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.

 

[acrowcounted]

Not sure this is has been explained somewhere before, please kindly let me know if it has. But I’m relatively new to H world and need some help interpreting the H language.

Yesterday I went to see my SA to do an exchange and since I had the appointment for the whole hour, I ended up browsing and picking up a mini Evie. Anyway after finishing off with the exchange and new purchase in the register, my SA walked me to the door and casually mentioned that we’re approaching end of the year and each customer is allowed two quota bags, after my Kelly from August, I still have one quote bag left. He asked if I was interested in another Kelly or perhaps a Birkin. I then said I would like my next bag to be a B30 in black/gold and no hardware preference. He then said there’s currently only a touch in stock that’s in the color size combination that I want, and asked if I was interested in a touch. I politely declined and said I currently don’t have the budget for a touch but would like a “regular leather” for now, he said he would let me know once they have it in stock.

I was surprised that he asked without me ever mentioning a wishlist. I only met him in Aug and he helped me with the Kelly without any purchase history so I’ve been trying to establish a good relationship before asking for a second bag (thanks for the great advice I received earlier in this very thread!). So I’m super grateful that he’s trying to help me again. My question is - is this what you would consider an “offer”? If it was, was it rude that I declined the touch as they seem quite popular? I never even imagined I would even get asked to see a touch for my first B! I thought those are typically for clients with longer history (and please correct me on this if I’m wrong too) TIA!

In my experience, touches and full exotic bags are much easier to get (and in fact sometimes on display for anyone to buy) because of their higher price point and lower demand. Also, you were a repeat customer purchasing items on the second last day of the month so I am not surprised that they offered up a bag they had in stock that they were trying to find a buyer for. I’m glad that you kept your eye on the prize as it’s always best to wait for what you truly want.

 

[ItsPurseonal]

Hi all! I’m not sure if this is the best place to ask this question so please direct me elsewhere if I’ve posted in the wrong place. TLDR: in my second ever appointment, my SA said, “We’re having an event later this month and we are getting some nice bags in. You should come in on that day.” What is an “event?”

Longer version: I just started working with a new SA a few weeks ago since we moved to a new location. The first time I was in, I mentioned I was interested in 2 fine jewelry pieces and didn’t ask about bags at all. I didn’t purchase anything that day, and as I was leaving, he asked if I was looking for a B or a K. I told him yes, and gave him a few ideas of colors/sizes. In my second appointment, I bought the finesse pendant. He asked about bags again, and was trying to steer me towards a black or etoupe kelly. I said that my heart is really set on rose pourpre, malachite or something similar in a B30, but I would consider black. Then he said, “we’re having an event later this month and I’m getting some nice bags in. You should try to come on that day if you can.”

While I am excited about potentially being offered a bag, I am just really puzzled about what this “event” is. I’m obviously not a VIP since I’ve only purchased one item from him (~$5k USD). Is this just a day when they get a shipment of new bags or something? I’ll ask him for more details next time I’m in, but would love some insight if anyone is familiar with this event process. Thanks!

 

[fishnumber2]

I'm not sure where you are located but a lot of stores right now have lost a lot of their international client base, which means they have more bags available. That was definitely an offer, but more will come! Just remember buy what you love, your SA will start to select things that suit you over time. Cheers!

That is something I have realized for sure (the fact that there are less Asian tourists, normally super high spenders): I have definitely been offered way more B/K options than ever.

In my experience, touches and full exotic bags are much easier to get (and in fact sometimes on display for anyone to buy) because of their higher price point and lower demand. Also, you were a repeat customer purchasing items on the second last day of the month so I am not surprised that they offered up a bag they had in stock that they were trying to find a buyer for. I’m glad that you kept your eye on the prize as it’s always best to wait for what you truly want.

Thank you all for taking the time to help explain, I’m based in NYC and goes to the Madison Ave store. I am sure they’re impacted by the declining tourism and many wealthy people getting out of the city. Good time for us locals to go shopping! And thanks acrowcounted! I always learn so much from reading your posts!
I’m planning to message my SA tomorrow with the exact specs of my wishlist since the conversation on Friday was so informal and rushed. Hoping I’ll get my first B before end of the year!

 

[louise_elouise]

In my experience, touches and full exotic bags are much easier to get (and in fact sometimes on display for anyone to buy) because of their higher price point and lower demand. Also, you were a repeat customer purchasing items on the second last day of the month so I am not surprised that they offered up a bag they had in stock that they were trying to find a buyer for. I’m glad that you kept your eye on the prize as it’s always best to wait for what you truly want.

Interesting, what does end of month have to do with offers?

 

[olibelli]

Interesting, what does end of month have to do with offers?

Offers are sometimes more prevalent toward at this time because it's a sure fire way to meet EOM sales goals.

 

[olibelli]

While I am excited about potentially being offered a bag, I am just really puzzled about what this “event” is. I’m obviously not a VIP since I’ve only purchased one item from him (~$5k USD). Is this just a day when they get a shipment of new bags or something? I’ll ask him for more details next time I’m in, but would love some insight if anyone is familiar with this event process. Thanks!

Well, my store, for example, hosts multiple events, whether it's a RTW trunkshow or a customization event. In any case, many regular customers gather at said events, which are ultimately planned with the purpose of encouraging shopping & increasing sales, so bags tend to become available at such events as all have gathered at the watering hole and may happen to be parched

 

[ItsPurseonal]

Well, my store, for example, hosts multiple events, whether it's a RTW trunkshow or a customization event. In any case, many regular customers gather at said events, which are ultimately planned with the purpose of encouraging shopping & increasing sales, so bags tend to become available at such events as all have gathered at the watering hole and may happen to be parched

Thank you! That makes sense. I certainly am hopeful that a bag will appear for me

 

[Fan2020]

How do you build relationships with an SA if you don't see him when you pop in the store and he doesn't respond to you on email either.
Shall I change an SA or try a different branch ?

 

[mularice]

How do you build relationships with an SA if you don't see him when you pop in the store and he doesn't respond to you on email either.
Shall I change an SA or try a different branch ?

I sort of didn’t buy what I wanted (readily available items) unless I was served by my SA specifically. I think sometimes it’s difficult to build relationships because they don’t work on commission so it’s not like they NEED us as a personal client.
It is slightly more challenging if you aren’t local and during this pandemic situation. Whereas I would visit every week sometimes several days a week.
It’s also about just making a good bond with an SA from the offset. I think you can just tell when someone “gets” you. Don’t feel like you need to cultivate a relationship with the first SA you speak to! And tbh I don’t think it’s as important to be a VIP client these days. I’ve seen people with no purchase history or no relationship to the SA still get their holy grail items

ps- also just ask if they have a Whatsapp number. I don’t ever communicate with my SA by email. It’s by WhatsApp or personal message specifically.

 

[Fan2020]

I sort of didn’t buy what I wanted (readily available items) unless I was served by my SA specifically. I think sometimes it’s difficult to build relationships because they don’t work on commission so it’s not like they NEED us as a personal client.
It is slightly more challenging if you aren’t local and during this pandemic situation. Whereas I would visit every week sometimes several days a week.
It’s also about just making a good bond with an SA from the offset. I think you can just tell when someone “gets” you. Don’t feel like you need to cultivate a relationship with the first SA you speak to! And tbh I don’t think it’s as important to be a VIP client these days. I’ve seen people with no purchase history or no relationship to the SA still get their holy grail items

ps- also just ask if they have a Whatsapp number. I don’t ever communicate with my SA by email. It’s by WhatsApp or personal message specifically.

Thank you for all the tips!
I am surprised there are people who could just pop in with no purchase history or relationship with SA and got a holy grail bag! :O

 

[tanne0312]

So I need some opinions here...
I recently met my SA in August this year and so far has spent $14k (including one GP36, various scarves, twillies, RTW, Home, and SLGs). I have been trying to find a Picotin 18 and/or mini Bolide and of course a Kelly 28 for my birthday this Dec. I have made a wishlist with my SA for these items and she told me that it would be hard to get any one of the three bags I want bc stock is low this year due to Covid... Is this true? And would my spending be enough for me to get a quota bag? Is a non-quota bag counted in the pre-spending? I’m fairly new in the Hermes journey and while I read as much as I can on tPf, I am still in confusion as for my case lol.
TIA!

 

[DB8]

So I need some opinions here......

I'm not sure where you are located but Picotin 18's pop up somewhat frequently so just be patient. I can't tell you about Mini Bolide because I never ask for them, but I do see them in store from time to time. Kelly 28? Even though everyone is into K20/K25 at the moment, K28 is still something people covet. However, it's very possible to get your hands on one. If I were you I'd stop spending until they offer you a K28. 14k in 3 months is plenty, and you don't want your SA to assume you'll spend even more just to get an offer. That's a slippery slope you don't want to go down.

Re Covid + bag inventory, I posted this here: Any thoughts on how the Covid-19 is affecting the bag productions and offers?

 

[tanne0312]

I'm not sure where you are located but Picotin 18's pop up somewhat frequently so just be patient. I can't tell you about Mini Bolide because I never ask for them, but I do see them in store from time to time. Kelly 28? Even though everyone is into K20/K25 at the moment, K28 is still something people covet. However, it's very possible to get your hands on one. If I were you I'd stop spending until they offer you a K28. 14k in 3 months is plenty, and you don't want your SA to assume you'll spend even more just to get an offer. That's a slippery slope you don't want to go down.

Re Covid + bag inventory, I posted this in the here: Any thoughts on how the Covid-19 is affecting the bag productions and offers?

Thank you so much and I guess I am right in thinking that I’d stop spending and see how it goes... Will definitely update if I get an offer!

 

[Fan2020]

Does spending online counts or dies the spending to fullfil a wish list?

 

[acrowcounted]

Does spending online counts or dies the spending to fullfil a wish list?

In the USA, coveted items are offered from the store not the brand. If the spending wasn’t done at the particular store, it won’t help you get something special from that particular store.