Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

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

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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.

 

[showgratitude]

Just wish to hear your thoughts on how I can salvage this (if it needs salvaging)....
long story short, I have been building a rltp with a SA and I do think I am about reaching the quota for a quota bag. The answer was always a no by citing there is limited stock and plenty of other customers. I walked in to my appointment and saw a lovely quota bag sitting there with a display only sign. Out of curiosity of the size and also very stunned by the color, the sheen of the leather and hardware, I asked about the bag and my SA took it out and said I can try it on. Then I ended up asking if it is possible to buy it and after what it seems like forever, the SA got the approval from the manager. Stupidly enough, I did not ask about the price as I thought I know the approximate price for the size and bag (the leather part totally escaped me). At payment, it (and some other purchases) maxed out my limit so I had to ask for the breakdown..... and the bag was actually way more expensive! that what I thought it would be (it ended up being around USD15k for the bag)!!
So, given it was not practical to have such an expensive bag (not exotic leather as well), I ended up saying I will not be getting it at the very very very last minute.
Did it just ruin my relationship with my SA? I feel really bad considering she did obtain an approval and these bags are normally not for sale to my understanding, and perhaps making her look a bit silly??

TIA!

You can’t undo things…..but just feel good that you did not buy something that you cannot afford and do not really like. If she cannot forgive you and continues to be miffed in the next couple of times you see her, feel free to switch stores. After all, buying luxury items should be a luxurious and a happy experience.

 

[tonkamama]

Are you in Asia? I thought all bags with a display only sign came with minor defects which not sellable, maybe rules have changed as boutique needs the revenue? What is the spec of the bag? Limited edition bags always cost more.

Just wish to hear your thoughts on how I can salvage this (if it needs salvaging)....
long story short, I have been building a rltp with a SA and I do think I am about reaching the quota for a quota bag. The answer was always a no by citing there is limited stock and plenty of other customers. I walked in to my appointment and saw a lovely quota bag sitting there with a display only sign. Out of curiosity of the size and also very stunned by the color, the sheen of the leather and hardware, I asked about the bag and my SA took it out and said I can try it on. Then I ended up asking if it is possible to buy it and after what it seems like forever, the SA got the approval from the manager. Stupidly enough, I did not ask about the price as I thought I know the approximate price for the size and bag (the leather part totally escaped me). At payment, it (and some other purchases) maxed out my limit so I had to ask for the breakdown..... and the bag was actually way more expensive! that what I thought it would be (it ended up being around USD15k for the bag)!!
So, given it was not practical to have such an expensive bag (not exotic leather as well), I ended up saying I will not be getting it at the very very very last minute.
Did it just ruin my relationship with my SA? I feel really bad considering she did obtain an approval and these bags are normally not for sale to my understanding, and perhaps making her look a bit silly??

TIA!

 

[Love Of My Life]

Just wish to hear your thoughts on how I can salvage this (if it needs salvaging)....
long story short, I have been building a rltp with a SA and I do think I am about reaching the quota for a quota bag. The answer was always a no by citing there is limited stock and plenty of other customers. I walked in to my appointment and saw a lovely quota bag sitting there with a display only sign. Out of curiosity of the size and also very stunned by the color, the sheen of the leather and hardware, I asked about the bag and my SA took it out and said I can try it on. Then I ended up asking if it is possible to buy it and after what it seems like forever, the SA got the approval from the manager. Stupidly enough, I did not ask about the price as I thought I know the approximate price for the size and bag (the leather part totally escaped me). At payment, it (and some other purchases) maxed out my limit so I had to ask for the breakdown..... and the bag was actually way more expensive! that what I thought it would be (it ended up being around USD15k for the bag)!!
So, given it was not practical to have such an expensive bag (not exotic leather as well), I ended up saying I will not be getting it at the very very very last minute.
Did it just ruin my relationship with my SA? I feel really bad considering she did obtain an approval and these bags are normally not for sale to my understanding, and perhaps making her look a bit silly??

TIA!

No I would think & hope not
SA's have had experiences with other clients just like yourself that change their mind at the last minute for whatever
the reason might be.
Your SA asking the manager is part of her "job"..
It happens & don't worry
Your relationship up to this point should speak loud & clear & the next time you see your SA, just move on..
Remember you are the "client" ..

 

[cncm]

Can someone confirm whether non-B/K bag purchases can go toward your minimum spend/purchase history to qualify for a B/K? I know RTW/homeware are preferred to bags but I really have no interest in those two categories. I love Hermes scarves and some of their fashion jewelry but not sure that's enough to get offered a quota bag. I'm based in NYC, fwiw. Thanks!

 

[acrowcounted]

Can someone confirm whether non-B/K bag purchases can go toward your minimum spend/purchase history to qualify for a B/K? I know RTW/homeware are preferred to bags but I really have no interest in those two categories. I love Hermes scarves and some of their fashion jewelry but not sure that's enough to get offered a quota bag. I'm based in NYC, fwiw. Thanks!

It all counts. If it’s not a quota bag, the SA gets commission (varying rates per category, I believe) and if the SA gets commission, it helps your profile. A $7k gold bracelet purchase will go a lot farther than a $7k Lindy purchase, but both are better than no purchase or a $500 scarf purchase. (In USA)

 

[momoc]

Can someone confirm whether non-B/K bag purchases can go toward your minimum spend/purchase history to qualify for a B/K? I know RTW/homeware are preferred to bags but I really have no interest in those two categories. I love Hermes scarves and some of their fashion jewelry but not sure that's enough to get offered a quota bag. I'm based in NYC, fwiw. Thanks!

For NYC it should count. There are parts of the world where leather goods don’t count though that’s not the case in the US as far as I know.

 

[Phiona88]

Are you in Asia? I thought all bags with a display only sign came with minor defects which not sellable, maybe rules have changed as boutique needs the revenue? What is the spec of the bag? Limited edition bags always cost more.

I asked my SA this question before, and she said this isn't the case. She said some clients really want to know what a B or K look like in person (and hold one in their hands) and they use these Display-Only bags as samples. But my SA was pretty adamant that they were defect-free and not for sale - this is the case in Hong Kong at least.

In Bangkok, I understand that all Display Only bags are actually for sale for the right amount of pre-spend...

 

[Daosabao]

My H journey has been like this - I’ve gotten many nice bags and items from the same Sa, but I’ve to endure (yes I feel I am enduring sadly) subpar customer service and her moods/attitude towards me, other customers and to her colleagues. Along this journey I’ve gotten very upset to the point I’ve shopped at resellers for a few bags, customer service is very good and there’s instant gratification. After I cooled off I decided to go back to the store again after I sort out my thoughts this is perhaps the way H is going to be for me - a purchase quest, not an enjoyable shopping experience.

I tried going to different stores but no good vibes. I’m not sure if I’ll ever find a ‘sweet’ Sa as some have, and many times I feel like going back to resellers for good.

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

Its so hard this 'game' .
years ago I found an amazing SA who even through I made real entry level purchases ,Hapi's (which were £70 at the time..thats how long ago it was!!!) fragrance, the ulysse pm notebook and refills knew how passionate I was for the brand and put me on the mailing list for the magazine and invited me to store events and even called me up when a Raisin coloured Birkin came in because she knew it was my dream bag at the time..sadly I didn't have the £££ (story of my life!) and had to pass but she really was a dream.
As often happens she left and since then I've noticed how incredibly hard it is to build any kind of relationship in store because even when I've wanted to buy a scarf it feels I'm taking up too much time or getting in the way of a client buying several scarves.
I dont think the level of service should depend on spend as someone who works in sales I know the person who spends £300 and gets great service comes back and spends £900 and then £2000
I think many people end up buying things they dont LOVE from H just in order to build a profile and relationship.
I think thats sad tbh We should only buy what we love.

 

[Rockerchic]

My H journey has been like this - I’ve gotten many nice bags and items from the same Sa, but I’ve to endure (yes I feel I am enduring sadly) subpar customer service and her moods/attitude towards me, other customers and to her colleagues. Along this journey I’ve gotten very upset to the point I’ve shopped at resellers for a few bags, customer service is very good and there’s instant gratification. After I cooled off I decided to go back to the store again after I sort out my thoughts this is perhaps the way H is going to be for me - a purchase quest, not an enjoyable shopping experience.

I tried going to different stores but no good vibes. I’m not sure if I’ll ever find a ‘sweet’ Sa as some have, and many times I feel like going back to resellers for good.

This makes me sad. Shopping should be fun and filled with joy.
I shop at H for the occasional items. My store is an hour away and is a smaller one that doesn't get much. Regardless, I will never play the Hermes game of buying a bunch of stuff so I can potentially get offered a birkin or kelly. I'd rather go the resale route.

 

[Daosabao]

Its so hard this 'game' .
years ago I found an amazing SA who even through I made real entry level purchases ,Hapi's (which were £70 at the time..thats how long ago it was!!!) fragrance, the ulysse pm notebook and refills knew how passionate I was for the brand and put me on the mailing list for the magazine and invited me to store events and even called me up when a Raisin coloured Birkin came in because she knew it was my dream bag at the time..sadly I didn't have the £££ (story of my life!) and had to pass but she really was a dream.
As often happens she left and since then I've noticed how incredibly hard it is to build any kind of relationship in store because even when I've wanted to buy a scarf it feels I'm taking up too much time or getting in the way of a client buying several scarves.
I dont think the level of service should depend on spend as someone who works in sales I know the person who spends £300 and gets great service comes back and spends £900 and then £2000
I think many people end up buying things they dont LOVE from H just in order to build a profile and relationship.
I think thats sad tbh We should only buy what we love.

The best service I get is from Chanel. In my last 10 years buying Chanel I have never heard a single word of complaint from my Sa about work, target, customers or colleagues. However, sucker me fell in love with Hermès bags.

I also wonder if the culture of each house makes Sas the way they are.

Resellers’ markup for birkin and Kelly bags is tremendously high, so that deters me at times.

 

[asonya88]

hi everyone - newbie here... I would like to ask if there is a general etiquette on bringing up your wishlist to your SA. I don't want to come off as rude or pushy, especially since I'm not sure if they are currently furloughed or working or on paid time off... I am, however, looking for a few things and would like his help when he comes back to work. Would it be better to 1) text/email right now and ask if he would be able to help when he comes back or 2) text/email when the stores reopen?

thank you for all your help in advance!

 

[acrowcounted]

hi everyone - newbie here... I would like to ask if there is a general etiquette on bringing up your wishlist to your SA. I don't want to come off as rude or pushy, especially since I'm not sure if they are currently furloughed or working or on paid time off... I am, however, looking for a few things and would like his help when he comes back to work. Would it be better to 1) text/email right now and ask if he would be able to help when he comes back or 2) text/email when the stores reopen?

thank you for all your help in advance!

They can’t do anything with the info until the stores open so I personally wouldn’t send it til then.

 

[Love Of My Life]

hi everyone - newbie here... I would like to ask if there is a general etiquette on bringing up your wishlist to your SA. I don't want to come off as rude or pushy, especially since I'm not sure if they are currently furloughed or working or on paid time off... I am, however, looking for a few things and would like his help when he comes back to work. Would it be better to 1) text/email right now and ask if he would be able to help when he comes back or 2) text/email when the stores reopen?

thank you for all your help in advance!

I think we have to be respectful to SA's during this time especially if they haven't reached out to us.
I would wait until your SA gets back to the boutique & then reach out.

 

[asonya88]

They can’t do anything with the info until the stores open so I personally wouldn’t send it til then.

Thank you so much for both your inputs I will wait until the stores reopen and then reach out