Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

Please focus on the title of this thread rather than each other, TY

If you find it very hard to ignore certain people, please feel free in adding them to your 'Ignore' list.

For advice on how to obtain a B/K/C please go to the reading room in the Reading Room The Newbie's HOW DO I GET A BIRKIN (or other bag) Reading Room

For advice on how to shop at your local store please do a search in Hermes Shopping sub-forum and look for your store/region/country.

 

[cremse]

Hello fellow TPF members!

First, I want to say I absolutely love and appreciate this forum. I have learned so much from spending hours reading threads. Thank you to everyone for providing such helpful information on your experiences. I would love your input / advice on my experience.

I am new to Hermes but have always loved the brand from afar. I started my H journey in July 2019 when I had enough courage to go to the store I decided to commit to and test the waters. Prior to this year, I have visited other stores but had a couple bad experiences so I felt turned off and never bought anything.

In July, I met my SA and to my surprise, he was very nice and helpful. I ended up asking him if it was impossible to get a Birkin or Kelly because I just love them so much and would like to own one or more someday. We then started talking about bags and he showed me some fine jewelry pieces I inquired about. Overall, it was a positive experience but I ended up not buying anything. As much as I want my dream bag(s), I believe in only buying items I love.

After that visit, I emailed that SA inquiring about a leather bracelet but he never responded to my email. I was a bit turned off and gave up hope again but I do understand it’s probably because I didn’t buy anything from him the first time. Regardless of me being bummed out about him never responding, I really started taking an interest in the brand and created my own wishlist of non-bag items. I went back in early October and he was there that day. I was a bit surprised he remembered me but he was friendly again and even let me see and try on the store’s display Birkin 30 [emoji33][emoji33][emoji33]. My first time seeing and feeling one in real life was so amazing. I ended up buying my first H item from my SA - Saint Germain ankle boots in Noir! I absolutely adore them.

I now understand that H slippery slope.. [emoji38]Ever since my first purchase I’ve fallen in love with so many areas of the brand. 2-3 weeks later, I went back and picked up a Constance belt kit and the Chaine D’ancre rose gold earrings. After my purchases, my SA gave me his phone number and told me I could text him for items or before I make another visit. We also discussed wishlist for my first B but I’m not sure if he wrote anything down on the iPad. He kept saying neutral colors and smaller sizes are hard. I’m not sure if he feels annoyed by the fact that I’m only asking for colors that are popular (Gold, Noir, Etain, etc) but I can’t justify settling for a color/size I don’t 100% love due to the price point. I guess I’m worried that my wishlist isn’t being taken seriously yet. Maybe I haven’t spent enough on other items or maybe I’m being paranoid? [emoji23] I’m happy to wait for the right bag! I do enjoy shopping with my SA but sometimes do feel a little pressure to buy things even if I realize it’s not something I love after trying it on. Almost like my SA is slightly disappointed / annoyed? Do you fellow H lovers feel the same way when shopping with your SA and is this just part of playing the game?

I’m planning to make another visit soon to pick up a shawl I love and a pair of the beautifully chic oz mules. That would put my total spend to just above $6,000 in about <2 months [emoji15] I would appreciate any advice or feedback on my H journey so far and how to successfully ‘play the H game’. [emoji1317]

I am pretty much in the same boat here. New to Hermes and not sure how to start off well on this slippery slope. Almost afraid of visiting the boutique afraid of getting a bad start with an SA not being able to change things later... excited to see the answers from more experienced Hermes lovers - And good luck!

 

[DH sucker]

Hello fellow TPF members!

First, I want to say I absolutely love and appreciate this forum. I have learned so much from spending hours reading threads. Thank you to everyone for providing such helpful information on your experiences. I would love your input / advice on my experience.

I am new to Hermes but have always loved the brand from afar. I started my H journey in July 2019 when I had enough courage to go to the store I decided to commit to and test the waters. Prior to this year, I have visited other stores but had a couple bad experiences so I felt turned off and never bought anything.

In July, I met my SA and to my surprise, he was very nice and helpful. I ended up asking him if it was impossible to get a Birkin or Kelly because I just love them so much and would like to own one or more someday. We then started talking about bags and he showed me some fine jewelry pieces I inquired about. Overall, it was a positive experience but I ended up not buying anything. As much as I want my dream bag(s), I believe in only buying items I love.

After that visit, I emailed that SA inquiring about a leather bracelet but he never responded to my email. I was a bit turned off and gave up hope again but I do understand it’s probably because I didn’t buy anything from him the first time. Regardless of me being bummed out about him never responding, I really started taking an interest in the brand and created my own wishlist of non-bag items. I went back in early October and he was there that day. I was a bit surprised he remembered me but he was friendly again and even let me see and try on the store’s display Birkin 30 [emoji33][emoji33][emoji33]. My first time seeing and feeling one in real life was so amazing. I ended up buying my first H item from my SA - Saint Germain ankle boots in Noir! I absolutely adore them.

I now understand that H slippery slope.. [emoji38]Ever since my first purchase I’ve fallen in love with so many areas of the brand. 2-3 weeks later, I went back and picked up a Constance belt kit and the Chaine D’ancre rose gold earrings. After my purchases, my SA gave me his phone number and told me I could text him for items or before I make another visit. We also discussed wishlist for my first B but I’m not sure if he wrote anything down on the iPad. He kept saying neutral colors and smaller sizes are hard. I’m not sure if he feels annoyed by the fact that I’m only asking for colors that are popular (Gold, Noir, Etain, etc) but I can’t justify settling for a color/size I don’t 100% love due to the price point. I guess I’m worried that my wishlist isn’t being taken seriously yet. Maybe I haven’t spent enough on other items or maybe I’m being paranoid? [emoji23] I’m happy to wait for the right bag! I do enjoy shopping with my SA but sometimes do feel a little pressure to buy things even if I realize it’s not something I love after trying it on. Almost like my SA is slightly disappointed / annoyed? Do you fellow H lovers feel the same way when shopping with your SA and is this just part of playing the game?

I’m planning to make another visit soon to pick up a shawl I love and a pair of the beautifully chic oz mules. That would put my total spend to just above $6,000 in about <2 months [emoji15] I would appreciate any advice or feedback on my H journey so far and how to successfully ‘play the H game’. [emoji1317]

$6k in two months is a very robust start. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Perhaps $3k/month is a sustainable clip for you, but don’t feel that it’s necessary (maybe for an SO, but not for a regular quota bag).

Sounds like you’re well on your way to getting a quota bag. Once one is offered, I’d be cautious and buy it only if it makes your heart sing. Don’t just buy it because it’s the first Birkin or first Kelly that’s being offered to you. The moment will certainly be exhilarating, but try not to get caught up in it. Stick to your guns, and don’t be afraid to turn it down. Although you may think your SA will be disappointed/offended if you say no, chances are he might look more favorably on your discerning taste and work harder to reward you with a bag that’s on your short list.

Good luck, and welcome to the slippery H slope!

 

[De sac]

Hi April, Welcome

After that visit, I emailed that SA inquiring about a leather bracelet but he never responded to my email. I was a bit turned off a

I feel in smaller boutiques even if there is no response to emails, SAs do have a mental note of this - maybe game playing, maybe not but the fact the SA remembered you doesn't surprise me. It's happened to me before!

We also discussed wishlist for my first B but I’m not sure if he wrote anything down on the iPad. He kept saying neutral colors and smaller sizes are hard. I’m not sure if he feels annoyed by the fact that I’m only asking for colors that are popular (Gold, Noir, Etain, etc) but I can’t justify settling for a color/size I don’t 100% love due to the price point. I guess I’m worried that my wishlist isn’t being taken seriously yet. Maybe I haven’t spent enough on other items or maybe I’m being paranoid?

Rather than the SA being annoyed, it's just managing expectations that it could take longer in my view. Just as many clients ask for bright H colours as neutrals (depending on the local market), and size / style play a factor too. Just because you don't see your SA in the iPad directly doesn't mean it's not noted there later on.

I’m happy to wait for the right bag! I do enjoy shopping with my SA but sometimes do feel a little pressure to buy things even if I realize it’s not something I love after trying it on. Almost like my SA is slightly disappointed / annoyed? Do you fellow H lovers feel the same way when shopping with your SA and is this just part of playing the game?

It's worth breaking down how much of this is you and how much is actually the SA. Agreed with other posters that showing your discerning/ focused taste is a positive and helps the SA get to know you better (so they can offer you even more). I never feel pressured to buy anything but I usually have a strong reaction to things I do buy- SA should offer to reserve anything for a short period of time so you can think about it.

These feelings may go away after a few months or maybe once you get offered a bag.

 

[_queenbee]

I am pretty much in the same boat here. New to Hermes and not sure how to start off well on this slippery slope. Almost afraid of visiting the boutique afraid of getting a bad start with an SA not being able to change things later... excited to see the answers from more experienced Hermes lovers - And good luck!

Thank you very much! I wish you the best of luck on your journey as well [emoji521]

 

[_queenbee]

$6k in two months is a very robust start. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Perhaps $3k/month is a sustainable clip for you, but don’t feel that it’s necessary (maybe for an SO, but not for a regular quota bag).

Sounds like you’re well on your way to getting a quota bag. Once one is offered, I’d be cautious and buy it only if it makes your heart sing. Don’t just buy it because it’s the first Birkin or first Kelly that’s being offered to you. The moment will certainly be exhilarating, but try not to get caught up in it. Stick to your guns, and don’t be afraid to turn it down. Although you may think your SA will be disappointed/offended if you say no, chances are he might look more favorably on your discerning taste and work harder to reward you with a bag that’s on your short list.

Good luck, and welcome to the slippery H slope!

Thank you for the advice and feedback! I will be sure to stick to my guns [emoji38]

I definitely wouldn’t consider myself a big spender by any means but i have been going a bit crazy lately justifying them as early bday gifts for myself

 

[_queenbee]

Hi April, Welcome



I feel in smaller boutiques even if there is no response to emails, SAs do have a mental note of this - maybe game playing, maybe not but the fact the SA remembered you doesn't surprise me. It's happened to me before!



Rather than the SA being annoyed, it's just managing expectations that it could take longer in my view. Just as many clients ask for bright H colours as neutrals (depending on the local market), and size / style play a factor too. Just because you don't see your SA in the iPad directly doesn't mean it's not noted there later on.



It's worth breaking down how much of this is you and how much is actually the SA. Agreed with other posters that showing your discerning/ focused taste is a positive and helps the SA get to know you better (so they can offer you even more). I never feel pressured to buy anything but I usually have a strong reaction to things I do buy- SA should offer to reserve anything for a short period of time so you can think about it.

These feelings may go away after a few months or maybe once you get offered a bag.

Thank you your your advice! I forgot to mention in my original post that I started my H journey with my mom. She already had a profile built up buying scarves, watch, and other miscellaneous items over the years but never with a specific SA due to very bad experiences shopping with H.

My mom is lusting after a K so my SA naturally became both of our SAs [emoji4] We go together when we shop and she’s spent about $8K with him over the past couple months buying non B/K/C bags. I understand that some think buying leather goods doesn’t count towards a quota bag but we definitely felt that he was happy with her purchases if you know what I mean

Also, we are shopping at a pretty big store (SF) since the stock is a lot better than the store that’s more local to us. Do you think it helps or hurts that we shop with the same SA together? Of course, I definitely want my mom to get her dream bag offer before me [emoji4]

 

[momoc]

Hello fellow TPF members!
...
I would appreciate any advice or feedback on my H journey so far and how to successfully ‘play the H game’.

Hi there, welcome to the H family! I would like to preface everything with the following:
1. There are always exceptions; you can get lucky and you can get unlucky. Your personal experience may always vary.
2. Like almost every other thing with H, it depends on the SA (and more often than not the SM) that you have. they are people too and they can have different personalities, work method, etc.

Now with that warning out of the way, here's what I suggest:

First and foremost, do not buy anything you don't want just for a bag offer or to please your SA. Firstly this is a huge waste of money (duh), but also, SAs can tell when someone is doing this. The bad ones then know they can milk you for money and push things onto you. The good ones may actually sympathize and give you the offer...but then that's no different with just dropping 10K in one visit and ask for a bag (the common way to try for bags as a walk in, I know people who have managed to do this successfully at the SF boutique by the way, but it's also very dependent on your luck and timing).

Does buying things across categories up your chance of a bag offer? Absolutely. But make sure that they are things you actually like and would enjoy and use. The good thing about H is they have many awesome goodies and I think for a lot of us it's not hard to find things to buy! But, if it's not you, don't try to force it, don't lie to yourself and convince yourself.

It sounds like you may be after a 25 in a neutral color. They are definitely harder, your SA is completely honest there. Just check reseller prices on how this market demand is. Be prepared for the spending if you are in a place where the ratio is common. Be prepared to wait. Sometimes the stars just don't align...but sometimes you get lucky! You never know. Also be prepared when the first offer doesn't match your wishlist perfectly. Your SA may have a long list of other clients and he will naturally serve his long-term loyal customers first if a very desirable bag that many of you want comes in. I got super lucky with a relatively new SA at my boutique, she sold some of her first bags to me, so I'm high on her list of "good customers". This is not because I spend that much, but because I just got really really lucky with my timing. I chat with other SAs and hear how they have clients who have spent a lot more and yet still waiting on certain bags my SA managed to offer me. Don't be surprised you need to be extra patient if your SA already has an established client list.

I personally advise you to be very specific with your bag request. If you get offered something that matches your wishlist yet turn it down, it does look bad. If you get something that is clearly against your wishlist and turn it down? That's different. If you only want neutral 25, say that and be firm. If you say "yeah larger sizes and colors are ok too..." then turn down a 30 in a bright color, don't be surprised that both your SA and SM will note it and count it against you (yes, rejections are recorded. And yes, this example I just gave is a true story I heard from my SA....and I totally agree with her on feeling hesitant to offer more bags to that client). As an aside, I'd say don't count the reseller route out, especially if your only wishlist item is a very hard to get bag (25 in Noir GHW for example - although again this may depend on specific market/stores, but that's the super sought after one I know off the top of my head at my home store). There are of course things to keep in mind in that case, first definitely get it authenticated, second know you are missing both the possibility of a long term relationship (i.e. future bags, but if you only have 1 dream bag then it doesn't matter) and the boutique experience (which I mean...it's not like it's worth ~that~ much, and this is coming from someone who adores her SA and store and has had nothing but pleasant experiences).

Lastly, just to be devil's advocate, like mentioned above, a larger size bag / bags in colors are generally speaking easier to get. Especially as a first offer. So, if you don't believe you absolutely only want one black 25, I do think you should be open. It gets easier after the first offer (in my experience). Again, please please don't buy something if you don't actually want it, but seriously H does such beautiful colors, and you may be very surprised with how sizes 30 and above work on you (I know I was completely surprised when I tried on my first K32 and fell in love when I thought I only wanted 28 or smaller). In the end, the best advice I have is be honest. We call the H game a "game", but in reality it is really just a business relationship. And the best way to conduct one IMO is to be honest.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[_queenbee]

Hi there, welcome to the H family! I would like to preface everything with the following:
1. There are always exceptions; you can get lucky and you can get unlucky. Your personal experience may always vary.
2. Like almost every other thing with H, it depends on the SA (and more often than not the SM) that you have. they are people too and they can have different personalities, work method, etc.

Now with that warning out of the way, here's what I suggest:

First and foremost, do not buy anything you don't want just for a bag offer or to please your SA. Firstly this is a huge waste of money (duh), but also, SAs can tell when someone is doing this. The bad ones then know they can milk you for money and push things onto you. The good ones may actually sympathize and give you the offer...but then that's no different with just dropping 10K in one visit and ask for a bag (the common way to try for bags as a walk in, I know people who have managed to do this successfully at the SF boutique by the way, but it's also very dependent on your luck and timing).

Does buying things across categories up your chance of a bag offer? Absolutely. But make sure that they are things you actually like and would enjoy and use. The good thing about H is they have many awesome goodies and I think for a lot of us it's not hard to find things to buy! But, if it's not you, don't try to force it, don't lie to yourself and convince yourself. Be honest.

It sounds like you may be after a 25 in a neutral color. They are definitely harder, your SA is completely honest there. Just check reseller prices on how this market demand is. Be prepared for the spending if you are in a place where the ratio is common. Be prepared to wait. Sometimes the stars just don't align...but sometimes you get lucky! You never know. Also be prepared when the first offer doesn't match your wishlist perfectly. Your SA may have a long list of other clients and he will naturally serve his long-term loyal customers first if a very desirable bag that many of you want comes in. I got super lucky with a relatively new SA at my boutique, she sold some of her first bags to me, so I'm high on her list of "good customers". This is not because I spend that much, but because I just got really really lucky with my timing. I chat with other SAs and hear how they have clients who have spent a lot more and yet still waiting on certain bags my SA managed to offer me. Don't be surprised you need to be extra patient if your SA already has an established client list.

I personally advise you to be very specific with your bag request. If you get offered something that matches your wishlist yet turn it down, it does look bad. If you get something that is clearly against your wishlist and turn it down? That's different. If you only want neutral 25, say that and be firm. If you say "yeah larger sizes and colors are ok too..." then turn down a 30 in a bright color, don't be surprised that both your SA and SM will note it and count it against for you (yes, all rejections are recorded. And yes, this example I just gave is a true story I heard from my SA....and I totally agree with her on feeling hesitant to offer more bags to that client). As an aside, I'd say don't count the reseller route out, especially if your only wishlist item is a very hard to get bag (25 in Noir GHW for example - although again this may depend on specific market/stores, but that's the super sought after one I know off the top of my head at my home store). There are of course things to keep in mind in that case, first definitely get it authenticated, second know you are missing both the possibility of a long term relationship (i.e. future bags, but if you only have 1 dream bag then it doesn't matter) and the boutique experience (which I mean...it's not like it's worth ~that~ much, and this is coming from someone who adores her SA and store and has had nothing but pleasant experiences).

Lastly, just to be devil's advocate, like mentioned above, a larger size bag / bags in colors are generally speaking easier to get. Especially as a first offer. So, if you don't believe you absolutely only want one black 25, I do think you should be open. It gets easier after the first offer (in my experience). Again, please please don't buy something if you don't actually want it, but seriously H does such beautiful colors, and you may be very surprised with how sizes 30 and above work on you (I know I was completely surprised when I tried on my first K32 and fell in love when I thought I only wanted 28 or smaller). In the end, the best advice I have is be honest. We call the H game a "game", but in reality it is really just a business relationship. And the best way to conduct one IMO is to be honest.

Good luck and have fun!

Hi Momoc! Thank you very much, this is extremely helpful. I definitely have been spending a lot recently but only on items I really love. I’ve tried on other bags with my SA such as the mini bolide in Rose Poupre but decided against it because it wasn’t on my H wishlist. Generally, I’m interested in neutrals but do love all the color ranges H has to offer. The top of my wishlist is a Gold B30 with GHW and I also mentioned to him that I absolutely love love love Rose Poupre but would prefer it in a 25 size so he knows I do like pops of color [emoji13] I also love the greens and blues but am hoping to score a neutral for my first B!

I’m not sure how big my SA’s client list is.. but do know he joined about 2 years ago and focuses on menswear. Does that make a difference in my chance of scoring a bag if my SA is not a leather specialist?

Thank you again for your helpful advice [emoji1317][emoji178]

 

[momoc]

Hi Momoc! Thank you very much, this is extremely helpful. I definitely have been spending a lot recently but only on items I really love. I’ve tried on other bags with my SA such as the mini bolide in Rose Poupre but decided against it because it wasn’t on my H wishlist. Generally, I’m interested in neutrals but do love all the color ranges H has to offer. The top of my wishlist is a Gold B30 with GHW and I also mentioned to him that I absolutely love love love Rose Poupre but would prefer it in a 25 size so he knows I do like pops of color [emoji13] I also love the greens and blues but am hoping to score a neutral for my first B!

I’m not sure how big my SA’s client list is.. but do know he joined about 2 years ago and focuses on menswear. Does that make a difference in my chance of scoring a bag if my SA is not a leather specialist?

Thank you again for your helpful advice [emoji1317][emoji178]

That sounds like a pretty good wishlist to me! I feel like you will get your offers once you get there (not sure about the general ratio at the SF store, you can try the SF thread to ask if anyone there has better idea). You definitely can try to ask your SA how far he thinks you are from one too. They normally understand as long as you are tactful and polite when bringing it up Some SAs will offer hints themselves - again may depend on your specific SA's methods.

I think 2 years is not that long for an SA. But SF is a large store especially with the recent expansion so I can't guess how long his client list is...and regarding menswear and leather, my store has no distinction so I don't have an idea, but it sounds like he told you that he is able to offer you bags. I think it will be fine given that. But again, try the SF thread to see if anybody knows more there!

Good luck! Gold with GHW is awesome (biased here given I love them too ) Although I do think the easiest on your list may be the green (pink is generally the most popular pop color). But again, H fairy works in magical ways sometimes!

 

[_queenbee]

That sounds like a pretty good wishlist to me! I feel like you will get your offers once you get there (not sure about the general ratio at the SF store, you can try the SF thread to ask if anyone there has better idea). You definitely can try to ask your SA how far he thinks you are from one too. They normally understand as long as you are tactful and polite when bringing it up Some SAs will offer hints themselves - again may depend on your specific SA's methods.

I think 2 years is not that long for an SA. But SF is a large store especially with the recent expansion so I can't guess how long his client list is...and regarding menswear and leather, my store has no distinction so I don't have an idea, but it sounds like he told you that he is able to offer you bags. I think it will be fine given that. But again, try the SF thread to see if anybody knows more there!

Good luck! Gold with GHW is awesome (biased here given I love them too ) Although I do think the easiest on your list may be the green (pink is generally the most popular pop color). But again, H fairy works in magical ways sometimes!

Thank you so much I am so obsessed with Gold. I want it in every bag I definitely am following the SF thread as well. My SA has given hints here and there but we shall see if I get lucky! My birthday is in December so I wonder if that might help. I also informed him that my mom and I are visiting Paris in March strictly for shopping and that we will try FSH. He responded back with ‘well let’s try to get you one before Paris since it’s a lottery system’. My heart gets so excited whenever he drops these little hints so I’m hoping luck is on my side next year!

 

[momoc]

Thank you so much I am so obsessed with Gold. I want it in every bag I definitely am following the SF thread as well. My SA has given hints here and there but we shall see if I get lucky! My birthday is in December so I wonder if that might help. I also informed him that my mom and I are visiting Paris in March strictly for shopping and that we will try FSH. He responded back with ‘well let’s try to get you one before Paris since it’s a lottery system’. My heart gets so excited whenever he drops these little hints so I’m hoping luck is on my side next year!

Ohh those sound like very good signs to me. Not to get your hope up or anything ... but that is not something an SA should say without meaning it. Sounds like you are definitely on track. December actually may be a good month in terms of stock this year according to my store (and being the last month before quotas get renewed), so I’m crossing my fingers for you! Good luck!!

 

[_queenbee]

Ohh those sound like very good signs to me. Not to get your hope up or anything ... but that is not something an SA should say without meaning it. Sounds like you are definitely on track. December actually may be a good month in terms of stock this year according to my store (and being the last month before quotas get renewed), so I’m crossing my fingers for you! Good luck!!

Thank you! [emoji1317][emoji173]️ I’m really hoping he genuinely means the hints. Thanks so much for your kindness and honest advice. Really appreciate it [emoji521]

 

[Etriers]

Hi there, welcome to the H family! I would like to preface everything with the following:
1. There are always exceptions; you can get lucky and you can get unlucky. Your personal experience may always vary.
2. Like almost every other thing with H, it depends on the SA (and more often than not the SM) that you have. they are people too and they can have different personalities, work method, etc.

Now with that warning out of the way, here's what I suggest:

First and foremost, do not buy anything you don't want just for a bag offer or to please your SA. Firstly this is a huge waste of money (duh), but also, SAs can tell when someone is doing this. The bad ones then know they can milk you for money and push things onto you. The good ones may actually sympathize and give you the offer...but then that's no different with just dropping 10K in one visit and ask for a bag (the common way to try for bags as a walk in, I know people who have managed to do this successfully at the SF boutique by the way, but it's also very dependent on your luck and timing).

Does buying things across categories up your chance of a bag offer? Absolutely. But make sure that they are things you actually like and would enjoy and use. The good thing about H is they have many awesome goodies and I think for a lot of us it's not hard to find things to buy! But, if it's not you, don't try to force it, don't lie to yourself and convince yourself.

It sounds like you may be after a 25 in a neutral color. They are definitely harder, your SA is completely honest there. Just check reseller prices on how this market demand is. Be prepared for the spending if you are in a place where the ratio is common. Be prepared to wait. Sometimes the stars just don't align...but sometimes you get lucky! You never know. Also be prepared when the first offer doesn't match your wishlist perfectly. Your SA may have a long list of other clients and he will naturally serve his long-term loyal customers first if a very desirable bag that many of you want comes in. I got super lucky with a relatively new SA at my boutique, she sold some of her first bags to me, so I'm high on her list of "good customers". This is not because I spend that much, but because I just got really really lucky with my timing. I chat with other SAs and hear how they have clients who have spent a lot more and yet still waiting on certain bags my SA managed to offer me. Don't be surprised you need to be extra patient if your SA already has an established client list.

I personally advise you to be very specific with your bag request. If you get offered something that matches your wishlist yet turn it down, it does look bad. If you get something that is clearly against your wishlist and turn it down? That's different. If you only want neutral 25, say that and be firm. If you say "yeah larger sizes and colors are ok too..." then turn down a 30 in a bright color, don't be surprised that both your SA and SM will note it and count it against you (yes, rejections are recorded. And yes, this example I just gave is a true story I heard from my SA....and I totally agree with her on feeling hesitant to offer more bags to that client). As an aside, I'd say don't count the reseller route out, especially if your only wishlist item is a very hard to get bag (25 in Noir GHW for example - although again this may depend on specific market/stores, but that's the super sought after one I know off the top of my head at my home store). There are of course things to keep in mind in that case, first definitely get it authenticated, second know you are missing both the possibility of a long term relationship (i.e. future bags, but if you only have 1 dream bag then it doesn't matter) and the boutique experience (which I mean...it's not like it's worth ~that~ much, and this is coming from someone who adores her SA and store and has had nothing but pleasant experiences).

Lastly, just to be devil's advocate, like mentioned above, a larger size bag / bags in colors are generally speaking easier to get. Especially as a first offer. So, if you don't believe you absolutely only want one black 25, I do think you should be open. It gets easier after the first offer (in my experience). Again, please please don't buy something if you don't actually want it, but seriously H does such beautiful colors, and you may be very surprised with how sizes 30 and above work on you (I know I was completely surprised when I tried on my first K32 and fell in love when I thought I only wanted 28 or smaller). In the end, the best advice I have is be honest. We call the H game a "game", but in reality it is really just a business relationship. And the best way to conduct one IMO is to be honest.

Good luck and have fun!

That sounds like a pretty good wishlist to me! I feel like you will get your offers once you get there (not sure about the general ratio at the SF store, you can try the SF thread to ask if anyone there has better idea). You definitely can try to ask your SA how far he thinks you are from one too. They normally understand as long as you are tactful and polite when bringing it up Some SAs will offer hints themselves - again may depend on your specific SA's methods.

I think 2 years is not that long for an SA. But SF is a large store especially with the recent expansion so I can't guess how long his client list is...and regarding menswear and leather, my store has no distinction so I don't have an idea, but it sounds like he told you that he is able to offer you bags. I think it will be fine given that. But again, try the SF thread to see if anybody knows more there!

Good luck! Gold with GHW is awesome (biased here given I love them too ) Although I do think the easiest on your list may be the green (pink is generally the most popular pop color). But again, H fairy works in magical ways sometimes!

This is all really good advice. And I agree...it does seem to get easier after the first offer. I’ve thought about it quite a bit but have no idea why that is. It’s interesting though!

 

[momoc]

This is all really good advice. And I agree...it does seem to get easier after the first offer. I’ve thought about it quite a bit but have no idea why that is. It’s interesting though!

I’ve been told it’s basically the same idea as why getting a super popular bag as first offer is harder - the value for long term business and loyalty. They are being cautious about if the customer is just here for a B and will disappear once they get that bag. Once they stick around afterwards there is proof otherwise so things get easier. It’s also why declining gets easier and may result in better offers once a good history and relationship has been established - they understand the customer is loyal and experienced, completing their collection and specific on what they want.

Oh on the customers topic...I didn’t make it clear but I think even rejecting an offer that matches your wishlist is ok, because sometimes you thought you wanted something but when you see it IRL it’s not what you expected. Perfectly fine reason to reject and they will understand. That B30 example I give in the original post, she did more than just rejecting an offer. First she also took a photo of the bag with her in the private room when the SA left to get her coffee, after the SA told her to not take photos and trusted her. She then posted that photo on social media acting as if she took the bag to show off, and more importantly complained about how the SA is “gaming” her and giving her undesirable bags that nobody else wants. And yep she named which boutique this was and hinted at which SA...

That’s not even the worst story I’ve heard! There’s the one that suddenly wants to return previous purchases once they got the B; the one that got offered a 30 but saw a 25 box carried into the private room for another client and proceeded to open the door(!) to the private room and cry about how they want a 25...We have a couple threads that talk about experiences with SAs, I have wondered if there’s the equivalent from the other side, like “tales from your SA”. I’m a horrible person and a hopeless gossip

Anyways I digress - the H system does tend to reward loyalty and long term customers, that’s quite rare nowadays, I feel like businesses are all about chasing and enticing new customers. While the H “game” is ridiculous (even though I play it happily) this is a good thing that seems to have come out of it.

 

[_queenbee]

I’ve been told it’s basically the same idea as why getting a super popular bag as first offer is harder - the value for long term business and loyalty. They are being cautious about if the customer is just here for a B and will disappear once they get that bag. Once they stick around afterwards there is proof otherwise so things get easier. It’s also why declining gets easier and may result in better offers once a good history and relationship has been established - they understand the customer is loyal and experienced, completing their collection and specific on what they want.

Oh on the customers topic...I didn’t make it clear but I think even rejecting an offer that matches your wishlist is ok, because sometimes you thought you wanted something but when you see it IRL it’s not what you expected. Perfectly fine reason to reject and they will understand. That B30 example I give in the original post, she did more than just rejecting an offer. First she also took a photo of the bag with her in the private room when the SA left to get her coffee, after the SA told her to not take photos and trusted her. She then posted that photo on social media acting as if she took the bag to show off, and more importantly complained about how the SA is “gaming” her and giving her undesirable bags that nobody else wants. And yep she named which boutique this was and hinted at which SA...

That’s not even the worst story I’ve heard! There’s the one that suddenly wants to return previous purchases once they got the B; the one that got offered a 30 but saw a 25 box carried into the private room for another client and proceeded to open the door(!) to the private room and cry about how they want a 25...We have a couple threads that talk about experiences with SAs, I have wondered if there’s the equivalent from the other side, like “tales from your SA”. I’m a horrible person and a hopeless gossip

Anyways I digress - the H system does tend to reward loyalty and long term customers, that’s quite rare nowadays, I feel like businesses are all about chasing and enticing new customers. While the H “game” is ridiculous (even though I play it happily) this is a good thing that seems to have come out of it.

Thank you for this. Do you have any advice on how to show you’ll be a long standing customer and not disappear after your first bag offer before you get your first bag? I don’t intend to leave at all since I want more bags and other items

I’m slightly concerned about the chance of being taken advantage of since my SA knows I want a B and must know I’m eager with my recent spend on purchases I wanted. I’ve also read stories of people who received hints from their SAs that did not lead to any bag offers? I fear the worst case scenario: which is being lead on by empty promises while you stay loyal to your SA and continue spending with her/him.

I’d also like to say that I have absolutely no interest in the resale/secondary market. To me, getting a bag offer is not just about the bag you love but the entire H experience and authenticity. I’d personally rather spend that $6-$7K markup from a B or K on the resale market on other H items I love! [emoji28]