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.

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

Occam’s Razor, the simplest answer is the right one, would indicate that the SA had the 9K watch, and it’s harder to source/transfer other items on your list right now (others have posted this too). Premier luxury SAs value repeat customers. Selling an item that a customer is hesitant about, does not bode well for a long term relationship.

H may not respond as quickly by text bc it’s a heritage luxury French company. Text message is not exactly conducive to luxury. Many have stated that an H SA does not have access to work texts when not at work; so, there may be delays. @DME observed, its an older way of doing business

As to the statement that this thread seems like an echo chamber. TPF seems to draw viewpoints of many US or European posters with experience in the US or Europe. Of course, @Justlikewhatilike has shown us that the experience in Asia is vastly different.

I think we also need to bear in mind that the clients of luxury houses are generally getting younger and especially in Asia. On social media, people are posting how they get their first birkin by 40 last year. This year, I saw some posting how they get theirs before 30! So, the expectations and how purchases are made are vastly different.

In 2020, my SAs in Paris (not H brand) will send me photos of the items I want, video tour of the store and payment via payment links. All at the comfort of my own home! I felt that this is luxury for me! I felt that this is really awesome! I don’t quite like to go to the stores luxury or grocery even during non pandemic.

Experience really sucks this year….going to the store and being told things are out of stock. Especially H when there are so many protocols. Things on deposit are not fulfilled, no timeline, To add on to the poor experience, my H store is like a fish market!

So, I hope let’s not be too hard on one another.

 

[Alohasw]

lol let’s let readers decide for themselves. Oh wait I forgot it’s mainly a mindless echo chamber in here where newcomers are gained up on. not talking about actually helpful responders of course.

I am also a newbie who started the H journey very recently. Thought maybe you would like to hear my experience.

I read some of your old posts and I must say I had the exact concerns/doubts that you have. Being in an extremely competitive city in N.America doesnt help either. After spending a big chunk of money in the first month of my journey, I started worrying about pre-spend, how do I stand out as a customer. At one point, I was even considering changing my SA after hearing other people’s horror stories working with my SA.

The experience quickly became very stressful and I can’t stop thinking about all the bad scenarios that may or may not happen. It was actually my husband who got me to stop thinking like that. Basically he told me to quit thinking about QB - just have fun, enjoy the process, only buy what we love and what we need and most importantly, put myself in my SA’s shoes.

I usually only give 1-2 items for my SA to work on in a very brief email (I only gained my right to text her after I received my first QB ) and she would usually respond me with yes, they do have it in stock and when she is available for me to come in or no, they don’t have it in stock but has X as an alternative if i am interested. There is one time I asked her for a finesse necklace and she replied saying those she will need to order and might take a long time and if I’m interested in the Constance necklace that they have in stock - and she was perfectly okay with me saying no to the Constance necklace. Do not feel obligated to buy anything that you don’t love.

Being a good customer does not always mean that you need to spend lots. Loyalty, trust and understanding goes a long way.

As for the QB, it will come when it is least expected. Mine came when I was busy exploring and enjoying the non-purse part of the H world.

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

I wish for a b25 in Chai and I want it by 31 Dec!

Ok folks. I went to see my SA to “pay tribute” then ask about my next year bag (since I lost all hope for it to happen tomorrow). Lol….then I asked for mini Kelly, which she said I can forget about it coz it’s really hard due to the low volume they received and the high prices in the resale market (ie. they won’t make it so easy to get). Some customers get 10 bags before they can get a mini Kelly blah blah blah…..all these talk happened when other SAs were walking around us. But we both shut up when there r people within earshot distance.

Then she told me she need to fight with other SAs for my bag, fastest fingers for her, etc. So, I reinforced the fact that we are working as a team blah blah…..then she goes like we wanna do long term business, blah blah….so we r offering u a highly sought after XXX combi.

Anyway, the long and short is that she got me what I wanted (from a reasonably long list of options).

 

[n1a]

Ok folks. I went to see my SA to “pay tribute” then ask about my next year bag (since I lost all hope for it to happen tomorrow). Lol….then I asked for mini Kelly, which she said I can forget about it coz it’s really hard due to the low volume they received and the high prices in the resale market (ie. they won’t make it so easy to get). Some customers get 10 bags before they can get a mini Kelly blah blah blah…..all these talk happened when other SAs were walking around us. But we both shut up when there r people within earshot distance.

Then she told me she need to fight with other SAs for my bag, fastest fingers for her, etc. So, I reinforced the fact that we are working as a team blah blah…..then she goes like we wanna do long term business, blah blah….so we r offering u a highly sought after XXX combi.

Anyway, the long and short is that she got me what I wanted (from a reasonably long list of options).

Congratulation! Please show the pic of the bag

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

Please show the pic of the bag

The bag will only come into the store in Jan.

 

[loh]

Ok folks. I went to see my SA to “pay tribute” then ask about my next year bag (since I lost all hope for it to happen tomorrow). Lol….then I asked for mini Kelly, which she said I can forget about it coz it’s really hard due to the low volume they received and the high prices in the resale market (ie. they won’t make it so easy to get). Some customers get 10 bags before they can get a mini Kelly blah blah blah…..all these talk happened when other SAs were walking around us. But we both shut up when there r people within earshot distance.

Then she told me she need to fight with other SAs for my bag, fastest fingers for her, etc. So, I reinforced the fact that we are working as a team blah blah…..then she goes like we wanna do long term business, blah blah….so we r offering u a highly sought after XXX combi.

Anyway, the long and short is that she got me what I wanted (from a reasonably long list of options).

Congrats! I love chai, and added it to my list. Hope we get to see pics!

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

Congrats! I love chai, and added it to my list. Hope we get to see pics!

It’s not Chai. I told her I wanna reserve 2nd bag as Chai….hahaha…
And we all know what would be the answer.

 

[The_Bagosaurus]

Hello everyone,

I just want to start off by saying a HUGE thank you to everyone that gave their comments, replies, and insights on everything Hermès.

Here is my experience with Hermès:
I'm a newbie, and I have always thought that I was "not worthy of Hermès". A few months ago, I gathered my courage and went to my local store. It was such a stressful experience; I spent the hours before overthinking my outfit...went there on a weekend, had to be appointed to an SA...The SA was professional, but kind of cold? I only bought a small item (a gift), and I might have spent not even 10 min at the store. They gave me their card (yipeee) and told me to send them an email if I needed anything.
After a few weeks, I contacted them via email to ask for a few items + ask for an appointment. The appointment went well, the SA seemed a bit more relaxed and I was given the "privilege" to text them next time I needed something.
I usually pay a monthly visit to the store, always asking for an appointment beforehand to ensure the SA is working that day. I waited to get to the 1:1 marker to add a B to my "wishlist". The SA warned me that it might take 1 year before I would get anything...that's ok; patience is my second name If I want something from the website,I text a pic + reference number and they get the item for me.
I recently saw a change in our "association" (I hate calling it a relationship). And it just reinforces what everyone here is saying. I'm much more relaxed with my SA (I'm an eternal member of the introvert club). No more fixated on that $#@$!# QB. I'm discovering more and more Hermès' savoir-faire. I appreciate and enjoy every single item I bought so far. And I even surprised myself recently by wanting to try RTW

So yes...it is about "relationship" building. No rush. Might be an old business model, but it is what is...Just like in that French '70s song "Tout doucement le matin, et pas trop vite le soir" ("slowly in the morning, and not too fast in the evening")
And also yes, stock is terribly low. I cannot even get a non quota bag!

So, I might wait for my QB for 4-5 years maybe (Canada here...) but I'll be waiting in my Piumino coat and my muffler

Happy holidays everyone and stay safe!

 

[nzilbz98]

I don't want to invalidate anyones feelings because I get it, but I don't understand those of you who feel like you are "not worthy" of shopping at Hermes. Everyone is worthy. Please remember that you work hard for your money and you deserve nice things. At the end of the day, these bags, shoes, silks, etc are just MATERIAL items. Yes, it's nice to have those things but the brand is not above anyone. I really don't feel like you should be overthinking every word or interaction you had. SA's are normal people and it's just a job to them. Buy what you like and just be chill about the experiences you have. If you don't overthink every single thing you'll have a much more pleasant experience. Not just in retail but in life as well. Take it easy lol. Once you stop overthinking things and stop stressing about trivial things, life is a lot more fun.

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

As much as I don’t like to agree, it’s a process. It’s a much more complicated, time consuming and money burning process than shopping at other brands.

Understandably, people in this process are much more prone to anxiety and mixed feelings. I for 1 won’t be able to relax until I feel I make sense of the situation. So, I think those who just give the advice “to chill”, “to enjoy”, “don’t play games”, etc….that may not be so well received.

My personal advice is understand how the store works from the SA one has chosen to work with. Don’t splurge big money at 1 shot until the SA is established to be sincere to help you get the items you want.

Don’t take it personally that the SA ignores you or makes you uncomfortable. Don’t work with that SA. Take it that there is nothing he/she can offer the (potential) customer at the moment which includes good service.

Make appointments at non busy times if possible. Ask sensitive questions then. Keep voice Low and be discreet. By and by the SAs will share more and more if customers show interest to know how it works and understand the conditions they are working under.

Sorry to make it sound like too much work and no fun. But that’s for the current climate. Things could be better next year!

 

[The_Bagosaurus]

Make appointments at non busy times if possible. Ask sensitive questions then. Keep voice Low and be discreet. By and by the SAs will share more and more if customers show interest to know how it works and understand the conditions they are working under.

I totally agree with this. I'm queen of "tell me how it works, because I have no idea"
And+1 on making appointments at non busy times. I personally hate it when I visit a store and there are a lot of people queueing or that the store is crowded.

 

[Etriers]

Hello everyone,

I just want to start off by saying a HUGE thank you to everyone that gave their comments, replies, and insights on everything Hermès.

Here is my experience with Hermès:
I'm a newbie, and I have always thought that I was "not worthy of Hermès". A few months ago, I gathered my courage and went to my local store. It was such a stressful experience; I spent the hours before overthinking my outfit...went there on a weekend, had to be appointed to an SA...The SA was professional, but kind of cold? I only bought a small item (a gift), and I might have spent not even 10 min at the store. They gave me their card (yipeee) and told me to send them an email if I needed anything.
After a few weeks, I contacted them via email to ask for a few items + ask for an appointment. The appointment went well, the SA seemed a bit more relaxed and I was given the "privilege" to text them next time I needed something.
I usually pay a monthly visit to the store, always asking for an appointment beforehand to ensure the SA is working that day. I waited to get to the 1:1 marker to add a B to my "wishlist". The SA warned me that it might take 1 year before I would get anything...that's ok; patience is my second name If I want something from the website,I text a pic + reference number and they get the item for me.
I recently saw a change in our "association" (I hate calling it a relationship). And it just reinforces what everyone here is saying. I'm much more relaxed with my SA (I'm an eternal member of the introvert club). No more fixated on that $#@$!# QB. I'm discovering more and more Hermès' savoir-faire. I appreciate and enjoy every single item I bought so far. And I even surprised myself recently by wanting to try RTW

So yes...it is about "relationship" building. No rush. Might be an old business model, but it is what is...Just like in that French '70s song "Tout doucement le matin, et pas trop vite le soir" ("slowly in the morning, and not too fast in the evening")
And also yes, stock is terribly low. I cannot even get a non quota bag!

So, I might wait for my QB for 4-5 years maybe (Canada here...) but I'll be waiting in my Piumino coat and my muffler

Happy holidays everyone and stay safe!

This exactly. So happy you’re happy. And no worries, you won’t wait that long.

 

[Luvmyfamily]

My last meeting with my SA was awkward.. My fault, I didn't ask my SA specifically if someone else served me, will commission go to her or the other SA. In my rush to get a RTW in my size, I bought an item from another SA when I heard it's launch day of the new season. I did messaged my SA but she mentioned she is only available at nearly end of the day and I'm afraid my size will be out of stock (which happened to me last season. After 1 day of considering, my sizes were all sold out). I did have a nagging thought that commission might go to another SA but I was not sure as previously, the SM served me in lieu of my SA and my SA told me commission still goes to her. Guess this only applies to the SA. Anyway, to make amends, I still met up with my SA nearer the end of the day and bought a much more expensive RTW.

My SA also felt awkward, as I have been telling her to let me know once the new season is here, but apparently, there are VIPs whom get first priority in being called up for the new season. And as I requested to meet up with her, she has to find time for me to try the RTW when other clients finished their appointments earlier. Think I mishandled the whole thing although I did thanked her for squeezing in an appointment for me. Guess I can only let time pass by and hopefully, both of us feel less awkward.. Sigh..

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

My last meeting with my SA was awkward.. My fault, I didn't ask my SA specifically if someone else served me, will commission go to her or the other SA. In my rush to get a RTW in my size, I bought an item from another SA when I heard it's launch day of the new season. I did messaged my SA but she mentioned she is only available at nearly end of the day and I'm afraid my size will be out of stock (which happened to me last season. After 1 day of considering, my sizes were all sold out). I did have a nagging thought that commission might go to another SA but I was not sure as previously, the SM served me in lieu of my SA and my SA told me commission still goes to her. Guess this only applies to the SA. Anyway, to make amends, I still met up with my SA nearer the end of the day and bought a much more expensive RTW.

My SA also felt awkward, as I have been telling her to let me know once the new season is here, but apparently, there are VIPs whom get first priority in being called up for the new season. And as I requested to meet up with her, she has to find time for me to try the RTW when other clients finished their appointments earlier. Think I mishandled the whole thing although I did thanked her for squeezing in an appointment for me. Guess I can only let time pass by and hopefully, both of us feel less awkward.. Sigh..

Buy a watch. It makes everything better.

 

[880]

My last meeting with my SA was awkward.. My fault, I didn't ask my SA specifically if someone else served me, will commission go to her or the other SA. In my rush to get a RTW in my size, I bought an item from another SA when I heard it's launch day of the new season. I did messaged my SA but she mentioned she is only available at nearly end of the day and I'm afraid my size will be out of stock (which happened to me last season. After 1 day of considering, my sizes were all sold out). I did have a nagging thought that commission might go to another SA but I was not sure as previously, the SM served me in lieu of my SA and my SA told me commission still goes to her. Guess this only applies to the SA. Anyway, to make amends, I still met up with my SA nearer the end of the day and bought a much more expensive RTW.

My SA also felt awkward, as I have been telling her to let me know once the new season is here, but apparently, there are VIPs whom get first priority in being called up for the new season. And as I requested to meet up with her, she has to find time for me to try the RTW when other clients finished their appointments earlier. Think I mishandled the whole thing although I did thanked her for squeezing in an appointment for me. Guess I can only let time pass by and hopefully, both of us feel less awkward.. Sigh..

+1 with @Justlikewhatilike

Don’t feel awkward about circumstances neither of you control. At the end of the day, Hermes is a boutique, and this is shopping for things in your size that you love. Both of you do the best you can even though there are some limitations like stock availability and VIP slots which may have to be approved by the SM.