Hermes SA rant - I want my Birkin! (long rant)

[Japster]

Hypothetical question which I'm quite interested in learning the answer to: How do people who don't have time to hang around and chitchat in the store buy a Birkin from an H store?

I hear ya because that's how my life is. I really think a lot of it has to do with your area. As I said in an earlier post on this thread, it's relatively easy to get a Birkin in my area. You can often walk in and find one on the shelf or in the back just waiting for it's new owner. I have yet to have a visit where there has NOT been atleast 2-3 Kellys available.

I, of course, would have a heck of a time if I went to Singapore though as it's not easy at all from all I hear.

 

[Grands Fonds]

^ It's the same situation at the store that the original poster is referring to, E.

No offence to the original poster, but there are Birkins to be had, there are no waitlists, but as a client of the store, I would be dreadfully disappointed if, after many years of collecting Hermes, making long-term and sincere friends with the sales people and developing an appreciation of the House in general, I visited there, only to be told the bag I sought had just been sold to someone who just walked in for the first time and asked for a Birkin, an "IT" bag.

There is a very good reason that selected goods are held over for clients, and I for one appreciate that they show as much loyalty to me as I have shown to them.

 

[Tigger11]

I don't own a H bag but have been looking through this forum and resellers and can actually see both points of view.

The ultimate of bags to buy is, in my opinion a H bag, not only because of the quality of this item but also because you just can't nip into your local shop and but the one you want in the right size, colour and leather but........

I also understand (being a working mum of two (3 and 4 year olds)) that I don't have time for a two hour drive to my nearest H store to talk and get to know a SA. And even if I did I would have my DS with me, and they would want to touch everything in sight, so the SA would probably think I wasn't worthy of a H anyway.

So what's a girl to do.....?

 

[guccigal07]

its all about how bad you want it

 

[Queenie]

Hi,

I started my H fever 3 yrs ago but only managed to get a birkin this year as a walk in just because it was displayed on the shelf. And that was the one and only. I must be real lucky that day. So I hope you can be patience and I'm sure you'll get be able to own one one day.

 

[HaydenM]

Hello Kasumi,
Welcome! I understand how frustrating it is to want something and not be able to get it. Trust me, I was in your situation 3 yrs ago. All I can tell you is to be patient. The process is quite long and tedious but worth the experience. It humbled me when I was an Hermes newbie. Before I acquired my first Birkin, I'd often complain to my DH how it was so easy to purchase a $100k vehicle yet it was so difficult to buy an Hermes Birkin. Pissed me OFFFF!!!When I look back, I was such a brat. lol

"Understand the game before you play it. Otherwise, you'll never win."

Good luck! You'll get your Birkin with your persistence!

 

[Alidoll]

Sorry, but I still don't see what all the fuss is over the Birkin [given that Jane, the lady it was design for said it was too heavy etc!].

There are lots of lovely bags out there at a fraction of the cost and just a beautiful and with so many fakes on the market, the "status" symbol of owning a Birkin is a bit of a joke to be honest.

As I said in a previous thread, there is a LV store in Edinburgh but if you walk down the street with one of their geniune "cost a fortune" IT bags, most people think it is a fake anyway which I guess defeats the purpose of owning one for many people. There are a lot of people out there that think the Birkin (and their owners) are vulgar as it screams "look at my wealth.." and that people who strive to own one are mad [I found a lot of news items where people have slated Birkin owners as being sad, pathetic people].

While this is untrue for most Birkin owners and I get flamed about Hermes being fantastic quality, hand stitched, gorgeous etc..yes, I do realise the workmanship that would go into producing the bag but several thousand dollars for a bag?!

Personally, I'd rather have a new car, a holiday somewhere hot and sunny and something sparkly for that price.

 

[amuse bouche]

Alidoll--That's why it's nice there are so many brands to choose from. I personally don't care if someone thinks my bag is fake. I know it's not. That said, have you spent time in an H store? You may come to like it!

 

[Alidoll]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I do love Hermes (I now have a couple of their scarves and am heading to the mothership in September to do some serious damage to my credit card) but I don't see the fuss over the BIRKIN itself. To me it's just boxy and too heavy..looks like it wasn't just Jane Birkin with the wrist pain...

http://www.fashionlines.com/2005/may/fashionTrendsBirkin.php

I mean, paying all that money to end up with a musculo-skeletal disorder is just plain nuts!

And as for the diamond encrusted versions - seriously, would YOU walk down your local high street carrying one of those?

By all means buy a Hermes bag but be a bit more imaginative and look at the other styles on offer...don't just chose it because everyone else wants one and it's difficult to get unless you have carnal knowledge of your local SA..

 

[Alidoll]

And yes, that was meant in a tongue in cheek manner!

 

[Rose]

I have enjoyed getting to know my SAs, walking into the H store is a is a great experience , lots of hugs and chitter chatter. The SAs are so knowledgeable and impart some very interesting stories about H and also about themselves (I know what bag each of my SA's use themselves!). So, I would suggest using the experience as a way of making new friends.

One can be lucky and walk into the store and find a Birkin on the floor. however, if you want a specific one, establish a relationship and then gently ask.

 

[bagdizzy]

Sorry, but I still don't see what all the fuss is over the Birkin [given that Jane, the lady it was design for said it was too heavy etc!].

There are lots of lovely bags out there at a fraction of the cost and just a beautiful and with so many fakes on the market, the "status" symbol of owning a Birkin is a bit of a joke to be honest.

As I said in a previous thread, there is a LV store in Edinburgh but if you walk down the street with one of their geniune "cost a fortune" IT bags, most people think it is a fake anyway which I guess defeats the purpose of owning one for many people. There are a lot of people out there that think the Birkin (and their owners) are vulgar as it screams "look at my wealth.." and that people who strive to own one are mad [I found a lot of news items where people have slated Birkin owners as being sad, pathetic people].

While this is untrue for most Birkin owners and I get flamed about Hermes being fantastic quality, hand stitched, gorgeous etc..yes, I do realise the workmanship that would go into producing the bag but several thousand dollars for a bag?!

Personally, I'd rather have a new car, a holiday somewhere hot and sunny and something sparkly for that price.

i kinda agree Alidoll.

lately, i have mixed feelings with a birkin. the last time i was in a H store inquiring a lindy & kelly longe...i told the SA, i think the birkin is overrated(maybe, thats why he showed me a 30cm rose dragee lolz!) its the IT bag and owning one will may make you not want for any bag anymore and getting yourself 'exclusive' to the brand. but, i think each brand has its own purpose. i told a pf'er before...with that price, i have to sell my house just to get one

going to a store and do a close inspection of H items...will truly show you why they are worth it. If I will get one....not just for satisfying an immediate gratification (pragmatically speaking) of having a H bag. IMO too, i should already got a new car, a holiday somewhere hot and sunny and something sparkly before spending on a H items.

I still want a H bag...not a birkin thou....something a definite H where a true H lover knows its an H bag.... The Medor Clutch!(if i can find one in the color i love best...) oh H...yoiu're giving me a Heartache!

 

[Hermesaholic]

Hermes bags are just things after all. Expensive things, due to the nature of the labor and quality and yes re-sale value. How many things can you re-sell and get more than a few pennies on the dollar except maybe fine gemstones and other types of jewelry, watches and collectible cars. While I agree to some degree that they are not necessary worth their cost from a value standpoint I think that many of us that value them do so for some very legitimate reasons. Many women who desire them want them strictly as a status symbol aswell. But you can say that about lots of brands--designer clothing, restaurants, cars, houses in certain neighborhoods etc. I value high quality and design. In my home and on my person. For example, I love jewelry and when I buy it its of the very best quality. I dont have hundreds of pieces but what I have is of high quality and timeless design. I would rather one hermes bag than 20 bags over several years of $400 each..............

 

[Kelly_Birkin]

Hermesaholic--I agree. I wish I had the mindset that I have now a few years ago, I'd have had a Birkin by now.

I would rather one hermes bag than 20 bags over several years of $400 each..............

 

[gazoo]

Hermes bags are just things after all. Expensive things, due to the nature of the labor and quality and yes re-sale value. How many things can you re-sell and get more than a few pennies on the dollar except maybe fine gemstones and other types of jewelry, watches and collectible cars. While I agree to some degree that they are not necessary worth their cost from a value standpoint I think that many of us that value them do so for some very legitimate reasons. Many women who desire them want them strictly as a status symbol aswell. But you can say that about lots of brands--designer clothing, restaurants, cars, houses in certain neighborhoods etc. I value high quality and design. In my home and on my person. For example, I love jewelry and when I buy it its of the very best quality. I dont have hundreds of pieces but what I have is of high quality and timeless design. I would rather one hermes bag than 20 bags over several years of $400 each..............

EXACTLY! My life is about quality. Period. I want the best. It absolutely means I have less of it than my friends. I have less bags than most of my friends (which own multiple LVs, Guccis and Coach) but all of them are Hermes. I have less jewelry than my sister, but my jewelry is each the best I could get my hands on. I try to eat the best foods and give my children the best. It has nothing to do with status for me, but with quality of leathers/craftsmanship and the fact that even the simplest Hermes leather key wallet makes my heart sing when I hold it.

Hermes as a brand is very understated.