Lining up for Hermes - thoughts, rants, raves

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#454
pinkiestarlet said:
Sorry but I think it is unfair to compare to brands like LV and Goyard. Most of their coveted bags can be bought off the shelf, whereas you can't purchase a B/K/C as a walk-in in most stores. Maybe some people had but I'm very sure in Asia this would not happen unless you splash a huge amount on non-leather goods first. And most people in the queue outside of FSH tend to be from Asia (me too, same ethnic group lol).

If you have to compare, a good comparison will be with the Ginza store in Japan. It is rumored that they do sell B/K/C to walk-ins but I'm not sure if this is still true. When I visited that store about 4 years ago, I saw a queue forming at the front entrance just before it opened. The guards were giving out number tags and it was very orderly. I presume it was that calm only because you have to pay a premium, luxury goods are expensive in Japan, so there's not much incentive to purchase there.

Let's be honest here. The only reason why people are willing to queue at ungodly hours at FSH is because 1) there is a chance to score a B/K/C, albeit a very slim one and 2) the low price (way much lower as compared to their home store). There is NO WAY to stop this queue, physical or online (in the future I hope), unless FSH stops selling to walk-ins period.
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i would add one more....the profits by flipping B/K is huge if a reseller is lucky enough to get it in FSH because (1) the price is lower in Europe, and (2) basically no qualifying purchase is needed in FSH - thus the cost of the bag is lower and maximum profits is guaranteed. So no wonder many genuine bags lover (and also resellers) are so willing to queue outside to try their luck.
 
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#455
pinkiestarlet said:
Let's be honest here. The only reason why people are willing to queue at ungodly hours at FSH is because 1) there is a chance to score a B/K/C, albeit a very slim one and 2) the low price (way much lower as compared to their home store). There is NO WAY to stop this queue, physical or online (in the future I hope), unless FSH stops selling to walk-ins period.
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I have no problems to admit my only reason to visit FSH H is to try my luck for b/k/c. I was just offered K at my local store but it's not my dream combo so I passed. And you're spot on as to why people flock to FSH! The lower price and the 10x higher chance of getting one as a walk in.

I don't have the luxury of visiting FSH multiple times a year. Even before the appointment system, spending hours of my vacation time is still something I'm not willing to invest. Some may say that it'd be easier to get bag offers if I purchased other items. Well, nobody's going to guarantee I'll get my ideal config during the trip, and I'd probably never be recognized as a regular anyway (I visited FSH twice in the last 3 years), so why would I spend any money at FSH when I already have a lovely SA, especially when a lot of goodies are not a lot more expensive at home?

I've decided that if I want to save a few bucks, I'd visit the duty free H stores at airports. Sure, their selection is not as great, but I can't care less. If I find something I like, great! If I don't, my bank account grows bigger!

Unless I feel like visiting the Paris museums again, I don't think I have the desire to return to FSH any time soon. It is a very beautifully constructed building that's not going to get remodeled for a very long time. The shopping experience at home is leaps and bounds better than at FSH.

(... I'll type up my half-hearted FSH run from 2 months ago when I have time)
 
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#457
Scarf and Glove said:
I was in HK in February, and was asked to wait on line outside the store by the front door( granted, I was the only one on line for a few minutes, then others lined up behind me.) My wait was about 5 minutes.
The store was not busy; it appeared to be a desire to have a SA available to assist you when you enter the store. That was nice, but also I was unable to wander around the store without having SA follow me absolutely everywhere, which I didn't care for.
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Yep. I usually like the freedom to peruse a bit before I flag someone down for help. Indeed I often like going into stores that are just a little bit busy so I can walk around without being bothered.
 
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#460
pinkiestarlet said:
Sorry but I think it is unfair to compare to brands like LV and Goyard. Most of their coveted bags can be bought off the shelf, whereas you can't purchase a B/K/C as a walk-in in most stores. Maybe some people had but I'm very sure in Asia this would not happen unless you splash a huge amount on non-leather goods first. And most people in the queue outside of FSH tend to be from Asia (me too, same ethnic group lol).

If you have to compare, a good comparison will be with the Ginza store in Japan. It is rumored that they do sell B/K/C to walk-ins but I'm not sure if this is still true. When I visited that store about 4 years ago, I saw a queue forming at the front entrance just before it opened. The guards were giving out number tags and it was very orderly. I presume it was that calm only because you have to pay a premium, luxury goods are expensive in Japan, so there's not much incentive to purchase there.

Let's be honest here. The only reason why people are willing to queue at ungodly hours at FSH is because 1) there is a chance to score a B/K/C, albeit a very slim one and 2) the low price (way much lower as compared to their home store). There is NO WAY to stop this queue, physical or online (in the future I hope), unless FSH stops selling to walk-ins period.
Click to expand...
Ginza store no longer sell B/K to "walk-ins".
 
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#462
pinkiestarlet said:
Let's be honest here. The only reason why people are willing to queue at ungodly hours at FSH is because 1) there is a chance to score a B/K/C, albeit a very slim one and 2) the low price (way much lower as compared to their home store). There is NO WAY to stop this queue, physical or online (in the future I hope), unless FSH stops selling to walk-ins period.
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This.
 
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#464
Actually I wonder, what's wrong about selling the coveted bags to walk-ins ? Is it because of exclusivity issue ? Well talk about exclusivity... how to be exclusive when the coveted bags are everywhere in ebay or some even selling in instagram ? Shopping has changed compared to the old days when only the ultra rich has access to all these branded boutique. Now with higher average income in the whole world, more people can afford and have access to these luxury good. Be it walk-ins or regular customers are the same. It's just a choice of shopping. Nothing wrong with liking just the coveted bags. Everyone has their opinion and should not be judged just because of it.

LOL TPF admin shd summarize this thread and sell or be a consultant to H on how to improve the Q system :) so many members suggest very good points to H ! Just hope someone from H could read all these and improve the system.
 
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#465
timitaro said:
Actually I wonder, what's wrong about selling the coveted bags to walk-ins ? Is it because of exclusivity issue ? Well talk about exclusivity... how to be exclusive when the coveted bags are everywhere in ebay or some even selling in instagram ? Shopping has changed compared to the old days when only the ultra rich has access to all these branded boutique. Now with higher average income in the whole world, more people can afford and have access to these luxury good. Be it walk-ins or regular customers are the same. It's just a choice of shopping. Nothing wrong with liking just the coveted bags. Everyone has their opinion and should not be judged just because of it.

LOL TPF admin shd summarize this thread and sell or be a consultant to H on how to improve the Q system :) so many members suggest very good points to H ! Just hope someone from H could read all these and improve the system.
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Because as Mrsowen explained the company needs to make money to stay competitive and continue to thrive so they need to sell things other than just b/k. There aren't enough bags for everyone so they prioritize selling to people who enjoy the brand as well as the artistry and craftsmanship. It's not a value judgment. It's business.
 
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