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.

 

[Angelian]

Newbie here so would love to share my first experience and get your expert thoughts on how I can move forward

Today I went into the H boutique in my city for an appt. I booked a reservation online noting that I did not have an assigned SA and would like to work with one moving forward. I came about 15 minutes early, to which the security guard let me in the store, told me that he would notify my assigned SA and then I walked around for about 20-30 minutes browsing. Eventually a SA approached me and asked me if I was waiting for another SA. I said I’m not sure, I made an appt online without an assigned SA. She said no problem and took my name and checked in me for my appt and asked me what I was looking for. I told here I was there to purchase a pair of shoes, to which we went to the area and I told her what style and size I was looking for. She brought out a pair for me to test but also brought out some other shoes and we spent about 15-20 minutes trying on different styles. Eventually I decided that I would buy the shoes I originally came in for and that I would want to think a bit more on the other pair she recommended. I also asked about the boots they had out and noted that I was interested in buying those in a couple of weeks. She was very understanding and not pushy and said take some time to think and began to ring me up on the shoes I purchase. We talked a bit at checkout about my work, my bag, and my tastes and she eventually handed me a card. I told her I would be reaching out in a few weeks for the boots and maybe the other pair of shoes she showed me.

I’m planning to send her an email or text in about 3-4 weeks to come in for the boots. Would you recommend I do anything else to help establish a relationship? I do not want to “force” a relationship, but I did enjoy working with her. We were not buddy buddies persé but I liked how business focused and helpful she was and I think she warmed up a bit after I decided on the shoes.

i’m like over thinking and complicating things but would love any suggestions or recommendations on what has worked for you all!

Don’t try too hard. Great that you had a good experience and liked the SA, but I assume you already thanked them while at the store? Be careful not to fall in the trap that you feel you need to force something and be one of the dozens that send empty thank you notes while not really asking for anything (and even worse, start overthinking again when the SA doesn’t reply to such a note, like they don’t have anything better to do). I would just send an email when you’re ready for the boots and thank them then, more as a friendly/natural opening to your request and take it from there. You already got her card, you don’t need to “court” her, it’s a business.

 

[vlg]

Thanks all! I’m going crazy overthinking it lol

 

[_kiki119_]

Thanks all! I’m going crazy overthinking it lol

it happens to the best of us I have been there, done that!
enjoy the experience and sounds like you have a helpful SA already! I am sure you both will develop a relationship as your love/interest of the brand grows

 

[Pksz]

Don’t try too hard. Great that you had a good experience and liked the SA, but I assume you already thanked them while at the store? Be careful not to fall in the trap that you feel you need to force something and be one of the dozens that send empty thank you notes while not really asking for anything (and even worse, start overthinking again when the SA doesn’t reply to such a note, like they don’t have anything better to do). I would just send an email when you’re ready for the boots and thank them then, more as a friendly/natural opening to your request and take it from there. You already got her card, you don’t need to “court” her, it’s a business.

Great response. Honestly and with immense respect for all - I love shopping. I love shopping at Hermes. It is a joy. The day I hato fuss about whether or not I should text or thank or ask a question of a SA - I think is the day I would stop shopping. I cannot imagine shopping causing this much anxiety or stress. I feel very sad for anyone who induces this degree of stress. Honestly - I love luxury bags, shoes, etc as much as anyone. But they bring me enjoyment. Not stress. Don’t we all have enough stress in our lives??? Gosh … I think some common sense is needed - communicate with someone when you have a real reason to communicate, not because you think a comment will grow a relationship. It won’t. Be genuine. Sincere. Gracious. People know when you’re only cultivating an acquaintance/friendship because you want something from them. That can’t feel very good. For anyone. In this world of instant everything - take a step back and think about how much more relaxed and enjoyable
lfe could be if we all weren’t needing instant gratification. ::sigh::
And honestly - when I look at the little treasures I’ve accumulated over the years, everything is lovely, however I am far more excited and anticipatory about my next purchase than I am about anything I already own. Anticipation is wonderful.

 

[RitaLA]

Newbie here so would love to share my first experience and get your expert thoughts on how I can move forward

Today I went into the H boutique in my city for an appt. I booked a reservation online noting that I did not have an assigned SA and would like to work with one moving forward. I came about 15 minutes early, to which the security guard let me in the store, told me that he would notify my assigned SA and then I walked around for about 20-30 minutes browsing. Eventually a SA approached me and asked me if I was waiting for another SA. I said I’m not sure, I made an appt online without an assigned SA. She said no problem and took my name and checked in me for my appt and asked me what I was looking for. I told here I was there to purchase a pair of shoes, to which we went to the area and I told her what style and size I was looking for. She brought out a pair for me to test but also brought out some other shoes and we spent about 15-20 minutes trying on different styles. Eventually I decided that I would buy the shoes I originally came in for and that I would want to think a bit more on the other pair she recommended. I also asked about the boots they had out and noted that I was interested in buying those in a couple of weeks. She was very understanding and not pushy and said take some time to think and began to ring me up on the shoes I purchase. We talked a bit at checkout about my work, my bag, and my tastes and she eventually handed me a card. I told her I would be reaching out in a few weeks for the boots and maybe the other pair of shoes she showed me.

I’m planning to send her an email or text in about 3-4 weeks to come in for the boots. Would you recommend I do anything else to help establish a relationship? I do not want to “force” a relationship, but I did enjoy working with her. We were not buddy buddies persé but I liked how business focused and helpful she was and I think she warmed up a bit after I decided on the shoes.

i’m like over thinking and complicating things but would love any suggestions or recommendations on what has worked for you all!

This is how I see it:
First of all, thank you for sharing your experience and being open to getting feedback from the group. Relationships are not always easy. Doesn’t matter if it’s personal or business. When we want a relationship to work out, some of us will overthink our behaviors. Others, will just wing it. Each personality sees life through different perspectives and behave differently. I think what might help you is to ask yourself: “If I am in retail and I have a bunch of people bugging me about bags and texting me all the time, how would I like my customers to treat me?”
You don’t have a crystal ball to know the exact answers but this question might guide you in a certain direction. Like someone mentioned, be succinct. Straight to the point and respectful. Also, limit the text-email interactions. My SA sometimes tells me that she can’t answer all the texts. Depending on how long they’ve been with the brand they know who is walking on eggshells to butter them up. I am not saying you are doing it. I just mentioned so you don’t fall into that trap. Just space out the communication - give her space and when you are ready to buy the boots, touch base with her. Good luck

 

[vlg]

This is how I see it:
First of all, thank you for sharing your experience and being open to getting feedback from the group. Relationships are not always easy. Doesn’t matter if it’s personal or business. When we want a relationship to work out, some of us will overthink our behaviors. Others, will just wing it. Each personality sees life through different perspectives and behave differently. I think what might help you is to ask yourself: “If I am in retail and I have a bunch of people bugging me about bags and texting me all the time, how would I like my customers to treat me?”
You don’t have a crystal ball to know the exact answers but this question might guide you in a certain direction. Like someone mentioned, be succinct. Straight to the point and respectful. Also, limit the text-email interactions. My SA sometimes tells me that she can’t answer all the texts. Depending on how long they’ve been with the brand they know who is walking on eggshells to butter them up. I am not saying you are doing it. I just mentioned so you don’t fall into that trap. Just space out the communication - give her space and when you are ready to buy the boots, touch base with her. Good luck

thank you! I am definitely feeling like I was overindexing and trying to force something but your perspective and advice is super helpful! Will plan to reach back out in a few weeks when I’m ready to buy something else.

 

[RitaLA]

thank you! I am definitely feeling like I was overindexing and trying to force something but your perspective and advice is super helpful! Will plan to reach back out in a few weeks when I’m ready to buy something else.

Yeah … that’s great!! I personally think she will appreciate the smooth experience with you and she will always remember you as someone who is not “crowding” her. You don’t want her to feel emotionally claustrophobic ha ha ha ha. You continuously buy things here and there (it doesn’t have to be a big purchase all the time) and treat her like you would like a customer to treat you if you were in her shoes and keep moving forward. Enjoy the journey and have fun!!!! Make it fun for you and for your SA.

 

[ca795]

Hi all! I'm hoping for some input on my current predicament. I do not have an Hermes in my state so I consider one in a nearby state to be my home store. I have met my SA a few times in store, and also had her ship various things to me. Usually she responds quickly and with a very friendly tone. We have been quite chatty and even exchanged photos of our dogs. I have a trip coming up next week, and texted her a couple months ago to see if an appointment was required. She said no, but to text her a few weeks before my trip to let her know when I would be in town. I did that and she said she would be working then and just tell her the day and time. I responded with that information and asked if a certain day and time would work for her, as I can't believe she would be there all day every day I'm in town. She never responded. I sent a follow up text earlier this week to ask again if that day and time would work, and no response. The Hermes website is recommending appointments for this particular boutique, but I have no idea if I actually have one set up with her. Should I text her again or just show up at the day and time I have been planning and see if she is available? Or should I set up an appointment and have them set me up with a new SA? I love shopping with her and would prefer to continue with her, but that will be difficult if she never responds. I don't know what to do!

Thank you in advance for any advice!

 

[closetluxe]

Hi all! I'm hoping for some input on my current predicament. I do not have an Hermes in my state so I consider one in a nearby state to be my home store. I have met my SA a few times in store, and also had her ship various things to me. Usually she responds quickly and with a very friendly tone. We have been quite chatty and even exchanged photos of our dogs. I have a trip coming up next week, and texted her a couple months ago to see if an appointment was required. She said no, but to text her a few weeks before my trip to let her know when I would be in town. I did that and she said she would be working then and just tell her the day and time. I responded with that information and asked if a certain day and time would work for her, as I can't believe she would be there all day every day I'm in town. She never responded. I sent a follow up text earlier this week to ask again if that day and time would work, and no response. The Hermes website is recommending appointments for this particular boutique, but I have no idea if I actually have one set up with her. Should I text her again or just show up at the day and time I have been planning and see if she is available? Or should I set up an appointment and have them set me up with a new SA? I love shopping with her and would prefer to continue with her, but that will be difficult if she never responds. I don't know what to do!

Thank you in advance for any advice!

I would call and book an appointment with your SA.

 

[RitaLA]

Hi all! I'm hoping for some input on my current predicament. I do not have an Hermes in my state so I consider one in a nearby state to be my home store. I have met my SA a few times in store, and also had her ship various things to me. Usually she responds quickly and with a very friendly tone. We have been quite chatty and even exchanged photos of our dogs. I have a trip coming up next week, and texted her a couple months ago to see if an appointment was required. She said no, but to text her a few weeks before my trip to let her know when I would be in town. I did that and she said she would be working then and just tell her the day and time. I responded with that information and asked if a certain day and time would work for her, as I can't believe she would be there all day every day I'm in town. She never responded. I sent a follow up text earlier this week to ask again if that day and time would work, and no response. The Hermes website is recommending appointments for this particular boutique, but I have no idea if I actually have one set up with her. Should I text her again or just show up at the day and time I have been planning and see if she is available? Or should I set up an appointment and have them set me up with a new SA? I love shopping with her and would prefer to continue with her, but that will be difficult if she never responds. I don't know what to do!

Thank you in advance for any advice!

Agree with @closetlux. Call customer service and ask to schedule an appointment with your SA at that store or leave a msg at the store. My SA haven’t answered me for two weeks and suddenly, this week she texted me to let me know that she’s expecting and she has been feeling sick for 2 weeks. Also, they have to leave their phones at the store. So she only texted me because they were having a team meeting and she wanted to check her texts. But she was supposed to go offline again. I am not saying your SA is out of the office or anything like that. But there might be a reason why she is not answering. Just schedule through customer service.

 

[_kiki119_]

Agree with @closetlux. Call customer service and ask to schedule an appointment with your SA at that store or leave a msg at the store. My SA haven’t answered me for two weeks and suddenly, this week she texted me to let me know that she’s expecting and she has been feeling sick for 2 weeks. Also, they have to leave their phones at the store. So she only texted me because they were having a team meeting and she wanted to check her texts. But she was supposed to go offline again. I am not saying your SA is out of the office or anything like that. But there might be a reason why she is not answering. Just schedule through customer service.

You just never know… many time i thought my SA ghosted me then she always shows back up at the right time.

Especially during a pandemic and having to be in service industry, it’s is a stressful and dangerous time

 

[ca795]

I would call and book an appointment with your SA.

Agree with @closetlux. Call customer service and ask to schedule an appointment with your SA at that store or leave a msg at the store. My SA haven’t answered me for two weeks and suddenly, this week she texted me to let me know that she’s expecting and she has been feeling sick for 2 weeks. Also, they have to leave their phones at the store. So she only texted me because they were having a team meeting and she wanted to check her texts. But she was supposed to go offline again. I am not saying your SA is out of the office or anything like that. But there might be a reason why she is not answering. Just schedule through customer service.

Thank you both for the recommendations!

 

[Genie27]

Hi all! I'm hoping for some input on my current predicament. I do not have an Hermes in my state so I consider one in a nearby state to be my home store. I have met my SA a few times in store, and also had her ship various things to me. Usually she responds quickly and with a very friendly tone. We have been quite chatty and even exchanged photos of our dogs. I have a trip coming up next week, and texted her a couple months ago to see if an appointment was required. She said no, but to text her a few weeks before my trip to let her know when I would be in town. I did that and she said she would be working then and just tell her the day and time. I responded with that information and asked if a certain day and time would work for her, as I can't believe she would be there all day every day I'm in town. She never responded. I sent a follow up text earlier this week to ask again if that day and time would work, and no response. The Hermes website is recommending appointments for this particular boutique, but I have no idea if I actually have one set up with her. Should I text her again or just show up at the day and time I have been planning and see if she is available? Or should I set up an appointment and have them set me up with a new SA? I love shopping with her and would prefer to continue with her, but that will be difficult if she never responds. I don't know what to do!

Thank you in advance for any advice!

Another possibility is that their schedule is not yet finalized and she would not know yet which day is available. So she may connect as soon as she knows.

I’d follow up closer to the day in case she’s forgotten though.

 

[coffeelime]

Hi ladies, really need some advises here...

I started shopping with my current SA from last year, he's ok at first, but became unresponsive after 2-3 months, every time I reached out to him he replied few days or even weeks later. When we met he did apologize and told me he's been very busy. To be honest I don't think we 'click', I felt he's always in a rush with me, he didn't push me to buy anything (which is good) but he seems don't have any suggestions/recommendations for me at all. When I came in, he'll ask what I need and throw all colors he can find on the counter...I tried to make small talks but maybe I'm not very good at it I feel he's not very willing to chat with me. On the other hand, he's great when offering popular items. He offered me a craie B30 in 2 month (I passed since I only want 25 size B or K, super regretted) and offered me a rodeo pegase on the last appointment.

My last appointment is in May and we texted few times after that. Then from early June, he stopped replying at all. I tried to make appointment, ask for some items, and update my wishlist. No response. I'm sure he's still working there since I visited the store few weeks ago as walk-ins (in the neighborhood so I decided to pay a visit, the store is an hour away, I don't visit very often) and he's there, but with other customers so I didn't get to talk with him. During the visit I met with another SA whom I feel more comfortable talking with, very easy going, although I didn't buy anything from her.

Sorry for the long post, I don't know what to do now, I'm still waiting for the first quota bag from my current SA but I don't know what I should do since he's not replying to my text (I emailed him before and asked which he prefer he said text). Should I try to email him or call customer service? Also do you think I should start with the new SA after I got the quota bag from my current SA, is it gonna be awkward to change SA in the same store? Or it's better to change store for good?

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

Hi ladies, really need some advises here...

I started shopping with my current SA from last year, he's ok at first, but became unresponsive after 2-3 months, every time I reached out to him he replied few days or even weeks later. When we met he did apologize and told me he's been very busy. To be honest I don't think we 'click', I felt he's always in a rush with me, he didn't push me to buy anything (which is good) but he seems don't have any suggestions/recommendations for me at all. When I came in, he'll ask what I need and throw all colors he can find on the counter...I tried to make small talks but maybe I'm not very good at it I feel he's not very willing to chat with me. On the other hand, he's great when offering popular items. He offered me a craie B30 in 2 month (I passed since I only want 25 size B or K, super regretted) and offered me a rodeo pegase on the last appointment.

My last appointment is in May and we texted few times after that. Then from early June, he stopped replying at all. I tried to make appointment, ask for some items, and update my wishlist. No response. I'm sure he's still working there since I visited the store few weeks ago as walk-ins (in the neighborhood so I decided to pay a visit, the store is an hour away, I don't visit very often) and he's there, but with other customers so I didn't get to talk with him. During the visit I met with another SA whom I feel more comfortable talking with, very easy going, although I didn't buy anything from her.

Sorry for the long post, I don't know what to do now, I'm still waiting for the first quota bag from my current SA but I don't know what I should do since he's not replying to my text (I emailed him before and asked which he prefer he said text). Should I try to email him or call customer service? Also do you think I should start with the new SA after I got the quota bag from my current SA, is it gonna be awkward to change SA in the same store? Or it's better to change store for good?

I think your SA maybe looking for a b25 for you.

I would stick to an SA who gets me good stuff.