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.

 

[elle woods]

Have you been able to do that? I was previously told by staff that they cannot accept monetary items of any sort and must reject those on the spot. I haven’t thought of if gift cards for food establishments fit into that category. But do share of your experience doing that. That’d be helpful to clarify.

Items that are presented as and can share among the staff like food are fine and even more safer in COVID times if it’s store-bought and packaged by the manufacturer individually. E.g. ferrero rocher chocolates, other packaged snacks. But do check with the staff at your store, some may not allow any at this time.

I have not yet. I have brought packed Godiva chocolates in the pre-covid days and it was fine.

Since covid, at my store I was told outside food was not allowed, even as gifts. The store even ordered lunch in for the staff to minimize any exposure so staff wouldn't have to buy food outside. This was in the first week they opened, not sure if they are still this strict.

 

[louise_elouise]

I have not yet. I have brought packed Godiva chocolates in the pre-covid days and it was fine.

Since covid, at my store I was told outside food was not allowed, even as gifts. The store even ordered lunch in for the staff to minimize any exposure so staff wouldn't have to buy food outside. This was in the first week they opened, not sure if they are still this strict.

Yikes. See, it sounds like food, even if it's pre packaged, is a bit questionable...

I guess all I can do is wait for a bit until things die down

 

[MissSteph]

I have always wondered if there is a huge difference if your SA is also the SM for the store. My SA is and I don't know if it helps or hurts my chance at quota bags etc. I understand it may mean that she has a lot of established clients and she had got my wishlists/items-im-after mixed up with others before. Anyone has good insights?

 

[acrowcounted]

I have always wondered if there is a huge difference if your SA is also the SM for the store. My SA is and I don't know if it helps or hurts my chance at quota bags etc. I understand it may mean that she has a lot of established clients and she had got my wishlists/items-im-after mixed up with others before. Anyone has good insights?

Interesting. Is this in the USA? I was under the impression that the SMs didn’t have clients as they have too many other responsibilities to attend to and since they dictate final bag allocations, it makes for tricky politics.

 

[MissSteph]

Interesting. Is this in the USA? I was under the impression that the SMs didn’t have clients as they have too many other responsibilities to attend to and since they dictate final bag allocations, it makes for tricky politics.

yes I am in the US

 

[addtocart]

As someone who tends to over-analyze things a bit, what would you all consider to be the "larger" stores in the US? I didn't think my home store was a large store (it has never been busy even during what one might consider busy times) but now after reading through several threads I am curious if it falls under that category.
I really like and enjoy my SA, however, have not been offered a bag yet even though it has been brought up several times (by my SA) and am wondering if part of it is how many actually shop in my store.

 

[acrowcounted]

As someone who tends to over-analyze things a bit, what would you all consider to be the "larger" stores in the US? I didn't think my home store was a large store (it has never been busy even during what one might consider busy times) but now after reading through several threads I am curious if it falls under that category.
I really like and enjoy my SA, however, have not been offered a bag yet even though it has been brought up several times (by my SA) and am wondering if part of it is how many actually shop in my store.

It honestly doesn’t really matter. Stores have purchase budgets based on how much they sell. “Big stores” with tons of customers will be allocated more bags, proportionally, because they presumably bring in more revenue than smaller stores with fewer sales. It more depends on how much you personally spend relative to the other clients who are also requesting the same spec quota bag. If you’ve been working well with an SA, it just comes down to spending, patience, and timing.

 

[GreenBagsOnly]

Hello! I know there is no right answer to this, but just looking for advice/options/what would you do in this case with a SA...

Like so many bag-obsessed and H-obsessed, I really, really, really love the Birkin. I started my Hermès shopping in May (so I am new, but have admired the B since the 90s). The first SA who walked up to me in the store is now my SA so there is that. Is it a good fit? Probably not, but I had no idea that I had to "shop" for a good SA too! I was able to get on the waitlist for a B35 (black or grey/Epsom or Togo), however I am not a patient person and a few weeks later I bought a preloved B35 in the color that I really wanted (green/Epsom). I didn't want to wait the 1-2 years that the SA said it could take for a new B35.

Now I would like to change my waitlist choice to a B30 so that I have 2 sizes which I know will take longer (2-3 years), but I am ok with that. There are other H items I would like so I can go in periodically. I am not a huge spender, but ok to play the game for some nice Hermès things and a B30 sometime in the future as I prefer not to go pre-loved for my 2nd B (too stressful!). But since I can't sink in thousands every visit, I do not feel that I can start over with a new SA.

Thoughts on...

Are SAs generally agreeable to changing waitlist choices?

Should I show the SA my preloved B35 so they see I am serious about buying Bs AND that I know what size I want next?

I am so worried that if I take in my preloved B, the SA will be annoyed that I did not wait to buy one in the store AND annoyed that I want to change my waitlist choice. I am worried if I don't take it in, the SA will insist that I still really want a 35 (SA would not add green to waitlist color choice when I asked, but they were trying to be helpful in saying that a more neutral would be better for my first B).

Sorry so long, TIA!

 

[MissSteph]

Hello! I know there is no right answer to this, but just looking for advice/options/what would you do in this case with a SA...

Like so many bag-obsessed and H-obsessed, I really, really, really love the Birkin. I started my Hermès shopping in May (so I am new, but have admired the B since the 90s). The first SA who walked up to me in the store is now my SA so there is that. Is it a good fit? Probably not, but I had no idea that I had to "shop" for a good SA too! I was able to get on the waitlist for a B35 (black or grey/Epsom or Togo), however I am not a patient person and a few weeks later I bought a preloved B35 in the color that I really wanted (green/Epsom). I didn't want to wait the 1-2 years that the SA said it could take for a new B35.

Now I would like to change my waitlist choice to a B30 so that I have 2 sizes which I know will take longer (2-3 years), but I am ok with that. There are other H items I would like so I can go in periodically. I am not a huge spender, but ok to play the game for some nice Hermès things and a B30 sometime in the future as I prefer not to go pre-loved for my 2nd B (too stressful!). But since I can't sink in thousands every visit, I do not feel that I can start over with a new SA.

Thoughts on...

Are SAs generally agreeable to changing waitlist choices?

Should I show the SA my preloved B35 so they see I am serious about buying Bs AND that I know what size I want next?

I am so worried that if I take in my preloved B, the SA will be annoyed that I did not wait to buy one in the store AND annoyed that I want to change my waitlist choice. I am worried if I don't take it in, the SA will insist that I still really want a 35 (SA would not add green to waitlist color choice when I asked, but they were trying to be helpful in saying that a more neutral would be better for my first B).

Sorry so long, TIA!

There shouldn't be any problem of changing your preference. If you're in the US, the wait-list is just a myth. What you have is a wishlist, a guide for SA to know what you want so that hopefully they can keep an eye out for you and snatch that for you once the specs you want hits the store.
I don't know how SA generally react with clients getting pre-loved Bs. Chances are each SA will deal with it differently depend on how they are and what your relationship is like. If you feel like the conversations flows well, casually mention that you think the B30 may fit your better without having to disclose that you already got the B35 (35 being too big etcs... and/or you saw and admire a B30 in certain color and would want that instead). Chances are the SA will gladly make the note.

 

[HKsai]

Hello! I know there is no right answer to this, but just looking for advice/options/what would you do in this case with a SA...

Like so many bag-obsessed and H-obsessed, I really, really, really love the Birkin. I started my Hermès shopping in May (so I am new, but have admired the B since the 90s). The first SA who walked up to me in the store is now my SA so there is that. Is it a good fit? Probably not, but I had no idea that I had to "shop" for a good SA too! I was able to get on the waitlist for a B35 (black or grey/Epsom or Togo), however I am not a patient person and a few weeks later I bought a preloved B35 in the color that I really wanted (green/Epsom). I didn't want to wait the 1-2 years that the SA said it could take for a new B35.

Now I would like to change my waitlist choice to a B30 so that I have 2 sizes which I know will take longer (2-3 years), but I am ok with that. There are other H items I would like so I can go in periodically. I am not a huge spender, but ok to play the game for some nice Hermès things and a B30 sometime in the future as I prefer not to go pre-loved for my 2nd B (too stressful!). But since I can't sink in thousands every visit, I do not feel that I can start over with a new SA.

Thoughts on...

Are SAs generally agreeable to changing waitlist choices?

Should I show the SA my preloved B35 so they see I am serious about buying Bs AND that I know what size I want next?

I am so worried that if I take in my preloved B, the SA will be annoyed that I did not wait to buy one in the store AND annoyed that I want to change my waitlist choice. I am worried if I don't take it in, the SA will insist that I still really want a 35 (SA would not add green to waitlist color choice when I asked, but they were trying to be helpful in saying that a more neutral would be better for my first B).

Sorry so long, TIA!

I honestly would not bring your preloved bag into the store until after you establish a good relationship with the SA if you specifically told your SA that you don’t have any Birkins when you first asked for a b35.

otherwise I would just shop as usual. There’s no waitlist anymore. You are simply changing your preferences which are totally fine. It seems like you adjusted your expectations regarding wait and spending as well. There really isn’t a hard rule about b30 vs b35 anyway. I was offered a b30 before b35. I mean yes the general rule is b30 is more sought after but at the end is luck and your color/leather/hardware preferences. I doubt there’s a big wait time differences unless you are very specific. I’m not in Cali though. Good luck!

 

[GreenBagsOnly]

There shouldn't be any problem of changing your preference. If you're in the US, the wait-list is just a myth. What you have is a wishlist, a guide for SA to know what you want so that hopefully they can keep an eye out for you and snatch that for you once the specs you want hits the store.
I don't know how SA generally react with clients getting pre-loved Bs. Chances are each SA will deal with it differently depend on how they are and what your relationship is like. If you feel like the conversations flows well, casually mention that you think the B30 may fit your better without having to disclose that you already got the B35 (35 being too big etcs... and/or you saw and admire a B30 in certain color and would want that instead). Chances are the SA will gladly make the note.

I am in Europe now and they do refer to it as a "waitlist" but I have no idea how it works behind the scenes.

Thanks for the opinion, makes sense!

 

[GreenBagsOnly]

I honestly would not bring your preloved bag into the store until after you establish a good relationship with the SA if you specifically told your SA that you don’t have any Birkins when you first asked for a b35.

otherwise I would just shop as usual. There’s no waitlist anymore. You are simply changing your preferences which are totally fine. It seems like you adjusted your expectations regarding wait and spending as well. There really isn’t a hard rule about b30 vs b35 anyway. I was offered a b30 before b35. I mean yes the general rule is b30 is more sought after but at the end is luck and your color/leather/hardware preferences. I doubt there’s a big wait time differences unless you are very specific. I’m not in Cali though. Good luck!

Because my German still stinks, I don't think I have a good relationship with anyone quite yet, but I am working on it!

In Europe, they still call it a waitlist, but yes, it is probably just a wishlist. They did have an app on their phone where the entered all my preferences so hopefully my Birkin wish is not forgotten (I can only go into the store every 5-6 weeks).

Thanks for your thoughts. I will definitely leave my preloved B35 at home now and just bring in my Bolide that my SA sold to me.

 

[HKsai]

Because my German still stinks, I don't think I have a good relationship with anyone quite yet, but I am working on it!

In Europe, they still call it a waitlist, but yes, it is probably just a wishlist. They did have an app on their phone where the entered all my preferences so hopefully my Birkin wish is not forgotten (I can only go into the store every 5-6 weeks).

Thanks for your thoughts. I will definitely leave my preloved B35 at home now and just bring in my Bolide that my SA sold to me.

Again different culture has different rules and stuff. By no means what I think appropriate will be the golden standards. I think after you have a relationship with the SA, you won’t even think about what’s appropriate or not. Good luck!!

 

[SPBiaes]

Hello! I know there is no right answer to this, but just looking for advice/options/what would you do in this case with a SA...

Like so many bag-obsessed and H-obsessed, I really, really, really love the Birkin. I started my Hermès shopping in May (so I am new, but have admired the B since the 90s). The first SA who walked up to me in the store is now my SA so there is that. Is it a good fit? Probably not, but I had no idea that I had to "shop" for a good SA too! I was able to get on the waitlist for a B35 (black or grey/Epsom or Togo), however I am not a patient person and a few weeks later I bought a preloved B35 in the color that I really wanted (green/Epsom). I didn't want to wait the 1-2 years that the SA said it could take for a new B35.

Now I would like to change my waitlist choice to a B30 so that I have 2 sizes which I know will take longer (2-3 years), but I am ok with that. There are other H items I would like so I can go in periodically. I am not a huge spender, but ok to play the game for some nice Hermès things and a B30 sometime in the future as I prefer not to go pre-loved for my 2nd B (too stressful!). But since I can't sink in thousands every visit, I do not feel that I can start over with a new SA.

Thoughts on...

Are SAs generally agreeable to changing waitlist choices?

Should I show the SA my preloved B35 so they see I am serious about buying Bs AND that I know what size I want next?

I am so worried that if I take in my preloved B, the SA will be annoyed that I did not wait to buy one in the store AND annoyed that I want to change my waitlist choice. I am worried if I don't take it in, the SA will insist that I still really want a 35 (SA would not add green to waitlist color choice when I asked, but they were trying to be helpful in saying that a more neutral would be better for my first B).

Sorry so long, TIA!

I think you are really overthinking this. What you bring to the store really should not impact your relationship with your SA. Not sure how it works in German, but SAs do not get commission on B or K in the US. Therefore, it really doesn't matter if you already have a B or K and bring one to the store. You are there to get ANOTHER B or K, and that's enough for the SA to know. Changing your wishlist items is the most normal thing for a customer to do. What if you found a pre-loved dream bag online, or a loved one gifted you a Birkin, or you found one with perfect color/leather/hw combo on a trip? No one can predict any of these. It simply does not make any sense for your SA to get upset because of a trivial thing like this. Most important of all - if you are no longer enjoying your shopping experience with your local Hermes boutique and every step has to be like playing chess, then what's the fun? Shopping is something we treat ourselves with, please never let it stresses you out.

 

[GreenBagsOnly]

I think you are really overthinking this. What you bring to the store really should not impact your relationship with your SA. Not sure how it works in German, but SAs do not get commission on B or K in the US. Therefore, it really doesn't matter if you already have a B or K and bring one to the store. You are there to get ANOTHER B or K, and that's enough for the SA to know. Changing your wishlist items is the most normal thing for a customer to do. What if you found a pre-loved dream bag online, or a loved one gifted you a Birkin, or you found one with perfect color/leather/hw combo on a trip? No one can predict any of these. It simply does not make any sense for your SA to get upset because of a trivial thing like this. Most important of all - if you are no longer enjoying your shopping experience with your local Hermes boutique and every step has to be like playing chess, then what's the fun? Shopping is something we treat ourselves with, please never let it stresses you out.

Ha! Yes, I agree with everything you said. Totally overthinking it, but... And sorry to whine, but for some of us who can not get the B/K/C, it can just be a little frustrating to read all the "I just walked into the store and got one right away" posts or to hear about the multiple offers that people get. Life is not fair, I get it. And it's just a bag, I get that too, I really do.

Berlin service and me are like oil and water which does not help. I flew to London to get a Rolex wedding anniversary gift because I just kinda didn't want to be treated like s*@% for such a big purchase and wanted to have fun with the shopping. And it was so worth it- bubbles and lovely service at each store! I usually try to do my luxury good shopping outside of my current city of Berlin, but if I have to do this "relationship" thing (which btw really strikes dread into the heart of an introvert), best to stay local.

Would love to avoid the Hermès chess game, and you are right- it's not fun. Just trying to be patient and to do the right thing to get the new-in-box B bag and not screw it up since maintaining the relationship can be expensive.