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.

 

[HKsai]

Hi everyone,

I'm very new to H and just started spending. I have been spending with the same SA but recently found out that this SA is very new to Hermes (only started 3-4 months ago). Is this a concern? Will it lower down my chances to get B/K/C? Do only senior SAs have the authority to offer quota bags? If so, should I try to find other SA then?

Also, I've read multiple people here work with their SA and 'SM'. Can I ask how do you actually know who is the SM? I never interacted with other staff other than my SA so I'm curious how do you even start conversation with the SM.

Thank you so much for your help!!

I’ve gotten BKC and SO from my then new (~6 month). It all depends on the relationship. I will say less competition for me.

 

[DoggieBags]

Hi everyone,

I'm very new to H and just started spending. I have been spending with the same SA but recently found out that this SA is very new to Hermes (only started 3-4 months ago). Is this a concern? Will it lower down my chances to get B/K/C? Do only senior SAs have the authority to offer quota bags? If so, should I try to find other SA then?

Also, I've read multiple people here work with their SA and 'SM'. Can I ask how do you actually know who is the SM? I never interacted with other staff other than my SA so I'm curious how do you even start conversation with the SM.

Thank you so much for your help!!

Your SA will probably introduce you to the SM at some point. In my case, I was in the store and my SA and I started chatting about the different bag styles, colors and leathers I was interested in (not just B/K/C). The SM happened to be nearby so my SA suggested we include the SM in our conversation as she would know what had been ordered for the store. That’s how I got introduced to the SM.

 

[Babypooh777]

Your SA will probably introduce you to the SM at some point. In my case, I was in the store and my SA and I started chatting about the different bag styles, colors and leathers I was interested in (not just B/K/C). The SM happened to be nearby so my SA suggested we include the SM in our conversation as she would know what had been ordered for the store. That’s how I got introduced to the SM.

Thanks HKSai and DoggieBags for your reply!!

 

[soccerzfan]

From my experience, it’s actually a good thing to have a brand new SA. When I started my journey, I worked with a new SA and she got me 3 quota bags in one year.

Hi everyone,

I'm very new to H and just started spending. I have been spending with the same SA but recently found out that this SA is very new to Hermes (only started 3-4 months ago). Is this a concern? Will it lower down my chances to get B/K/C? Do only senior SAs have the authority to offer quota bags? If so, should I try to find other SA then?

Also, I've read multiple people here work with their SA and 'SM'. Can I ask how do you actually know who is the SM? I never interacted with other staff other than my SA so I'm curious how do you even start conversation with the SM.

Thank you so much for your help!!

 

[Babypooh777]

From my experience, it’s actually a good thing to have a brand new SA. When I started my journey, I worked with a new SA and she got me 3 quota bags in one year.

Oh gosh...3 quota bags in a year is like a dream come true!! I can only hope...

 

[EmilyM111]

Oh gosh...3 quota bags in a year is like a dream come true!! I can only hope...

I've got K/B/C this year from one store within 7 months and think this dream will never happen again

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

Hi everyone,

I'm very new to H and just started spending. I have been spending with the same SA but recently found out that this SA is very new to Hermes (only started 3-4 months ago). Is this a concern? Will it lower down my chances to get B/K/C? Do only senior SAs have the authority to offer quota bags? If so, should I try to find other SA then?

Also, I've read multiple people here work with their SA and 'SM'. Can I ask how do you actually know who is the SM? I never interacted with other staff other than my SA so I'm curious how do you even start conversation with the SM.

Thank you so much for your help!!

I feel you should stick with your SA -If you ask to swap having started to build the relationship it will leave a very sour taste in her mouth.
And don't forget sales teams are a tight little group (I speak from experience here) and I really dont think you would make any friends in that store by swapping SA mid-stream.
The new SA may well still be on probation (6months is quite normal in sales roles) and having a regular client (which it sounds like you are) ask to swap to a 'more experienced' SA will reflect badly on her and from your point of view if the associate IS on probation the SM may well ask you why you wished to change If you tell the truth it will probably negatively impact your chances of getting a quota bag sooner rather than later.
This is purely my opinion but bear in mind that I do work in sales and client loyalty is key to a sales associate going that extra mile to make the client happy.

 

[Classy Collector]

Congratulations! This is all good. Just keep in mind that while for you it may be a fun outing to meet a new friend, for her it’s her job and she works on commission in the U.S. So yes, have fun, but also bear in mind the time you take, vs. what you intend to buy. Your relationship will be better right off the bat if those elements are relative. You’ve probably read on this thread about new clients who rarely buy but take much of the SA’s time and then can’t figure out why the SA isn’t excited to see them come in. I’d be up front with your SA about your wish list for bags at your first appointment, and buy the items that you love and can afford. I always recommend spending a little more at the first appointment, then if you want to parcel out your purchases over time, do so after that.

I totally agree with this. I think this sets a better tone than small spend at first appointment. This is if you’re serious about the B/K process and want develop a relationship with that SA, of course. If you don’t like the SA, then of course meet other SAs before dropping money. I started the H boutique journey by dropping mid-thousands on the first appointment- without any knowledge of B/K. At that time I couldn’t figure out why the SA seemed very happy. She even asked me what’s on my wishlist after the first appointment and I didn’t understand her question. Now I know and I understand the B/K process too. How naive I was haha.

 

[Siha77]

I totally agree with this. I think this sets a better tone than small spend at first appointment. This is if you’re serious about the B/K process and want develop a relationship with that SA, of course. If you don’t like the SA, then of course meet other SAs before dropping money. I started the H boutique journey by dropping mid-thousands on the first appointment- without any knowledge of B/K. At that time I couldn’t figure out why the SA seemed very happy. She even asked me what’s on my wishlist after the first appointment and I didn’t understand her question. Now I know and I understand the B/K process too. How naive I was haha.

I love this, haha. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Babypooh777]

Thank you for your advice!! I do like my SA and I think we have that connection so I will stick with this SA for now Fingers crossed for a B/K/C!!

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

Thank you for your advice!! I do like my SA and I think we have that connection so I will stick with this SA for now Fingers crossed for a B/K/C!!

Trust me its all about the connection-bear in mind these SA's get asked for BKC 100 times a day by walk ins,
I dont spend tons of money but I have a really good relationship with my SA's and they have made it clear when the time is right for me (financially speaking) give them a shout and my wishlist-I am confident this isn't just talk because in the past I was offered a Birkin in my dream colour with not a massive spend but really good client/SA relationship.
That SA left to have a baby but I've started again and have a lovely SA who sent me Hermes videos to cheer me up during lockdown!

 

[iamberrytastic]

Would anyone know how much commission SA gets in different categories? Obviously I don’t wanna ask my SA about it but I wanna know which categories I should focus on to score the most commission for my SA. I assume fine jewelry and watches are pretty high. I hear they don’t get commission on certain items.

 

[acrowcounted]

Would anyone know how much commission SA gets in different categories? Obviously I don’t wanna ask my SA about it but I wanna know which categories I should focus on to score the most commission for my SA. I assume fine jewelry and watches are pretty high. I hear they don’t get commission on certain items.

If all you care about are commissions for your SA, then load up on fine jewelry, homewares, and men’s RTW. However, I recommend just shopping naturally for things you actually like across multiple categories. My understanding is that (in the USA) they get some kind of commission on everything up to and including Constance bags but I’d hardly use that as a determinant for my purchases. There’s also some anecdotal evidence that appearing desperate by trying too hard to rig the game will get you taken advantage of by less scrupulous SAs... It’s not a formula. Buy what you love and the bag offers will follow.

 

[iamberrytastic]

If all you care about are commissions for your SA, then load up on fine jewelry, homewares, and men’s RTW. However, I recommend just shopping naturally for things you actually like across multiple categories. My understanding is that (in the USA) they get some kind of commission on everything up to and including Constance bags but I’d hardly use that as a determinant for my purchases. There’s also some anecdotal evidence that appearing desperate by trying too hard to rig the game will get you taken advantage of by less scrupulous SAs... It’s not a formula. Buy what you love and the bag offers will follow.

Awwww thank you so much for your thoughtful response. So sweet.

 

[classybags4ever]

Has anyone just straight up tried saying to an SA -“ I’m willing to buy x amount in jewelry if I can ensure I’ll get a B (state your preferred size and colors and leather).” And only make the purchase of jewelry if they say yes? I’m not willing to play games and be strung along by an SA, which I felt in the past I was. I’d rather just be as upfront as possible with my intention of wanting a B. This is in the US. Thanks.