Hermès New York City Stores

[QuelleFromage]

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 Maxi Kelly is such a great bag! I would not stress too much even though it's a fairly large price increase.

This bag wasn't made in large quantities (bags over 40 cm never are, even 40s are still pretty limited) and so it's not surprising that even if there was one around in specific specs, it's gone. SAs don't always have the ability to hold bags, even for a short time, and bags also get sold by one SA w/o the knowledge of others who may have interested clients. Add in the holiday craziness, and tbh I think it's a bit unreasonable to want to change SAs over this

As for getting two iconic bags with a $5K "pre-spend", that sounds like an online flex. Yes, you can buy two iconic bags at once if you are a very favored customer at Madison. And yes you can get a bag without spending a lot - either by being very lucky and in the right place/right time, or by being a long-time customer (meaning you've spent in the past, so, not actually such a low spend over time). But walking in brand new to Madison, spending $5K, and walking out with two iconic bags? I would not trust everything people say online.

 

[Deleted 793791]

The Maxi Kelly is such a great bag! I would not stress too much even though it's a fairly large price increase.

This bag wasn't made in large quantities (bags over 40 cm never are, even 40s are still pretty limited) and so it's not surprising that even if there was one around in specific specs, it's gone. SAs don't always have the ability to hold bags, even for a short time, and bags also get sold by one SA w/o the knowledge of others who may have interested clients. Add in the holiday craziness, and tbh I think it's a bit unreasonable to want to change SAs over this

As for getting two iconic bags with a $5K "pre-spend", that sounds like an online flex. Yes, you can buy two iconic bags at once if you are a very favored customer at Madison. And yes you can get a bag without spending a lot - either by being very lucky and in the right place/right time, or by being a long-time customer (meaning you've spent in the past, so, not actually such a low spend over time). But walking in brand new to Madison, spending $5K, and walking out with two iconic bags? I would not trust everything people say online.

Thanks for your suggestion, @QuelleFromage. From my conversation with the SA, I also sensed that my SA somewhat intended to offer me the Maxi Kelly in my Birthday (late February) instead of when I came back from the vacation (late December 2023 or early January 2024). Who knows?

I also heard that B40 is being made in Paris, but the Madison SMs do not buy/order it due to a low demand. So, it will be another long wait for B40. (I am just looking for an ordinary specs other than the size...) I was curious if different SAs/stores would make it any different. (I am also exploring the option of secondary market for this before making the informed decision.) Thanks for your kind words!

 

[Deleted 793791]

Question for Madison Maison: Are there multiple store managers [SMs] or just one? I think the SM usually decides which client gets what bag. If I am not satisfied with my SA, I should/could be able to talk to the SM, right? How do I find the SM in the store? Should I just request at the front desk? (I want to do it without my SA knowing it because it can be a bit awkward.) Suggestions are appreciated. Thank you!

PS. Can anyone PM me with the name(s) of SM(s) so that I can request to see that person when I visit next time?

 

[haute okole]

Thanks for your suggestion, @QuelleFromage. From my conversation with the SA, I also sensed that my SA somewhat intended to offer me the Maxi Kelly in my Birthday (late February) instead of when I came back from the vacation (late December 2023 or early January 2024). Who knows?

I also heard that B40 is being made in Paris, but the Madison SMs do not buy/order it due to a low demand. So, it will be another long wait for B40. (I am just looking for an ordinary specs other than the size...) I was curious if different SAs/stores would make it any different. (I am also exploring the option of secondary market for this before making the informed decision.) Thanks for your kind words!

Store managers left for Paris on January 4 to put in their orders in for their respective stores. If you are someone the SM and SA likes, the SM may order the larger bags with you specifically in mind. My SA says that spend is important, but the most important factor is to be kind. Patience, empathy and kindness are obvious traits that bode well for everyone, but is sadly lacking lately based on the behavior I have personally witnessed in the store this December.

Your SM is likely in Paris now. In any event, the SM’s loyalty would most likely be with their SA, unless you already have a fantastic, long term relationship with the store and SM.

 

[Deleted 793791]

My SA says that spend is important, but the most important factor is to be kind. Patience, empathy and kindness are obvious traits that bode well for everyone, but is sadly lacking lately based on the behavior I have personally witnessed in the store this December.

I totally agree with this. When I go to the Maison inside, I am always tying to be kind and gentle. However, on my way back home, I often felt that I got played and got frustrated. Then I put my emotions on this Forum. haha. But, seriously, I am authentic and trying to be collegial every time I interact with my SA. The problem is that my SA doesn't keep the words as promised (see here). So, I was going to ask some advice from the SM directly (including the idea of switching the SA, etc. while keeping everything low maintenance).

 

[acrowcounted]

I totally agree with this. When I go to the Maison inside, I am always tying to be kind and gentle. However, on my way back home, I often felt that I got played and got frustrated. Then I put my emotions on this Forum. haha. But, seriously, I am authentic and trying to be collegial every time I interact with my SA. The problem is that my SA doesn't keep the words as promised (see here). So, I was going to ask some advice from the SM directly (including the idea of switching the SA, etc. while keeping everything low maintenance).

You’re going to blow up your relationship with the store. I urge you to just be patient. They cannot offer you that which the store does not have.

 

[Deleted 793791]

You’re going to blow up your relationship with the store. I urge you to just be patient. They cannot offer you that which the store does not have.

So, I should be silent about the SA's attitude? The SA is the one who gave me the timeline - not me - and keeps changing the words every time. Just being patient is the best possible answer here? I am trying to be a loyal customer, and am not into a game, but I get frustrated with how the SA plays the "game." Oh well...

 

[Deleted 793791]

So, I should be silent about the SA's attitude? The SA is the one who gave me the timeline - not me - and keeps changing the words every time. Just being patient is the best possible answer here? I am trying to be a loyal customer, and am not into a game, but I get frustrated with how the SA plays the "game." Oh well...

@acrowcounted - Maybe you are right. I just need to shup up and please my SA so much until I get what I want...

 

[addiCCted]

I totally agree with this. When I go to the Maison inside, I am always tying to be kind and gentle. However, on my way back home, I often felt that I got played and got frustrated. Then I put my emotions on this Forum. haha. But, seriously, I am authentic and trying to be collegial every time I interact with my SA. The problem is that my SA doesn't keep the words as promised (see here). So, I was going to ask some advice from the SM directly (including the idea of switching the SA, etc. while keeping everything low maintenance).

sometimes SAs see stock coming in but due to internal politics, sometimes those assigned bags get sent to another SA. Only you can discern whether you SA is being honest and upfront with you and just ended up getting shafted or if she is taking you for a ride. But sometimes its a congruence of spend, luck and timing to get something very specific.

 

[acrowcounted]

@acrowcounted - Maybe you are right. I just need to shup up and please my SA so much until I get what I want...

The SA can’t make the bag appear. Complaining to the manager won’t make the bag appear. Going in tomorrow and spending $1 million won’t make the bag appear. You are taking this situation very personally when honestly it’s just a matter of supply. They don’t carry bags in that size very often. Your SA was a fool to suggest any kind of timeline and it was a bit naive of you to have believed her. But trust me the demand is so low for that size that you are probably currently in a pretty good spot to be offered the next one that arrives. However, if you start to make yourself a problem with the store, I guarantee that both your SA and the SM will conveniently forget your name the next time ones arrives (or your SA will just not fight for you should there be another client that wants the same bag. “Oh that’s fine, my client can wait for the next one!”) This is why SAs don’t often make bag promises and why they never put them in writing. It’s like the nightmare situation for them. This isn’t a part of “the game” they simply.dont.have.that.bag.in.stock. It would be different if everywhere you looked you saw someone unboxing a new offer of one but that’s not the situation here.

You can either be outcome driven and quietly patiently wait for the bag to arrive (and probably be successful) or you can be emotionally driven and go in and complain to the SM about a situation that s/he can’t do anything about (and probably leave a real sour taste in their mouth relating to you as a client). Now if you dislike shopping with your SA for other reasons, absolutely consider switching to a different SA. But do understand that that will likely delay your bag even further as the new SA likely won’t prioritize you when the rare bag finally does arrive.

 

[GabrielleS]

So, I should be silent about the SA's attitude? The SA is the one who gave me the timeline - not me - and keeps changing the words every time. Just being patient is the best possible answer here? I am trying to be a loyal customer, and am not into a game, but I get frustrated with how the SA plays the "game." Oh well...

The timeline is changing because it’s not being ordered or it’s being ordered and allocated to someone else (perhaps with a higher spend waiting longer nicer etc). The SM needs to order it for the store at podium which is once a year. I think it’s fair to ask your SA if any are ordered and available for allocation or if you qualify for an SO to order one. I would not ask for a new SA. It will just make matters worse. Acrowcounted has given you wise advice.

 

[Love Of My Life]

So, I should be silent about the SA's attitude? The SA is the one who gave me the timeline - not me - and keeps changing the words every time. Just being patient is the best possible answer here? I am trying to be a loyal customer, and am not into a game, but I get frustrated with how the SA plays the "game." Oh well...

Loyalty doesn't guarantee anything at Madison or for that matter any other H store.
Patience is a virtue when dealing with Hermes & SA's. These SA's just got through a very
busy holiday season with requests perhaps above & beyond their capacity.
There is no magic in making a bag appear.
While many of us understand your feelings & that you don't enjoy game playing,
at the end of the day, Hermes is what it is.. Be patient you may pleasantly be surprised
& I'd stick with your SA as if you change it may cause further discontent on both sides..

 

[Deleted 793791]

sometimes SAs see stock coming in but due to internal politics, sometimes those assigned bags get sent to another SA. Only you can discern whether you SA is being honest and upfront with you and just ended up getting shafted or if she is taking you for a ride. But sometimes its a congruence of spend, luck and timing to get something very specific.

Yes, in the case that the stock is coming, I still pay in advance and just get it delivered or I pick it up in the next visit. And yes, I am the one to make the good judgment call.... But, I don't think my SA is being honest with me... That's the problem I have I think...

Your SA was a fool to suggest any kind of timeline and it was a bit naive of you to have believed her. But trust me the demand is so low for that size that you are probably currently in a pretty good spot to be offered the next one that arrives. However, if you start to make yourself a problem with the store, I guarantee that both your SA and the SM will conveniently forget your name the next time ones arrives (or your SA will just not fight for you should there be another client that wants the same bag. “Oh that’s fine, my client can wait for the next one!”) This is why SAs don’t often make bag promises and why they never put them in writing. It’s like the nightmare situation for them. This isn’t a part of “the game” they simply.dont.have.that.bag.in.stock. It would be different if everywhere you looked you saw someone unboxing a new offer of one but that’s not the situation here.

You can either be outcome driven and quietly patiently wait for the bag to arrive (and probably be successful) or you can be emotionally driven and go in and complain to the SM about a situation that s/he can’t do anything about (and probably leave a real sour taste in their mouth relating to you as a client). Now if you dislike shopping with your SA for other reasons, absolutely consider switching to a different SA. But do understand that that will likely delay your bag even further as the new SA likely won’t prioritize you when the rare bag finally does arrive.

I agree. Maybe she should have not said any kind of timeline. And of course, I will accept your suggestion and I will not do anything stupid (like talking to the SM, etc.). Sorry I was being a bit emotional! (Please see my response below for some other comments you listed.)

The timeline is changing because it’s not being ordered or it’s being ordered and allocated to someone else (perhaps with a higher spend waiting longer nicer etc). The SM needs to order it for the store at podium which is once a year. I think it’s fair to ask your SA if any are ordered and available for allocation or if you qualify for an SO to order one. I would not ask for a new SA. It will just make matters worse.

Thanks. But, she knows that I have been looking for this non-quota bag since September last year. I am wondering why it was so hard to tag it for me when it became available? (For all other items such as clothes, homeware items, and shoes - she is always acting "so urgent" that I have to pay virtually asap to get them even if I can just wait until the next visit.. Then, when I visited next time, the items [e.g., shoes, clothes, tableware times] I was looking for are still available. ) The behavior is somewhat conflicting between the bag versus all other items...

Plus, when I recently visited, she said she has the bags I want but with different colors. I was hesitant then. Then, I contacted her again next day that I want the other color instead of keep waiting. And she is now silent... I just don't understand why she does this to me?

 

[cravin]

The SA can’t make the bag appear. Complaining to the manager won’t make the bag appear. Going in tomorrow and spending $1 million won’t make the bag appear. You are taking this situation very personally when honestly it’s just a matter of supply. They don’t carry bags in that size very often. Your SA was a fool to suggest any kind of timeline and it was a bit naive of you to have believed her. But trust me the demand is so low for that size that you are probably currently in a pretty good spot to be offered the next one that arrives. However, if you start to make yourself a problem with the store, I guarantee that both your SA and the SM will conveniently forget your name the next time ones arrives (or your SA will just not fight for you should there be another client that wants the same bag. “Oh that’s fine, my client can wait for the next one!”) This is why SAs don’t often make bag promises and why they never put them in writing. It’s like the nightmare situation for them. This isn’t a part of “the game” they simply.dont.have.that.bag.in.stock. It would be different if everywhere you looked you saw someone unboxing a new offer of one but that’s not the situation here.

You can either be outcome driven and quietly patiently wait for the bag to arrive (and probably be successful) or you can be emotionally driven and go in and complain to the SM about a situation that s/he can’t do anything about (and probably leave a real sour taste in their mouth relating to you as a client). Now if you dislike shopping with your SA for other reasons, absolutely consider switching to a different SA. But do understand that that will likely delay your bag even further as the new SA likely won’t prioritize you when the rare bag finally does arrive.

@acrowcounted - Maybe you are right. I just need to shup up and please my SA so much until I get what I want...

I’d highly recommend that you think about the reseller route. You’re stressing out about shopping. With the amount of stress you’re putting on to yourself, even if they present you with the perfect bag, you will find something wrong with it and not enjoy it. Some people just don’t have the patience to deal with Hermes and that’s why resellers are so successful with their bags.

 

[Deleted 793791]

I’d highly recommend that you think about the reseller route. You’re stressing out about shopping. With the amount of stress you’re putting on to yourself, even if they present you with the perfect bag, you will find something wrong with it and not enjoy it. Some people just don’t have the patience to deal with Hermes and that’s why resellers are so successful with their bags.

I agree on this as well. After this bag, I plan to take a break and/or look into the reseller route because I am still not happy with my SA. No worries.