Luxury Shopping is just Too Complicated?

[papertiger]

Do you sometimes just think that luxury shopping (experience) is too complicated?

Some people love and live shopping. I read here, how they've just bought one thing and then they're on with their next HG. Thrill of the chase etc. I absolutely heave a sigh of relief if I pay, have 'thing', and done. The prices we pay, literally thousands £€$, you would think it would be more pleasurable.

In store: You have to (know to) ring ahead for appointments, be assigned an SA, make 'friends', know which member of staff is a specialist in whichever dept, know store policies on everything better than the staff, know the stock better than the staff, know procedure with staff. Make sure they're not adding your purchase history to your sister's account (same initials). All for emptying your bank account and receiving a fake smile from a SA who thinks you're a mug/privileged B./cheap B./time-waster.

Online: Be home all day or have your precious jewellery thrown at the local dumping ground for negligent shoppers, remember to take ID collecting, ring to find what happened to parcel, remember to tick boxes not leaving with your klep-to-neighbour, panic over whether you'll believed for being sent odd-shoe sizes or damaged goods, worrying about the intricacies of returns, working out the intricacies of refund - if it ever comes.

Rather than feel shopping was never more pleasurable, I find it non-stop hassle. I've always found new shopping stressful, which is why in many ways I still like going to markets and vintage stores with cash and a carrier. The prices, expectations (promises) of luxury shopping hardly ever add-up - the only thing that makes it worth it is that (hopefully) amazing product in my hands after all is done and is finally mine.

What's your take atm?

 

[forgetmenot301]

Do you sometimes just think that luxury shopping (experience) is too complicated.

Some people live shopping. I read here, how they've just bought one thing and then they're on with their next HG. Tgrill of the case etc. I absolutely heave a sigh of relief if I pay, have 'thing', and done. The prices we pay, literally thousands £€$, you would think it would be more pleasurable.

In store: You have to (know to) ring ahead for appointments, be assigned an SA, make 'friends', know which member of staff is a specialist in whichever dept, know store policies on everything better than the staff, know the stock better than the staff, know procedure with staff. Make sure they're not adding your purchase history to your sister's account (same initials). All for emptying your bank account and receiving a fake smile from a SA who thinks your a mug/privileged B./cheap B./time-waster.

Online: Be home all day or have your precious jewellery thrown at the local dumping ground for negligent shoppers, remember to take ID collecting, ring to find what happened to parcel, remember to tick boxes not leaving with your klep-to-neighbour, panic over whether you'll believed for being sent odd-shoe sizes or damaged goods, worrying about the intricacies of returns, working about the intricacies of refund - if it ever comes.

Rather than feel shopping was never more pleasurable, I find it non-stop hassle. I've always found new shopping stressful, which is why in many ways I still like going to markets and vintage stores with cash and a carrier. The prices, expectations (promises) of luxury shopping hardly ever add-up - the only thing that makes it worth it is that (hopefully) amazing product in my hands after all is done and is finally mine.

What's your take atm?

I totally feel this too. I personally go in waves with shopping. I’m either all in and purging and adding new pieces I love. Or I kinda shut it down and maybe add a piece extremely slowly here and there. I can be like that for a year or more. I do find shopping exhausting mentally too. I dont remember feeling this way in the past so maybe it’s the always progressing online world or maybe it’s just a part of aging? The worry of returns, shipping, etc…stressed me out. And I agree, I find vintage or antique shopping so so relaxing. Whereas malls, stores and online shopping is exhausting.

 

[lenarmc]

I try to make in-person shopping as painless as possible. I like to order and pick-up in store. If it’s not right, I can return it right then and there. If I see a line outside of a store, I keep it moving. I don’t go inside Dior any longer as I don’t like being assigned an SA if I just want to browse.
I’m really not going into a store for an “experience”. I want to get what I want and look around without being bothered. If I need help, I know how to ask. If I am unable to get help, I leave.
Basically, I don’t do things that I know will make me irritated. I also try not to get irritated when mistakes happen.
Except for Amazon, I try my best to steer clear from online shopping. I HATE returning. I hate it even more when I have to go to the post office.

 

[Swanky]

I’m totally the opposite!
I like shopping even if I’m not buying, I don’t think about it in the above terms at all.
Cartier is the only place we make an appointment, and it’s because DH has already talked to our SA about what we’re coming in for so he’ll have everything ready.
I enjoy popping in my other boutiques without appointments, and I’ve personally never encountered games with SAs.
If I’m window shopping I tell them, if I’m after something specific I understand I may not find it right away and I let them know that too. I had a slew of bags to replace last summer after a robbery, it was painless with Chanel and Goyard. I’m not a VIP, I walked in those stores, each SA was helpful and I left with some items and the ones they didn’t have they called me back for a month later.

I don’t dress up, I’m VERY casual. I don’t feel like I’ve ever been judged for that. I’m friendly, make eye contact and am up front about my visit that day. I’ve never had a long term SA that feels loyal to me and I’ve still been more than happy with my service. When I find a less than enthusiastic SA, I just find another!

I rarely buy anything online other than apparel/shoes that I know will fit. I like to see, inspect and try on in real life, so shopping online isn’t my preference.

 

[Mirus’ Dream]

I think the more expensive the item, the more exhausting it is. I do not worry if the item is not a high-ticketed item, but I do worry a lot about lost packages and damaged goods if it's luxury. In my case, trying a bag in store, and if it makes my heart sing, and I end up purchasing it...the experience for me is more fun than online shopping.

I am venturing to bespoke bags lately, and let's see which one is more satisfying or more stressful. Haha

I find luxury shopping very time-consuming and at times, there's decision fatigue. Since I am going to spend a hefty amount, I will most likely spend time researching about it, then spend more time deciding if it is really something I want.

 

[papertiger]

I try to make in-person shopping as painless as possible. I like to order and pick-up in store. If it’s not right, I can return it right then and there. If I see a line outside of a store, I keep it moving. I don’t go inside Dior any longer as I don’t like being assigned an SA if I just want to browse.
I’m really not going into a store for an “experience”. I want to get what I want and look around without being bothered. If I need help, I know how to ask. If I am unable to get help, I leave.
Basically, I don’t do things that I know will make me irritated. I also try not to get irritated when mistakes happen.
Except for Amazon, I try my best to steer clear from online shopping. I HATE returning. I hate it even more when I have to go to the post office.

I've tried ordering online and seeing to store twice in Cartier. I was asked for passport (coz you know I always take my passport to work ) my 3 CC and work pass with my photo wasn't evidence I am who I say I am. Then I was asked for my confirmation email. I couldn't get reception for my phone or in-store WiFi, so had to hang by the window whist watching my bag and carriers at the counter just to get the email up. The door- security suggested I go out in the street, I asked him if he was going to take responsibility for my coat/bag/shopping and he turned away...

At Hermes, you have to send back for an online refund first before they let you do an exchange in-store.

I think the only time I order online is when I've already tried in-store and they don't have the colour or variation I want. To me the online store is just for 'window shopping' and info. I go inshore if I actually want to buy. Then I have to check the item hasn't been tried on so many times it has lip-gloss and deodorant stains or whatever.

 

[papertiger]

I’m totally the opposite!
I like shopping even if I’m not buying, I don’t think about it in the above terms at all.
Cartier is the only place we make an appointment, and it’s because DH has already talked to our SA about what we’re coming in for so he’ll have everything ready.
I enjoy popping in my other boutiques without appointments, and I’ve personally never encountered games with SAs.
If I’m window shopping I tell them, if I’m after something specific I understand I may not find it right away and I let them know that too. I had a slew of bags to replace last summer after a robbery, it was painless with Chanel and Goyard. I’m not a VIP, I walked in those stores, each SA was helpful and I left with some items and the ones they didn’t have they called me back for a month later.

I don’t dress up, I’m VERY casual. I don’t feel like I’ve ever been judged for that. I’m friendly, make eye fit act and am up front about my visit that day. I’ve never had a long term SA that feels loyal to me and I’ve still been more than happy with my service. When I find a less than enthusiastic SA, I just find another!

I rarely buy anything online other than apparel/shoes that I know will fit. I like to see, inspect and try on in real life, so shopping online isn’t my preference.

I enjoy shopping when I'm not looking for something specific too, its called research I'm not a spontaneous shopper though, not at £2K + +++ a pop.

Price has no relation to quality of value anymore but I may buy a haul in Cos coz I'm in town and just browsing, but not fine jewellery or bag shopping though.

If I pop-in to Cartier, I'm treated nicely, but they always have to send away for sizes/model/colour so I totally agree, appointment is needed.

 

[papertiger]

I think the more expensive the item, the more exhausting it is. I do not worry if the item is not a high-ticketed item, but I do worry a lot about lost packages and damaged goods if it's luxury. In my case, trying a bag in store, and if it makes my heart sing, and I end up purchasing it...the experience for me is more fun than online shopping.

I am venturing to bespoke bags lately, and let's see which one is more satisfying or more stressful. Haha

I find luxury shopping very time-consuming and at times, there's decision fatigue. Since I am going to spend a hefty amount, I will most likely spend time researching about it, then spend more time deciding if it is really something I want.

Bespoke is the way to go. Apparently, it's a note in my file at Gucci. Gucci is the only place that still feels like home. They have my measurements, even glove size on file. I can call my SA, pay on the phone and he'll send everything over with a driver plus a box of chocs. If anyone asks, I tell them that's why I'm loyal to Gucci.

 

[Mirus’ Dream]

Bespoke is the way to go. Apparently, it's a note in my file at Gucci. Gucci is the only place that still feels like home. They have my measurements, even glove size on file. I can call my SA, pay on the phone and he'll send everything over with a driver plus a box of chocs. If anyone asks, I tell them that's why I'm loyal to Gucci.

Your Gucci shopping is the “true” luxury shopping then!

 

[lvchanellvr]

I have been feeling exhausted with shopping in general. These past few years have been draining in terms of scheduling appts, going after hard to find pieces, being disappointed about the products once you see it in person, etc. Pre-2019, I found shopping actually enjoyable and fun but now with the limited inventory and stock, it just puts me off now. These luxury houses advertises this is what is being released for the collection and when you inquire about it, it is already pre-sold. You have to work to acquire your items and build a relationship with your SA. IMO, it should be the other way around.

Just recently, I looked at everything I have acquired and did a quick inventory and it was eye-opening. I will be slowing down on buying this year. I don't think I am at purse or jewelery peace yet but I am getting close. Once you have your core pieces, anything after that are add-ons.

 

[papertiger]

Your Gucci shopping is the “true” luxury shopping then!

TRUE!

 

[papertiger]

I have been feeling exhausted with shopping in general. These past few years have been draining in terms of scheduling appts, going after hard to find pieces, being disappointed about the products once you see it in person, etc. Pre-2019, I found shopping actually enjoyable and fun but now with the limited inventory and stock, it just puts me off now. These luxury houses advertises this is what is being released for the collection and when you inquire about it, it is already pre-sold. You have to work to acquire your items and build a relationship with your SA. IMO, it should be the other way around.

Just recently, I looked at everything I have acquired and did a quick inventory and it was eye-opening. I will be slowing down on my buying this year. I don't think I am at purse or jewelery peace yet but I am getting close. Once you have your core pieces, anything after that are add-ons.

100% agree.

Every brand wants to be H perhaps, so they play with their clients. Doesn't work with me, just exhausting. I can't complain about H actually, they've usually been wonderful to me and I have never had a dedicated store or SA. I think that's why it's a shock to 'pop - in' to Delvaux, Moynat or others. No one seems to know what they're selling either.

I think the point to these appointments from the brands POV is they think you'll be more committed to buying something. The more freedom brands give me the more I'm likely to return and return. I hate to be pressured.

 

[TraceySH]

Do you sometimes just think that luxury shopping (experience) is too complicated?

Some people love and live shopping. I read here, how they've just bought one thing and then they're on with their next HG. Tgrill of the case etc. I absolutely heave a sigh of relief if I pay, have 'thing', and done. The prices we pay, literally thousands £€$, you would think it would be more pleasurable.

In store: You have to (know to) ring ahead for appointments, be assigned an SA, make 'friends', know which member of staff is a specialist in whichever dept, know store policies on everything better than the staff, know the stock better than the staff, know procedure with staff. Make sure they're not adding your purchase history to your sister's account (same initials). All for emptying your bank account and receiving a fake smile from a SA who thinks your a mug/privileged B./cheap B./time-waster.

Online: Be home all day or have your precious jewellery thrown at the local dumping ground for negligent shoppers, remember to take ID collecting, ring to find what happened to parcel, remember to tick boxes not leaving with your klep-to-neighbour, panic over whether you'll believed for being sent odd-shoe sizes or damaged goods, worrying about the intricacies of returns, working about the intricacies of refund - if it ever comes.

Rather than feel shopping was never more pleasurable, I find it non-stop hassle. I've always found new shopping stressful, which is why in many ways I still like going to markets and vintage stores with cash and a carrier. The prices, expectations (promises) of luxury shopping hardly ever add-up - the only thing that makes it worth it is that (hopefully) amazing product in my hands after all is done and is finally mine.

What's your take atm?

I agree w/ everything you've said here. I LOATHE shopping. For me, it's a colossal waste of time when I could be doing more productive things. I am a "target" shopper, I conquer things. As quickly, painlessly and easily as possible. I get home, put them in a closet and go on about my day. I know said "new thing" exists and it's there, and one day when I want something like it, I can pull it out and use it w/o going to search for it in the marketplace. I also live in 3 places & am never in any one place for more than 10 days at a time, so that is certainly enough chaos w/o the added nuisance of dealing w/ SA, shipping, trying on, evaluating, etc etc.

I have quit so many luxury houses because of the aforementioned. I quit Chanel, and it's been hard warding off the SA mosquitoes since then who blow up my phone when the new collections are released. It's fun to look at most of those things now with an eye roll, and the patronizing engagement as much the same. For me, nothing about any of it is fun, convenient, luxurious, accommodating or satisfying.

So, I am buying cars and on designing my 5th wedding ring b/c those are fun for me to change out on a daily basis. And, shocker, I get amazing customer service. It's still FUN. And Mila Jito is the most amazing woman to work w/ for bespoke. She's making me a purple alligator tote rn.

On the big houses part, I still buy from Gucci, Dior and LV, where I truly enjoy having SA who aren't peddling things I hate, know I won't buy a sweater that costs 6k made of polyester, who know my styles and sizes and tell me, honestly, when the quality of a particular item isn't up to snuff or will not wear well. Additionally, when something does go wrong, it's remedied w/ no questions asked. I wouldn't say it's the most amazing luxury experience ever, but at least the above things seem like reasonable expectations that are met enough for me to keep coming back.

The irony of all of it is my regular instacart shoppers provide me with more of a luxury experience than most SA...but hey, when they go in the back of the store and clean them out of my favorite yogurt without me even asking...THAT to me is luxury

 

[papertiger]

I agree w/ everything you've said here. I LOATHE shopping. For me, it's a colossal waste of time when I could be doing more productive things. I am a "target" shopper, I conquer things. As quickly, painlessly and easily as possible. I get home, put them in a closet and go on about my day. I know said "new thing" exists and it's there, and one day when I want something like it, I can pull it out and use it w/o going to search for it in the marketplace. I also live in 3 places & am never in any one place for more than 10 days at a time, so that is certainly enough chaos w/o the added nuisance of dealing w/ SA, shipping, trying on, evaluating, etc etc.

I have quit so many luxury houses because of the aforementioned. I quit Chanel, and it's been hard warding off the SA mosquitoes since then who blow up my phone when the new collections are released. It's fun to look at most of those things now with an eye roll, and the patronizing engagement as much the same. For me, nothing about any of it is fun, convenient, luxurious, accommodating or satisfying.

So, I am buying cars and on designing my 5th wedding ring b/c those are fun for me to change out on a daily basis. And, shocker, I get amazing customer service. It's still FUN. And Mila Jito is the most amazing woman to work w/ for bespoke. She's making me a purple alligator tote rn.

On the big houses part, I still buy from Gucci, Dior and LV, where I truly enjoy having SA who aren't peddling things I hate, know I won't buy a sweater that costs 6k made of polyester, who know my styles and sizes and tell me, honestly, when the quality of a particular item isn't up to snuff or will not wear well. Additionally, when something does go wrong, it's remedied w/ no questions asked. I wouldn't say it's the most amazing luxury experience ever, but at least the above things seem like reasonable expectations that are met enough for me to keep coming back.

The irony of all of it is my regular instacart shoppers provide me with more of a luxury experience than most SA...but hey, when they go in the back of the store and clean them out of my favorite yogurt without me even asking...THAT to me is luxury

And Mila Jito is the most amazing woman to work w/ for bespoke. She's making me a purple alligator tote rn.

Hello!

I truly enjoy having SA who aren't peddling things I hate, know I won't buy a sweater that costs 6k made of polyester...

Yes! Thank you!!!!

 

[lvchanellvr]

100% agree.

Every brand wants to be H perhaps, so they play with their clients. Doesn't work with me, just exhausting. I can't complain about H actually, they've usually been wonderful to me and I have never had a dedicated store or SA. I think that's why it's a shock to 'pop - in' to Delvaux, Moynat or others. No one seems to know what they're selling either.

I think the point to these appointments from the brands POV is they think you'll be more committed to buying something. The more freedom brands give me the more I'm likely to return and return. I hate to be pressured.

Yes, I have noticed this too. It is always funny to me when they say, "We just received this in the shipment today" while they go and grab it from the back. I've experienced it at several fashion and jewelery houses. I, 100% agree that it is just plain exhausting. It is a rare occurrence if I am not treated well at these establishments. if any, I've experienced good customer service but not excellent or they've gone above and beyond type of service though. Most of the SAs may make a suggestion but I am with you when "I hate to be pressured" as well. Ultimately, the decision rests with me and I do give it some thought before committing. Yes, exhausting is what I associate when I go shopping now.