Hermès SA left without notifying

[BagsbunnyNYC]

Here’s the sad story - I recently moved next to a new Hermès store and got to know this amazing SA, who was not pushy and always ready to help me get my dream bags. As a result I started bringing friends over as well to help him gain more commission. However I learned today from calling the store that he’s no longer with the company!! What do I do? T-T It almost feels more heartbreaking than a breakup.

 

[corgimom11]

I would simply call and request to chat to SM / be requested to be referred to another SA at your store. Or an alternative would be to walk-in and start to work with another SA. In my experience, I've chatted with a lot of SA at my store, while I *love* working with mine, I know in the back of my head from random chit chat who I would prefer to work with in the unlikely event my SA left H. Not sure if you have thought about it in the same way. Either way, while your rapport with your SA helps, I would always remember your loyalty is with the store and your SM is likely always the one approving your offers, and would want their advise/judgment on who to work with next.

 

[WhiteBus]

SAs leave with without warning and no reason for many reasons.
Sometimes they are not being discourteous to their clients because it is for unforeseen matters beyond their control.
I am sorry not to be sympathetic, but this is the second example in a week of where focusing on one SA to the detriment of not being known by others causes a problem. Forgive me for writing this, but putting business his way to 'help him get commission' is the wrong motivation. It is patronising and smacks of making him beholden to you. He clearly was not.
We all prefer with the same staff in any business we visit regularly. Social media has made this an obsession with 'building up relationships' with Hermes SAs; it causes some people to mold their shopping habits to fit in with what they think will please their favoured SA instead of themselves.

 

[WhiteBus]

I would simply call and request to chat to SM / be requested to be referred to another SA at your store. Or an alternative would be to walk-in and start to work with another SA. In my experience, I've chatted with a lot of SA at my store, while I *love* working with mine, I know in the back of my head from random chit chat who I would prefer to work with in the unlikely event my SA left H. Not sure if you have thought about it in the same way. Either way, while your rapport with your SA helps, I would always remember your loyalty is with the store and your SM is likely always the one approving your offers, and would want their advise/judgment on who to work with next.

This is as it should be. Such a wise perspective and it is rarely expressed so eloquently on here.

 

[papertiger]

It's not surprising that people who are good at their job and great with people get better jobs (or in other cases are promoted). Sometimes they find retail is not for them, start their own companies having amassed experience, moved location or have a big life-changing event.

Be happy for your SA and move on emotionally yourself, Hermes is still here .

 

[duna]

Back in 2015 my Hermès SM, with whom I was very friendly, (he called me if any bag arrived that he thought I would like, we had long chats about almost anything not H related....) retired at the end of the year without a word. I was really angry that he didn't even say goodbye as I thought we were "friends". Luckily there are still a few "old" SAs whom I've known for over 15 years so I'm OK, but also due to H sales policies which have changed a lot, it's nothing like it used to be.

 

[lill_canele]

SA's leaving without notice is nothing new. From any luxury house. Sometimes things just happen and they don't even expect it. Some SA's may tell you before they leave, some won't. It's just a part of life. Retail is a stressful business and I don't blame them if they want to move up or try something new/different.

I think it really depends on what kind of SA you have, how long you have known the SA, and the situation he or she is in.

Years ago, one of my Dior SA's left. When I asked where he went, I was actually told that they could not tell me lol. I later figured out where he went and I think he realized how much I valued him as my SA, so when he decided to move on to his next chapter in life, he was kind enough to tell me. I wished him the best and I hope he is doing well!
I've also had an SA who've left and told me, and was very kind and generous to give me a parting gift.
I've had SA's run into personal issues, and while they have been kind enough to talk to me about them, I do kind of see it as a sign that they may move on soon. It has happened with 2 of SAs. Nothing against them of course, I am glad that they were able to prioritize their own lives
All of these SA I have know for years, maybe on average 5-6. And they have been wonderful people to work with!

Generally though, when an SA leaves for me (knowingly or not), I usually very quickly get assigned a new SA. Doesn't necessarily mean I have to stick with them, despite getting "assigned" to a new one. Management usually figures out how responsive I am to an SA that I like vs one I'm not particularly compatible with, lol . But I have rarely not worked out with a new SA I was assigned to, I think that only happened once.

 

[BagsbunnyNYC]

I would simply call and request to chat to SM / be requested to be referred to another SA at your store. Or an alternative would be to walk-in and start to work with another SA. In my experience, I've chatted with a lot of SA at my store, while I *love* working with mine, I know in the back of my head from random chit chat who I would prefer to work with in the unlikely event my SA left H. Not sure if you have thought about it in the same way. Either way, while your rapport with your SA helps, I would always remember your loyalty is with the store and your SM is likely always the one approving your offers, and would want their advise/judgment on who to work with next.

That’s a great idea! I will speak with the manager first and see if he/she would recommend any next steps. I was joking to my friends that we have all become Hermès orphans

 

[BagsbunnyNYC]

SAs leave with without warning and no reason for many reasons.
Sometimes they are not being discourteous to their clients because it is for unforeseen matters beyond their control.
I am sorry not to be sympathetic, but this is the second example in a week of where focusing on one SA to the detriment of not being known by others causes a problem. Forgive me for writing this, but putting business his way to 'help him get commission' is the wrong motivation. It is patronising and smacks of making him beholden to you. He clearly was not.
We all prefer with the same staff in any business we visit regularly. Social media has made this an obsession with 'building up relationships' with Hermes SAs; it causes some people to mold their shopping habits to fit in with what they think will please their favoured SA instead of themselves.

Are you suggesting working with multiple SAs from the same store? There’s a reason why I got my bags from consignment shops/ auction houses as the game is all very confusing and time consuming to me…

 

[BagsbunnyNYC]

SA's leaving without notice is nothing new. From any luxury house. Sometimes things just happen and they don't even expect it. Some SA's may tell you before they leave, some won't. It's just a part of life. Retail is a stressful business and I don't blame them if they want to move up or try something new/different.

I think it really depends on what kind of SA you have, how long you have known the SA, and the situation he or she is in.

Years ago, one of my Dior SA's left. When I asked where he went, I was actually told that they could not tell me lol. I later figured out where he went and I think he realized how much I valued him as my SA, so when he decided to move on to his next chapter in life, he was kind enough to tell me. I wished him the best and I hope he is doing well!
I've also had an SA who've left and told me, and was very kind and generous to give me a parting gift.
I've had SA's run into personal issues, and while they have been kind enough to talk to me about them, I do kind of see it as a sign that they may move on soon. It has happened with 2 of SAs. Nothing against them of course, I am glad that they were able to prioritize their own lives
All of these SA I have know for years, maybe on average 5-6. And they have been wonderful people to work with!

Generally though, when an SA leaves for me (knowingly or not), I usually very quickly get assigned a new SA. Doesn't necessarily mean I have to stick with them, despite getting "assigned" to a new one. Management usually figures out how responsive I am to an SA that I like vs one I'm not particularly compatible with, lol . But I have rarely not worked out with a new SA I was assigned to, I think that only happened once.

The first thing that crossed my mind was not “what about my SO?” but rather “is he okay???” I truly hope everything was fine with him as the departure was completely surprising.

 

[WhiteBus]

Are you suggesting working with multiple SAs from the same store? There’s a reason why I got my bags from consignment shops/ auction houses as the game is all very confusing and time consuming to me…

No. But do not avoid shopping with another SA if it is expedient to do so.
e,g, you want something and your usual SA is unavailable
I know this seems to go against received Hermes etiquette, but that is reinforced by social media, rather tgan what might best suit you as a shopper at the time

 

[showgratitude]

Here’s the sad story - I recently moved next to a new Hermès store and got to know this amazing SA, who was not pushy and always ready to help me get my dream bags. As a result I started bringing friends over as well to help him gain more commission. However I learned today from calling the store that he’s no longer with the company!! What do I do? T-T It almost feels more heartbreaking than a breakup.

Sorry that you feel heartbroken over this. Hope you find another amazing SA. While SAs can really be nice to clients and discuss about a lot of subjects so much so that you think they are your friend---they are actually not (unless you hang out with them outside of H for non-H related stuff). They are sales people who have sales targets and quotas to meet so they can pay their bills, eat, feed their family, and put a roof over their head. SAs of course, have to be nice, because clients (especially "high-rollers") usually will not want to part with a hefty amount of money to a rude SA.

 

[TC1]

Sorry that you feel heartbroken over this. Hope you find another amazing SA. While SAs can really be nice to clients and discuss about a lot of subjects so much so that you think they are your friend---they are actually not (unless you hang out with them outside of H for non-H related stuff). They are sales people who have sales targets and quotas to meet so they can pay their bills, eat, feed their family, and put a roof over their head. SAs of course, have to be nice, because clients (especially "high-rollers") usually will not want to part with a hefty amount of money to a rude SA.

Exactly this ^^ sales people who excel at their jobs (which is to get you to spend money) always make you feel like a friend. They are not your friends.

 

[DoRaePEET]

I couldn’t agree more thay SAs are not our friends. They’re friendly but not your friends.