looking for some advice from this group. I started shopping at the store end of last year (only purchased a few pairs of shoes). The SA I started working with left so I started with a new one in Feb. I go in every month or so but I am by no means a big spender (1-2k per visit) and maybe more if I find something I like. I focus on what I like while also considering the best categories - so I’ve bought FJ, RTW, home, and shoes and accessories. I’ve spent about 7k with my SA (not counting my last yr purchases). At the end of my second or 3rd visit she asked if I wanted bags but I was checking out so I just said thank you. I am ready to make my wishlist but I’ve heard that it’s best to reach pre-spend in a span of a year and I know you can’t/am not interested reach 2-3x before the end of the year. I would assume I’ll be closer to 15k give or take. I am intending to have a long-term relationship with my SA and the store and want several bags. I would love a b or k25 but I know those are the most popular. Do I try my luck or do I just ask for a k28 as I know all bags are difficult to obtain and I also want this bag as well. And aim for the b or k25 once I have a longer term relationship with my SA. TIA for your thoughts and advice!
Hermès Palo Alto
- Thread starter MSimis
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
Ask for what you actually want and they’ll offer what they offer. Once you see what kind of offers you get, you can assess whether the offer meets your requirements or not and choose to continue waiting for the right one to come along. Spend doesn’t expire at the end of the year but yes, others will outspend and “lap” you. However, at some point they will probably still make you and offer, it just might be one offer every 1-2 years rather than the max of two per year that big spenders get. Good luck!
I am wondering how much you have to spend per year to be considered a big spender. 30k, 50k, 100k?
I would take this time to really narrow down what you want first and ask for that. There is a big difference between a K28 and K25, and a big one between 25K and 25B. Talk to your SA; narrow it down. Perhaps there are try on bags. And, perhaps she can give you an indication of likelihood and timeline. Also, bigger bags are coming back, so keep track of dropping reseller prices. You can always do a mix of resale and boutique shopping and come out with a very unique collection. JMO
I would request a bag that will work for my lifestyle and wardrobe. If the goal is to get a quota bag quicker with less spend and it doesn't matter if it works for you or not later, then ask for a bigger size. K25 should be hard to get and may take longer time and more pre-spend because you still have to go to the store once a month to continue the relationship. (and buy something)
P.S. I am still waiting for my first quota bag, my current pre-spend ratio is 2:1, and who knows when the bag will come.
In California, $50k a visit. But you don’t have to visit often.
I don't even know what to buy to spend $50k per visit even if once in a while. I am pretty minimalist and try not to buy just to meet the quota bag ratio. Whatever I bought so far I like and use. I am also satisfied with the quality and “if you know you know” style, though with social media lots of Hermes items become more recognizable.
Oh, please do not spend just to spend, because you will absolutely regret your purchases. I am primarily a Ready to wear client and you would be surprised how a couple of outfits per season add up. Bags are just a sweet and unexpected surprise. I also have daughters who are into the shoes, jewelry and the mini bags. I actually refuse QBs because I just cannot afford to buy the bags and the clothes, so I forgo the bags when offered.
Oh I love their RTW, but I find PA RTW department is very limited comparing to the website.
wow.. I'm in the same boat. Planning to slow down and just go every two months or when something on my wishlist arrive whichever is earlier.
In same boat. It helped to think about what scenario I'd be happy with. Since you never know when you'll be offered a QB, the small QB sizes you want have an even longer wait & you're not a big spender so it could be easily be 2+ year wait based on others' spend, would you be content with not having a bag until you get the exact one you want, or would you want to have other bags while waiting for your HG bag (knowing accepting another bag may add a bit to the wait)?
My spend is pretty much same as you. Ultimately, I knew I wanted at least 1 bag this year, so I strategized to get 1 easier one first and then work on K20/B25 (which I've accpeted will be an unknown wait). The wait for smaller QB bags is known to be extremely long, so what's another few months piled on?
Also, have you seen your wishlist bags in person? I was surprised how much more toned down my excitement was when I saw the MK IRL vs drooling over it while scrolling on social media. Seeing it in person + having another bag I really wanted has alleviated some of the novelty/desire of winning my HG bag & pain of waiting.
These are really good points! I appreciate your insights! Thinking I need to expand my wishlist as yes- it would be really nice to have a bag while working towards the harder to get quota bags.
What easier to get bag did you request?
Hi, I think yes. when i showed interest in several out of stock items, my SA suggested to order online through them, that's why I think those purchases count as a pre-spend. otherwise SA could say "i will let you know when it is in store" maybe it will not count as a store purchase, but SA should get commission.