Is it worth the time to fly all the way to Paris for first Hermes?

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

meowcsj

meowcsj

O.G.
Jan 6, 2008
326
2
#1
Hi all,

I am now very interested in Hermes products. I understand that there will be a sales coming up in Paris on 24-27 June 2009.

In my country, Hermes is more expensive. I can save about 30% by buying in Paris for regular price items. I hope to score a Birkins too( I know it will not go sales).

I am interested in the followings;

twilly
ulysse
scraves 90
H-belt
Hapi 3 MM leather bracelet
clic clac enamel bracelet
Kelly double tour leather bracelet
Kelly money holder


I am only staying for 2.5days in Paris due to work commitment and will need to fly back to Singapore, South east Asia.

1. Is the sales worth going?
2. Is it possible to score a Birkins? When I did not purchase any Hermes items before.
3. Should I arrive in Paris on the sales day or one day before?

I am in a dilema as I was in Paris last month for tour, I did went into FSH but did not ask for Birkins. I was also in Florence but did not went into Hermes. When I came back, I heard that a Birkins was available there.

All my friends think that I am crazy to purposely fly over to Paris for Hermes with no confidence of getting a Birkins.

Should I go to Paris for the sales and Birkins? Or I should wait for next year?

Any kind souls, please advise. All advice will be deeply appreciated.
 
#2
If you are going to be in Paris, you might as well just go to Hermes and ask, No harm. They might have a Birkin, but not in the colour, size and leather you want.

As for all the items you want, I don't think they go on sale...
 
#3
J*adore said:
If you are going to be in Paris, you might as well just go to Hermes and ask, No harm. They might have a Birkin, but not in the colour, size and leather you want.

As for all the items you want, I don't think they go on sale...
Click to expand...

I guess so, items that I like are their popular items, thus they may not be on sales.
 
#4
I have never been to the Paris H sale but have heard that it's insane! :nuts:I follow a French blog called "brieuc" and he's an H addict who never misses the bi-annual sales. He takes pics,describes the mood,etc....You must arrive very early to wait in line,push your way through lots of people to check the merchandise, and wait again to pay for your purchases. Some people find this amusing/exciting as they can buy H at discounted prices.I doubt that you'll find any Birkins at the sale though.You would have to go to the boutiques.

You probably should arrive the day before the sale so you can rest. On the sale day,you'll have to wake up early to go wait in line for hours...Good luck.
 
#5
To be honest, unless you are buying a big ticket item from H (bags, RTW), it is not worth it to simply fly to Paris to get it. The difference is not that much - I bought an enamel bracelet from Paris and it was only a 200+ SGD difference, even with tax back. IMO, definitely not worth the $1500 plane ticket. That said, if you will be in Paris for other reasons - work, play - then of course pop in and buy whatever you want.

Buying the smaller items will also help you score a Birkin, I feel. If you show interest in other items BEFORE asking about a B, I think they may be more willing to accomodate you.

Good luck!
 
#6
pyrexia said:
To be honest, unless you are buying a big ticket item from H (bags, RTW), it is not worth it to simply fly to Paris to get it. The difference is not that much - I bought an enamel bracelet from Paris and it was only a 200+ SGD difference, even with tax back. IMO, definitely not worth the $1500 plane ticket. That said, if you will be in Paris for other reasons - work, play - then of course pop in and buy whatever you want.

Buying the smaller items will also help you score a Birkin, I feel. If you show interest in other items BEFORE asking about a B, I think they may be more willing to accomodate you.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Only when I return from Paris then I read this forum. There are serious network problem from accessing the net when I was in Europe. I wanted a Birkins badly. I heard ordering from Paris, takes about 3 months only rather than 2 years in Singapore.

It is also the shopping season in Paris, maybe look at some Chanel CJ and perhaps help my friend buy some LV.

I know it really sound insane since is just came back 19 May, and I am just flying there for shopping and mainly for Hermes and could only stay for 2 nights.

I think someone needs to stop me.
 
#8
meowcsj said:
I heard ordering from Paris, takes about 3 months only rather than 2 years in Singapore.
Click to expand...

Depending on the SA you meet in Paris (as well as what the current instructions from "upstairs" might be), you may not be invited to order even a normal leather Birkin from Paris, no matter what amount you might have spent on other goods during your trip or in the past.

If you go just for 2 days, it would depend very much on your luck to get the Birkin in the size and colour you want.

The bottom line is that you might be disappointed. But if you cannot eat/sleep/work thinking about a Birkin, and all the "what ifs", then go fly to Paris and try your luck so you can get on with life, but be prepared to come back empty-handed, as far as Birkins are concerned. You will still be able to buy twillies, scarves, bracelets, etc., but not necessarily on sale. The price difference for smaller items between FSH and Asia is not that significant, especially silks.
 
#9
pyrexia said:
Buying the smaller items will also help you score a Birkin, I feel. If you show interest in other items BEFORE asking about a B, I think they may be more willing to accomodate you.
Click to expand...

FSH works differently because there are different SAs for different departments. If you want a Birkin, just go straight to the bag department and ask nicely. You don't have to meander through the other departments first.
 
#10
Roxane said:
FSH works differently because there are different SAs for different departments. If you want a Birkin, just go straight to the bag department and ask nicely. You don't have to meander through the other departments first.
Click to expand...

Thank you, thank you. Another podder did recommend me her SA which she and her friend bought 2 birkins each from. They are able to place the order and had Hermes shipped to Singapore.

I am keeping my finger crossed.
 
#11
Considering the expense of flying and hotel, not to mention the uncertainty, why don't you just buy a birkin from a trusted reseller? The total would probably be about the same and you would have a greater chance of getting a bag in the leather and hardware you want.
 
#12
mistikat said:
Considering the expense of flying and hotel, not to mention the uncertainty, why don't you just buy a birkin from a trusted reseller? The total would probably be about the same and you would have a greater chance of getting a bag in the leather and hardware you want.
Click to expand...

I know it sound childish but isnt it thrilled to get Hermes direct from Paris than some unknown reseller?
 
#13
I have bought bags from the boutique and from resellers and honestly? I was just as happy both times. But if the experience of getting the bag in Paris is worth that much to you, do it. Enjoy the experience of the city and the hunt and keep your fingers crossed that you get the bag you want. Good luck!
 
#15
mistikat said:
I have bought bags from the boutique and from resellers and honestly? I was just as happy both times. But if the experience of getting the bag in Paris is worth that much to you, do it. Enjoy the experience of the city and the hunt and keep your fingers crossed that you get the bag you want. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks, I just return from Paris 20May. But Paris is really a shopping paradise and I heard raves about Paris summer sales.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top