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

[ueynah]

On hold is Gold Togo 35/ Palladium HW! Is this very difficult to get? I have the money now, but I want to be sure this is the one. At first I preferred gold HW, but the pic of this is so pretty. Am I very lucky to be offered this without buying a ton of other stuff? Please give me your opinions before I let this one go, and never get offered another. Thank you from a nervous Hermes newbie.

Kathy, was the Gold the color you requested from the store? I think if it is not, and you decide not to take it, then you can tell them that this wasn't what you are looking for and you want to wait for the color, especially given that you have to decide sight unseen. I think the SA should be understanding of that!

Also, I would advise falling into the trap of getting the "most popular" or "most hard to get" or whatever it is you think is in trend. The right bag (at this price point) should make your heart sing even if it is not the most popular or coveted.

I am reading a lot of anxiety on your initial purchase and I feel that you may not be ready yet as you are persuading yourself to get something that you are not 100% off. As much as H wants us all to believe that it is SUPER HARD to get a birkin, I want to tell you that that is NO LONGER the case given the current economy. US is in the doldrums and Japan (one of their biggest markets) is also in poor shape. Europe is no picnic either. Thus, as Jenyi has pointed out, if you are NOT too picky about color/leather, you can go FSH and try your luck. You also end up saving quite a lot of money to pay for the trip!

However, if you think you may wish to buy more H down the road, of course, it is better to find a good SA locally who can work with you.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!

 

[Leah]

RC: That SA is out of her mind to be this direct and I think she is oblivious to the current worldwide birkin availability. Getting birkins have never been this easy before, if one's not too picky of size/color/leather, then it's fairly easy to obtain one in France or Japan....or even in the States. Even exotics birkins are not that hard to find, especially in Japan.

Based on what I've been hearing from friends in the US, that is very true. A friend of mine just bought a 30 croc birkin that was just sitting on the shelves - AND this was at a West Coast boutique that doesn't get good reviews here on tPF for both service and availability of birkins. So I do agree that even sought after birkin exotics which were previously reserved for regular customers are making their way onto the floor a lot more these days.

 

[BELLACINA]

It does not matter what one is buying...the customer has every right to decide when and what she will buy !! I think sometimes you get a SA that believes a person should just buy something on the spot; no questions. They feel that since they went to the "trouble" of ordering it for you that you darn well better buy it. No way - no how....we are not talking about buying a lipstick here....it is a lot of money. The SA should always remember their sales motto "the customer is always right". Do not feel bad Kathy....just remember.....how must worse would you feel now if you had purchased the bag ????? Always go with your instinct.

 

[toujours*chic]

It does not matter what one is buying...the customer has every right to decide when and what she will buy !! I think sometimes you get a SA that believes a person should just buy something on the spot; no questions. They feel that since they went to the "trouble" of ordering it for you that you darn well better buy it. No way - no how....we are not talking about buying a lipstick here....it is a lot of money. The SA should always remember their sales motto "the customer is always right". Do not feel bad Kathy....just remember.....how must worse would you feel now if you had purchased the bag ????? Always go with your instinct.

Very true- it is easy to get caught up in the Hermes mystique and buy impulsively. Would you be manipulated into buying a car, watch, house- something expensive and of value- because the SA pressured you? Go with your instinct and get the bag that makes you happy. Hermes has been around a long time and they will no doubt be around for many more years to come. Plenty of time to find that perfect forever bag.

 

[ueynah]

Very true- it is easy to get caught up in the Hermes mystique and buy impulsively. Would you be manipulated into buying a car, watch, house- something expensive and of value- because the SA pressured you? Go with your instinct and get the bag that makes you happy. Hermes has been around a long time and they will no doubt be around for many more years to come. Plenty of time to find that perfect forever bag.

that's why there is that reputation with a "car salesperson"... strangely, there is no such thing as a "birkin salesperson"

 

[lara0112]

I am sorry to hear of your bad experience, and actually all bad experiences.

I honestly don't get it because in the German boutiques SAs are always very courteous and helpful. When my mum was looking for her Kelly, I called every store close to us and we tracked one down. When we got there they even offered a special order one that had just come in. My mum went with another one but there definitely was no need to play by silly crazy-SA rules.

 

[Swanky]

Kathy.

You and I have discussed this I think{?} this is all so ridiculous. The pressure, the jumping through hoops. . . so ridiculous
I agree, don't give in, get what YOU really want.
These businesses need to earn our business and loyalty, not the other way around.

 

[djmm]

Whatever you do, don't get sucked in into buying something from Hermes that you don't really want just for the sake of "building relationship". I'd sooner quit the brand than having to give in to that kind of indirect pressure just to own a Birkin. Get a proper SA who actually meet their target/get their commission because of returning customers who are happy with their service, not from blackmailing their customers into buying stuff they don't need.
If you can't find a proper SA, you can always go for reseller and look for a mint/almost mint condition Birkin.

 

[KathyD]

Kathy, was the Gold the color you requested from the store? I think if it is not, and you decide not to take it, then you can tell them that this wasn't what you are looking for and you want to wait for the color, especially given that you have to decide sight unseen. I think the SA should be understanding of that!


Also, I would advise falling into the trap of getting the "most popular" or "most hard to get" or whatever it is you think is in trend. The right bag (at this price point) should make your heart sing even if it is not the most popular or coveted.

I am reading a lot of anxiety on your initial purchase and I feel that you may not be ready yet as you are persuading yourself to get something that you are not 100% off. As much as H wants us all to believe that it is SUPER HARD to get a birkin, I want to tell you that that is NO LONGER the case given the current economy. US is in the doldrums and Japan (one of their biggest markets) is also in poor shape. Europe is no picnic either. Thus, as Jenyi has pointed out, if you are NOT too picky about color/leather, you can go FSH and try your luck. You also end up saving quite a lot of money to pay for the trip!

However, if you think you may wish to buy more H down the road, of course, it is better to find a good SA locally who can work with you.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!

Thank you Hanyeu. I totally agree with you. I don't think that I'm ready to make a decision yet, so I'm holding off until I'm sure. I have found a couple of SA's that are totally different from that first one.

Based on what I've been hearing from friends in the US, that is very true. A friend of mine just bought a 30 croc birkin that was just sitting on the shelves - AND this was at a West Coast boutique that doesn't get good reviews here on tPF for both service and availability of birkins. So I do agree that even sought after birkin exotics which were previously reserved for regular customers are making their way onto the floor a lot more these days.

I know! This is really a great time to buy Kellys and Birkins. I'm just going to take my time and not jump on the first one. LOL.

It does not matter what one is buying...the customer has every right to decide when and what she will buy !! I think sometimes you get a SA that believes a person should just buy something on the spot; no questions. They feel that since they went to the "trouble" of ordering it for you that you darn well better buy it. No way - no how....we are not talking about buying a lipstick here....it is a lot of money. The SA should always remember their sales motto "the customer is always right". Do not feel bad Kathy....just remember.....how must worse would you feel now if you had purchased the bag ????? Always go with your instinct.

For that kind of money, I certainly don't want to make a mistake. I just couldn't make myself go to the bank. I was nervous, and in a panic. Now that I've made the decision to wait, I feel so much better. I know that I will eventually get one though.

Very true- it is easy to get caught up in the Hermes mystique and buy impulsively. Would you be manipulated into buying a car, watch, house- something expensive and of value- because the SA pressured you? Go with your instinct and get the bag that makes you happy. Hermes has been around a long time and they will no doubt be around for many more years to come. Plenty of time to find that perfect forever bag.

The last SA didn't pressure me, I just pressured myself. But I know I will find my perfect bag soon. And by soon, I'm going to take the rest of the year if I need to. First, I need to decide if I want a Birkin or Kelly.

that's why there is that reputation with a "car salesperson"... strangely, there is no such thing as a "birkin salesperson"

True.

I am sorry to hear of your bad experience, and actually all bad experiences.

I honestly don't get it because in the German boutiques SAs are always very courteous and helpful. When my mum was looking for her Kelly, I called every store close to us and we tracked one down. When we got there they even offered a special order one that had just come in. My mum went with another one but there definitely was no need to play by silly crazy-SA rules.

It was really only the one SA. I later found out she is notorious for being a pain to customers. Hopefully, I won't have to deal with her again.

Kathy.

You and I have discussed this I think{?} this is all so ridiculous. The pressure, the jumping through hoops. . . so ridiculous
I agree, don't give in, get what YOU really want.
These businesses need to earn our business and loyalty, not the other way around.

Thanks, Swanky. I think all the other SA at that particular store are great. Have you bought any more Chanels? Hope to see you soon. Let me know the next time you are going to WB.

Whatever you do, don't get sucked in into buying something from Hermes that you don't really want just for the sake of "building relationship". I'd sooner quit the brand than having to give in to that kind of indirect pressure just to own a Birkin. Get a proper SA who actually meet their target/get their commission because of returning customers who are happy with their service, not from blackmailing their customers into buying stuff they don't need.
If you can't find a proper SA, you can always go for reseller and look for a mint/almost mint condition Birkin.

Oh, I won't buy anything I'm not interested in. I actually visited the same store again this week. Thankfully, the first SA wasn't there. I might have run out of the store. I had an extremely nice SA help me. I tried on a bracelet, which I will probably get the next time I'm in the store. Then I asked to see a Kelly. I actually got to try it on. I liked the shape and size. I'm deciding on a 32 or 35. I felt that I could do either, but the 32 would probably go more from day to evening. I didn't want the swift leather, because I think that I prefer Clemence. But at least I have a starting point. She did ask me if I wanted to place a specific color or style on a list, but I declined. I'm just going to shop around, and when I see "the one", I'll buy it. I don't want to feel pressured because I requested a particular color or style. I might go back in a few weeks, and see what else they have. Also, every time I'm in other Hermes stores around the country, I'll look until I've found the perfect bag.

Thanks again to EVERYONE for all your helpful advise. I totally love looking at everyone's gorgeous pictures. Please keep posting. Stay tuned for a reveal, whenever that might be.

 

[boxermom]

I turned down the first one I was offered and my SA wasn't petty about it at all. He later found one that I bought and I believe if I wanted another he would help me find one. That woman's response to you was unacceptable. We are allowed to change our minds on color, size, etc. For that kind of money, get exactly what you want!

 

[salikons]

I don't understand all this Hermesbehaivor that seems to be common among your SA, and if I may say so it seems like it is by SA's in US. It might be because I am a herems virgin, or because I am from Sweden. but here is my thoughts...

I find this behaviour ridicilus and childish!
For me it is quite clear, you are the customer, the SA's job is to assist YOU. You have the money, they are an employee of Hermes, not the queen, and they must realise that.

For that amount you spend on an Hermes item even if it only is a small item as a scarves or a bracelet they should treat you as a queen because their items are not cheap.

And if you buy a birkin and spend that amount of money then they should be prepared to stand on their hed while clapping with their feets singing the national hymn to you if you whish for it.

I have never been threated like that in any Swedish shop and If I woud have been I would never buy anything there. I phoned Hermes Stockholm looking for bracelets this week and they did a search for me and returned to me within ten minuts. They were kind, respectful and very helpful. maby it would have been different if I was looking for a Birkin, but I seriously doubt it. When I buy my mulberrybags here even though they are much less expensive the SA are always really nice end helpful, never had any problem at all.

so, just wait until you feel for the bag, than get it, don't ever let any SA treat you bad.

 

[pyrexia]

I don't understand all this Hermesbehaivor that seems to be common among your SA, and if I may say so it seems like it is by SA's in US. It might be because I am a herems virgin, or because I am from Sweden. but here is my thoughts...

I find this behaviour ridicilus and childish!
For me it is quite clear, you are the customer, the SA's job is to assist YOU. You have the money, they are an employee of Hermes, not the queen, and they must realise that.

For that amount you spend on an Hermes item even if it only is a small item as a scarves or a bracelet they should treat you as a queen because their items are not cheap.

And if you buy a birkin and spend that amount of money then they should be prepared to stand on their hed while clapping with their feets singing the national hymn to you if you whish for it.

I have never been threated like that in any Swedish shop and If I woud have been I would never buy anything there. I phoned Hermes Stockholm looking for bracelets this week and they did a search for me and returned to me within ten minuts. They were kind, respectful and very helpful. maby it would have been different if I was looking for a Birkin, but I seriously doubt it. When I buy my mulberrybags here even though they are much less expensive the SA are always really nice end helpful, never had any problem at all.

so, just wait until you feel for the bag, than get it, don't ever let any SA treat you bad.

Wow, with an attitude like that coming from a customer, is it any wonder why the SAs have a nasty 'tude back?

C'mon folks, the SAs may be employees of the store, and yes, they're there to help us with our purchases, but they are humans too. Who deserve the same bit of respect that we demand for ourselves.

 

[salikons]

pyrexia, I realise you didn't see the ironi in my statement.

I was merley trying to say that the SA'a are there to help you, and that it is not you as a customer that should have to get what the SA thinks you to get. Of course you should give them respect, but they should also give you as a customer respect.

when I read a lot of the threads here it seems like a lot of SA makes you have to buy little things before you even can ask If you might get a Birkin. I think that is lack of respect for the customers.

But as I said. I am new at Hermes, and from a different culture than you, so I may not understand it.

If you all think it is totally fine to almost be forced to get other things to get a relation to the SA before you even can ask for your dreambag, or that it is ok to get what the SA thinks you should get instead of what you choose, then I am sure it is fine, and maby it is that I am just stupid and don't understand the Hermes rules and regulations.

 

[JulesB68]

Kathy, I'm so sorry that what should be a wonderful experience has turned into such a nightmare for you! You're right to step back and consider carefully exactly what it is that you want. The trouble is, there are so few "available" that you don't get to try out the sizes/colours to see what suits you best! And it's doubly hard for you living at such a distance from your nearest store.
I spent at least 3 years looking at them from a distance (and doing lots of research here!) before I finally got offered one, by which time I had firmly set my heart on a 35 BJ B; despite absolutely loving it from the moment it came out of the box, I was still very nervous when it came to handing over my credit card for such a large amount of money, when I have been known to change my mind on much more insignificant purchases!

I know that I've made the right choice but I do hope that I get to purchase more in the future!

 

[JulesB68]

Rockerchic, your email from that SA is quite incroyable!

I do not understand how, with the technology available in this day & age, every H store cannot access your buying history, so it shouldn't matter what store you go into.

Yes, it's very nice to be able to develop a relationship with one person who can understand just what your likes & dislikes are in order to serve you better, but, as you found out, SA's do not necessarily stay forever, or even it may be just that it is their day off when it suits you to go shopping.

Despite having bought in London and being on the mailing list, when I shopped at a couple of stores in France whilst on holiday last month, no record could be found of my name & address on the system when it came time to pay. I know that LV do keep a record of what each client buys.

People tend to travel so much more nowadays, and because each store only has a small amount of what is currently available, it's nice to visit other stores to see what is available (I'm lucky that we have several in London, my DH not so!)

Come on Hermes, wake up & smell the coffee!!