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 shop at your local store please do a search in Hermes Shopping sub-forum and look for your store/region/country.

 

[_kiki119_]

I have read what you said about Vegas after posting last night, and I agree, even if shopping remotely is an option it is still not my preferred method. But thank you for reminding me that texting remotely is probably not going to improve what bothers me now (poor communication)! My current SA is in my state, and I enjoy and appreciate the ability to just head to the store without booking a plane ticket first. I just wish the overall communication is better, whether it is about orders or just booking an appointment.

I totally understand the frustration about communication. H low stock may just really affect SA's responsiveness here since they prob don't like to say NO to customers... and I am sure the REST of their clients are requesting similar and I imagine it must be hard for them to juggle both in-store and text clients.

my SA now set her notifications to "silent" now, I never asked her but I imagine that she just overwhelmes with messages that she can't concentrate of her work in the boutique. At the same time, I have a long enough relationship that I trust her to reply me when she can... so maybe perhaps you and your SA have yet to get to the comfort level yet. but I def felt similar like you when I first started my relationship.

 

[880]

Thank you all so much for your advice! I think I will stick with my current SA for now. There is definitely that wonder that what if the one I switch to is even worse than my current SA... I just wish the communication and transparency overall was better.

Yes, my ultimate end goal is to get a quota bag, but I am not in a hurry, I just want to know I am still working towards it. Since each SA is different, it leaves me room to doubt if I had switched to a different SA or even a different store maybe I'd be working with a more achievable spending ratio, if this makes sense at all. Our ratio is closer to 3:1 right now, and I am still planning to make more purchases. But are my purchases just too small that my SA doesn't bother scheduling me an appointment anymore? That is what I am trying to figure out. Because I love all these items I have bought, thankfully I actually do and not *spending just to get a bag*, but is my store and my SA's expectations much much higher than my spending level? I want to feel welcomed and wanted in the store too. And if my spending is just way too low according to their standard hence the poor communication, then I wonder if I had wasted all this time and $ if that makes sense at all. I just want to feel valued and know that I am still on the right track with the right SA, or else I should cut the tie some time and focus on someone or somewhere else.

But like I said, I will continue to stick with my SA for now. I agree, 10 months is not that long and I should give it more time Hopefully my doubt above is just me overthinking and I will get to be in the store soon!!

I have a 3:1 and a great relationship with my SA, but agree with @maxroxxherhandbags, @Justlikewhatilike, @loopymoi , @jenaywins , and others re minimal text responses. I also think Hermes corporate culture prioritizes in person communication. (Unlike Dior where my DA has his phone glued to his hand Lol) . At one point, I heard H SAs couldn’t take their work phones home and after, they were on shift rotation and were inundated with in store clients.
My SA likes to status update in person. So, my texts are mainly appt set ups or courtesy notification that I will be browsing. If I don’t get an emoji signaling yes or no, I know it’s not personal. BTW, if you don’t have a specific QB wish list, just make sure your SA knows roughly what QB you would like. Last of all, it would be harder to order MtM suits by flying to Vegas, kind of like trunk show. i always advise staying local if possible.
@_kiki119_ , my chanel SA has the same silent notifications, but she‘ll reply eventually. some days she will forget to confirm an appt, but I find that she will have told the bouncer to send DH and me up.

finally, JMO on switching SAs in the same boutique. I know someone who did so simply bc she wanted to have a more relaxed and congenial vibe. from her first SA, she had already built up an impressive H collection of QB and many other things over the years. She simply let the relationship slow down (no outstanding requests, not much communication on either end); and then restarted post shelter in place with another SA whom she already knew. No one had any issue (it helped that both SAs are experienced; are not in the same department; and, they can sell throughout). She obtained a coveted QB size from her new SA recently. I will caveat though that her spend is impressive enough for the boutique to want to keep her happy but not so whale like in one sitting as to cause drama or bad blood, and she is also low key and relaxed. I don’t recommend switching ( I don’t think I would do it myself unless my SA left) ; I’m just narrating that for some people in certain circumstances, there is apparently no penalty from a QB standpoint.

 

[_kiki119_]

my chanel SA has the same silent notifications, but she‘ll reply eventually. some days she will forget to confirm an appt, but I find that she will have told the bouncer to send DH and me up.

she is also low key and relaxed

Good to know other brand/SA practice similar! TBH I do the same. I put my DH on silent sometimes, but I will reply him eventually lololol

also Low Key and relaxed may deem good quality these days, when most of the clients are demanding... you may stand out more as an understanding client to your SA when shipments come, even you are not a huge spender.

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

Recently I was told that my SA receives 30 to 50 txt msgs per day everyday. I’m sure it’s not every SA receiving such volume. But if i could imagine ….it’s not possible to reply everyone of them so promptly.

I will txt my SA the items I wanted but only expect my SA to go through that list when I am next in the store.

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

Thank you all so much for your advice! I think I will stick with my current SA for now. There is definitely that wonder that what if the one I switch to is even worse than my current SA... I just wish the communication and transparency overall was better.

Yes, my ultimate end goal is to get a quota bag, but I am not in a hurry, I just want to know I am still working towards it. Since each SA is different, it leaves me room to doubt if I had switched to a different SA or even a different store maybe I'd be working with a more achievable spending ratio, if this makes sense at all. Our ratio is closer to 3:1 right now, and I am still planning to make more purchases. But are my purchases just too small that my SA doesn't bother scheduling me an appointment anymore? That is what I am trying to figure out. Because I love all these items I have bought, thankfully I actually do and not *spending just to get a bag*, but is my store and my SA's expectations much much higher than my spending level? I want to feel welcomed and wanted in the store too. And if my spending is just way too low according to their standard hence the poor communication, then I wonder if I had wasted all this time and $ if that makes sense at all. I just want to feel valued and know that I am still on the right track with the right SA, or else I should cut the tie some time and focus on someone or somewhere else.

But like I said, I will continue to stick with my SA for now. I agree, 10 months is not that long and I should give it more time Hopefully my doubt above is just me overthinking and I will get to be in the store soon!!

Have you ever asked your SA how to build your profile towards being offered a quota bag? What are the chances of being offered at your current store? I’m sorry….but if you really want transparency, u got to ask the questions point blank in your SA’s face. And be ready to trust your SA no matter what answer he/she gives you.

I would imagine after 10 months, the relationship would be comfortable with a lot of small talk taking place during the appointments?

 

[closetluxe]

When I got my 1st QB, my SA mentioned that he didn't even know I wanted one until I had asked. SAs are not mind readers and at least my SA genuinely doesn't believe everyone wants a QB. I have been with my SA for 4 years and have gotten 2 more offers since then, one of which was an SO. I too have gone through the angst of worrying when my SA didn't text back in regards to a request or to confirm an appointment. I have come to realize that:
1. I'm overthinking it
2. My SA is super busy
3. Stock is low
4. It's not personal if I don't get a text right away or even at all
5. If I want an appointment with my SA, I just book it online or call to make one
6. If something is meant to be mine, it will be.
After realizing all the above, shopping is what it should be: fun. I am by no means a big spender or a VIP, but my SA makes me feel valued (as if to him I was) and never pressures me to buy what I don't want and we have a good working relationship.

 

[KittyCattt]

I don't think you are receiving poor communication because you are not a "big spender." I think the simple answer is that SAs are very busy. It is hard for them to respond to the dozens and dozens of text messages they get in a day while also attending to the customers that are in front of them at the store. I know when I am with my SA in the store I have their full attention so anyone texting during that time might not get an immediate response either. My SA isn't always quick to text back and occasionally I do have to follow up after a week or two if I get no response. However, I do not take that personally. For me shopping for Hermes items is not an emergency, and I can honestly live without any of the things I've requested. They have days off and vacations as well and its possible that maybe you texted while they were out and they had 100+ texts and yours got buried in the shuffle. Responding to texts would be a full time job on its own.

I totally understand the frustration about communication. H low stock may just really affect SA's responsiveness here since they prob don't like to say NO to customers... and I am sure the REST of their clients are requesting similar and I imagine it must be hard for them to juggle both in-store and text clients.

my SA now set her notifications to "silent" now, I never asked her but I imagine that she just overwhelmes with messages that she can't concentrate of her work in the boutique. At the same time, I have a long enough relationship that I trust her to reply me when she can... so maybe perhaps you and your SA have yet to get to the comfort level yet. but I def felt similar like you when I first started my relationship.

I have a 3:1 and a great relationship with my SA, but agree with @maxroxxherhandbags, @Justlikewhatilike, @loopymoi , @jenaywins , and others re minimal text responses. I also think Hermes corporate culture prioritizes in person communication. (Unlike Dior where my DA has his phone glued to his hand Lol) . At one point, I heard H SAs couldn’t take their work phones home and after, they were on shift rotation and were inundated with in store clients.
My SA likes to status update in person. So, my texts are mainly appt set ups or courtesy notification that I will be browsing. If I don’t get an emoji signaling yes or no, I know it’s not personal. BTW, if you don’t have a specific QB wish list, just make sure your SA knows roughly what QB you would like. Last of all, it would be harder to order MtM suits by flying to Vegas, kind of like trunk show. i always advise staying local if possible.
@_kiki119_ , my chanel SA has the same silent notifications, but she‘ll reply eventually. some days she will forget to confirm an appt, but I find that she will have told the bouncer to send DH and me up.

finally, JMO on switching SAs in the same boutique. I know someone who did so simply bc she wanted to have a more relaxed and congenial vibe. from her first SA, she had already built up an impressive H collection of QB and many other things over the years. She simply let the relationship slow down (no outstanding requests, not much communication on either end); and then restarted post shelter in place with another SA whom she already knew. No one had any issue (it helped that both SAs are experienced; are not in the same department; and, they can sell throughout). She obtained a coveted QB size from her new SA recently. I will caveat though that her spend is impressive enough for the boutique to want to keep her happy but not so whale like in one sitting as to cause drama or bad blood, and she is also low key and relaxed. I don’t recommend switching ( I don’t think I would do it myself unless my SA left) ; I’m just narrating that for some people in certain circumstances, there is apparently no penalty from a QB standpoint.

Have you ever asked your SA how to build your profile towards being offered a quota bag? What are the chances of being offered at your current store? I’m sorry….but if you really want transparency, u got to ask the questions point blank in your SA’s face. And be ready to trust your SA no matter what answer he/she gives you.

I would imagine after 10 months, the relationship would be comfortable with a lot of small talk taking place during the appointments?

When I got my 1st QB, my SA mentioned that he didn't even know I wanted one until I had asked. SAs are not mind readers and at least my SA genuinely doesn't believe everyone wants a QB. I have been with my SA for 4 years and have gotten 2 more offers since then, one of which was an SO. I too have gone through the angst of worrying when my SA didn't text back in regards to a request or to confirm an appointment. I have come to realize that:
1. I'm overthinking it
2. My SA is super busy
3. Stock is low
4. It's not personal if I don't get a text right away or even at all
5. If I want an appointment with my SA, I just book it online or call to make one
6. If something is meant to be mine, it will be.
After realizing all the above, shopping is what it should be: fun. I am by no means a big spender or a VIP, but my SA makes me feel valued (as if to him I was) and never pressures me to buy what I don't want and we have a good working relationship.

Thank you all so much again for taking the time and patience to respond to me, I really really appreciate it I had finally secured an appointment for tmr (yay)! I am actually traveling starting next week until mid April, and I can only assume everyone in the store will just be suuuper busy starting then for Mother's Day (gifting season). With these small (in stock) purchases I have in mind, I wouldn't want to try to squeeze in then either bc I also value my SA's time and efficiency, that's why I am hoping to shop now and not then.

I completely understand the SA texting situation! I purchase from other brands and I usually also have to wait for responses. It's just some times my H SA appears to be a bit forgetful, so I often feel like reminders are needed. But I will ask tmr in person what is the best way to schedule an appt moving forward. I'd be happy to call the boutique to schedule if that's all it takes to save my SA a headache!

I do enjoy shopping with my SA when we're in person, so other than the responsiveness and transparency thing I'd say I am happy. But yes, I am planning to ask very gently about where I am roughly, and I do feel comfortable that I can ask for a bit more transparency now. I think I appear as too gentle some times since I don't always bring up bags every visit. I had sent over a wishlist though, I just don't always ask about it. I want to be a good client too so I don't want to appear as pushy.

 

[KittyCattt]

Good to know other brand/SA practice similar! TBH I do the same. I put my DH on silent sometimes, but I will reply him eventually lololol

also Low Key and relaxed may deem good quality these days, when most of the clients are demanding... you may stand out more as an understanding client to your SA when shipments come, even you are not a huge spender.

Completely agree with this! I think being a loyal and non-annoying client usually pays off. But some times when the boutique is so small for way too much demand it just doesn't work. Chanel San Francisco is definitely like that! But anyway, just agreeing that being a good client does help most of the time!

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

i think the current climate is different from quite a few years back when everything about H is mysterious. There are ways to ask for a quota bag without being pushy or coming across as entitled.

 

[Classiclover]

Hi,
A question: I did contacted my SA to go to the store and she confirmed to come and when I did, I saw her but she was busy with other clients and at one point disappeared and another SA came to assist but I told her I was waiting for my SA. However, she called my SA and then came to assist me again saying she can help and I allowed her and did some purchases assuming my SA asked her to assist me. Then I saw my SA again she did say sorry however I did purchases with this new SA and now I am wondering will this ruin my relationship with my current SA though she didn't look annoyed or anything. Will the new SA get the commission in this case and not my current SA, should I return the items I bought and repurchase with my SA again, thank you! Kinda new to this situation and lost here and would like some guidance as to how to proceed.

 

[Shiva2009]

Look at your receipt and see not the cashier’ name but the name of SA in front of the item on receipt? It might be your SA name

 

[Classiclover]

Turned out it was this new SA name, I am afraid my SA will think I am not loyal to her , it was just a confused situation. Should I return the items in this case and repurchase with my SA?

 

[acrowcounted]

Turned out it was this new SA name, I am afraid my SA will think I am not loyal to her , it was just a confused situation. Should I return the items in this case?

Your SA knew what was happening and willingly let it happen because she was busy elsewhere. SMs really hate returns and since the purchases were still with your store, they are helpful as far as your SM is concerned when approving bag nominations. I would leave things be and just insist on waiting for your SA from now on, should a similar situation arise.

 

[Classiclover]

Your SA knew what was happening and willingly let it happen because she was busy elsewhere. SMs really hate returns and since the purchases were still with your store, they are helpful as far as your SM is concerned when approving bag nominations. I would leave things be and just insist on waiting for your SA from now on, should a similar situation arise.

I see, thank you for your advice. I of course was hoping for a quota but still no luck yet and my current SA knows my wish list. However, she has so many clients it seems and not sure if I am getting the attention I need but I will keep trying and hope the wish list is fulfilled

 

[acrowcounted]

I see, thank you for your advice. I of course was hoping for a quota but still no luck yet and my current SA knows my wish list. However, she has so many clients it seems and not sure if I am getting the attention I need but I will keep trying and hope the wish list is fulfilled

Well if you enjoyed shopping with this other SA, you could also always switch to her going forward if you think she may be more available to you as a client. Might by a good opportunity in disguise.