Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

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

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[momoc]

I’m in an interesting situation. I’ve been building a relationship with an SA for the past 6 months. I’ve gotten a B and she’s been able to source me things which aren’t available in the boutique. She’s great! Unfortunately she’s currently out of the boutique for an extended period of time (I believe she’s on leave) and has given me two managers I can see when I go in and another SA.

I was able to get a few things with this new SA and build a relationship as well but now I’m not sure how it’ll hinder my relationship with my current SA? She mentions I can still give her my wishlist and she’ll try to let me know what’s available. I’ve seen him twice already for items and will be seeing him again for an item he helped me transfer in.

I’d like to get my new bag which the new SA is aware of as I inquired on my first visit on stock (my SA is aware it’s on my wishlist). What do you think I should do? Both SA’s are GREAT. I’d like to purchase my next bag in the next 3 months so I’m not in a rush, But I know with my current SA out of the boutique until further notice, I feel like the odds of my next bag are offering is slimmer?

If your old SA is on a very long leave, I don't think there's anything wrong with working with the second SA? Especially if she gave you the other SA's name. It sounds like that's what she *wants* you to do...

 

[ouicestmoi]

I have a very dear friend whom I love and respect alot. And I post this question in hope of helping me, and her see things in other people's perspectives other than our very own. Our H experiences are rather varied and I somehow think it's a factor of many things, and no one single reason can explain why our H store experiences are different ... inconsistent ... and sometimes, just poor.

a) How often are you in contact with your SA/store? Be it via phone calls, emails, personal store visits. I am in California, and my SA is in Paris; I stay in touch every few months via text - just checking in to see how she's doing, etc., and advising her of upcoming trips.

b) Do you feel like you need to keep your H relationship warm by keeping a constant and regular contact? Do you believe that it's a case of "out of sight, out of mind" with H staff; that time away from your store will affect your H relatioship? Yes, I believe it's important to keep the relationship intact, especially because in my case we are in different countries and I see her about twice a year.

c) if for whatever reason/s, you stop calling your store maybe because you were going through a busy period. Will your SA remember to call you? I'd like to think so!

d) Suppose you asked your SA to do a global search for something for you. Do you get to hear back from your SA? Do you get regular updates about the status? We all know that global searches are manual, and responses can be as late as 6 weeks' later. Do you need to constantly remind your SA to ask about this? No experience with this.

 

[HAllDay]

I know a lot of people on this board will suggest going with the flow when it comes to Hermes, but I just cannot! So that is why I come here to ask questions.

I got my first offer in September this year and accepted the offer. I then got another offer 3 weeks later at a holiday event, which I turned down. I have not gotten another offer since, but I’ve spent around 1.2:1 since my first accepted offer and I’ve updated my wishlist a few times. However, this last update was for a very specific bag that I know is in production, but hard to get (barenia or barenia faubourg fauve b25/b30 hardware color doesn’t matter). I think I have a good relationship with my SA, but I know I do not spend like a VIP. I also know I will have to wait my turn for these specifications. I really don’t want to spend much more for the next offer. So, how do I proceed?

Do I lengthen my visits and just go in to buy small things (my local store is by appointment and I feel like I can’t walk away empty handed with this appointment system) and remind my SA during these appointments? Or do I text my SA once a month to ask her if she’s seen anything in the leather I want without spending? I feel like I want to hold my money hostage until I see a bag offer, but I don’t want our relationship to dampen if I don’t go into the store. I know it’s not a very “natural” way of buying things from Hermes, but I don’t want to go overboard this upcoming year and I want to be a little more calculated.
Thank you and happy holidays everyone!

 

[n1a]

I know a lot of people on this board will suggest going with the flow when it comes to Hermes, but I just cannot! So that is why I come here to ask questions.

I got my first offer in September this year and accepted the offer. I then got another offer 3 weeks later at a holiday event, which I turned down. I have not gotten another offer since, but I’ve spent around 1.2:1 since my first accepted offer and I’ve updated my wishlist a few times. However, this last update was for a very specific bag that I know is in production, but hard to get (barenia or barenia faubourg fauve b25/b30 hardware color doesn’t matter). I think I have a good relationship with my SA, but I know I do not spend like a VIP. I also know I will have to wait my turn for these specifications. I really don’t want to spend much more for the next offer. So, how do I proceed?

Do I lengthen my visits and just go in to buy small things (my local store is by appointment and I feel like I can’t walk away empty handed with this appointment system) and remind my SA during these appointments? Or do I text my SA once a month to ask her if she’s seen anything in the leather I want without spending? I feel like I want to hold my money hostage until I see a bag offer, but I don’t want our relationship to dampen if I don’t go into the store. I know it’s not a very “natural” way of buying things from Hermes, but I don’t want to go overboard this upcoming year and I want to be a little more calculated.
Thank you and happy holidays everyone!

I feel you. I am in similar situation too minus another offer after my last accepted offer.
To the point of thinking maybe I just buy from reseller next time.

 

[chicfinds]

I know a lot of people on this board will suggest going with the flow when it comes to Hermes, but I just cannot! So that is why I come here to ask questions.

I got my first offer in September this year and accepted the offer. I then got another offer 3 weeks later at a holiday event, which I turned down. I have not gotten another offer since, but I’ve spent around 1.2:1 since my first accepted offer and I’ve updated my wishlist a few times. However, this last update was for a very specific bag that I know is in production, but hard to get (barenia or barenia faubourg fauve b25/b30 hardware color doesn’t matter). I think I have a good relationship with my SA, but I know I do not spend like a VIP. I also know I will have to wait my turn for these specifications. I really don’t want to spend much more for the next offer. So, how do I proceed?

Do I lengthen my visits and just go in to buy small things (my local store is by appointment and I feel like I can’t walk away empty handed with this appointment system) and remind my SA during these appointments? Or do I text my SA once a month to ask her if she’s seen anything in the leather I want without spending? I feel like I want to hold my money hostage until I see a bag offer, but I don’t want our relationship to dampen if I don’t go into the store. I know it’s not a very “natural” way of buying things from Hermes, but I don’t want to go overboard this upcoming year and I want to be a little more calculated.
Thank you and happy holidays everyone!

maybe go in once a month and buy something small, like perfume or a twilly? I completely get what you're saying though...its hard to stop shopping completely especially if you're waiting for your next bag. another thing to consider is since you're looking for very specific specs, you could be a waiting awhile (and it could take several months or more) so i do think you have to keep the relationship "fresh" so your SA thinks of you the moment that bag comes in.

 

[Perja]

I know a lot of people on this board will suggest going with the flow when it comes to Hermes, but I just cannot! So that is why I come here to ask questions.

I got my first offer in September this year and accepted the offer. I then got another offer 3 weeks later at a holiday event, which I turned down. I have not gotten another offer since, but I’ve spent around 1.2:1 since my first accepted offer and I’ve updated my wishlist a few times. However, this last update was for a very specific bag that I know is in production, but hard to get (barenia or barenia faubourg fauve b25/b30 hardware color doesn’t matter). I think I have a good relationship with my SA, but I know I do not spend like a VIP. I also know I will have to wait my turn for these specifications. I really don’t want to spend much more for the next offer. So, how do I proceed?

Do I lengthen my visits and just go in to buy small things (my local store is by appointment and I feel like I can’t walk away empty handed with this appointment system) and remind my SA during these appointments? Or do I text my SA once a month to ask her if she’s seen anything in the leather I want without spending? I feel like I want to hold my money hostage until I see a bag offer, but I don’t want our relationship to dampen if I don’t go into the store. I know it’s not a very “natural” way of buying things from Hermes, but I don’t want to go overboard this upcoming year and I want to be a little more calculated.
Thank you and happy holidays everyone!

If anything, now is the time to lengthen your spending habits. Instead visiting, I’d message them nicely and say “oh, I don’t want to take up a slot but have you seen any items in [your desired combo]?”

 

[craielover]

I know a lot of people on this board will suggest going with the flow when it comes to Hermes, but I just cannot! So that is why I come here to ask questions.

I got my first offer in September this year and accepted the offer. I then got another offer 3 weeks later at a holiday event, which I turned down. I have not gotten another offer since, but I’ve spent around 1.2:1 since my first accepted offer and I’ve updated my wishlist a few times. However, this last update was for a very specific bag that I know is in production, but hard to get (barenia or barenia faubourg fauve b25/b30 hardware color doesn’t matter). I think I have a good relationship with my SA, but I know I do not spend like a VIP. I also know I will have to wait my turn for these specifications. I really don’t want to spend much more for the next offer. So, how do I proceed?

Do I lengthen my visits and just go in to buy small things (my local store is by appointment and I feel like I can’t walk away empty handed with this appointment system) and remind my SA during these appointments? Or do I text my SA once a month to ask her if she’s seen anything in the leather I want without spending? I feel like I want to hold my money hostage until I see a bag offer, but I don’t want our relationship to dampen if I don’t go into the store. I know it’s not a very “natural” way of buying things from Hermes, but I don’t want to go overboard this upcoming year and I want to be a little more calculated.
Thank you and happy holidays everyone!

Spending only helps if you are after a bag that arrives every month. Smooth Barenia takes who knows how long, but you're right barenia faubourg is in production. Doesn't come in as frequent as gold togo but when a batch comes, you will have yours. So I will just make sure the SA really understands that you want barenia or BF and nothing else, then you can check in with her every two/three months by making some purchases (like silk/calvi/whatever catches your eye) and remind her what's on your list.

 

[HAllDay]

Spending only helps if you are after a bag that arrives every month. Smooth Barenia takes who knows how long, but you're right barenia faubourg is in production. Doesn't come in as frequent as gold togo but when a batch comes, you will have yours. So I will just make sure the SA really understands that you want barenia or BF and nothing else, then you can check in with her every two/three months by making some purchases (like silk/calvi/whatever catches your eye) and remind her what's on your list.

Thank you for your feedback! This advice comes from what sounds like true H veteran. Out of curiosity, how long of a history have you had with Hermes?

maybe go in once a month and buy something small, like perfume or a twilly? I completely get what you're saying though...its hard to stop shopping completely especially if you're waiting for your next bag. another thing to consider is since you're looking for very specific specs, you could be a waiting awhile (and it could take several months or more) so i do think you have to keep the relationship "fresh" so your SA thinks of you the moment that bag comes in.

This relationship upkeep can be so tiring. I’m already bad enough with keeping in touch with my own friends lol

 

[Jem131]

Thank you for your suggestion .

I did email him the day I heard of the looting to say hope he’s safe & well - I immediately thought of the employees when I heard Hermes was targeted. I have yet to hear back. Even in the few weeks prior to this he only replied to emails on days he was in store. So that’s why I’m wondering if I’ll hear back.

Is it the norm that Hermes SA’s only communicate during days they are on the clock and only via boutique phone line and email? This is the only thing Ive experienced thus far. I find it strange that with such high end merchandise that contact wouldnt be more personal. My Chanel SA contacts me even on her off days and via text.

Early last year my SA advised that a new policy required that they only communicate via boutique line when working. No after hours or texting via cell.
I certainly miss the ability to reach out to them directly.

 

[craielover]

Thank you for your feedback! This advice comes from what sounds like true H veteran. Out of curiosity, how long of a history have you had with Hermes?

Not that long, just two years. I was too enthusiastic at the beginning. Sure I got an SO very early on but then I figured I need to time my purchases so I don't get everything I like all at once. I do have a barenia faubourg B25 and actually have been offered this leather twice (first offer was last year, a BF GHW B25 but I didn't know if I would like it so I turned it down). I took the second offer this year as it's PHW and I really wanted a B in this size. I'm pretty sure BF doesn't come every month (judging from my offers and friends'), but the month our store received it, there were multiple B25 in that leather that were offered to people I know. And I'm almost certain that if there were 25s, there's got to be 30s as well.
Barenia and BF are not for newcomers. It took me a while to appreciate it.

 

[litostar]

Not that long, just two years. I was too enthusiastic at the beginning. Sure I got an SO very early on but then I figured I need to time my purchases so I don't get everything I like all at once. I do have a barenia faubourg B25 and actually have been offered this leather twice (first offer was last year, a BF GHW B25 but I didn't know if I would like it so I turned it down). I took the second offer this year as it's PHW and I really wanted a B in this size. I'm pretty sure BF doesn't come every month (judging from my offers and friends'), but the month our store received it, there were multiple B25 in that leather that were offered to people I know. And I'm almost certain that if there were 25s, there's got to be 30s as well.
Barenia and BF are not for newcomers. It took me a while to appreciate it.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I find most of those that initially start with H tends be very enthusiastic in hopes to get an offer (or maybe I really have no self control lol) but once you get an offer or two and get the grasp on how things work we can take it slow as I realize it’s a long ongoing journey. But may I kindly ask to be offered an SO, is it a combination of spend and relationship with SA? I’m in a location that’s really really hard to get an SO that I almost think it may really only be dependent on the spend but I’m not sure. Thank you!

 

[craielover]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I find most of those that initially start with H tends be very enthusiastic in hopes to get an offer (or maybe I really have no self control lol) but once you get an offer or two and get the grasp on how things work we can take it slow as I realize it’s a long ongoing journey. But may I kindly ask to be offered an SO, is it a combination of spend and relationship with SA? I’m in a location that’s really really hard to get an SO that I almost think it may really only be dependent on the spend but I’m not sure. Thank you!

I think the first SO is a way for your SA to let you know he or she truly values your business. My boutique is newer so there are not that many clients waiting for one - I got it merely because I proved myself a returning customer that likes what H has to offer (I didn't spend that much, just across different categories, and I probably showed up every two weeks?). Me and SA do get along well but at the point of SO we had just known each other for a few months. It's okay to let your SA know you would like to be considered for that opportunity so he or she can plan ahead of time. I know mine likes to give each long-term customer a chance if she can.

 

[EmilyM111]

I think the first SO is a way for your SA to let you know he or she truly values your business. My boutique is newer so there are not that many clients waiting for one - I got it merely because I proved myself a returning customer that likes what H has to offer (I didn't spend that much, just across different categories, and I probably showed up every two weeks?). Me and SA do get along well but at the point of SO we had just known each other for a few months. It's okay to let your SA know you would like to be considered for that opportunity so he or she can plan ahead of time. I know mine likes to give each long-term customer a chance if she can.

Hope you don't mind me chipping in. I had the same experience, was offered the first SO in the very first year of my relationship (but also first year of the boutique existence) and the boutique is also small. I bought from possibly every category including (inexpensive) RTW, tableware, blankets etc. and was also known to the team as massive H enthusiast coming quite often (I lived a block away) even with my dog. Also - I never asked for the SO. I have some friends who stalk SAs with that, I didn't at all so possibly they appreciated I wasn't intense.

 

[craielover]

Hope you don't mind me chipping in. I had the same experience, was offered the first SO in the very first year of my relationship (but also first year of the boutique existence) and the boutique is also small. I bought from possibly every category including (inexpensive) RTW, tableware, blankets etc. and was also known to the team as massive H enthusiast coming quite often (I lived a block away) even with my dog. Also - I never asked for the SO. I have some friends who stalk SAs with that, I didn't at all so possibly they appreciated I wasn't intense.

Glad to have you share your experience! I feel your joy shopping at H!

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

I must confess that as someone who works in luxury retail with a phone supplied by my employers I actually think its great that H only allow staff to communicate or use their phones during business hours.
I always put an out of office message on my cell phone when not in work but because I have the phone with me at home always check it and find messages from clients wanting things which because I value my clients and dont want to let them down I find myself trying to help them out, messaging colleagues, and one way or another end up working via the phone when i'm supposed to be on a rest day.
My fault I know for turning the phone on!-