Hermès New York City Stores

[Letter]

A database of tPF spending reports is inherently flawed IMO; underreporting in terms of missing data is just one key problematic datapoint. Starting or reviving a relationship at Madison with the goal of obtaining a particular bag is likely to be a very expensive proposition or a very long road, or both. If you’re already chugging along in one lane with identifiable mileposts and enjoying the view why veer off in a new direction? (Sorry for the tortured metaphor!)

Exceptional circumstances in the right time and place aside, I’ve yet to read of any reliable report that contravenes the basic advice oft given on how to obtain a boutique bag in the current environment.

Slightly OT, I did note the beautiful new facility Hermes has established in the Auvrergne; but hiring and training craftspeople to ramp up production will mean it will be a few years before supply is materially better.

Honestly - “changing lanes” only occurred to me because of the policy change. If my boutique is officially doing 1qb per year but others are still doing two that could make a difference.

Yeah, totally get a weird bias in tpf data 😂. When I look at posts I see that we consistently say 3:1 spend is what you should expect but there are a LOT of posts with less than that and a LOT of 2 QBs going around (I went back and looked through old posts to see if I was craaaazy). Usually I’d assume that it’s all the disgruntled “I spent 5:1 and no qb” people who post more. (That’s how it is on Reddit and why I stopped reading Reddit).

 

[textilegirl]

Honestly - “changing lanes” only occurred to me because of the policy change. If my boutique is officially doing 1qb per year but others are still doing two that could make a difference.

Yeah, totally get a weird bias in tpf data 😂. When I look at posts I see that we consistently say 3:1 spend is what you should expect but there are a LOT of posts with less than that and a LOT of 2 QBs going around (I went back and looked through old posts to see if I was craaaazy). Usually I’d assume that it’s all the disgruntled “I spent 5:1 and no qb” people who post more. (That’s how it is on Reddit and why I stopped reading Reddit).

Tagging you in the chat thread so as to not be OT!

 

[OnlyModa]

Here are my observations on spend.
I think the most important factor is your sales person. not your relationship with them. It is how they like to work.
I have a salesperson in Europe and a salesperson in the United States
I have a very straightforward relationship with the one in Europe. I spend, the store gets me a bag. It’s about 2X
My sales person in the states will just get me whatever they feel like whenever they feel like it however, they will put a lot more effort into getting me something special when they finally decide to pay attention to my bag needs (not to me, to my bag needs; they always pays attention to me)
In other words, I can expect my European sales person to get me a good basic bag after predictable spent.
I can expect my US sales person to give me something fabulous at unknown time.
It’s hard to calculate the spend ratio in the US because these are more expensive special bags so maybe it’s still 2x but the X is higher. I suspect this SA expects the same pre spend for any bag, even a non special one because this SA is not into transactional spend-bag economy.i hope I am expressing well what I am trying to say.
I have a friend who shops in my US store and her salesperson functions the way my European salesperson functions.
Therefore, I conclude that it is the style of the sales person, and not the store as much as everybody thinks.

Here is an extraordinarily important component: both sales people know that I will be back. I shop regularly, I do not return, I buy mainly ready to wear for me and my husband. They know we wear everything we buy.

Edit so it is not OT: I have been told multiple times by various Madison SAs that my spend is fantastic and that I can easily be getting bags if I switched to them. I am in NY a lot. I have been tempted by that as I like a more predictable way of shopping however I am thinking they might just be trying to lure me in and my current SA has an amazing taste which is also important

 

[acrowcounted]

Honestly - “changing lanes” only occurred to me because of the policy change. If my boutique is officially doing 1qb per year but others are still doing two that could make a difference.

Yeah, totally get a weird bias in tpf data 😂. When I look at posts I see that we consistently say 3:1 spend is what you should expect but there are a LOT of posts with less than that and a LOT of 2 QBs going around (I went back and looked through old posts to see if I was craaaazy). Usually I’d assume that it’s all the disgruntled “I spent 5:1 and no qb” people who post more. (That’s how it is on Reddit and why I stopped reading Reddit).

I think you are taking the "officialness" of your Boston SA's recent statement too seriously. There are actual "official rules" like: no more than 2 QBs per calendar year per client account, and no remote shipping bags sight unseen via phone order, which require Regional Directorate Level approval for an exception and can get employees fired for disobeying, and then there are store "rules" and preferences which can be changed on a whim at the SM discretion based on individual circumstance. The 1 QB "rule" is definitely the latter type.

All US stores are currently operating on a "1 QB per year per client account....unless you make it worth our while to offer you a second bag this year" "rule" but its just the store preference based on looking at demand vs supply and trying to make the most clients at least partially happy. I think you would find that your exact relationship/spend history in either store, Boston or Madison, will require the same "investment" in order to receive a second bag in one year. Telling clients upfront that a second bag is unlikely is just a nice way to set expectations, especially as we close in on the last few months of the year and then holiday season where a ton of folks for some reason think that Christmas means bag offers will rain down.

(I'm also not sure where you are reading all these 1:1 stories? That's definitely the rare case imo and when it does pop up its usually 1:1 over three years where the store finally gives in and throws a pity bag to a "loyal client" or a first timer getting "hooked" in before waiting for 5:1 for bag #2.)

 

[880]

Starting or reviving a relationship at Madison with the goal of obtaining a particular bag is likely to be a very expensive proposition or a very long road, or both. If you’re already chugging along in one lane with identifiable mileposts and enjoying the view why veer off in a new direction

both sales people know that I will be back. I shop regularly, I do not return, I buy mainly ready to wear for me and my husband. They know we wear everything we buy.

All US stores are currently operating on a "1 QB per year per client account....unless you make it worth our while to offer you a second bag this year" "rule"

Agree 💯 with all of the above with respect to the Madison store. I was simply trying to point out (in a not very articulate fashion) that many regular madison clients have a high spend. I don’t know where a lot of clients get bags with 1X, but I doubt it’s at Madison. In fact, I would go so far as to say that at Madion, many don’t get them with 2X or 3X. JMO of course.

Like @OnlyModa , I spend bc I
Love rtw. Compared to other clients that I know IRL, my spend isn’t particularly high, but it is irrespective of accepted bag offers. It does happen to be higher than 3X per bag, but I’m not actively pursuing any bags. Like @haute okole , I do not have a wishlist but count on my SAs to offer according to my taste. HTH

On another note, I hope those in NY at the time will post pics re the Petit H event, appointments, and public opening. I am sad to miss them, but hope others will enjoy and get fun things

ETA: is it possible that a madison SA may get authorization to offer a promising new client a bag in anticipation of future spend. Certainly, but then I would imagine subsequent ones might be more challenging.

 

[addiCCted]

Therefore, I conclude that it is the style of the sales person, and not the store as much as everybody thinks.

I second this

 

[Pureglam816]

Hey guys I’m visiting New York in a couple of months and was thinking of hitting up the Hermes store on Madison ave. Was hoping to see if they would have any Kelly Pochette/Constance or Picotin. Do you think I need a purchase history at that store to be offered anything? Or are they usually good with offering tourists since I’m not looking for a quota bag. Also is there any SA you guys can recommend someone who is just nice and good to talk to? Please do message me if you don’t feel comfortable sharing openly. I just want to enjoy my trip and experience at the store. Just some background not new to the Hermes game and own a few things from Hermes already but never went or shopped at Hermes NYC.

 

[Bdbunny]

really? I feel like I read a LOT of posts that are 1:1 spend. Maybe those just jump out at me more - or I need to move to Texas 😂😂

But interesting that you also have the impression that spend needs to be more since so many people are posting offers at 1:1 spend.

Wow, does Madison have a reputation for being an "easy" store? 1:1?! That's news to me! I don't keep detailed track of my spend ratio but I am certain it is more than 1:1! Are we talking 1x being $10k? That's like one skirt at Hermes! Maybe a leather jacket if you're lucky! (And definitely not the leather trench!) I'm not sure where this rumor that Madison offers bags at 1:1 comes from, but I definitely do not find that to be the case. In fact I was told by an SA when I first started shopping there that they have clients with "big books," implying that I needed to make more purchases. And on more than one occasion, I have checked out next to someone at the register who rung up over $60k in one go, and I'm sure this happens all day long.

I have not been told that it is only 1 QB a year, so it may be a store specific “policy." And agree with what @acrowcounted said, this could be more of a preference vs a rule and based on individual circumstances... kind of like when they say "we have no bags." 😬

I also agree with @OnlyModa 's comment that a lot depends on the SA and not just the store. Some SAs are much more transparent about the bag offer process and some are really cagey about it. Some SMs allocate bags based on sales performance or tenure and some don't, so it's luck of the draw what kind of SA you have. My SA also has this uncanny ability to wander into the stockroom on any given day and come back with something amazing... and get it approved on the spot... not sure how he does it!

 

[880]

any Kelly Pochette/Constance or Picotin

The Kelly pochette is considered to be a more difficult ask than a regular QB25 or mini K. Not sure why relatively few get to Madison.

The BKC, is also difficult unless a larger size (my SA specifically said certain larger sizes can be available — though there was a shortage of the first run HAC a dos and pm Kelly messengers, both technically men’s). The Constance is popular in NY, and some strong profile clients are still awaiting their bags.

It cannot hurt to ask, so pls report back either way. By the way, unlike the old Madison, where no one smiled or greeted, it seems like everyone at the new store is very friendly, so you should have no problem finding assistance.

SA also has this uncanny ability

Your SA is magic, but it’s also clear that you guys have a great rapport and history together I love all of the things he has offered you

 

[Capitaliste]

@Letter,

I have read your posts (#4,362 and 4,370) in this NYC thread. While I am not initiating or engaging in any of discussion threads anymore, I want to share my experiences and suggestions here. The primary purpose is to help you make an informed decision. Second, I hope other people (who are in similar situations like yours) find my responses helpful.

My story begins here -
I started my H journey in early August 2023. (Prior to August 2023, I only had multiple online purchases for my sister, etc. and I was very much ignorant about Hermes or any other luxury brands, etc.) I started from the Greenwich store in CT. The SA relationship was very much transactional (and with no good vibes) and I really wanted to get a B30 (noir/GHW) for my mom for her birthday (12/2023). So, I had a strict personal deadline to get the bag by November 2023 (since I would be flying to my home country in the end of November 2023 for entire December 2023). I did not like my SA in Greenwich and I felt that my SA was a racist. (Note: I am only speaking from my experiences.) Anyway, I asked my SA that I really want to get a B30 for my mom this year (i.e., 2023), and he ignored my request. Meanwhile, I went to Madison maison about 2-3 times to browse, etc. I met some of the SAs there and asked about how to score QBs, etc.

I also joined this Forum in August 2023, where I have gained lots of information. (As you may now know, some are very helpful, some are just pretentious, etc. But, I did get lots of great insight/information about Hermes from this Forum. So, I am trying to help others if I can.) Anyway, I clicked so well with the SA (who is now my current SA) in Madison, and she introduced me about Hermes so well (for 2 hours-ish in our very first meeting without any purchases). Beginning of September 2023, I switched the SA/store from Greenwich, CT to Madison, NYC. (My pre-spend in Greenwich was more than $5,000 [excluding 1 non-QB bag], but when I looked back, it was good sunk costs since I would have never got the B30 by the timeline I wanted anyway.) I also have not regretted switching the SAs/stores because Madison maison has a lot (I mean, A LOT!) more items across all departments. (The stock level in Greenwich store was very much like those of airports.)

When I considered switching stores, I also posted my inquiry on this Forum (under the "maintaining H relationship" thread, and many (if not all) responders said, "No." So, when I read your post, I actually had a different thought. My recommendation: I would suggest that you go visit the Madison maison, and see if you can find an SA that you can work with. You don't have to buy anything (as I did not), but you can just browse and meet some SAs there. Explore if you like the environment, vibes, etc. You can then make a better decision on your own. I was also upfront and honest; I told the SA (who is now my SA) that, "Look... I don't know much about Birkin or Kelly bags... But, I really want to get a B30 noir/GHW for my mom this year. Are you able to help me with this?" My SA then promised me that she would help me get it. So, what I want to say here is this: We share our experiences here, but you have to do this on your own and find your own way. In my case, switching a store was not a big deal.

[On a side note: I have also stopped by and browsed the Boston boutique and all of stores in NJ - I actually found some strong SAs who I can possibly work with if I ever switch again from Madison to elsewhere. The key point here is that it's all about the relationship between you and your SA. Don't bother whether other people had to spend 5X to get a bag offered, etc. It's their stories, not yours. (I also don't care whether others "flex" to show off on here. lol)]


Now, let's move onto the 1:1 pre-spend level stories/rumors in Madison maison:
Most importantly, the SA relationship beats the pre-spend. The 1:1 ratio is not impossible because it depends on the SA relationship. I got the B30/noir/GHW with a ratio of 0.92:1 in early November 2023. Then, I was away in December 2024. I had some small purchases in January-February 2024. In March 2024, I got a Kelly 42 and also placed a special order. (So, pre-spend was not a concern. It was more about the relationship with the SA and the brand overall.) My SA said that I will get a B35 this year and my pre-spend level will be about 1~2 : 1, depending on the leather type (e.g., Box). My SA also added that she will offer me a B25 or K25 (for my sister) if I don't get a B35 (for myself) of my desired specs this year. While only time will tell [whether I actually get it this year or not], my conclusion is this: Pre-spend levels in Madison maison are reasonable and are not necessarily crazy (when compared to other stores) if and only if you have the right SA and you have healthy spending habits. Some TPFers will tell you these: "Madison has a lot of rich clients," "Madison is super competitive," "There are so many people who spend $60,000 a day in Madison," "I have VVVIP friends in Madison and said blah blah blah." I would never take these seriously because it's not your story (even if those so-called stories are true or not). It's really between you and the SA to get the QBs you really want.


Additional information that you wanted to know from Madison maison:
I asked my SA today about the questions you had. My SA said that it's "2 QBs a year per account." My SA explicitly told me that a married couple, for example, can get 4 QBs a year theoretically from Madison maison alone if each of them has an account. However, my SA also added that many clients get a 1 QB a year. (So, my understanding is that it's really up to the relationship with the SA...?)


Final side notes:
You have been repeatedly stated that Reddit is awful, etc. I think you may still be able to get good info from there as well. Some people (including myself) are no longer comfortable sharing info/experiences or posting questions on this Forum anymore. (I only ask questions to some of the TPFers privately via DMs when I have.) I found Reddit to be a bit better in some aspects when compared to this Forum. (So...don't hate Reddit too much, lol.) Ultimately, it's really YMMV, but I hope this helps you in making good decisions!

 

[Letter]

@Letter,

I have read your posts (#4,362 and 4,370) in this NYC thread. While I am not initiating or engaging in any of discussion threads anymore, I want to share my experiences and suggestions here. The primary purpose is to help you make an informed decision. Second, I hope other people (who are in similar situations like yours) find my responses helpful.

My story begins here -
I started my H journey in early August 2023. (Prior to August 2023, I only had multiple online purchases for my sister, etc. and I was very much ignorant about Hermes or any other luxury brands, etc.) I started from the Greenwich store in CT. The SA relationship was very much transactional (and with no good vibes) and I really wanted to get a B30 (noir/GHW) for my mom for her birthday (12/2023). So, I had a strict personal deadline to get the bag by November 2023 (since I would be flying to my home country in the end of November 2023 for entire December 2023). I did not like my SA in Greenwich and I felt that my SA was a racist. (Note: I am only speaking from my experiences.) Anyway, I asked my SA that I really want to get a B30 for my mom this year (i.e., 2023), and he ignored my request. Meanwhile, I went to Madison maison about 2-3 times to browse, etc. I met some of the SAs there and asked about how to score QBs, etc.

I also joined this Forum in August 2023, where I have gained lots of information. (As you may now know, some are very helpful, some are just pretentious, etc. But, I did get lots of great insight/information about Hermes from this Forum. So, I am trying to help others if I can.) Anyway, I clicked so well with the SA (who is now my current SA) in Madison, and she introduced me about Hermes so well (for 2 hours-ish in our very first meeting without any purchases). Beginning of September 2023, I switched the SA/store from Greenwich, CT to Madison, NYC. (My pre-spend in Greenwich was more than $5,000 [excluding 1 non-QB bag], but when I looked back, it was good sunk costs since I would have never got the B30 by the timeline I wanted anyway.) I also have not regretted switching the SAs/stores because Madison maison has a lot (I mean, A LOT!) more items across all departments. (The stock level in Greenwich store was very much like those of airports.)

When I considered switching stores, I also posted my inquiry on this Forum (under the "maintaining H relationship" thread, and many (if not all) responders said, "No." So, when I read your post, I actually had a different thought. My recommendation: I would suggest that you go visit the Madison maison, and see if you can find an SA that you can work with. You don't have to buy anything (as I did not), but you can just browse and meet some SAs there. Explore if you like the environment, vibes, etc. You can then make a better decision on your own. I was also upfront and honest; I told the SA (who is now my SA) that, "Look... I don't know much about Birkin or Kelly bags... But, I really want to get a B30 noir/GHW for my mom this year. Are you able to help me with this?" My SA then promised me that she would help me get it. So, what I want to say here is this: We share our experiences here, but you have to do this on your own and find your own way. In my case, switching a store was not a big deal.

[On a side note: I have also stopped by and browsed the Boston boutique and all of stores in NJ - I actually found some strong SAs who I can possibly work with if I ever switch again from Madison to elsewhere. The key point here is that it's all about the relationship between you and your SA. Don't bother whether other people had to spend 5X to get a bag offered, etc. It's their stories, not yours. (I also don't care whether others "flex" to show off on here. lol)]


Now, let's move onto the 1:1 pre-spend level stories/rumors in Madison maison:
Most importantly, the SA relationship beats the pre-spend. The 1:1 ratio is not impossible because it depends on the SA relationship. I got the B30/noir/GHW with a ratio of 0.92:1 in early November 2023. Then, I was away in December 2024. I had some small purchases in January-February 2024. In March 2024, I got a Kelly 42 and also placed a special order. (So, pre-spend was not a concern. It was more about the relationship with the SA and the brand overall.) My SA said that I will get a B35 this year and my pre-spend level will be about 1~2 : 1, depending on the leather type (e.g., Box). My SA also added that she will offer me a B25 or K25 (for my sister) if I don't get a B35 (for myself) of my desired specs this year. While only time will tell [whether I actually get it this year or not], my conclusion is this: Pre-spend levels in Madison maison are reasonable and are not necessarily crazy (when compared to other stores) if and only if you have the right SA and you have healthy spending habits. Some TPFers will tell you these: "Madison has a lot of rich clients," "Madison is super competitive," "There are so many people who spend $60,000 a day in Madison," "I have VVVIP friends in Madison and said blah blah blah." I would never take these seriously because it's not your story (even if those so-called stories are true or not). It's really between you and the SA to get the QBs you really want.


Additional information that you wanted to know from Madison maison:
I asked my SA today about the questions you had. My SA said that it's "2 QBs a year per account." My SA explicitly told me that a married couple, for example, can get 4 QBs a year theoretically from Madison maison alone if each of them has an account. However, my SA also added that many clients get a 1 QB a year. (So, my understanding is that it's really up to the relationship with the SA...?)


Final side notes:
You have been repeatedly stated that Reddit is awful, etc. I think you may still be able to get good info from there as well. Some people (including myself) are no longer comfortable sharing info/experiences or posting questions on this Forum anymore. (I only ask questions to some of the TPFers privately via DMs when I have.) I found Reddit to be a bit better in some aspects when compared to this Forum. (So...don't hate Reddit too much, lol.) Ultimately, it's really YMMV, but I hope this helps you in making good decisions!

Thank you for your reply - I did not fully understand your experience before this. I think it helps to have the perspective of people just starting out, like I am, to go along with the perspectives of people who already have a vast collection of QBs. (At least the collections seem vast!). Anyway. Appreciate your reply.

 

[Letter]

I think for me the issue is more that if Boston is doing 1 QB per year and Madison is still doing 2 per year, “unofficially officially”, that’s a big difference. At this rate I’m going to be spending way way over 3:1 by the time I get a second bag. So even if Madison is competitive and I end up spending 4:1 but get two bags I’m still ahead of Boston. Sadly. 🤷‍♀️

Thanks to everyone who replied.

 

[NightCat1313]

I think for me the issue is more that if Boston is doing 1 QB per year and Madison is still doing 2 per year, “unofficially officially”, that’s a big difference. At this rate I’m going to be spending way way over 3:1 by the time I get a second bag. So even if Madison is competitive and I end up spending 4:1 but get two bags I’m still ahead of Boston. Sadly. 🤷‍♀️

Thanks to everyone who replied.

I think the point is there are no fixed rules and no guarantees. I am new to Madison (paused for 2 years so basically starting over), and I am at least at 3:1 this year and still waiting on my first QB.

 

[haute okole]

I think the point is there are no fixed rules and no guarantees. I am new to Madison (paused for 2 years so basically starting over), and I am at least at 3:1 this year and still waiting on my first QB.

Thank you for accurately reporting the reality of the wait at Madison and other flagships, I hope you get the bag of your dreams. Do not settle for some undesirably huge Kelly in puce.

 

[Letter]

I think the point is there are no fixed rules and no guarantees. I am new to Madison (paused for 2 years so basically starting over), and I am at least at 3:1 this year and still waiting on my first QB.

Totally get that there are no fixed rules. However, it appears Boston is, for the most part, going to a 1qb a year system. That means I’ll close the year at over 3:1 for a bag and probably 5:1 with no bag. So if I were at a store that was still doing 2 bags a year I’d at least have a *chance* at a second bag.