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.

 

[EllenTsai]

If I imagine myself as an SA then I think the 2nd and 3rd would have the same answer: One that has a good established relationship with the brand/boutique and SA
But then obviously everything is relative and subjective.
There would be lots of clients who may have much longer history and more established relationship with my home store and they will then get prioritised and it's just that...
It's the same in other sectors where manufacturers allocate their production capacity/ schedule between different clients
C'est la vie

 

[FaubourgTropical]

of course, to be offered a quota bag, the customer has to be likeable by the SA at least. If a customer gets a quota bag by being mean, then how do they get rid of such a pest customer right? They would be reinforcing bad behavior. The SA has the power to say no. But it is the SM who has the power to say yes.

I think we have to be clear about the context…..So far I have not heard anybody getting a quota bag with pre spend 0.3:1 in Asia boutiques (airport stores different ball game)…..Not even heard of buying pair of oran and waited 2 years to be offered a quota bag in Asia (European story on YouTube).

So, even if I am the nicest customer to my SAs, they are not gonna be able to offer me a quota bag if I don’t spend up to the amounts they can justify to the SM.

Please do let me know if I am wrong.

True. In Asian context there would not be a real 'maintaining a H relationship' to say. I think no one disputes that and we all get it.

In rest of the world, I think what everyone is saying is (most recently by @Etriers), spend is a given. Good Relationship ( and its associated tips in this thread) is a sweetener that might tip the scale to your favour.

I'd like to believe that this should also apply in Asia as human is human but it seems to be not the case. I can’t say for sure as I am not in Asia.

CMIIW, thanks.

ETA: we covered this a few pages back and to me it’s fascinating that we keep on circling back because we’re looking at the same issue (how to get a bag) from very different cultural glasses and practices. It’s like looking with a different corrective glasses and trying to compare the vision.

 

[Etriers]

So, it is a different answer to all these questions below:
1. What kind of customer doesn’t get offered a quota bag at all?
2. What kind of customer (and/or profile) gets offered a quota bag?
3. What kind of customer (and/or profile) gets offered a coveted quota bag that most customers want?

This is an excellent question. And a great way to frame it.

 

[etoile de mer]

So many longtime customers have offered great advice here. But, of course, it's difficult to offer advice that is pertinent to all members, as many are shopping in different parts of the world.

And, as others have said a number of times, I think so much of what's going on right now comes down to supply and demand. I can't think of a worse time to have started a "journey" towards purchasing a Birkin, Kelly, or Constance in particular, or, frankly, any other specific Hermes item. Nothing was in abundance at Hermes prior to the pandemic, and even less has been available during. It actually seems like many are choosing to swim upstream, and those not interested in any of the other items offered at Hermes will have an even more difficult path. I do feel sorry for the SAs, as I feel like some customers need a reality check. And, no, I would not believe all the shopping triumphs apparently scattered all over social media.

So, my feeling regarding this thread is that it's !

 

[Justlikewhatilike]

True. In Asian context there would not be a real 'maintaining a H relationship' to say. I think no one disputes that and we all get it.

In rest of the world, I think what everyone is saying is (most recently by @Etriers), spend is a given. Good Relationship ( and its associated tips in this thread) is a sweetener that might tip the scale to your favour.

I'd like to believe that this should also apply in Asia as human is human but it seems to be not the case. I can’t say for sure as I am not in Asia.

CMIIW, thanks.

ETA: we covered this a few pages back and to me it’s fascinating that we keep on circling back because we’re looking at the same issue (how to get a bag) from very different cultural glasses and practices. It’s like looking with a different corrective glasses and trying to compare the vision.

I think there still is room for maintaining a relationship for shopping at H in Asia.
There is a lot of power in saying no from the SA. That includes no to customers who wants to make purchases to hit their pre spend. If they don’t hit, they don’t make it to be offered the quota bag at all. Unless one doesn’t mind to to buy whatever is in sight at the stores….I do experience that making purchases gets easier once there is a relationship.

This is really quite interesting to me as well. Well worth to document in this forum.

 

[rachrach1017]

Hard disagree. The company did not create the game. I believe, at least in the US, that implicit understanding is that loyalty and genuine appreciation for the 'Maison' how one gets the more highly coveted items.




This right here.

My wife and I would be the poster children that having pre-spend doesn't always matter. We've gotten 3 'quota bags' and a C18. Just the other day, I tallied our total spend and we're at like 0.3 to 1. But guess what, we don't have a "strategy". We visit the boutique semi frequently, buy what we like without any specific targets, and are patient. Our SA asks for an updated wishlist recently, and unless our SA brings the topic of bags up first, we don't really talk about it. Not that we're afraid of the topic but just that if there was one, our SA would offer it. We have no qualms about the fact that there are probably bags in the stockroom that we could purchase at every visit. And I am sure our SA probably enjoys the reprieve from bag talk cause it sounds like they all get hammered with requests and it can undoubtedly get tiring. But name of the game with Hermes is patience, and with our lovely SA, we've been very lucky. Like my spouse says, "there is a bag in there, it just doesn't have my name on it." I guess the true key to the game is to find yourself an SA that you really connect with, like @textilegirl said.

This, right there. We’re the same way too. We don’t have strategy nor trying to play game of catch QB. Yes we switched SAs 4 times not because we are chasing the QB (QB is the bonus add after) but just because we (personally me not my DH) never really felt that connection to those 4SAs from the start.

We never brought up bags topic when we first visited our current SA. She brought up to us and wanted us to give her the wishlist. (I didn’t even know what i want back then)

After we’ve been with her for a month, she figured us out and she knows what we like (styles, colors, sizes). We never demand anything. If I happen to want something (mostly RTW or shoes) and nothing available in store or online, I’m ok with it and move on to the next.

My SA always said to us —- “you’re guys are really chill, and thank you so much for understanding. It just makes my job a lot easier and I love to work with you guys.” —— that alone make us appreciate her even more and try our best not to put any burdens or demanding anything from her.
All SAs are trying to do their jobs and earn livings. They are all humans with feeling after all.

 

[kissonbts]

This, right there. We’re the same way too. We don’t have strategy nor trying to play game of catch QB. Yes we switched SAs 4 times not because we are chasing the QB (QB is the bonus add after) but just because we (personally me not my DH) never really felt that connection to those 4SAs from the start.

We never brought up bags topic when we first visited our current SA. She brought up to us and wanted us to give her the wishlist. (I didn’t even know what i want back then)

After we’ve been with her for a month, she figured us out and she knows what we like (styles, colors, sizes). We never demand anything. If I happen to want something (mostly RTW or shoes) and nothing available in store or online, I’m ok with it and move on to the next.

My SA always said to us —- “you’re guys are really chill, and thank you so much for understanding. It just makes my job a lot easier and I love to work with you guys.” —— that alone make us appreciate her even more and try our best not to put any burdens or demanding anything from her.
All SAs are trying to do their jobs and earn livings. They are all humans with feeling after all.

Im right there with you all! My humble advice to everyone out there who’s starting their journey is be patient, connect with your SA, and buy what you’d like to enjoy, not to just get a quota bag

 

[Jadpe]

IMO it cannot hurt to start by just talking to your SA about the direction of your bag collection and where you want to go from here

Once you get your first QB, it's usually a great sign that there's more QB to come as long as you continue to foster the relationship and build on your profile (which it sounds like you certainly are).

I think it's okay to give it a couple months before bringing up your next QB while you enjoy your k25. I'm unsure which country you're in but some countries only allow 1 QB/year (others still allow 2QB/year) so you have time to think before telling your SA what bags you'd like next.

I also think it's wise not to overwhelm your SA with many bags you like and focus on the top 1-3 that you want in the immediate term... and pick options which you know are in production currently/imminently so you have the highest chance of success.

Happy shopping.

I don’t know where you are, but if I were u I will speak about it as soon as my spending is 1:1 or past it. Directly or indirectly.

After they give you your first QB, the succeeding ones should be "easier". You can ask your SA if you can update your wish list with her. Then you can remind her politely whenever you go to H to purchase items or text her about it too once in a while.

Thank you all for responding. Your advice was very helpful.

On Thursday I went to see my SA to pick up the Avalon pillows I've ordered last year and asked him if my wish was still standing or if I should update my wish. He told me my wish was fulfilled and I can make a new wish in 3 months. He was super relaxed about the 'getting a QB' process. More relaxed than the beginning of our 'relationship'. That's called progress right

 

[newgirlintown]

I need some advice

I bought a few bags and home deco from H, I have been to there two times, the second time I have booked, however, the first SA I have met is not free, then the other came and help. they both said if I wish to visit again, can send them a message!

1. sometimes, I just want to have a look and walk around, and I know I probably may not buy anything if the colour/pattern is not my cup of tea. in this case, do you think it's good that I just walk and do not noticed them beforehand. (I also concern if I have see something I like, it will look not so polite if I bought things with another SA. Or they don't even mind?)

2. it's a silly question. I'm not so confidence with my bare foots, but I still wanted to buy a sandel or mule sometimes. I rather wear my own thin sock to try on the shoes, do you think it's weird in the shop? Since I do not own any H shoes before, will they provide a pair of socks for you to try on? it will be great if someone can share his/her experience to me.

3. I'm busy recently, if I walk in H just 30mins before they close, do you think it's not a very good time? I personally do not want to make people busy as they are almost off duty. however, in my bottom of my heart I still wanted go and have a look and see if there's anything I like

 

[jellyv]

It's just a shop. You're the one with the wallet and only you know your intentions long term with regard to acquiring H. Not real complicated. Do you want to be routinely recognized and consistent with one SA, or just casual and spontaneous without agenda? Conduct wise, be a normal person as if you were in any other lovely and upscale environment, and act that way.

If you wish to cultivate a relationship with one SA, well then interact with said person and buy things.

 

[newgirlintown]

thanks for the reply.
I'm just a nervous person who worries to show those unmanicured toes in front of a stranger.

It's a shop. You're the one with the wallet and only you know your intentions long term with regard to acquiring H. Not real complicated. Do you want to be routinely recognized and consistent with one SA, or just casual and spontaneous without agenda? Conduct wise, b a normal person as if you were in any other lovely and upscale environment, and act that way.

 

[acrowcounted]

I need some advice

I bought a few bags and home deco from H, I have been to there two times, the second time I have booked, however, the first SA I have met is not free, then the other came and help. they both said if I wish to visit again, can send them a message!

1. sometimes, I just want to have a look and walk around, and I know I probably may not buy anything if the colour/pattern is not my cup of tea. in this case, do you think it's good that I just walk and do not noticed them beforehand. (I also concern if I have see something I like, it will look not so polite if I bought things with another SA. Or they don't even mind?)

2. it's a silly question. I'm not so confidence with my bare foots, but I still wanted to buy a sandel or mule sometimes. I rather wear my own thin sock to try on the shoes, do you think it's weird in the shop? Since I do not own any H shoes before, will they provide a pair of socks for you to try on? it will be great if someone can share his/her experience to me.

3. I'm busy recently, if I walk in H just 30mins before they close, do you think it's not a very good time? I personally do not want to make people busy as they are almost off duty. however, in my bottom of my heart I still wanted go and have a look and see if there's anything I like

I’m answering from the assumption that you one day would like to be offered a coveted bag.
It’s important to shop with one SA consistently. H also only puts a fraction of their merchandise out on display so you really need that SA connection to help source things that are kept in the back room, even if it’s just another color of something on display. I highly recommend thinking about the items you would like to possibly purchase and then always contacting your SA for a time when it would be mutually convenient for you to come in and see the product. Shopping without an SA at Hermes will be truly limiting to the selection of products.
H has little nylon foot covers or you can wear your own socks if that makes you more comfortable (however the sandals will obviously feel different with vs without socks and may result in purchasing the wrong size).

 

[Caramelus]

I need some advice

I bought a few bags and home deco from H, I have been to there two times, the second time I have booked, however, the first SA I have met is not free, then the other came and help. they both said if I wish to visit again, can send them a message!

1. sometimes, I just want to have a look and walk around, and I know I probably may not buy anything if the colour/pattern is not my cup of tea. in this case, do you think it's good that I just walk and do not noticed them beforehand. (I also concern if I have see something I like, it will look not so polite if I bought things with another SA. Or they don't even mind?)

2. it's a silly question. I'm not so confidence with my bare foots, but I still wanted to buy a sandel or mule sometimes. I rather wear my own thin sock to try on the shoes, do you think it's weird in the shop? Since I do not own any H shoes before, will they provide a pair of socks for you to try on? it will be great if someone can share his/her experience to me.

3. I'm busy recently, if I walk in H just 30mins before they close, do you think it's not a very good time? I personally do not want to make people busy as they are almost off duty. however, in my bottom of my heart I still wanted go and have a look and see if there's anything I like

You can always walk in anytime to browse and be inspired by the beautiful items without committing to buying anything. Personally I’m conscious to not stop by near closing time since I need at least an hour to enjoy. For your H journey, having a dedicated SA is easier for scheduling appts and building a relationship.

Since different SAs helped you, maybe walk in on a weekday when it’s less crowded to browse. If you can, interact separately with the SAs who helped you before to see which one clicks and go from there.

Oh and don’t worry about your shy feet. H has disposable socks to try on shoes and I’m sure if you paint your nails or get a pedicure in advance, your feet will look great in sandals

Have fun …..

 

[ekc45]

Hi, so my sa is telling me the boutique is going to continue to have low stock on certain categories. If there is an item I want like a dress or sandals how does this work with items ordered by the boutique? How does allocation work? Do vips get first choice? Is there some kind of reserve list?

 

[acrowcounted]

Hi, so my sa is telling me the boutique is going to continue to have low stock on certain categories. If there is an item I want like a dress or sandals how does this work with items ordered by the boutique? How does allocation work? Do vips get first choice? Is there some kind of reserve list?

Tell your SA the precise items you are interested in and ask them if they can see if any are incoming and if so, can they place your name on it. Some stores/SAs are more keen to do this for some items (shoes and RTW especially). Hotter items, such as SLGs are more difficult to reserve. It’s all dependent on how your individual store handles inventory so best to check directly wth your specific SA.