Lining up for Hermes - thoughts, rants, raves

[Babygal14]

I was there last Friday morning , I reach fsh around 9am and I start queuing at the side dooR ( about 28 pax ahead) And I managed to get an appointment for 5pm that day.
While queuing I was approach by a guy and he ask if I want to go first in line . And he claimed that I won't get any appointment or bags if I stick to my queue, I told him I have lotsa time and I say no to him.

Happy shopping at fsh

 

[allanrvj]

I think it is true that if they somehow "standardized" the process for obtaining bags and improved service at the home stores it would help with the situation. I gradually moved my business to FSH because my experience at my home store was so awful in comparison to my experience at FSH in terms of how employees treated me, the availability of non bag merchandise and the availability of bags. Some SAs at the local stores seem to have overplayed their hands with the attitudes and the scarcity of goods issues.

I was watching a video of Charles Gross the other day (a recent upload) about the way his SA at H Madison treated him. While people can dismiss it as a rant of a privileged, spoiled brat, he has a point. He only wanted an acknowledgment that the SA received his email, but he was not getting any. He has bought from this SA before and he's suddenly getting the silent treatment (even avoiding his calls). It has gotten so bad that he has gotten the store manager involved, only to get a non-apology apology from his SA and the store manager, and the situation wasn't resolved.

Even if it's a Birkin, it's just a bag. A customer doesn't deserve mind games over it.

 

[EmileH]

Very true. That line is worst than advertised. I'm glad I didn't have to do it.

I was there in early April before tourist season started. I didn't stand in the line but I could see it was awful even then. It's only going to grow and become more contentious. Wait until July. It will be a complete nightmare.

 

[Mininana]

How early is everyone lining up now? I'm so put off about this I haven't lined up despite having been in Paris during this system
Going to try my luck for a second time in sevres!

 

[etoupebirkin]

THIS. "I would just move on to another brand." Me too, or at best the pre-loved market (I'm not paying reseller new bag prices). Hermès is vulnerable here if any brand comes up with an iconic bag and creates scarcity, but handles it differently.

I agree with this totally.
I have started to purchase Bottega Veneta. I recently acquired two pre-loved Cabats in pristine pre-loved shape and they are gorgeous. I also bought jewelry (not on sale) and a bunch of RTW in Las Vegas and at my local boutique. At the store, the vibe IS luxurious the quality of the workmanship is on par with Hermes. I also like that the bags are a bit more understated and under the radar. I LIKE that they are not "it" bags. The "Look at ME!!!" culture is just not my style. I like to own and use beautiful things. That's why in my real life, I don't post "look at my expensive toys" types of photos on Facebook or instagram.

I am contemplating skipping Hermes when I go to Paris in the Fall. I was going to buy fine jewelry there, but I found other pieces that served the same purpose that I liked more. So without the fine jewelry purchase, it's likely that my chances for a bag are slim to none. My DH will not have the patience for a line. The trip is to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. I'd rather spend the time with him.

 

[allanrvj]

I agree with this totally.
I have started to purchase Bottega Veneta. I recently acquired two pre-loved Cabats in pristine pre-loved shape and they are gorgeous. I also bought jewelry (not on sale) and a bunch of RTW in Las Vegas and at my local boutique. At the store, the vibe IS luxurious the quality of the workmanship is on par with Hermes. I also like that the bags are a bit more understated and under the radar. I LIKE that they are not "it" bags. The "Look at ME!!!" culture is just not my style. I like to own and use beautiful things. That's why in my real life, I don't post "look at my expensive toys" types of photos on Facebook or instagram.

I am contemplating skipping Hermes when I go to Paris in the Fall. I was going to buy fine jewelry there, but I found other pieces that served the same purpose that I liked more. So without the fine jewelry purchase, it's likely that my chances for a bag are slim to none. My DH will not have the patience for a line. The trip is to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. I'd rather spend the time with him.

When you go to Paris, you might want to check out Moynat. I was there last month and while I did not buy anything, I was so impressed by their SA's level of attentiveness, and the store's ambience--quiet and elegant. It's what Hermes should have been. Also, they have marquetry products that look unreal. Like this one, this is not painted on. It's actually separate pieces of differently colored leathers fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle:



I highly recommend a visit to their store, even just to marvel at their products.

 

[arighome@yahoo.]

I was watching a video of Charles Gross the other day (a recent upload) about the way his SA at H Madison treated him. While people can dismiss it as a rant of a privileged, spoiled brat, he has a point. He only wanted an acknowledgment that the SA received his email, but he was not getting any. He has bought from this SA before and he's suddenly getting the silent treatment (even avoiding his calls). It has gotten so bad that he has gotten the store manager involved, only to get a non-apology apology from his SA and the store manager, and the situation wasn't resolved.

Even if it's a Birkin, it's just a bag. A customer doesn't deserve mind games over it.

Very true-it is just a bag and the situation has become surreally crazy...[emoji32]

 

[Mrs.Kitts]

Hi...
I went to FSH to join the queue at 5:20 AM. There were 12 people aheads of me.. two of them were seemed to be pitched over night to get to the front of queue.
Eventhough This Paris trip was a spontaneous plan from my husband since i finally passed 13 weeks of pregnancy.. i tried to prepare it properly by checking this thread almost everyday. I scored my first birkin bag in october last year at FSH because of all the informations provided on this forum, especially this thread! Booked the hotel nearby FSH and the most important thing is prepare to bring my Portable folding chair so i won't be standing for 5 hours until the store is open.
Back to my FSH experience today. 12 people aheads of me started to multiplied in number. Few of the people in front of me seems know each other! Then it came to my conclusion "HERE THEY ARE: THE RESELLER" i started to get annoyed and worried i won't have a chance to get appointment today. I only have today to queue at FSH. A lady behind me asked the people who got first and second queue about the time they get there to queue. And they said 2AM! It's crazy!
6:30 AM the lady behind me was offered by a chinese lady to move to the queue no.4 for €80 . she declined. So this chinese lady came to me and offered me the spot . I took it without thinking Because i was getting worried i wont get the chance to get appointment today.
Short story, i moved to queue no 4 but few hours later before the store was open these people in front of me sold their slots to multiple people. At the end when the store was open there were 9 people in front of me .
My husband came just before the store was open, i always think he is my lucky charm to score bags in FSH. We look after by a very friendly staff straight away. He said the first 20 people will be served straight away.
He gathered all informations about the bag i am after for. I was asked for K28 , K25 or constance Mini/C24 in Neutral color. No hardware preference nor leather preference.
He informed us that since we came early, might be no stocks available for bag i wanted, but he will check it for me.
Here is our strategy : after told the staff kind of bag i am looking for, we also told him that my husband looking for few pairs of shoes. So it seems that we not only coming for a bag But actually IS!
He became more attentives in accomodate our needs. After 15 mins waiting, and husband managed to get 2 pairs of shoes from Hermes and John lobb he came with 2 big boxes! He told us no B or K available today but he managed to find a noir C24 with palladium hardware for me. After checked on the bag, i decided to take it. We proceed to the cashier, suddenly i saw jige clutch on the display. I asked the staff if there were any available jige clutch. He checked the inventory and at the end, i walked out from the store with a Constance bag and a jige clutch with swift leather and 2 pairs of shoes for husband. So far, good experience! Thanks to this thread that always helpful and informative!!

 

[mistikat]

I was watching a video of Charles Gross the other day (a recent upload) about the way his SA at H Madison treated him. While people can dismiss it as a rant of a privileged, spoiled brat, he has a point. He only wanted an acknowledgment that the SA received his email, but he was not getting any. He has bought from this SA before and he's suddenly getting the silent treatment (even avoiding his calls). It has gotten so bad that he has gotten the store manager involved, only to get a non-apology apology from his SA and the store manager, and the situation wasn't resolved.

Even if it's a Birkin, it's just a bag. A customer doesn't deserve mind games over it.

I agree with this totally.
I have started to purchase Bottega Veneta. I recently acquired two pre-loved Cabats in pristine pre-loved shape and they are gorgeous. I also bought jewelry (not on sale) and a bunch of RTW in Las Vegas and at my local boutique. At the store, the vibe IS luxurious the quality of the workmanship is on par with Hermes. I also like that the bags are a bit more understated and under the radar. I LIKE that they are not "it" bags. The "Look at ME!!!" culture is just not my style. I like to own and use beautiful things. That's why in my real life, I don't post "look at my expensive toys" types of photos on Facebook or instagram.

I am contemplating skipping Hermes when I go to Paris in the Fall. I was going to buy fine jewelry there, but I found other pieces that served the same purpose that I liked more. So without the fine jewelry purchase, it's likely that my chances for a bag are slim to none. My DH will not have the patience for a line. The trip is to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. I'd rather spend the time with him.

When you go to Paris, you might want to check out Moynat. I was there last month and while I did not buy anything, I was so impressed by their SA's level of attentiveness, and the store's ambience--quiet and elegant. It's what Hermes should have been. Also, they have marquetry products that look unreal. Like this one, this is not painted on. It's actually separate pieces of differently colored leathers fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle:

View attachment 3746629

I highly recommend a visit to their store, even just to marvel at their products.

The thread was started to discuss the line system specifically. Please consider contributing to other threads about obtaining items, treatment in stores, other brand options, etc. Thanks.

 

[this_is_rj]

I honestly don't think going super early really achieves that much. I queued less than a month ago and sure some people get there at 2AM (they are line sitters/sellers), but every time I got there around 5-5:30AM, sometimes as late as 6AM and I was mostly served first thing when the doors opened. Between 5:30AM and 6AM there at most one or two people that joined the line. All power if you wish to sit on footpath from the very early hours of the morning but I personally think it is necessary, as long as you are there by 7AM-ish you will most likely get an appointment. Yes, there are instances where ladies have not, but I am talking generally. Good luck ladies!

 

[tv_vt1809]

I honestly don't think going super early really achieves that much. I queued less than a month ago and sure some people get there at 2AM (they are line sitters/sellers), but every time I got there around 5-5:30AM, sometimes as late as 6AM and I was mostly served first thing when the doors opened. Between 5:30AM and 6AM there at most one or two people that joined the line. All power if you wish to sit on footpath from the very early hours of the morning but I personally think it is necessary, as long as you are there by 7AM-ish you will most likely get an appointment. Yes, there are instances where ladies have not, but I am talking generally. Good luck ladies!

You are lucky for still getting appointments because so far I have seen these sellers trying to sell 1 spot to multiple people which will lead to many behind not securing any appointment. Just now there is this Korean gentleman who tries to argue with the line sitters, he came and waited for hours yesterday for his wife but couldn't get any appointment because by the time the door opens, the number of people in front of him has multiplied due to resellers.

 

[this_is_rj]

The same thing happened to me re line sitters/sellers. I still got an appointment and/or served right away each time I lined up, except for when our door was opened much later than the front door. I think that the line sitters tell people they will not get appointments so they can sell their spots. I still believe that as long as you are there by 7AMish you will most likely get an appointment. Just my experience. I was in paris for nearly a month and lined up 5 times. Good luck today.

 

[ladyjane 963]

I really don't understand Fish why don't they change things to stop these people queuing for others , skipping the line and resellers, surely they must have a better system than having people queue outside their store all night not very good looking.

 

[tv_vt1809]

I really don't understand Fish why don't they change things to stop these people queuing for others , skipping the line and resellers, surely they must have a better system than having people queue outside their store all night not very good looking.

Agreed! I feel very embarrassed for Hermes and for those resellers blatantly trying to walk around selling their spots to multiple people. This line sitter woman practically sleeps out here on the pavement everyday. This is my first try here and don't think I can do it again.

 

[Letsseewt]

I m queuing up at the front door too, a few group of people were trying to sell their spots. And one girl who queued up alone from 6am tried to let her 4 friends joined the queue at 8-9am. I arrived since 7am. It's just unfair!