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.

 

[rachrach1017]

That so great!

How do you determine when to contact ASM/Sm? My great sa just got promoted… she and i chatted about QB before she accepted the position… i enjoyed our relationship but i don’t know how to differentiate type of communication between my new SA and the ASM

My SA is my go-to person and point of contact for appointments and all things related to H. I’ve never contacted her ASM/SM directly. But they always there and spend time with me and my DH whenever I’m in the store (ESP her ASM hence the SM is always busy). Her ASM is always willing to help with anything and she was the one who helped me with my SO when I had absolutely no clue of what I wanted lol.

 

[lala_retro]

This is a venting post.

I was in store for an event yesterday, I had an appointment. My SA's prior appointment ran late, but I was fine with it since I arrived a little late anyway. While waiting for my SA, these 2 ladies came in, apparently also my SA's clients. I vaguely overheard my SA telling them that she had another appointment ahead of them. I was wandering around the more secluded part of the store, not wanting to hover, but texted to let her know where to find me once she's done. 40min after I arrived, my SA finished with the appointment before me, but then those 2 ladies swooped in, and started asking to see multiple items, one of which was an item I was interested in, which they bought. Later my SA told me they didn't even have an appointment.

I didn't interrupt them because I just couldn't figure out a tactful way of doing it without being completely rude, but it was very frustrating; I had already waited a long time, those 2 ladies came after me but basically just cut in line. I know there's very little an SA can do if a client just forces herself in, but I had expected some sort of attempt at having them wait their turn. I think I would've been less bothered if they were nice, normal people, who may not have known that appointments should be made before dropping in, but they were so mannerless, picking up items to look then throwing it back down on the shelf. I know this is partly my own fault, because I was not willing to hover, whereas they were, but I just hate that doing that because I know I wouldn't want another client to hover near me when I'm shopping, yet if I don't hover other people will cut in. I don't know, I just can't figure out a good way of dealing with situations like this.

How would you guys deal with a situation like this?

 

[880]

This is a venting post.

I was in store for an event yesterday, I had an appointment. My SA's prior appointment ran late, but I was fine with it since I arrived a little late anyway. While waiting for my SA, these 2 ladies came in, apparently also my SA's clients. I vaguely overheard my SA telling them that she had another appointment ahead of them. I was wandering around the more secluded part of the store, not wanting to hover, but texted to let her know where to find me once she's done. 40min after I arrived, my SA finished with the appointment before me, but then those 2 ladies swooped in, and started asking to see multiple items, one of which was an item I was interested in, which they bought. Later my SA told me they didn't even have an appointment.

I didn't interrupt them because I just couldn't figure out a tactful way of doing it without being completely rude, but it was very frustrating; I had already waited a long time, those 2 ladies came after me but basically just cut in line. I know there's very little an SA can do if a client just forces herself in, but I had expected some sort of attempt at having them wait their turn. I think I would've been less bothered if they were nice, normal people, who may not have known that appointments should be made before dropping in, but they were so mannerless, picking up items to look then throwing it back down on the shelf. I know this is partly my own fault, because I was not willing to hover, whereas they were, but I just hate that doing that because I know I wouldn't want another client to hover near me when I'm shopping, yet if I don't hover other people will cut in. I don't know, I just can't figure out a good way of dealing with situations like this.

How would you guys deal with a situation like this?

UGH. I’m so sorry. In an ideal world an SA would simply say, I’m sorry I have a scheduled appt waiting now, so you would not have to do anything. but some clients are impossible. The correct thing would be for your SA to offer them a choice: my scheduled client is here, so you can wait; schedule an appt; or I can find a colleague to help you. For the future, I suggest asking your SA for an appt during a quieter time, or first thing in the am if possible. for me, I might have chosen to remain in my SAs line of vision simply bc then it’s easier for him to say, I’m sorry but my next appt is here and motion to you. I might chose proximity if only bc ive seen some unhappy and demanding clients at my home store and I know I might have to intervene or come to fisticuffs. Lol.

I wouldn’t have hesitated to interrupt to say, to them, excuse me, this is my appt slot. I might be a tiny bit nicer if it’s at all possible that they are more Clueless than self entitled. But, I don’t think it’s rude on your part To interrupt . There have been occasions when my SA has run late (he will text me if possible to let me know). If I’m there to simply pick something up, I might choose not to wait. But, the first thing my SA and I generally do is to figure out how much time we have precisely so I don’t run into someone else’s slot.

My chanel SA actually handles it best. We know roughly how much time, but once I lost track, and she popped into the dressing room; told me to take my time, but did I mind if she started to set up her next appt who was here. I said of course and would you like me to apologize for the delay. She laughed and said, no all her clients are easygoing. When I got out, she introduced us and I apologized anyway and that was it.

Note: of course if the fact pattern were different: if you had been late, or not present, and there were two walk in clients of your Sa, then store policy might favor serving them first. This would depend on how late of course.

At any rate, how exhausting for you. This isn’t luxury

 

[lala_retro]

UGH. I’m so sorry. In an ideal world an SA would simply say, I’m sorry I have a scheduled appt waiting now, so you would not have to do anything. but some clients are impossible. The correct thing would be for your SA to offer them a choice: my scheduled client is here, so you can wait; schedule an appt; or I can find a colleague to help you. For the future, I suggest asking your SA for an appt during a quieter time, or first thing in the am if possible. for me, I might have chosen to remain in my SAs line of vision simply bc then it’s easier for him to say, I’m sorry but my next appt is here and motion to you. I might chose proximity if only bc ive seen some unhappy and demanding clients at my home store and I know I might have to intervene or come to fisticuffs. Lol.

I wouldn’t have hesitated to interrupt to say, to them, excuse me, this is my appt slot. I might be a tiny bit nicer if it’s at all possible that they are more Clueless than self entitled. But, I don’t think it’s rude on your part To interrupt . There have been occasions when my SA has run late (he will text me if possible to let me know). If I’m there to simply pick something up, I might choose not to wait. But, the first thing my SA and I generally do is to figure out how much time we have precisely so I don’t run into someone else’s slot.

My chanel SA actually handles it best. We know roughly how much time, but once I lost track, and she popped into the dressing room; told me to take my time, but did I mind if she started to set up her next appt who was here. I said of course and would you like me to apologize for the delay. She laughed and said, no all her clients are easygoing. When I got out, she introduced us and I apologized anyway and that was it.

Note: of course if the fact pattern were different: if you had been late, or not present, and there were two walk in clients of your Sa, then store policy might favor serving them first. This would depend on how late of course.

At any rate, how exhausting for you. This isn’t luxury

Yeah I wish my SA had handled it so I wouldn't need to, but you are right, I will just interrupt next time, I think I would feel better having interrupted than holding everything in and resenting it after.

I have had a situation last year where I had left the store while waiting for my SA to return from lunch, when I came back she was already with a walk-in client, so I ended up waiting another 40min, in that instance I totally understand that she had to take the walk-in client since I wasn't physically in the store when she came back from break.

I usually go in during quiet times on weekdays, and had initially set my appointment time after asking my SA what would be an off peak time, but I guess most clients had the same idea and everybody showed up right at store opening due to the event.

 

[textilegirl]

UGH. I’m so sorry. In an ideal world an SA would simply say, I’m sorry I have a scheduled appt waiting now, so you would not have to do anything. but some clients are impossible. The correct thing would be for your SA to offer them a choice: my scheduled client is here, so you can wait; schedule an appt; or I can find a colleague to help you. For the future, I suggest asking your SA for an appt during a quieter time, or first thing in the am if possible. for me, I might have chosen to remain in my SAs line of vision simply bc then it’s easier for him to say, I’m sorry but my next appt is here and motion to you. I might chose proximity if only bc ive seen some unhappy and demanding clients at my home store and I know I might have to intervene or come to fisticuffs. Lol.

I wouldn’t have hesitated to interrupt to say, to them, excuse me, this is my appt slot. I might be a tiny bit nicer if it’s at all possible that they are more Clueless than self entitled. But, I don’t think it’s rude on your part To interrupt . There have been occasions when my SA has run late (he will text me if possible to let me know). If I’m there to simply pick something up, I might choose not to wait. But, the first thing my SA and I generally do is to figure out how much time we have precisely so I don’t run into someone else’s slot.

My chanel SA actually handles it best. We know roughly how much time, but once I lost track, and she popped into the dressing room; told me to take my time, but did I mind if she started to set up her next appt who was here. I said of course and would you like me to apologize for the delay. She laughed and said, no all her clients are easygoing. When I got out, she introduced us and I apologized anyway and that was it.

Note: of course if the fact pattern were different: if you had been late, or not present, and there were two walk in clients of your Sa, then store policy might favor serving them first. This would depend on how late of course.

At any rate, how exhausting for you. This isn’t luxury

No alas, it’s not.

 

[jenayb]

This isn’t luxury

This.

 

[jenayb]

Hello, I am very new to Hermes and I am struggling to even begin a relationship with a SA. My local boutique is extremely competitive (San Francisco) which probably doesn't help. I am not even trying to get any QB any time soon, I just wanted to start working with someone to build a relationship. I have made several small purchases in store this past year, mostly ties, cufflinks, and scarfs. Each purchase is with a different SA because none has offer their contact information for future visits. I am not a big spender and I only purchase items that I really love. Does that deter SA since I am not dropping enough money each visit? There are a few new ties and scarfs that I am planning to buy and I am considering a clic clac and some fashion jewelry as well but I don't know if I should bother with the SF boutique anymore. I will be in Vegas in 2 weeks, should I just try there instead?

My home store has been in Vegas for many years now. There is a relatively common misconception that Vegas is "easier" than other locations - perhaps we can attribute this to the transient nature of Vegas shopping which I will admit is inherent. But Vegas - all boutiques, not just mine - is just as competive as other locations. I would honestly try to keep your existing relationship versus starting fresh, especially somewhere you do not live.

 

[Inloveinlux]

I feel like just giving up with Hermes at this point and need some advice! I love Hermes and I haven’t had a chance to buy a lot from them bc the closest store is 5 hours away from me! I had tried hard with two sales associates I have met in person one in Vegas and one in New York. I thought that the one in New York and I hit it off so well! She gave me her card and I reached out inquiring her opinion on a scarf and a pair of shoes. She told me she would get back to me so I reached out again. No reply. So once again a week after that in pure desperation I reached out again. Once again no reply! I mean I want things from this brand! I want shoes, jewelry, scarfs, a blanket, makeup! Of course like the rest of this I would love a “quota” bag. But Like why do I have to BEG someone to take my dang money?! I don’t have the option of walking into a boutique every week. So because I rely so much an SA who doesn’t respond. My long winded question is am I just doomed? Should I just give up and hope that Hermes.com restocks the smaller things I want from the brand? I just want the truth for once! Like not radio silence. “How about a hey I could probably get those hard to get shoes but u aren’t high enough on my client list so try again next time.” Sorry for my rant but I would really really appreciate the help!

 

[petitH]

Hi all,
I have a store credit from a previous purchase. Found out my SA left and
have just switched to a new SA. Will the new SA get any commission if I purchase something with the store credit?

 

[acrowcounted]

I feel like just giving up with Hermes at this point and need some advice! I love Hermes and I haven’t had a chance to buy a lot from them bc the closest store is 5 hours away from me! I had tried hard with two sales associates I have met in person one in Vegas and one in New York. I thought that the one in New York and I hit it off so well! She gave me her card and I reached out inquiring her opinion on a scarf and a pair of shoes. She told me she would get back to me so I reached out again. No reply. So once again a week after that in pure desperation I reached out again. Once again no reply! I mean I want things from this brand! I want shoes, jewelry, scarfs, a blanket, makeup! Of course like the rest of this I would love a “quota” bag. But Like why do I have to BEG someone to take my dang money?! I don’t have the option of walking into a boutique every week. So because I rely so much an SA who doesn’t respond. My long winded question is am I just doomed? Should I just give up and hope that Hermes.com restocks the smaller things I want from the brand? I just want the truth for once! Like not radio silence. “How about a hey I could probably get those hard to get shoes but u aren’t high enough on my client list so try again next time.” Sorry for my rant but I would really really appreciate the help!

The honest truth is two fold. 1) the items may genuinely not be in stock and corporate has told SAs that its better to ignore a text request than to answer “we don’t thave that item” and/or 2) the recent corporate strategy is to have SAs focus almost all of their time on in person customers. They don’t have much time to do remote sales anymore. It’s not personal, just the way H has decided to handle the current atmosphere of having way more clients than their limited number of SAs can handle. unfortunately you may just have to wait until the brand cools off a bit or find an SA at a location you can visit more regularly/spend big when you are in town.

 

[tutung]

I feel like just giving up with Hermes at this point and need some advice! I love Hermes and I haven’t had a chance to buy a lot from them bc the closest store is 5 hours away from me! I had tried hard with two sales associates I have met in person one in Vegas and one in New York. I thought that the one in New York and I hit it off so well! She gave me her card and I reached out inquiring her opinion on a scarf and a pair of shoes. She told me she would get back to me so I reached out again. No reply. So once again a week after that in pure desperation I reached out again. Once again no reply! I mean I want things from this brand! I want shoes, jewelry, scarfs, a blanket, makeup! Of course like the rest of this I would love a “quota” bag. But Like why do I have to BEG someone to take my dang money?! I don’t have the option of walking into a boutique every week. So because I rely so much an SA who doesn’t respond. My long winded question is am I just doomed? Should I just give up and hope that Hermes.com restocks the smaller things I want from the brand? I just want the truth for once! Like not radio silence. “How about a hey I could probably get those hard to get shoes but u aren’t high enough on my client list so try again next time.” Sorry for my rant but I would really really appreciate the help!

My SA is just like that too… I send her some pictures of the shoes and
rtw that I want but no response. Don’t wanna sound too desperate but I would really like to buy those things!! I did visit the store in person but they just don’t have the stock. I asked in advance then no reply. I understand your frustration

 

[Inloveinlux]

The honest truth is two fold. 1) the items may genuinely not be in stock and corporate has told SAs that its better to ignore a text request than to answer “we don’t thave that item” and/or 2) the recent corporate strategy is to have SAs focus almost all of their time on in person customers. They don’t have much time to do remote sales anymore. It’s not personal, just the way H has decided to handle the current atmosphere of having way more clients than their limited number of SAs can handle. unfortunately you may just have to wait until the brand cools off a bit or find an SA at a location you can visit more regularly/spend big when you are in town.

Thank you for replying I appreciate your feedback. That makes sense it’s just disheartening when you truly do love a brand and want to buy things.

 

[Inloveinlux]

My SA is just like that too… I send her some pictures of the shoes and
rtw that I want but no response. Don’t wanna sound too desperate but I would really like to buy those things!! I did visit the store in person but they just don’t have the stock. I asked in advance then no reply. I understand your frustration

I’m sorry it’s happening to you too!

 

[grace-lee]

I feel like just giving up with Hermes at this point and need some advice! I love Hermes and I haven’t had a chance to buy a lot from them bc the closest store is 5 hours away from me! I had tried hard with two sales associates I have met in person one in Vegas and one in New York. I thought that the one in New York and I hit it off so well! She gave me her card and I reached out inquiring her opinion on a scarf and a pair of shoes. She told me she would get back to me so I reached out again. No reply. So once again a week after that in pure desperation I reached out again. Once again no reply! I mean I want things from this brand! I want shoes, jewelry, scarfs, a blanket, makeup! Of course like the rest of this I would love a “quota” bag. But Like why do I have to BEG someone to take my dang money?! I don’t have the option of walking into a boutique every week. So because I rely so much an SA who doesn’t respond. My long winded question is am I just doomed? Should I just give up and hope that Hermes.com restocks the smaller things I want from the brand? I just want the truth for once! Like not radio silence. “How about a hey I could probably get those hard to get shoes but u aren’t high enough on my client list so try again next time.” Sorry for my rant but I would really really appreciate the help!

Between Vegas & NY, which one is the most close to you? I'd pick one that is the easiest for you to get to the boutique and get a new SA. My first SA was very slow or no on the text even though I felt like she is nice in person. My second SA is so good with text, almost always reply immediately & that just something I value and want to keep working with her. I also don't have a boutique in my state. But my point is, what if one day SA tell you there is a bag and you need to be there with in 2 days? I'd choose the more possible store to work with.

 

[lala_retro]

I feel like just giving up with Hermes at this point and need some advice! I love Hermes and I haven’t had a chance to buy a lot from them bc the closest store is 5 hours away from me! I had tried hard with two sales associates I have met in person one in Vegas and one in New York. I thought that the one in New York and I hit it off so well! She gave me her card and I reached out inquiring her opinion on a scarf and a pair of shoes. She told me she would get back to me so I reached out again. No reply. So once again a week after that in pure desperation I reached out again. Once again no reply! I mean I want things from this brand! I want shoes, jewelry, scarfs, a blanket, makeup! Of course like the rest of this I would love a “quota” bag. But Like why do I have to BEG someone to take my dang money?! I don’t have the option of walking into a boutique every week. So because I rely so much an SA who doesn’t respond. My long winded question is am I just doomed? Should I just give up and hope that Hermes.com restocks the smaller things I want from the brand? I just want the truth for once! Like not radio silence. “How about a hey I could probably get those hard to get shoes but u aren’t high enough on my client list so try again next time.” Sorry for my rant but I would really really appreciate the help!

It does seem like there is a directive from H corporate that SAs should prioritize in person clients over digital ones. My SA has told me that she's not allowed to bring her work phone home, so there is really no time to answer messages unless there is down time with no clients in the store, which, both NYC and Vegas stores are probably busy, high traffic stores, the amount of down time SAs have to answer messages is probably limited. Even if your message is not a question but a request to place a remote order, your SA would have to have at least 5min to confirm your item, generate a payment link, confirm payment, then take additional time to package your items for shipping, maybe your SA is not responding because she doesn't have the time to complete the sale.

Since it is company culture right now to prioritize in person shopping, perhaps you can consolidate your shopping to once or twice a year, at a physical store of your choosing that you are willing to fly to. There will probably be items you want that are not available by the time you make it to a store, but at least that's better than having text messages drop into the abyss and never getting anything.