Hermès New York City Stores

[QuelleFromage]

I can only speak generally as someone who has ordered custom saddles from other “high-end” French saddle brands, but the process is relatively standardized across the industry.

The saddle fitter goes to the horse and rider. They take measurements of the horse’s back and shoulder as well as the riders seat and leg. They will bring “demo” saddles to try on the horse and for the client to ride in to see what they do and don’t like. Then they send this info to the saddle maker for the saddle to be made.

Never seen a mannequin (unless it’s for a shop/booth display), just saddle stands.

H makes wonderful saddles, and yes they come to you (can you imagine a horse fitting room at Madison? Would be amazing, but not in the cards I fear).

I have a good friend who buys only equestrian, from Madison and BH (doesn't care about the bags at all, which is hilarious given their spend). One day I must tag along on a fitting. Very envious of you and your horse!

I think many folks here would love a thread on your experience, if you feel like creating one

 

[HermesHabit]

I would, but I’m not sure it’s exciting enough for a thread! The ‘process’ really just entails having myself and my horse measured by their saddle fitter to have the saddle made to our measurements.

I would definitely find it interesting! Here’s a glimpse of the saddlery section in Madison Ave …


I would be interested to know if they are different leathers or just different finishes. Enjoy if you do go ahead with it!

 

[textilegirl]

I can only speak generally as someone who has ordered custom saddles from other “high-end” French saddle brands, but the process is relatively standardized across the industry.

The saddle fitter goes to the horse and rider. They take measurements of the horse’s back and shoulder as well as the riders seat and leg. They will bring “demo” saddles to try on the horse and for the client to ride in to see what they do and don’t like. Then they send this info to the saddle maker for the saddle to be made.

Never seen a mannequin (unless it’s for a shop/booth display), just saddle stands.

If you’re inclined, I agree, a peek into the process would be wonderful

 

[dls68]

Madison specific question- have a non- leather SA. Assumed any bag offers would come from SA only. However have seen folks reference making leather appointments. Should I? SA has my wishlist. Would I have luck as a walk in or only potentially upset SA?

 

[cravin]

Madison specific question- have a non- leather SA. Assumed any bag offers would come from SA only. However have seen folks reference making leather appointments. Should I? SA has my wishlist. Would I have luck as a walk in or only potentially upset SA?

The SA we had at Madison wasn’t a leather SA and she got us a couple hard to get bags. They can walk into the leather department like any SA and ask. They may not be focused on what’s coming in in certain deliveries and whatnot so I would doubt that they’ll proactively text you, but I’d advise you go in and chat with them. Madison is VERY competitive and your purchase history is your history. Having a RTW SA vs. a leather SA likely won’t make a HUGE difference in your chances.

 

[DoggieBags]

Madison specific question- have a non- leather SA. Assumed any bag offers would come from SA only. However have seen folks reference making leather appointments. Should I? SA has my wishlist. Would I have luck as a walk in or only potentially upset SA?

I have no idea what you are referring to when you say people are making leather appointments at Madison. Each SA at Madison can take their client through each department even though, as you pointed out, SAs are assigned to specific departments. If you’re asking these types of questions, it doesn’t sound like you are happy with your SA and if you are unhappy with your SA, you can of course switch to another SA full time. Even if you weren’t planning on switching SAs, you can use another SA if you happen to pop by the store when your regular SA is off. But when I walk in on my SA‘s day off, I do mention to whoever helps me that my regular SA is xx. Some SAs put my regular SAs on the receipt and I’ve seen others consult a SM at checkout about whether they should put my SA‘s name on the receipt or use their own. The name on the receipt is who gets the commission on that particular sale. Having said that, I don’t make major purchases with anyone other than my regular SA and her losing the occasional commission on a small purchase is not a big deal. But you cannot split your business between 2 SAs on a regular basis at the same store. If you are already a client at the store, you aren’t a walk in. When they look up your profile, they’ll see your purchase history and who your regular SA is. And if you walk into the leather department trying to get a bag as a “walk in” you won’t potentially upset your SA, you will upset your SA. My SA isn’t a leather specialist but that’s never impeded her ability to offer me bags. But she’s been my SA for many years.

 

[dls68]

This is super helpful. My SA is great- super fun and offers good advice. I had seen other posters comment about the “Maison” stores potentially functioning differently and the need for a leather specific appointment. So I was curious. No interest in switching SA. But I am not a huge spender so wait I will!

 

[acrowcounted]

I have no idea what you are referring to when you say people are making leather appointments at Madison. Each SA at Madison can take their client through each department even though, as you pointed out, SAs are assigned to specific departments. If you’re asking these types of questions, it doesn’t sound like you are happy with your SA and if you are unhappy with your SA, you can of course switch to another SA full time. Even if you weren’t planning on switching SAs, you can use another SA if you happen to pop by the store when your regular SA is off. But when I walk in on my SA‘s day off, I do mention to whoever helps me that my regular SA is xx. Some SAs put my regular SAs on the receipt and I’ve seen others consult a SM at checkout about whether they should put my SA‘s name on the receipt or use their own. The name on the receipt is who gets the commission on that particular sale. Having said that, I don’t make major purchases with anyone other than my regular SA and her losing the occasional commission on a small purchase is not a big deal. But you cannot split your business between 2 SAs on a regular basis at the same store. If you are already a client at the store, you aren’t a walk in. When they look up your profile, they’ll see your purchase history and who your regular SA. And if you walk into the leather department trying to get a bag as a “walk in” you won’t potentially upset your SA, you will upset your SA. My SA isn’t a leather specialist but that’s never impeded her ability to offer me bags. But she’s been my SA for many years.

I believe the confusion is from newbies whose logic went thus: FSH is a flagship store and has leather appointments. Madison is also a flagship store ergo how do I make a leather appointment at Madison? I’ve seen a few people on various social media channels asking about making leather appointments at Madison over the past few weeks so I assume the misinformation is self reinforcing.
OP, Madison does not have specific “leather appointments”. Continue to work with your SA, they have access like any other SA as the store management wants all SAs to be successful and they know the bags are the carrots clients are chasing.

 

[cravin]

This is super helpful. My SA is great- super fun and offers good advice. I had seen other posters comment about the “Maison” stores potentially functioning differently and the need for a leather specific appointment. So I was curious. No interest in switching SA. But I am not a huge spender so wait I will!

I would recommend going in and shopping with your SA face to face. Our old SA at Madison told us that they should get clients into the store and do less via text. While shopping with your SA, go up to the leather floor with them and mention you’d love X or Y and ask them to keep an eye out for you. Sounds like you have a good relationship with your SA, so to answer your original question of just going up to the leather floor and working with another SA, yes it would do more harm than good.

 

[dls68]

I believe the confusion is from newbies whose logic went thus: FSH is a flagship store and has leather appointments. Madison is also a flagship store ergo how do I make a leather appointment at Madison? I’ve seen a few people on various social media channels asking about making leather appointments at Madison over the past few weeks so I assume the misinformation is self reinforcing.
OP, Madison does not have specific “leather appointments”. Continue to work with your SA, they have access like any other SA as the store management wants all SAs to be successful and they know the bags are the carrots clients are chasing.

Yes, this exactly!

 

[Deleted 793791]

Madison specific question - So, I was hoping to get a men's Kelly bag, which is not a quota bag. My SA used to tell me that I would be able to get it by the end of 2023 (and the price was 19K then before taxes). I was away for my vacation, came back, and went to the Maison to see if I can get it today [and yes, it was appt-based]. My SA told me that the bag I want (i.e., the specs I want) is not available anymore and I have to wait [or I could get one with a different color], and the price has gone up. I think the price has increased by 6.8% or something, which was sorta annoying... On my way back home, I wasn't quite happy to be honest because (1) I still have to wait for a longer time and (2) the price has increased (because I could have got it last week if the SA has worked on it but the SA did not...?). [On a side note, someone has also stated the idea of "stores [especially like Madison one] always have bags, just not for you"...?]

Do you guys think that this is a common / usual case? Second, I think my concern is also related to the "maintaining a relationship at H," but decided not to post a duplicate. Do you think my relationship with the SA seems normal? I am now a bit hesitant and am thinking of switching an SA, who can help me get a Birkin 40 easier, perhaps? [Well, I don't have any alternative SA to consider yet... I have been told that some SAs can get 2 quota bags for less than $5K pre-spend. I therefore think the role of SA is very critical.]

(As you can tell, my wish list consists of Kelly 42 first, followed by Birkin 40. And, I only have 1 non-quota bag I got from online for my daily use.)

If switching an SA is considered a good option, I could consider this after getting the men's Kelly bag since it is too close to get it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[cravin]

Madison specific question - So, I was hoping to get a men's Kelly bag, which is not a quota bag. My SA used to tell me that I would be able to get it by the end of 2023 (and the price was 19K then before taxes). I was away for my vacation, came back, and went to the Maison to see if I can get it today [and yes, it was appt-based]. My SA told me that the bag I want (i.e., the specs I want) is not available anymore and I have to wait [or I could get one with a different color], and the price has gone up. I think the price has increased by 6.8% or something, which was sorta annoying... On my way back home, I wasn't quite happy to be honest because (1) I still have to wait for a longer time and (2) the price has increased (because I could have got it last week if the SA has worked on it but the SA did not...?). [On a side note, someone has also stated the idea of "stores [especially like Madison one] always have bags, just not for you"...?]

Do you guys think that this is a common / usual case? Second, I think my concern is also related to the "maintaining a relationship at H," but decided not to post a duplicate. Do you think my relationship with the SA seems normal? I am now a bit hesitant and am thinking of switching an SA, who can help me get a Birkin 40 easier, perhaps? [Well, I don't have any alternative SA to consider yet... I have been told that some SAs can get 2 quota bags for less than $5K pre-spend. I therefore think the role of SA is very critical.]

(As you can tell, my wish list consists of Kelly 42 first, followed by Birkin 40. And, I only have 1 non-quota bag I got from online for my daily use.)

If switching an SA is considered a good option, I could consider this after getting the men's Kelly bag since it is too close to get it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I didn’t read anything that would lead to finding a new SA. This is how Hermes works with bags. Good luck.

 

[acrowcounted]

Madison specific question - So, I was hoping to get a men's Kelly bag, which is not a quota bag. My SA used to tell me that I would be able to get it by the end of 2023 (and the price was 19K then before taxes). I was away for my vacation, came back, and went to the Maison to see if I can get it today [and yes, it was appt-based]. My SA told me that the bag I want (i.e., the specs I want) is not available anymore and I have to wait [or I could get one with a different color], and the price has gone up. I think the price has increased by 6.8% or something, which was sorta annoying... On my way back home, I wasn't quite happy to be honest because (1) I still have to wait for a longer time and (2) the price has increased (because I could have got it last week if the SA has worked on it but the SA did not...?). [On a side note, someone has also stated the idea of "stores [especially like Madison one] always have bags, just not for you"...?]

Do you guys think that this is a common / usual case? Second, I think my concern is also related to the "maintaining a relationship at H," but decided not to post a duplicate. Do you think my relationship with the SA seems normal? I am now a bit hesitant and am thinking of switching an SA, who can help me get a Birkin 40 easier, perhaps? [Well, I don't have any alternative SA to consider yet... I have been told that some SAs can get 2 quota bags for less than $5K pre-spend. I therefore think the role of SA is very critical.]

(As you can tell, my wish list consists of Kelly 42 first, followed by Birkin 40. And, I only have 1 non-quota bag I got from online for my daily use.)

If switching an SA is considered a good option, I could consider this after getting the men's Kelly bag since it is too close to get it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

This all sounds perfectly normal for how Hermes operates. It seems your expectations are still misaligned with reality of how deliveries and offers work. Hermes does not work on timelines or deadlines, items arrive to the stores whenever corporate feels like producing and delivering them. No, they do not have a full cache of bags in the back room at any given time. They may have a handful of unreserved bags back there but it will be a hodgepodge of random specs. The bags you are asking for are rare because they are in super low demand and thus seldom ordered and seldom made. I can’t tell you the last time I saw a reveal of a K42 nor a B40 ANYWHERE online. Also, be careful believing everything you read online when it comes to other people’s relationships, folks tend to exaggerate to look special/favored.

 

[Daydrmer]

Madison specific question - So, I was hoping to get a men's Kelly bag, which is not a quota bag. My SA used to tell me that I would be able to get it by the end of 2023 (and the price was 19K then before taxes). I was away for my vacation, came back, and went to the Maison to see if I can get it today [and yes, it was appt-based]. My SA told me that the bag I want (i.e., the specs I want) is not available anymore and I have to wait [or I could get one with a different color], and the price has gone up. I think the price has increased by 6.8% or something, which was sorta annoying... On my way back home, I wasn't quite happy to be honest because (1) I still have to wait for a longer time and (2) the price has increased (because I could have got it last week if the SA has worked on it but the SA did not...?). [On a side note, someone has also stated the idea of "stores [especially like Madison one] always have bags, just not for you"...?]

Do you guys think that this is a common / usual case? Second, I think my concern is also related to the "maintaining a relationship at H," but decided not to post a duplicate. Do you think my relationship with the SA seems normal? I am now a bit hesitant and am thinking of switching an SA, who can help me get a Birkin 40 easier, perhaps? [Well, I don't have any alternative SA to consider yet... I have been told that some SAs can get 2 quota bags for less than $5K pre-spend. I therefore think the role of SA is very critical.]

(As you can tell, my wish list consists of Kelly 42 first, followed by Birkin 40. And, I only have 1 non-quota bag I got from online for my daily use.)

If switching an SA is considered a good option, I could consider this after getting the men's Kelly bag since it is too close to get it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

The bags you are asking for are made in very small quantities due to demand. Maybe one in your specs was schedule to come by end of year but
didn’t or one in different specs came in(which it sounds like). Either way it’s the nature of the beast and it’s not something I would change SAs over. And changing SAs over this won’t be looked upon favorably by the SM.

Concerning others getting QBs with low “pre-spend”, those people are the exception, not the rule. There’s nothing you can say or do to end up in one of these “lucky” SA relationships so best not to go searching for it.

 

[Deleted 793791]

This all sounds perfectly normal for how Hermes operates. It seems your expectations are still misaligned with reality of how deliveries and offers work. Hermes does not work on timelines or deadlines, items arrive to the stores whenever corporate feels like producing and delivering them. No, they do not have a full cache of bags in the back room at any given time. They may have a handful of unreserved bags back there but it will be a hodgepodge of random specs. The bags you are asking for are rare because they are in super low demand and thus seldom ordered and seldom made. I can’t tell you the last time I saw a reveal of a K42 nor a B40 ANYWHERE online. Also, be careful believing everything you read online when it comes to other people’s relationships, folks tend to exaggerate to look special/favored.

Thanks, @acrowcounted. This is helpful.

The bags you are asking for are made in very small quantities due to demand. Maybe one in your specs was schedule to come by end of year but didn’t or one in different specs came in (which it sounds like). Either way it’s the nature of the beast and it’s not something I would change SAs over. And changing SAs over this won’t be looked upon favorably by the SM.

Concerning others getting QBs with low “pre-spend”, those people are the exception, not the rule. There’s nothing you can say or do to end up in one of these “lucky” SA relationships so best not to go searching for it.

Thanks, @Daydrmer. That's very helpful, and I appreciate your help.