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.

 

[mandycrabs]

Hello! It seems that this thread started in 2007 (!) and so it would be interesting to compare notes on how things have changed over the decade or so. I'm started my journey quite recently (about a year ago?) and so I need help from the bigwig O.G.s, please!

The thing that came up quite often in the early posts was that the customers remained in weekly, if not bi-weekly, communication with their SA's. One of the posters even said that their SA asked them to call constantly (and this might be the SA's personal preference). I wonder if this is still the case knowing that the demand for H has skyrocketed and, because of that, SA's have become busy AF.

Also, the early posters mention becoming chummy with their SA's - frequent communication, calling just to say hi, etc. etc. I think about this vis-à-vis the incident with the YT influencer last year that went public about her 'breakup' with H. Does that sort of relationship building still work?

And while I'm typing this I am mindful of two things: one, that everyone's experiences is different, and so a combination of local store policy, SA, and personality means that you really have to play it by ear and just be honest about who you are. And lastly, that even though we're helping each other out with tips and tactics, we call it a relationship for a reason - it's not something you force upon someone else.

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

Hello! It seems that this thread started in 2007 (!) and so it would be interesting to compare notes on how things have changed over the decade or so. I'm started my journey quite recently (about a year ago?) and so I need help from the bigwig O.G.s, please!

The thing that came up quite often in the early posts was that the customers remained in weekly, if not bi-weekly, communication with their SA's. One of the posters even said that their SA asked them to call constantly (and this might be the SA's personal preference). I wonder if this is still the case knowing that the demand for H has skyrocketed and, because of that, SA's have become busy AF.

Also, the early posters mention becoming chummy with their SA's - frequent communication, calling just to say hi, etc. etc. I think about this vis-à-vis the incident with the YT influencer last year that went public about her 'breakup' with H. Does that sort of relationship building still work?

And while I'm typing this I am mindful of two things: one, that everyone's experiences is different, and so a combination of local store policy, SA, and personality means that you really have to play it by ear and just be honest about who you are. And lastly, that even though we're helping each other out with tips and tactics, we call it a relationship for a reason - it's not something you force upon someone else.

I think it’s about which country you are in.

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

Just want to give some context.

Hermes financial results for 2021 is out. Revenue contribution from Asia ex Japan is 47%. Top revenue growth contributors are China, Australia and Singapore. Personally, I think in these countries, SAs are facing a lot of stress. So, probably they want customers to be in and out of the boutique asap.

 

[RitaLA]

Hello! It seems that this thread started in 2007 (!) and so it would be interesting to compare notes on how things have changed over the decade or so. I'm started my journey quite recently (about a year ago?) and so I need help from the bigwig O.G.s, please!

The thing that came up quite often in the early posts was that the customers remained in weekly, if not bi-weekly, communication with their SA's. One of the posters even said that their SA asked them to call constantly (and this might be the SA's personal preference). I wonder if this is still the case knowing that the demand for H has skyrocketed and, because of that, SA's have become busy AF.

Also, the early posters mention becoming chummy with their SA's - frequent communication, calling just to say hi, etc. etc. I think about this vis-à-vis the incident with the YT influencer last year that went public about her 'breakup' with H. Does that sort of relationship building still work?

And while I'm typing this I am mindful of two things: one, that everyone's experiences is different, and so a combination of local store policy, SA, and personality means that you really have to play it by ear and just be honest about who you are. And lastly, that even though we're helping each other out with tips and tactics, we call it a relationship for a reason - it's not something you force upon someone else.

Yeah … there are several factors that will cause a domino effect on some current changes, mainly in SA demeanor, I would think. Among several, I would say, based on my current relationship: chanel prices have contributed to some customers moving towards H. Chanel back to back price increases combined with their initiative to prevent customers from buying several items within a month, as well as subpar quality l, have driven a lot of people away from the brand and moving towards H. That gives H some leverage to kinda pick and choose in a way. H SAs are not really putting up with this behavior of customers putting pressure on them to offer a QB. I have heard from several of them saying that they ignore customers who are pushy and nagging. Why wouldn’t they??!! Low inventory also makes relationships even more pivotal because either the manufactured idea of low inventory or real low inventory requires us to connect with the SA so they can keep an eye on stuff for us. But in the current climate, I think they are being extremely selective of their customers and who they will actually fight for a QB. My two cents

 

[Naynaykilla]

Hello! It seems that this thread started in 2007 (!) and so it would be interesting to compare notes on how things have changed over the decade or so. I'm started my journey quite recently (about a year ago?) and so I need help from the bigwig O.G.s, please!

The thing that came up quite often in the early posts was that the customers remained in weekly, if not bi-weekly, communication with their SA's. One of the posters even said that their SA asked them to call constantly (and this might be the SA's personal preference). I wonder if this is still the case knowing that the demand for H has skyrocketed and, because of that, SA's have become busy AF.

Also, the early posters mention becoming chummy with their SA's - frequent communication, calling just to say hi, etc. etc. I think about this vis-à-vis the incident with the YT influencer last year that went public about her 'breakup' with H. Does that sort of relationship building still work?

And while I'm typing this I am mindful of two things: one, that everyone's experiences is different, and so a combination of local store policy, SA, and personality means that you really have to play it by ear and just be honest about who you are. And lastly, that even though we're helping each other out with tips and tactics, we call it a relationship for a reason - it's not something you force upon someone else.

My personal experience has been that it’s really SA dependent. Like I will text my SA during holidays send my good wishes but I wouldn’t randomly text my SA about a movie I saw or about my week. We always have robust conversations when I’m there but I don’t ask too many prying questions or demand items. Im fairly casual about my wishlist, only bringing up my wishlist if my SA does. I’ll mention colors I like and items I would like to acquire like shoes or rtw but I always tell my SA, I’m aware of the limited stock and aren’t in a rush. So if it’s meant to be then it is. I think if you find an SA that you feel comfortable with, you will naturally find a flow with them. Also, I’m very honest with my SA and ask the same in return. If I’m not sure about something, I just ask my SA. I feel like if you have a fear of speaking to your SA comfortably then maybe that isn’t the right SA for you. Shopping should be fun at least for me, I’m a SAHM of a toddler, my H trips are the only times I have to feel like a person other than a mom. So if I’m not having fun, I don’t want it.

 

[ce_1992]

Question - are shoes and/or belts counted as leather goods?

I really want to try to either re-engage my local store (Boston, with a new SA, mine more or less ghosted me) or figure out how to work with my SA in Seattle while only visiting the city once or maybe twice a year, and I’m trying to determine the best way to go about it. I love the silks and could probably buy a bunch of them, and also really like a lot of the fine and fashion jewelry…but I also like some of the shoes and want a belt kit, but know it’s important to spend across categories to eventually have a profile worthy of a QB offer.

 

[Crapples]

Delete duplicate post.

 

[Crapples]

Question - are shoes and/or belts counted as leather goods?

I really want to try to either re-engage my local store (Boston, with a new SA, mine more or less ghosted me) or figure out how to work with my SA in Seattle while only visiting the city once or maybe twice a year, and I’m trying to determine the best way to go about it. I love the silks and could probably buy a bunch of them, and also really like a lot of the fine and fashion jewelry…but I also like some of the shoes and want a belt kit, but know it’s important to spend across categories to eventually have a profile worthy of a QB offer.

They are not but your approach is right to go outside those categories. I’d stay in Boston. Sales tax is cheaper and stock more plentiful and Bellevue stock isn’t amazing (though I hear sales team is lovely). If you are only going to make it across the country a few times I don’t think it’ll be worth it.

 

[ce_1992]

They are not but your approach is right to go outside those categories. I’d stay in Boston. Sales tax is cheaper and stock more plentiful and Bellevue stock isn’t amazing (though I hear sales team is lovely). If you are only going to make it across the country a few times I don’t think it’ll be worth it.

Thank you! I’m honestly not in a huge rush since the combos I want for B30/B35 are highly sought after, and B25 are unicorns in general, so I’m likely going to go resale for those, but would love to eventually get a boutique offer and have a relationship for other goodies that pop up!

i had a much better experience when I went to Bellevue than Boston. My SA was so sweet, patient, and was hell bent on finding me an enamel bangle in my size at the store! I really appreciated her effort, and wish I was local to her. My Boston SA was fine, but I emailed him to make an appointment a couple of months or so after our first one, and he just ghosted me, so it left a bad taste in my mouth and am worried about the politics of switching SA!

I’ve also seen a few things here that were interesting - more frequent trips with smaller spend versus fewer trips with much higher spend. I’m about 70 minutes away from Boston, so it’s not even really feasible for me to go there that often, maybe once a month at most?

there’s just so much strategy involved that it makes one over analyze every single thing!

 

[BernadetteSuede]

Thank you! I’m honestly not in a huge rush since the combos I want for B30/B35 are highly sought after, and B25 are unicorns in general, so I’m likely going to go resale for those, but would love to eventually get a boutique offer and have a relationship for other goodies that pop up!

i had a much better experience when I went to Bellevue than Boston. My SA was so sweet, patient, and was hell bent on finding me an enamel bangle in my size at the store! I really appreciated her effort, and wish I was local to her. My Boston SA was fine, but I emailed him to make an appointment a couple of months or so after our first one, and he just ghosted me, so it left a bad taste in my mouth and am worried about the politics of switching SA!

I’ve also seen a few things here that were interesting - more frequent trips with smaller spend versus fewer trips with much higher spend. I’m about 70 minutes away from Boston, so it’s not even really feasible for me to go there that often, maybe once a month at most?

there’s just so much strategy involved that it makes one over analyze every single thing!

I was in the Bellevue store earlier this week, and my SA mentioned that they typically can’t hold items for a customer for very long — maybe 3 days at most. I’m not sure whether that’s all items or just bags, but it might be worth factoring into your decision.

 

[jenayb]

I was in the Bellevue store earlier this week, and my SA mentioned that they typically can’t hold items for a customer for very long — maybe 3 days at most. I’m not sure whether that’s all items or just bags, but it might be worth factoring into your decision.

again, everything is so subjective. There will NEVER be two scenarios the same.

My SA has held things for weeks on end for me multiple times, including quota bags. Same goes for several of my girlfriends who shop at various stores.

 

[thepeanutgal]

Hi all! I am fairly new to Hermes and have an upcoming appointment at the NY Madison store — I would like some advice on how to approach my “real” first shopping trip.

I have shopped at Hermes before but it was always for a gift for my mom or an auntie. These purchases were all from different stores and SAs.

I have an aunt that shops regularly at the Madison store and have dedicated SA that she works with. She was the one that set up the appointment with her SA for me.

I just graduated school and started my first job, so I don’t have unlimited funds. I just want a Picotin or Herbag. I don’t want to do anything that would ruin my aunt’s relationship with her SA because she graciously set things up for me. Is there anything that I should avoid doing or be careful of?

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

Hi all! I am fairly new to Hermes and have an upcoming appointment at the NY Madison store — I would like some advice on how to approach my “real” first shopping trip.

I have shopped at Hermes before but it was always for a gift for my mom or an auntie. These purchases were all from different stores and SAs.

I have an aunt that shops regularly at the Madison store and have dedicated SA that she works with. She was the one that set up the appointment with her SA for me.

I just graduated school and started my first job, so I don’t have unlimited funds. I just want a Picotin or Herbag. I don’t want to do anything that would ruin my aunt’s relationship with her SA because she graciously set things up for me. Is there anything that I should avoid doing or be careful of?

Just relax, be yourself and be honest with the SA about what your dream purchase would be (Herbag or Pico).
Also be open about the fact that you dont have endless funds to build your profile with.
I suspect you may get a Herbag quite quickly.
The only way I could see you compromising your aunts introduction is by turning up for the appointment with a bunch of friends who all ask for quota bags or take selfies with display bags.
Behave as you would in any other luxury store, be polite, respectful and clear about what you are shopping for.
Good luck and enjoy your visit

 

[cui.liang]

Hi all! I am fairly new to Hermes and have an upcoming appointment at the NY Madison store — I would like some advice on how to approach my “real” first shopping trip.

I have shopped at Hermes before but it was always for a gift for my mom or an auntie. These purchases were all from different stores and SAs.

I have an aunt that shops regularly at the Madison store and have dedicated SA that she works with. She was the one that set up the appointment with her SA for me.

I just graduated school and started my first job, so I don’t have unlimited funds. I just want a Picotin or Herbag. I don’t want to do anything that would ruin my aunt’s relationship with her SA because she graciously set things up for me. Is there anything that I should avoid doing or be careful of?

It's not like the information about your budget is completely necessary or relevant to share. SAs at luxury boutiques work with the general public on a daily basis and work with people of all kinds of spending power (even as "little" as a single perfume purchase.) Kindness, good manners, and being considerate go far when shopping with salespeople, especially with ones as busy as Hermes SAs.

If you go in being your polite self, the worst thing that could happen is they don't have a bag available to buy that day. In that case, ask if you could possibly be notified if any ever come in and become available for your purchase.

 

[faab89]

Thank you! I’m honestly not in a huge rush since the combos I want for B30/B35 are highly sought after, and B25 are unicorns in general, so I’m likely going to go resale for those, but would love to eventually get a boutique offer and have a relationship for other goodies that pop up!

i had a much better experience when I went to Bellevue than Boston. My SA was so sweet, patient, and was hell bent on finding me an enamel bangle in my size at the store! I really appreciated her effort, and wish I was local to her. My Boston SA was fine, but I emailed him to make an appointment a couple of months or so after our first one, and he just ghosted me, so it left a bad taste in my mouth and am worried about the politics of switching SA!

I’ve also seen a few things here that were interesting - more frequent trips with smaller spend versus fewer trips with much higher spend. I’m about 70 minutes away from Boston, so it’s not even really feasible for me to go there that often, maybe once a month at most?

there’s just so much strategy involved that it makes one over analyze every single thing!

I went to the Boston store last September (am now local) and it was completely bare. The SA was out of like 8 of the 9 things I was looking for, and the bag display area was basically empty. Since this was before the really really big shortage towards the end of last year I don’t even want to know how it is now.

I get the feeling that with the money of local customers and the low stock in Boston it would be better for me to stick with an SA in a more feasible market, even if visiting only a few times a year. I also didn’t click with her really. I am instead waiting while traveling or sellers if I really can’t wait.