Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

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

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[CMilly]

You should definitely do things your own way, and I get that you want to “enjoy your experience,” but I’m not sure what experience you are expecting to have at this point. Keep in mind that this is a business and the way the SAs make money is by selling products across the range in the store. That is how they earn a living. If you’re not buying much, she isn’t making any money. That is her “experience” with you. It’s not a problem to go in and buy one scarf, and the next visit buy a perfume—that’s completely fine, but just adjust your expectations of her accordingly.

It sounds like you actually have a good SA who is bearing up pretty well under (by your own admission) frustrating circumstances. If you want to improve your relationship with her, then unless your purchases are reasonably substantial on your purchase visits, I would keep your non-purchase “just looking and saying hi” visits to a minimum. If you only buy a perfume or a Calvi on your purchase visits, then you really need to eliminate non-purchase visits altogether right now. When you start to build a strong sales history, you can do more idle browsing, but until then, from her perspective, she’s having to work too hard for minimal reward.

While likely any SA will keep you as a client and get you what you want, with your current pattern I doubt you’ll ever get that warm, fuzzy, super-attentive feeling that you might be hoping for. A “long-term and meaningful relationship” as you have told her you want to have, is only “meaningful” for her if you actually buy things. There is no point in switching to another SA in the store because they all talk to each other, so all the SAs will know your spending/shopping pattern. It’s good that you are not expecting a quota bag offer.

What I’m guessing when you went in to exchange the Calvi and wanted to look at the Picotin is that she had another appointment and knew that you were not really interested anyway and didn’t want to take 20 minutes to go through the rigamarole of showing it to you if you were not going to buy it. If you are serious about buying a Picotin, then put it on your list before your next appointment with her and when she shows it to you, buy it.

Just curious what do you think the minimum spend be per visit?

 

[Gen_lux]

Just curious what do you think the minimum spend be per visit?

Im thinking more than a grand, if you can do 1:1 spending she'll be ecstatic. But you have to do it regularly.

 

[doni]

Hi!

My first time in the store, I was helped by an SA who was nice. She gave her me business card and to contact her if I ever needed anything in the future. The last couple of times I was in the store, to purchase or not, I would always either say hello or have her assist me with my purchase. Each time I've always emailed her in advanced to let her know I would be coming in and that I was looking for something specific. I might not be making large purchases, but I have also told her I am trying to be thoughtful about what I buy and not rush my experience with Hermes because I want to be building a long term and meaningful relationship with the store.

!

I think you are overthinking it and overdoing it.
It is like your first objective is this having an experience and building a long term relationship.
But these are things that come as a consequence of your shopping, not the reason for it.
I mean, I know I am a simple soul, but to me you go into a shop because you like what they sell. You want a scarf and you go and buy it. You need a pair of shoes and you go and get them. And in the process of buying more and more stuff, it happens, or not, that you build ‘relationships’ with the staff in the shop.
In the world of Hermes this translates down the road into maybe being offered certain bags that are earmarked for good clients.
But you telling the SA you want a long term relationship with the brand and an Hermes experience, it just doesn’t mean anything to her. The relationships may happen in time and depending on your buying not on your intentions.
Or you can take the mercantilist approach, go there at clockwork intervals, make consistent big purchases, spend lots on homeware, mirror the price of the bag you want... and then call it a great relationship. But it is what it is.
My head goes spinning sometimes reading this thread. So much stress!

 

[soccerzfan]

If you feel you’re not getting the best treatment from your SA then you should seek another SA who you think will work better with you. After all, you’re the customer who’s spending your hard earned money.
I think it is fine buying things at your own pace however small the purchase is but also be mindful of your SA time as well. Maybe if you plan to browse then be considerate and come at a time when it’s not so busy at the boutique. I always spend at least an hr with my SA so I tend to schedule my time when I know it’s slow. I have a busy work schedule so for smaller items, I usually have my SA charge send so I don’t have to drive to the store to purchase something like a Calvi.
You can take it slow but don’t expect stellar service unless you’re ready to buy more expensive items. And for the most part you don’t get quota bags unless you spend $$$ anyway so buying small things here and there might not be helpful if you plan to get b/k/c.

Hi!

I started my H journey earlier this year, purchasing small items here and there. I am really taking my time in getting to know the brand, grow an appreciation for it (already love the silks!), and develop a relationship with a SA.

My first time in the store, I was helped by an SA who was nice. She gave her me business card and to contact her if I ever needed anything in the future. The last couple of times I was in the store, to purchase or not, I would always either say hello or have her assist me with my purchase. Each time I've always emailed her in advanced to let her know I would be coming in and that I was looking for something specific. I might not be making large purchases, but I have also told her I am trying to be thoughtful about what I buy and not rush my experience with Hermes because I want to be building a long term and meaningful relationship with the store.

That being said, I feel really on the fence about our relationship. Each time I leave the store, purchase or not, I always feel kind of lukewarm about the whole experience. She does order things in for me whenever I ask, but there are times where she will forget about something or just ignore my request. I went in the other day to exchange a Calvi and purchase a belt instead and she seemed really unenthusiastic the whole time. When she was ringing me up, we were by the handbags and I started asking her questions about the picotin and she kind of just cut me off with "receipt in the bag?".

I think the only reason why I'm thinking about this is because while I was traveling and visited a different Hermes store, I met a very sweet and friendly SA who gave me a whole different vibe. She pulled out scarves since I just wanted to take a peak into the drawers and even pulled some for me to try on. I was on the fence about one and she told me not to worry about it and that if I was on fence, I could always have my SA back home order it for me since "she should know you the best". Then proceeded to show me other goodies the store just received.

I'm on the fence on what to do. Am I overthinking it with my current SA that I'm working with? Should I switch and find another SA at the store I'm at now? Should I switch to working with the SA that I hit it off with?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Gen_lux]

If you feel you’re not getting the best treatment from your SA then you should seek another SA who you think will work better with you. After all, you’re the customer who’s spending your hard earned money.
I think it is fine buying things at your own pace however small the purchase is but also be mindful of your SA time as well. Maybe if you plan to browse then be considerate and come at a time when it’s not so busy at the boutique. I always spend at least an hr with my SA so I tend to schedule my time when I know it’s slow. I have a busy work schedule so for smaller items, I usually have my SA charge send so I don’t have to drive to the store to purchase something like a Calvi.
You can take it slow but don’t expect stellar service unless you’re ready to buy more expensive items. And for the most part you don’t get quota bags unless you spend $$$ anyway so buying small things here and there might not be helpful if you plan to get b/k/c.

Well said!

 

[Etriers]

Just curious what do you think the minimum spend be per visit?

That depends on the expectations of the client. If she has no expectations—meaning she truly wants nothing from the store SAs—she doesn’t want a quota bag or personalized service and a luxury “experience,” and she is able to keep in mind that it is in fact a store, then she need spend nothing at all. She could go in every day if she wanted and quietly browse and leave without ever spending a penny. While she might be thought a bit eccentric, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Logically, the impetus on the client to buy things in the store increases as her expectations increase and her demands on the time of the SA increase. I don’t know that I could give you an exact dollar/time ratio. A brand new client with high expectations, demands and desires is going to have to spend some money fairly consistently until she becomes an established customer or she and her SA will be constantly at odds.

I am always amazed at new clients who have firm ideas about the treatment they deserve (and that’s fine) but have given little thought to the other side of the relationship. One can switch SAs until the cows come home, but if the client is not buying with the SA, then any SA will not be competitive in her job. She only has so many hours in a day. Does she want to fill those hours with sales that earn her commission and get her promoted, or work for free as a tour guide for people browsing the store? She has to do a little of both. We all want the ideal SA, but “maintaining an H relationship” means also thinking about how to be a good client.

 

[little.bear]

Every relationship in nature takes time to develop organically and it works both ways. I think it’s important to not overanalyse the situation and let it happen naturally, particularly if you are a new client. It could go either way. It is best to go in with no expectations, browse / shop for whatever you are looking for and see how it pans out over time. If you have been regularly visiting, giving them business and they see you showing interests in their brand, I am sure the relationship will grow and if it doesn’t, worry about it then and consider switching or talking to the SM.

 

[Laurie C]

Every relationship in nature takes time to develop organically and it works both ways. I think it’s important to not overanalyse the situation and let it happen naturally, particularly if you are a new client. It could go either way. It is best to go in with no expectations, browse / shop for whatever you are looking for and see how it pans out over time. If you have been regularly visiting, giving them business and they see you showing interests in their brand, I am sure the relationship will grow and if it doesn’t, worry about it then and consider switching or talking to the SM.

Wondering if this has happened to anyone and what I should do!! Please help. I have been maintaining a relationship with my SA last week she texted me about my dream bag and asked if I wanted leather or croc. I was so excited and thought “maybe finally!”I told an acquaintance of mine and told her. I also have her my SA info and told her to contact my SA bc my SA is amazing! She did and I now get the feeling that she will be offered the bag!I am so upset. I am 2 years out of horrible health problems( 2 hear attacks and pronounced dead!) so I have been trying to treat myself when I can bc it made me realize how fragile and short life is! I don’t know what to do. I am going to purchase a few items next week so I will see me SA. Do I say something? Or let it go and hope I am wrong.

 

[ladybug333]

Wondering if this has happened to anyone and what I should do!! Please help. I have been maintaining a relationship with my SA last week she texted me about my dream bag and asked if I wanted leather or croc. I was so excited and thought “maybe finally!”I told an acquaintance of mine and told her. I also have her my SA info and told her to contact my SA bc my SA is amazing! She did and I now get the feeling that she will be offered the bag!I am so upset. I am 2 years out of horrible health problems( 2 hear attacks and pronounced dead!) so I have been trying to treat myself when I can bc it made me realize how fragile and short life is! I don’t know what to do. I am going to purchase a few items next week so I will see me SA. Do I say something? Or let it go and hope I am wrong.

Making assumptions about a situation is an easy way to send oneself into an anxious tailspin. I would talk to your friend and SA and express your concerns. Either there is a logical explanation and nothing nefarious is going on behind your back, or you'll actually know what is happening and can make a choice from there. But trying to figure it out without communicating with the other parties involved is only going to bring anxiety and fear.

 

[Laurie C]

Making assumptions about a situation is an easy way to send oneself into an anxious tailspin. I would talk to your friend and SA and express your concerns. Either there is a logical explanation and nothing nefarious is going on behind your back, or you'll actually know what is happening and can make a choice from there. But trying to figure it out without communicating with the other parties involved is only going to bring anxiety and fear.

You are so right. After my friend told me about her conversation with the SA. I texted the SA-“Hey don’t forget about me ” she responded “of course I won’t “ so I guess I have to just let it go, right and hope that I am over analyzing.

 

[Love Of My Life]

Wondering if this has happened to anyone and what I should do!! Please help. I have been maintaining a relationship with my SA last week she texted me about my dream bag and asked if I wanted leather or croc. I was so excited and thought “maybe finally!”I told an acquaintance of mine and told her. I also have her my SA info and told her to contact my SA bc my SA is amazing! She did and I now get the feeling that she will be offered the bag!I am so upset. I am 2 years out of horrible health problems( 2 hear attacks and pronounced dead!) so I have been trying to treat myself when I can bc it made me realize how fragile and short life is! I don’t know what to do. I am going to purchase a few items next week so I will see me SA. Do I say something? Or let it go and hope I am wrong.

Since you SA offered you your dream bag why would your SA not follow through with you? You did not decline the bag did you?
If your "friend" is offered the "bag" knowing that you are interested I would not consider that a "friend"
but because you don't know for certain, don't make any "assumptions"
Have you reached out to your SA to let her know you will be by next week to look at the bag & other items
COMMUNICATE your thoughts.. Your SA can't read your mind!!
Yes life is short & just take a deep breath...

 

[Laurie C]

Since you SA offered you your dream bag why would your SA not follow through with you? You did not decline the bag did you?
If your "friend" is offered the "bag" knowing that you are interested I would not consider that a "friend"
but because you don't know for certain, don't make any "assumptions"
Have you reached out to your SA to let her know you will be by next week to look at the bag & other items
COMMUNICATE your thoughts.. Your SA can't read your mind!!
Yes life is short & just take a deep breath...

The woman I gave my SA info is just a friendly acquaintance and yes I told my SA that I wil be in right b4 Christmas to pick some things up. And I don’t think she “offered”me the bag she knows the color/HW I am interested in she just asked if I would prefer leather or croc. So technically I don’t think I received an offer

 

[_queenbee]

Hi TPF [emoji4]

Thought I might post here to get some additional advice. I am a H newbie - started shopping with my current SA in September and have spent around ~$6K on a variety of items with my SA and ~$2K online.

I recently received a surprise offer of a Constance 18 in Feu GHW by my super thoughtful SA. Still in shock I even got an offer for any bag tbh! I ultimately passed on the offer because my heart is set on a Birkin and the Constance was not on my wishlist. My SA was really understanding as he knows I’m waiting for a B. However, I’m not sure if my SM seemed a little disappointed about me not taking the bag?

Do you know if passing on my first offer will come with negative consequences? The Constance truly is a gorgeous bag but it just didn’t make my heart sing [emoji20]

Any input or advice is much appreciated. Thanks in advance [emoji173]️

 

[TeeCee77]

Hi TPF [emoji4]

Thought I might post here to get some additional advice. I am a H newbie - started shopping with my current SA in September and have spent around ~$6K on a variety of items with my SA and ~$2K online.

I recently received a surprise offer of a Constance 18 in Feu GHW by my super thoughtful SA. Still in shock I even got an offer for any bag tbh! I ultimately passed on the offer because my heart is set on a Birkin and the Constance was not on my wishlist. My SA was really understanding as he knows I’m lusting after a B. However, I’m not sure if my SM seemed a little disappointed about me not taking the bag? My SM asked why I passed and I politely explained that I’m not looking for another crossbody / shoulder bag at the moment.

Do you know if passing on my first offer will come with negative consequences? The Constance was indeed a gorgeous bag but it just didn’t make my heart sing [emoji20]

Any input or advice is much appreciated. Thanks in advance [emoji173]️

Not at all. I’ve passed on lots of offers, including my very first. Just keep making your wishes clear and with a little luck the right bag will come. Being picky means less mistakes and chances of you having to resell when you realize a bag really wasn’t what you wanted. You did the right thing. Your dream bag is around the corner.

 

[_queenbee]

Not at all. I’ve passed on lots of offers, including my very first. Just keep making your wishes clear and with a little luck the right bag will come. Being picky means less mistakes and chances of you having to resell when you realize a bag really wasn’t what you wanted. You did the right thing. Your dream bag is around the corner.

Thank you [emoji173]️ I hope my dream bag finds me soon!