I'm afraid I'm blackballed, & very sad! :-(

[KathyD]

I am an LV (usually LE) and Chanel handbag collector. Hermes was always a dream, but I decided recently to begin the quest. I went to look at the store, and was fortunate to see both a Birkin 35 in Etoupe with PH and a parchment Kelly. I was mainly in the looking phase, but told the SA that I would be interested in Birkins in Etoupe with gold HW, bleu jean, or orange. After studying tons of pics on the forum (thanks ladies), I decided against the orange (even though it is striking) because I felt my first should be a neutral. The same SA called me a few days later and offered me a 35 orange Birkin. When I declined, she was not happy, and began telling me that it would be sold within the day, and that I had specifically said that I wanted orange. Anyway, it didn't go well. A few days later, I called to tell her I wanted a neutral Birkin color, and she kept harping on the fact that I specifically wanted orange, and turned it down, so they took my name off the list. She told me to call next spring to inquire again. Now I have no choice but to look in another city or state. I'm very unhappy. I am a novice at this, and really didn't change my mind on purpose or to annoy anyone. I have the money to purchase a Birkin, and now I feel terrible. I would definitely have done things differently, but it's too late. I hate to have burned bridges.Should I just go to another store & start over?

 

[irishlass1029]

Oh no! I'm so sorry Kathy. I don't have any advice to give really - I am rather novice as well. I can tell you that the SAs in Houston are awesome, but I don't know how close that is to you. I've bought silks, a lindy, wallet, SLGs etc and they just been super sweet. My birkin, as well as other H bags came to me pre-loved, though.

I am sure the wonderful ladies in here will weigh in with good advice.

(Did you go on a cruise? I seem to remember cruise pics when I look at your avatar!)

At any rate, welcome to the "orange side."

 

[olive519]

Awww, sounds like you just landed with the wrong side of the bed SA... Show up on her day off and start over...

If you happen to travel, hit up another store/SA

There are people rejecting birkins these days...things have changed so dont hink you did anything wrong

 

[KathyD]

I am planning on visiting the Houston store soon (maybe when it gets a little under 100 degrees) LOL. I will be very careful about what I say, believe me. I know that I want a black Hermes belt, so maybe that will be a start. I went on a cruise a couple of years ago from Galveston. Were you on the same cruise? I'm actually still contemplating a Birkin vs. Kelly. I love them both, so I'll have to see the availability of each. They are both awesome bags! Thanks, kathy

 

[balenciaga-boy]

I'm sorry that you had a bad experience with this SA
I guess the way she handled the rejection was bad. In my local store, if I didn't want the bag, they would be okay with it. So I guess the best advice was mentioned by olive, to find another SA or find another store.

It is okay to not buy what you don't want; you're not obliged to buy anything.
As for the birkin vs. kelly, maybe you could go to reseller stores to try both out to see which one you would prefer? Or maybe check if they have the 'samples' in the store.

Hope you'll find your HG soon, don't give up!

 

[KathyD]

Awww, sounds like you just landed with the wrong side of the bed SA... Show up on her day off and start over...

If you happen to travel, hit up another store/SA

There are people rejecting birkins these days...things have changed so dont hink you did anything wrong

Thanks for the encouragement, Olive. I don't know if I mentioned it, but the orange Birkin was a special order for another customer anyway. I love to travel, so it will give me something to look forward to. I love the hunt, and it will make the bag more special.

 

[ouija board]

Awww, sounds like you just landed with the wrong side of the bed SA... Show up on her day off and start over...

If you happen to travel, hit up another store/SA

There are people rejecting birkins these days...things have changed so dont hink you did anything wrong

Couldn't have said it better! Unless she's a manager, I'd look for another SA in the same store, and also look for someone at the Houston store...it never hurts to have backup. And keep your eyes on the Inventory thread especially if you are traveling.

 

[KathyD]

Great advise ouija board. I'll have to look in the inventory thread to plan my next trip! Seriously, it is a great thread. Hopefully, I'll find something before next spring. That SA really had me feeling bad. I have been studying pictures, colors, leathers, etc., and hopefully I'll get more knowledgeable as time goes by. For that amount of money, I want it to be a perfect fit.

 

[Florasun]

I think you explained it perfectly - you're a novice, and in spite of your initial attraction to orange, decided that your first birkin should be a neutral. It is a legitimate excuse, IMO, and that SA was being unreasonable.
I don't know what to tell you about dealing with that SA again - but go with whatever you feel comfortable with. Like Dr. Phil says, the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.

 

[fashionistaO]

I agree w/ all of the above .. since this is your first (and prolly not the last) it is important you are happy w/ your choice, there is no wrong choice w/ any H neutral, just too many!! .. GL .. please keep us posted!

 

[pyrexia]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience, KathyD.

I suggest going with another SA, or maybe meet this SA personally in the store and explain nicely (but firmly) that while orange is on your list, you would rather start with a neutral as your first bag.

I did this with my local SA, and make it clear that while I had many colors on my Want list, my first had to be either an etoupe or a rouge garrance as I want them to be special.

It sounds like she was desperately pushing the SO orange to you because the other client didn't want it. Do you know what combination this is? Because you can always use the combination as an excuse to your advantage.

 

[ueynah]

you should not be browbeat into buying something that you are uncomfortable with. the SA should recognize that. it is your money and only you decide how to SPEND it!

not sure how long your relationship with the SA is but you are better off with someone who wants you to be happy with your purchase rather than harping on the same old issue when you go back in store again.

i'd say try working with another SA in the same store WHILE looking into at other stores. the economy in the US is so bad that SAs need to work hard to get customer and NOT berate them for changing their mind!

 

[LuvBirkin]

I'm sorry to hear this KathyD! IMO the SA is awful in "pushing" you to take the orange Birkin, which is not even your special order at the first place.

I agree with everyone here that you can re-start the conversation with another SA in the store or go to another store in your hometown. Good luck!

 

[footlocker]

all in all, the special order bag has been sold (easily, I suppose) and it is definitely not right for the SA to carry this attitude and try to sell you the bag. As hanyeu has right put it, it is YOUR money and YOU are the one to decide how to spend it. She is the SA and it is her job to sell the bag and make the customer happy.

 

[GirlieShoppe]

you should not be browbeat into buying something that you are uncomfortable with. the SA should recognize that. it is your money and only you decide how to SPEND it!

I agree!

Several months ago, I was in a similar situation but my SA handled it much differently. She called to tell me about an item she thought I would love. When I went in to see the item, I immediately knew it was not for me. I hated to tell her I was going to pass and wait for what I really wanted, but she was kind and understanding. A good SA has her clients' best interests at heart and won't hold a grudge if you need/want to pass on something.