensation of the SA. Since compensation drives behavior, the SA is incentivized to have a customer shop with them across all categories so that they can make a commission against quota. The quota bags are a loyalty tier thing if you will, to keep one working with them. Just like any other sales relationship, the SA and client find a common ground of what makes their relationship run well.

Overall brand loyalty matters to SA Supervisors and above. They’re compensated on the overall spend at the boutique which includes quota bags. The decision of whether or not someone will be offered a B or K will come down to timing, demand, client profile, etc.

There are no hard set rules with any of this. Hermes has a formula that works very well and one getting too worried about “if I buy something here or there” is more concern than it’s worth. I have asked my SAs multiple times how and what they’re compensated on. They reply with a “thank you” first and foremost because not many people care about their motivations. We then buy what we want where we ping them first and if they can’t get it, they order it from their online terminal if they can. If not, they advise us to buy it if we see it anywhere else. SAs have to sell what the SMs order for the boutique. They know they won’t have every single thing H sells but appreciate the attempt of trying to get it first for a client that they enjoy working with.

We met a great SA at Wall St. and she essentially told us to not bother coming all the way downtown because their stock was horribly low.

We tried MP but the SA was all bubbly and talking about “dream bags” that would resonate with some but not us.

We now shop at Madison because we met a non-pretentious SA that we enjoy spending time and money with. I HATED Madison Ave for the longest and then we met a great SA and all of pretentiousness of Madison melted away.

I lucked out early on with a fabulous, kind, and knowledgeable SA at Madison. I'm mostly a scarf person - and we both prefer vintage pieces anyway! At other boutiques I'm mostly telling the SAs stuff they don't know about scarves, which I learn here, LOL.

 

[spape08]

Does anyone know if MP has a terminal
for online orders? Hoping my SA can help get some .com inventory that I don’t think they have (im relatively new to this location)!
TIA

 

[morejunkny]

Both bags are in demand so I’m not surprised that they had none available. Now if you had said you asked for a GP 36 in any color and they said they had none at Madison then I would have been surprised. Bag stocks are trickling in but the most requested bags are still quite scarce unfortunately.

About 3 weeks ago I went to 3 different locations-Manhasset, Meatpacking, and Greenwich-and only one light blue GP 36 was available at MP. It was in the window and I had to wait until someone else declined it, and it wasn’t The One for me either. I was open to any combo of color, size, fabric or leather.

 

[Jenna989]

Nothing to feel awkward about, just go back to the first SA and start shopping with them next time. don't overthink it. SAs have many many clients and I highly doubt they're sitting there wondering why you ditched them after one random shopping visit and decided to shop with someone else. unless you've spent thousands with that SA, I would just switch and do what you want. i know many newcomers are intimidated by the whole hermes shopping experience but don't take it too seriously. have fun with it!

btw the mini roulis is sold to any walk-in. if its available, they'll sell it to you. Pre-covid, mini roulis, picotins and all those other non-quota bags were easily accessible. its only harder now because they're not getting as many leather goods in their shipments. kelly ado backpack might be a little harder i think? might take more of a purchase history. its not a quota bag or anything but they just don't come in as often. good luck!

Thank you so much for the advice! I am literally stressing out what to do for my next step. Let’s say I want to drop in to get a card holder the next time with another SA, won’t it be weird to mention to the new SA my wishlist bags since I am already on the waitlist through through another SA? Also, am I imagining things but the SAs on the basement/bag floor (Madison) tend to be less approachable than the other floors?

I find shopping at Hermes a very bizarre and stressful experience with all these unwritten rules and whatnot especially with my social anxiety. I just want to buy my things and go home lol. I miss the simpler days of shopping at Chanel with my amazing SA. Too bad Chanel quality is no longer up to par to justify the spending.