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.

 

[hphile]

Eventually I would like a Kelly but don't plan for it to be a one and done thing. They are several H items I love and I plan to be a customer for the long haul.

They both were really helpful, with the senior SA being more hospitable though I'm sure it was because of his experience and not from a lack of trying with the new SA. But the reasons you mentioned is a main concern with moving forward with him. I do also worry about putting in time with the new SA to only have him move on. I'm not sure what the turnover rate is with Hermes. But I wouldn't want to use that as an excuse to not give him a chance.

My plan was to find one SA I gelled with and stick with them. During my first interaction with the new H SA I mentioned eventually wanting a Kelly so he had me make a wishlist. My initial reaction is to stick with the new SA but I don't know if it's a good/bad/somewhere in between thing to work with someone new to the brand. Any advice or insights is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I agree with everything @cravin said. My response may be slightly repetitive below:

On TPF I read about a lot of people who lost their SA's and had to find new ones, but in my experience I've seen the same SA's around my store, and only really seen new SA's join as opposed to old SA's leave. You could look SA's up on LinkedIn and see how long they usually stay at their last jobs if you really care about optimizing for that.

I shop at a competitive store, so that could color my perspective. IMO, it's more about your willingness-to-spend and how many things you like/want than the difference between a newer and a more established SA. It also depends on which size Kelly you want. If you have a lot you want to buy and thus will spend a lot regardless, it probably doesn't matter in the long term who you choose to get your first quota bag. Most SA's should appreciate you as a consistent client, so pick the person you like more.

I know we'd all prefer to be lucky and get the exact specs we want in the shortest amount of time with the fewest extra spend, even if there's lots of other non-quota bag stuff you want to buy. I'd never advocate for you to buy things you don't want.

Realistically it's a numbers game. Getting along with your SA is great but I can't expect someone to do something irrational for me because they like me. It might happen, but it would be very lucky (all H fairy stories)! It's plausible that SA's don't calculate their clients' spend religiously, but it's a commission-based job so it's irrational for them not to have a general idea and prioritize their VIPs.

You're probably going to have to spend a lot with senior SA's these days bc other people who they've worked with longer have consistently spent a lot (even if less now). You're a new client, so you don't even have that intangible goodwill that you get from longterm professional relationships. If you're prepared to spend a lot, choosing the senior SA might increase your chances since they may have more offers to give.

But if you're not prepared to spend a lot (could be significantly more than 1.5:1), then go with the person that's more likely to go to bat for you (likely the newer SA, but not necessarily). They're more likely to get you the specific things that you want in the meantime because they have more time and are motivated to build their consistent client base. A lot of SA's don't bother with smaller ticket item specific things for newer clients (from reading TPF) because they're too busy. Newer SA's likely don't have consistent clients yet that spend a lot with them. However, given that it's hard for many people to make online appointments these days at US stores without a regular SA, I would assume that even SA's without an established client base have no trouble working with new customers. I'm sorry it's such a stressful time to start your H journey with the perceived/actual lower stock these days and what seems like everybody starting to buy H. It's shopping!

You'll probably have to be patient in both situations, and even more patient with the newer SA, but maybe you can get away with buying less, if that's more important to you.

tl;dr It probably doesn't matter too much given equal lower spend, so I'd go for the person you like more. If you buy a lot, maybe the senior SA then.

 

[daydrmer28]

I'm sorry it's such a stressful time to start your H journey with the perceived/actual lower stock these days and what seems like everybody starting to buy H. It's shopping!

Literally said to myself "of all the times Daydrmer, you have picked horribly." Thank you all who responded!

I don't have the bandwidth to, for lack of a better term, "compete" with the clientele of the senior SA. Though I am fortunate enough to be able to buy the other H items I like along the way, my funds aren't limitless.

I think I will continue with the new SA. He mentioned on my first visit he didn't have any business cards at the time so I will ask on my next trip in, assuming its okay since he mentioned them first.

 

[Vanilla.bean]

Hello, I am a newbie who has been seriously addicted to the Hermès for two months. (United States) I have always been interested in Hermès, but it has been only two months since I decided to make a deal with one SA in earnest. My SA is really sweet and friendly, and he or she helps me buy only what I need. In the meantime, I'm building my profile with RTW, silks, jewelry, etc (I've never purchased leather items including bags). I had already given my B/K wish lists to my SA when my spending reached almost over 3:1 and he/she told me the process would be very difficult, but promised to keep his/her eyes fixed on me. I've also informed SA that I prefer smaller bags, so I'm well aware that I'll receive quota bags later than the store's regular customers. Incidentally, despite the extremely limited inventory due to COVID, I feel so grateful that my SA is working hard enough for me. Fortunately, I really love the Hermès brand itself and I'm glad that everything in this brand is my taste.

In the meantime, SA has shown me a few bags other than B/K, thankfully, but my troubles started here. I finally passed the Lindy Mini offer 3 weeks ago because of the color, and SA gave me an additional Constance 18 offer yesterday. What I am worried about is whether receiving this bag will be better for relationship in the long run considering the sincerity of SA, even if I do not like all the specifications of this bag. Another concern is, if I decide to buy this bag, will it have a decisive effect on the delay of the B/K offer? In addition, I wonder if Constance will be included in the quota bag, and if I receive this, will the history I have accumulated so far be reset? In the meantime, when I received an offer for a bag other than B/K, I expressed my gratitude with my best efforts, and when I refused, I refused it as politely as possible.

I would like to seek advice from people who have been in the same situation as me. Thank you in advance.

 

[corgimom11]

Hello, I am a newbie who has been seriously addicted to the Hermès for two months. I have always been interested in Hermès, but it has been only two months since I decided to make a deal with one SA in earnest. My SA is really sweet and friendly, and he or she helps me buy only what I need. In the meantime, I'm building my profile with RTW, silks, jewelry, etc (I've never purchased leather items including bags). I had already given my B/K wish lists to my SA when my spending reached almost over 3:1 and he/she told me the process would be very difficult, but promised to keep his/her eyes fixed on me. I've also informed SA that I prefer smaller bags, so I'm well aware that I'll receive quota bags later than the store's regular customers. Incidentally, despite the extremely limited inventory due to COVID, I feel so grateful that my SA is working hard enough for me. Fortunately, I really love the Hermès brand itself and I'm glad that everything in this brand is my taste.

In the meantime, SA has shown me a few bags other than B/K, thankfully, but my troubles started here. I finally passed the Lindy Mini offer 3 weeks ago because of the color, and SA gave me an additional Constance 18 offer yesterday. What I am worried about is whether receiving this bag will be better for relationship in the long run considering the sincerity of SA, even if I do not like all the specifications of this bag. Another concern is, if I decide to buy this bag, will it have a decisive effect on the delay of the B/K offer? In addition, I wonder if Constance will be included in the quota bag, and if I receive this, will the history I have accumulated so far be reset? In the meantime, when I received an offer for a bag other than B/K, I expressed my gratitude with my best efforts, and when I refused, I refused it as politely as possible.

I would like to seek advice from people who have been in the same situation as me. Thank you in advance.

Difficult to provide more specific advise without at least knowing some geographic locale. USA, EU, Asia, etc?

 

[Vanilla.bean]

Difficult to provide more specific advise without at least knowing some geographic locale. USA, EU, Asia, etc?

Thank you for your interest about my issue. I am in USA!

 

[Poohbeary]

Hello, I am a newbie who has been seriously addicted to the Hermès for two months. (United States) I have always been interested in Hermès, but it has been only two months since I decided to make a deal with one SA in earnest. My SA is really sweet and friendly, and he or she helps me buy only what I need. In the meantime, I'm building my profile with RTW, silks, jewelry, etc (I've never purchased leather items including bags). I had already given my B/K wish lists to my SA when my spending reached almost over 3:1 and he/she told me the process would be very difficult, but promised to keep his/her eyes fixed on me. I've also informed SA that I prefer smaller bags, so I'm well aware that I'll receive quota bags later than the store's regular customers. Incidentally, despite the extremely limited inventory due to COVID, I feel so grateful that my SA is working hard enough for me. Fortunately, I really love the Hermès brand itself and I'm glad that everything in this brand is my taste.

In the meantime, SA has shown me a few bags other than B/K, thankfully, but my troubles started here. I finally passed the Lindy Mini offer 3 weeks ago because of the color, and SA gave me an additional Constance 18 offer yesterday. What I am worried about is whether receiving this bag will be better for relationship in the long run considering the sincerity of SA, even if I do not like all the specifications of this bag. Another concern is, if I decide to buy this bag, will it have a decisive effect on the delay of the B/K offer? In addition, I wonder if Constance will be included in the quota bag, and if I receive this, will the history I have accumulated so far be reset? In the meantime, when I received an offer for a bag other than B/K, I expressed my gratitude with my best efforts, and when I refused, I refused it as politely as possible.

I would like to seek advice from people who have been in the same situation as me. Thank you in advance.

Mini Constance is hard to get but it’s not a quota bag in US, as far as I know. I am not sure how competitive your store is but with 3:1 spending, you should not lose your spot to get B/K. But if you don’t like the Constance specification that was offered to you, then you should wait for the right one. Best of luck to you!

 

[corgimom11]

Thank you for your interest about my issue. I am in USA!

In my experience in the USA, everything "counts." Some things count more (the obvious like home, jewelry & RTW). Leather, including C also "helps" but not as much as categories mentioned prior. Related to constance, if you like the bag, by all means take it. You never know when OR IF the offer will turn around again if the bag meets your specifications and you would be elated to have it. My 2 constance bags (in my profile picture) are really a jewel of my collection, are very versatile and I am very lucky to have them both.

However, even though it's not considered a "quota" bag, I could see, given the current inventory situation that SA/store may see that you have recently received a coveted bag and it would be some additional wait time for B&K. But even B&K, esp in 25s, are not guaranteed in the slightest. I say this as a client that's been waiting on mini K and/or a second K25 for a year now.

 

[Itinerantd]

Hello, I am a newbie who has been seriously addicted to the Hermès for two months. (United States) I have always been interested in Hermès, but it has been only two months since I decided to make a deal with one SA in earnest. My SA is really sweet and friendly, and he or she helps me buy only what I need. In the meantime, I'm building my profile with RTW, silks, jewelry, etc (I've never purchased leather items including bags). I had already given my B/K wish lists to my SA when my spending reached almost over 3:1 and he/she told me the process would be very difficult, but promised to keep his/her eyes fixed on me. I've also informed SA that I prefer smaller bags, so I'm well aware that I'll receive quota bags later than the store's regular customers. Incidentally, despite the extremely limited inventory due to COVID, I feel so grateful that my SA is working hard enough for me. Fortunately, I really love the Hermès brand itself and I'm glad that everything in this brand is my taste.

In the meantime, SA has shown me a few bags other than B/K, thankfully, but my troubles started here. I finally passed the Lindy Mini offer 3 weeks ago because of the color, and SA gave me an additional Constance 18 offer yesterday. What I am worried about is whether receiving this bag will be better for relationship in the long run considering the sincerity of SA, even if I do not like all the specifications of this bag. Another concern is, if I decide to buy this bag, will it have a decisive effect on the delay of the B/K offer? In addition, I wonder if Constance will be included in the quota bag, and if I receive this, will the history I have accumulated so far be reset? In the meantime, when I received an offer for a bag other than B/K, I expressed my gratitude with my best efforts, and when I refused, I refused it as politely as possible.

I would like to seek advice from people who have been in the same situation as me. Thank you in advance.

I’m also a newbie but recall some posts or other info I saw online where it was advised it was totally ok to refuse offers, it is not hurting sa because there is always someone else that would buy it plus there is probably no commission. I’ve seen people post they refused 4 B K offers in a row!

 

[Vanilla.bean]

Mini Constance is hard to get but it’s not a quota bag in US, as far as I know. I am not sure how competitive your store is but with 3:1 spending, you should not lose your spot to get B/K. But if you don’t like the Constance specification that was offered to you, then you should wait for the right one. Best of luck to you!

Hi, I really appreciate your reply! I'm really glad to hear that the Mini Constance doesn't belong to the quota bag. This store, which is my local store, has a lot of Chinese customers. And I think there's only one store near this area, so it's more competitive. Incidentally, since I am a new customer who started in September, I think that I am temporarily required to spend more than regular customers. I've almost decided not to take it and wait for another one. Thank you for your interest!

 

[Vanilla.bean]

In my experience in the USA, everything "counts." Some things count more (the obvious like home, jewelry & RTW). Leather, including C also "helps" but not as much as categories mentioned prior. Related to constance, if you like the bag, by all means take it. You never know when OR IF the offer will turn around again if the bag meets your specifications and you would be elated to have it. My 2 constance bags (in my profile picture) are really a jewel of my collection, are very versatile and I am very lucky to have them both.

However, even though it's not considered a "quota" bag, I could see, given the current inventory situation that SA/store may see that you have recently received a coveted bag and it would be some additional wait time for B&K. But even B&K, esp in 25s, are not guaranteed in the slightest. I say this as a client that's been waiting on mini K and/or a second K25 for a year now.

Hi, thank you for your thoughtful response! It is the first time I heard that leather is also counted, and I can't help but be surprised. Until now, I only knew that leather items are excluded from the summation of the history amount for B/K. In fact, I am most worried about the Mini Constance that I received the offer from because I am not 100% happy with it. I also agree that my tendency to buy bags including B/K is delayed because I try to shop only for what I like as much as possible. As you mentioned, it is unknown when the order of the bag with the specifications I want will turn around again to me (by the way, given that it is a limited quantity due to Covid), still I guess I'm ready to wait for some better options. Thanks for your valuable advice on my problem. I hope you to receive the bag you are waiting for as soon as possible!

 

[Vanilla.bean]

I’m also a newbie but recall some posts or other info I saw online where it was advised it was totally ok to refuse offers, it is not hurting sa because there is always someone else that would buy it plus there is probably no commission. I’ve seen people post they refused 4 B K offers in a row!

Hi, thank you so much for clearly answering what I was most curious about. In fact, I was worried that refusing a bag offer would be a bit disrespectful to my SA because I was consistently refusing several bag offers except for B/K. I am aware that there are many other customers who would buy this bag even if not me, but I was most concerned about being seen as ignoring the sincerity of my SA.

 

[Itinerantd]

Hi, thank you so much for clearly answering what I was most curious about. In fact, I was worried that refusing a bag offer would be a bit disrespectful to my SA because I was consistently refusing several bag offers except for B/K. I am aware that there are many other customers who would buy this bag even if not me, but I was most concerned about being seen as ignoring the sincerity of my SA.

Caveat though one youtuber did warn against appearing ungrateful but I saw a post probably here where someone said they actually asked their SA how they feel about offer refusals and he said he did not mind. I also saw many people list the offers they got including several in a row that were just slightly different (like maybe hardware or shade) from their target bag and they still said no before they got the one they wanted. If this were me I’d probably still continue spending a reasonable amount with my SA to show thanks. I’d imagine if I were an SA my biggest fear is a customer getting one bag and never coming back.

 

[Itinerantd]

Ok guys need help. I just had my first shopping session a week ago. i bought some things and also paid for a few items before I left that were shipped from another store to this store. Just got an email items (already paid for) arrived/are ready for pickup but only for 21 days. My SA also ordered a RTW that I have not paid for yet because she wanted me to try it on first. She said when the RTW arrives she’ll text me to set up the trying on appointment. I don’t have her cell number yet. There are other items she is holding for me as well. Should I just make an appointment to pick up the paid for items or wait for her to contact me?

 

[acrowcounted]

Ok guys need help. I just had my first shopping session a week ago. i bought some things and also paid for a few items before I left that were shipped from another store to this store. Just got an email items (already paid for) arrived/are ready for pickup but only for 21 days. My SA also ordered a RTW that I have not paid for yet because she wanted me to try it on first. She said when the RTW arrives she’ll text me to set up the trying on appointment. I don’t have her cell number yet. There are other items she is holding for me as well. Should I just make an appointment to pick up the paid for items or wait for her to contact me?

You should go get your items that you paid for as soon as convenient for you. There’s no telling when, or even if, the other items will ever arrive.

 

[KristinS]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone can share how you were able to establish a relationship with a boutique not in your home country and if you were able to score your dream bag. I had a such wonderful experience at a boutique in France (not Paris) and want to build the relationship there, however, I don’t want it to work against me that I’m not a ‘local’ (I.e, priority) considering my goal. I anticipate I can visit around 2-4 times per year. Would you all provide your perspective and experience? I appreciate any insight!