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.

 

[periogirl28]

This is a very salient point that applies to retail as a whole, not just Hermes. As H SA's are usually there for the long run (not as a part time summer job), it's in their best interests to build a solid client base. You're totally correct that every SA has access to the same inventory - so to me it comes down to service. Since newer SA's won't have that client base yet, they will likely devote more time to your H needs, and be more on the ball. If I were new to H, I would definitely be going this route.

A lot of those high performer SA's are not even taking clients anymore, unless they think it's worth their time ($$$$$). Will they be happy to process a one off purchase? Of course! But I know one of my SA's has declined referral clients, because he knew they would only end up disappointed.

My Paris SAs (3) have declined referrals as they are assigned (high spending) clients with long standing relationships and cannot take new or even help online appointment customers unless they are free at that time. I never realised this for years until a friend told me what "charges de clients" do. And even them as you said they tend to just serve new customers once. It is really getting harder to establish a new relationship at that store. I only managed to introduce a friend once by appointment as I wasn't going to be there and I know my SA was doing me a huge favour.

 

[SPBiaes]

Same - I see so many influencers recently posting their first birkin (B25/B30) after just starting their H journey - Cassie Thorpe (UK), Je Suis Lou (Mexico), Alyssa Lenore (NY/NJ USA) - ... all in the last couple of months with pretty minimal purchase history. It does sound like your first bag is easier to get - but they all have that same story of "I bought a couple of small things and then they told me a couple months later, here's your birkin!" Although I don't think they necessarily had the story of "hitting it off with an SA" and there was a waiting period. It'll be interesting (since they're very public about their purchases) if they share about their relationship with their SA's publicly!

Hermes needs to be careful with this if this is true lol. People don’t always want to be seen carrying the same things that influencers are carrying. Someone over in the Cartier forum mentioned that Love bracelet is now the neverfull of jewelry after Kylie J and other influencers started showing it off on cameras and I hate to admit but it’s true. One reason contributing to Hermes’ success is everyone knows how hard it is to get a B or K from boutiques and how H only offers them to clients that they deem “worthy” (aka long term business relationships lol). These bags are also main reasons of how Hermes is able to sell many other things. Today’s overwhelming social media could very well just break this illusion of false exclusivity and all that is left with B and K will just be how expensive the price tags are.

 

[Babypooh777]

Same - I see so many influencers recently posting their first birkin (B25/B30) after just starting their H journey - Cassie Thorpe (UK), Je Suis Lou (Mexico), Alyssa Lenore (NY/NJ USA) - ... all in the last couple of months with pretty minimal purchase history. It does sound like your first bag is easier to get - but they all have that same story of "I bought a couple of small things and then they told me a couple months later, here's your birkin!" Although I don't think they necessarily had the story of "hitting it off with an SA" and there was a waiting period. It'll be interesting (since they're very public about their purchases) if they share about their relationship with their SA's publicly!

I noticed this too...maybe it's Hermes' marketing strategy......who knows...

 

[DB8]

Same here. My SA told me she has 50+clients so she feels bad if she cannot fulfill all of her clients’ requests. Although I’ve been with her from the start of her H career I’m not one of the biggest spenders but she still tries to accommodate my requests. I think longevity, loyalty and patience are to my advantage because I won’t spend 2:1 or even 1:1 for a bag anymore.

But I think it also helps that I’m not after the hottest bags mini K/K25/B25. If ever I like the K32s and B30s.

Same, I've been with both of my SA's (different countries) since they started at H. I guess I lucked out as they've stayed with H this long (one is ~15 years). I 100% agree that it's longevity, loyalty and patience that still gets me the goods. Like you, while my spend trended higher in years past, my current spend most would consider sub par. Despite that, my requests are generally fulfilled.

My Paris SAs (3) have declined referrals as they are assigned (high spending) clients with long standing relationships and cannot take new or even help online appointment customers unless they are free at that time. I never realised this for years until a friend told me what "charges de clients" do. And even them as you said they tend to just serve new customers once. It is really getting harder to establish a new relationship at that store. I only managed to introduce a friend once by appointment as I wasn't going to be there and I know my SA was doing me a huge favour.

I've been in the same boat, it also took me a long time to realize this. I use to tell friends "go talk to x, you're in good hands" until finally one friend told me "x did not want to help me at all! he passed me on to y!"

Who knew. I thought I was doing my SA's a huge favour!

 

[saban]

Same, I've been with both of my SA's (different countries) since they started at H. I guess I lucked out as they've stayed with H this long (one is ~15 years). I 100% agree that it's longevity, loyalty and patience that still gets me the goods. Like you, while my spend trended higher in years past, my current spend most would consider sub par. Despite that, my requests are generally fulfilled.

I've been in the same boat, it also took me a long time to realize this. I use to tell friends "go talk to x, you're in good hands" until finally one friend told me "x did not want to help me at all! he passed me on to y!"

Who knew. I thought I was doing my SA's a huge favour!

Yes! I thought the exact same way. I just got reacquainted with H after an over 10 year hiatus and found out surprisingly that my original SA is still there. Even more surprising is that they remembers me as well. I remember in the past I would refer people to them because I liked them so much, but never thought to myself that they wouldn't be able to properly accommodate more clients. Luckily my peers and I were in our early to mid 20's so most of the people I told never ended up going.

Also I didn't realize (though it makes sense) that the SAs couldn't accept gifts from clients, including food. When my SA told me that, it made me think back to when I brought some Neiman Marcus cookies for the whole store and how I saw my SA looked a bit uncomfortable with it. It never registered to me that food was considered a gift. It's my usual go to for showing gratitude, but in my head I never considered it a gift.

 

[Pivoine66]

Hermes needs to be careful with this if this is true lol. People don’t always want to be seen carrying the same things that influencers are carrying. Someone over in the Cartier forum mentioned that Love bracelet is now the neverfull of jewelry after Kylie J and other influencers started showing it off on cameras and I hate to admit but it’s true. One reason contributing to Hermes’ success is everyone knows how hard it is to get a B or K from boutiques and how H only offers them to clients that they deem “worthy” (aka long term business relationships lol). These bags are also main reasons of how Hermes is able to sell many other things. Today’s overwhelming social media could very well just break this illusion of false exclusivity and all that is left with B and K will just be how expensive the price tags are.

In my personal experience and feelings, there is a risk that this trend of influencers and bloggers could have an impact on the previous image of Hermès. So far, it has been "under the radar" very special and high quality and high priced bags and accessories. Maybe Hermès is trying to reach a new target group. However, at least for me and those around me, this is rather a turn-off.

 

[bagattack]

In my personal experience and feelings, there is a risk that this trend of influencers and bloggers could have an impact on the previous image of Hermès. So far, it has been "under the radar" very special and high quality and high priced bags and accessories. Maybe Hermès is trying to reach a new target group. However, at least for me and those around me, this is rather a turn-off.

Hey, new account - forgot my old login! It had been years!

I haven’t bought Hermes in a few years but decided I would really like a new Kelly, so started perusing the forums again and was struck by these posts as I’d been thinking the same thing!

I’ve seen a few British influencers (Lydia Millen/ in the frow) trying to get onto the Hermes bandwagon and it has genuinely turned me off. For the most part they seem to have purchased from consignment stores but you’re so right about Hermes being special and under the radar. The last thing Hermes needs is these influencers all over the brand.

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

In my personal experience and feelings, there is a risk that this trend of influencers and bloggers could have an impact on the previous image of Hermès. So far, it has been "under the radar" very special and high quality and high priced bags and accessories. Maybe Hermès is trying to reach a new target group. However, at least for me and those around me, this is rather a turn-off.

Oh yes!!! I couldn't agree more.
I have been selling lots of my old designer clothes to fund a (pre-loved probably) Birkin or HAC (32cm definitely preloved) purchase Now I'm going to sit it out and wait before I buy because I'm wondering wether I'll feel happier and more comfortable buying a a couple of different under the radar bags with my budget.

 

[Siha77]

Could be that the first bag is easier but also could be other factors at play such as whether the boutique tends to cater to tourists or the color/leather of the bag or whether there’s a birthday or anniversary etc. I wish these youtubers would go onto their next fad and stop talking about b/k because it’s making the demand for these stronger than ever and they don’t really care about the brand. It’s just about getting a bag. I saw one video where a youtuber said she had heard jewelry gets you a bag so she went and bought a cdc to just “get it over with.” She also noted that Hermes rtw was for the “elderly.”

I've noticed this as well and have the same exact thought as you! I've been ranting to my husband about it so much lol. It's a relief to know (after seeing some of the posts following yours) that I'm not the only one that's very annoyed and frustrated by these young wannabe influencers posting about B/Ks like they're nothing. One of them (that young blonde girl based in Mexico, I forgot her name but someone previously mentioned her) even said she definitely couldn't afford it yet but got it anyways just for the opportunity. I just feel like that is not only a very irresponsible spending mindset to be teaching your followers, but also just reduces these beautiful works of art to mere trendy impulse buys. What I love about the H journey is that it's a journey and relationship with the brand, and one not many people know about, at that. But these girls are just turning it into the next fad. Such a turn-off.

*edit* and another one bites the dust. Karenbritchick just uploaded a YT about how she got an "Hermès bag with no wait." To be fair, I actually love her and think she's one of the least trendy of the bunch. But, still. What is going on recently?!

*edit again* After watching it, it's a 32 which makes sense based on other stories on this forum, since it's one of the less popular sizes. It does look amazing on her, and her husband pops in towards the end to offer his support and congratulations, which is pretty adorable.

 

[HKsai]

I've noticed this as well and have the same exact thought as you! I've been ranting to my husband about it so much lol. It's a relief to know (after seeing some of the posts following yours) that I'm not the only one that's very annoyed and frustrated by these young wannabe influencers posting about B/Ks like they're nothing. One of them (that young blonde girl based in Mexico, I forgot her name but someone previously mentioned her) even said she definitely couldn't afford it yet but got it anyways just for the opportunity. I just feel like that is not only a very irresponsible spending mindset to be teaching your followers, but also just reduces these beautiful works of art to mere trendy impulse buys. What I love about the H journey is that it's a journey and relationship with the brand, and one not many people know about, at that. But these girls are just turning it into the next fad. Such a turn-off.

*edit* and another one bites the dust. Karenbritchick just uploaded a YT about how she got an "Hermès bag with no wait." To be fair, I actually love her and think she's one of the least trendy of the bunch. But, still. What is going on recently?!

Honestly I wonder how many of those are lying... I see bunch of these so called influencers on Instagram and their bags are not even real lol

 

[babygenius]

It's funny to see the discussion on influencer posts. I think they definitely spark a trend to people not familiar with the brand.
I saw a "would you buy a birkin for your girlfriend" discussion on Clubhouse yesterday and listened for 5 minutes.
You can definitely tell those people just want a birkin because they see people post about it and some guy was saying sure I'd buy my girl any bag she wants whether it's $1500 or $2000 bag and can't help but rolled my eyes
So um yea that's definitely a turn off for me

 

[SPBiaes]

In my personal experience and feelings, there is a risk that this trend of influencers and bloggers could have an impact on the previous image of Hermès. So far, it has been "under the radar" very special and high quality and high priced bags and accessories. Maybe Hermès is trying to reach a new target group. However, at least for me and those around me, this is rather a turn-off.

100% agree. This is a slippery slope and exactly how Louis lost its luster to its loyal fan base from a long time ago. The over flooding of canvas bags and the people chasing after them pushed LV to come up with more leather bags with much higher price tags. I wonder what tricks Hermes could pull if anything like that happens, considering having the fairytales of Jane Birkin and Grace Kelly are virtually impossible in today’s society.

 

[MissApple]

Hello Everyone,
My apologies in advance if this is a repeated question.
Long story short, my account # on the most recent purchase receipt is different to my other old receipts. Is this an easy issue to solve?

What happened to my last store visit (USA) was that the cashier who rang me up insisted that I must present an ID that matches the name of my existing account which is not my legal name (I used the name I go by when they first created my account). So, the cashier insisted that he must change my existing account name to match my legal name regardless the fact that I have been using the name I go by at checkout ever since my first purchase, and no one ever had a problem with it. Then, I confirmed with him that he is just going to change the name on the purchasing profile but not create a new profile for me, and he said, "Yes, it's going to be the same account." HOWEVER, I just found out that the account # on my most recent receipt (the one the cashier handled) is different to my other old receipts. I am now worried that my old purchasing history is gone, and the cashier might have mistakenly created a new profile for me from my recent visit. Ugh... I want to get my old account no. back and most importantly, all of my purchasing history back.

- Is it possible to merge two customer accounts?
- Should I bother my SA with this issue or go to the store directly and ask at checkout?

Thanks in advance for your input!!

 

[HKsai]

Hello Everyone,
My apologies in advance if this is a repeated question.
Long story short, my account # on the most recent purchase receipt is different to my other old receipts. Is this an easy issue to solve?

What happened to my last store visit (USA) was that the cashier who rang me up insisted that I must present an ID that matches the name of my existing account which is not my legal name (I used the name I go by when they first created my account). So, the cashier insisted that he must change my existing account name to match my legal name regardless the fact that I have been using the name I go by at checkout ever since my first purchase, and no one ever had a problem with it. Then, I confirmed with him that he is just going to change the name on the purchasing profile but not create a new profile for me, and he said, "Yes, it's going to be the same account." HOWEVER, I just found out that the account # on my most recent receipt (the one the cashier handled) is different to my other old receipts. I am now worried that my old purchasing history is gone, and the cashier might have mistakenly created a new profile for me from my recent visit. Ugh... I want to get my old account no. back and most importantly, all of my purchasing history back.

- Is it possible to merge to customer accounts?
- Should I bother my SA with this issue or go to the store directly and ask at checkout?

Thanks in advance for your input!!

Your account is fine. I wouldn’t worry about it. My account number was changed when they merged my online account and in store. I don’t know if the “purchase history” is gone but it has not impacted my experience.

 

[acrowcounted]

Hello Everyone,
My apologies in advance if this is a repeated question.
Long story short, my account # on the most recent purchase receipt is different to my other old receipts. Is this an easy issue to solve?

What happened to my last store visit (USA) was that the cashier who rang me up insisted that I must present an ID that matches the name of my existing account which is not my legal name (I used the name I go by when they first created my account). So, the cashier insisted that he must change my existing account name to match my legal name regardless the fact that I have been using the name I go by at checkout ever since my first purchase, and no one ever had a problem with it. Then, I confirmed with him that he is just going to change the name on the purchasing profile but not create a new profile for me, and he said, "Yes, it's going to be the same account." HOWEVER, I just found out that the account # on my most recent receipt (the one the cashier handled) is different to my other old receipts. I am now worried that my old purchasing history is gone, and the cashier might have mistakenly created a new profile for me from my recent visit. Ugh... I want to get my old account no. back and most importantly, all of my purchasing history back.

- Is it possible to merge to customer accounts?
- Should I bother my SA with this issue or go to the store directly and ask at checkout?

Thanks in advance for your input!!

Two different profile numbers?

Hey everyone! Weird question, but I was just checking my Hermes receipts and noticed I have two different customer profile numbers.. I couldn't figure out if it was because some items were not available in our local store and were ordered in by my sa vs items already in my local store but it...

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