Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

Please focus on the title of this thread rather than each other, TY

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[880]

Will my NY spend be considered in the quest for that elusive first QB or am I making things for difficult for mysef?

Your NY spend will not be considered as part of the unofficial prespend in your home store. I do think you are making things difficult for yourself bc post Covid, things have changed. QB and other coveted supplies are scarce, and loyalty does count. I would argue loyalty and an exclusive SA relationship actually count more than prespend. Some people are fortunate enough to get QBs without any significant prespend

An SA will of course be professional and generally tell you, of course, shop where you like and buy whatever you like. But, even if a lot of stock is routed to NY, IMO it is generally reserved for big spenders or NYC regulars. Even today, some local NY TPFers have a very long wait for specific QBs. JMO and YMMV.

Note: I do shop at both FSH and my US home store, and neither SAs seem to have a problem with occasional FSH shopping. But, i have a number of QBs already; no wish list: a very solid home relationship with high prespend; and, I do not shop in any other H than the two I mentioned. I believe that FSH does get special dispensation bc it is FSH

 

[WolkenImHimmel]

Your NY spend will not be considered as part of the unofficial prespend in your home store. I do think you are making things difficult for yourself bc post Covid, things have changed. QB and other coveted supplies are scarce, and loyalty does count. I would argue loyalty and an exclusive SA relationship actually count more than prespend. Some people are fortunate enough to get QBs without any significant prespend

An SA will of course be professional and generally tell you, of course, shop where you like and buy whatever you like. But, even if a lot of stock is routed to NY, IMO it is generally reserved for big spenders or NYC regulars. Even today, some local NY TPFers have a very long wait for specific QBs. JMO and YMMV.

Note: I do shop at both FSH and my US home store, and neither SAs seem to have a problem with occasional FSH shopping. But, i have a number of QBs already; no wish list: a very solid home relationship with high prespend; and, I do not shop in any other H than the two I mentioned. I believe that FSH does get special dispensation bc it is FSH

Thank you for this take. This validates my gut feeling. Another thing I considered is do I shift to make New York my home store, or will my chances of having a long term relationship generally be better outside the NY flagship? Assuming it’ll always be relatively easy for me to get to New York.

 

[880]

Thank you for this take. This validates my gut feeling. Another thing I considered is do I shift to make New York my home store, or will my chances of having a long term relationship generally be better outside the NY flagship? Assuming it’ll always be relatively easy for me to get to New York.

I honestly feel that if you base this relationship decision on likelihood of a QB, it’s bound to fail. If you want to switch to NY, do it bc you have better rapport with the SA; you want to visit the NY boutique more and actually do so; or bc NY has better non QB stock and is more fun to shop in. I am more relationship based than transactional based, (I actually stopped shopping the boutique for many years when my first SA left), so others may have different opinions.

 

[BoredHoe]

I would love your take on my situation. I travel between my home store and New York, and my SA has outright told me that if I find something or am offered something I like in New York, I should just take it. So fast forward 6 months, I have actually spent more in NYC than I have at home, but my spending is split across 2 locations, and I’m not going to be a “big fish” in New York. Should I focus on my home store and just be patient, even though I know stock is being rerouted to favor NY? Am I missing any subtext from my home store SA? Will my NY spend be considered in the quest for that elusive first QB or am I making things for difficult for mysef?

To be honest, I think with you shopping at both your home store and NYC is a blessing and a curse. Blessing in the sense you have scope and reach of both boutiques inventory any time you have a moment to drop by and shop, but a curse since you are in a situation where you have doubts on where to shop.
I can’t say I have never shopped outside of my state, I love shopping at different locations and there’s the unknown inventory or pieces that some store will have that my state didn’t buy or something like that.
I’m at a strange situation where I never imagined being offered a “big” bag, but I do believe the relationship you build will be the deciding factor, not so much the spend. I’ve been offered a Kelly before even a Birkin in a trifecta combo from my SA who my husband says I probably give them a unique outlook on how we enjoy these pieces.
I guess think of it this way, on your weekends would you say you shop more at your home store or NYC?
Mine will be more so my home store than a version of NYC (to me). But both stores know I just buy what I like and genuinely express interests in.
I do think patience is a big factor. Earlier this year I asked how long it may be for a Birkin and a few months later I get notified of a Kelly (which I stupidly did not accept) and then later this year BAM does a Birkin work for me?
Lastly, I don’t exactly think you’re making it too difficult for yourself. But maybe the combination you may have expressed to your advisor is a hard to find combo due to popularity or lack of production? I know my advisors have mentioned that they offer me these bags because they know I’ll appreciate them, I think it’s a slight way of them hinting it’s because I’m not on the hunt for the bags whenever I go.
Hope this helps, but don’t link dollar amount to when you’ll get offered a bag. Sometimes it comes when you least expect it. ☺️

 

[WolkenImHimmel]

To be honest, I think with you shopping at both your home store and NYC is a blessing and a curse. Blessing in the sense you have scope and reach of both boutiques inventory any time you have a moment to drop by and shop, but a curse since you are in a situation where you have doubts on where to shop.
I can’t say I have never shopped outside of my state, I love shopping at different locations and there’s the unknown inventory or pieces that some store will have that my state didn’t buy or something like that.
I’m at a strange situation where I never imagined being offered a “big” bag, but I do believe the relationship you build will be the deciding factor, not so much the spend. I’ve been offered a Kelly before even a Birkin in a trifecta combo from my SA who my husband says I probably give them a unique outlook on how we enjoy these pieces.
I guess think of it this way, on your weekends would you say you shop more at your home store or NYC?
Mine will be more so my home store than a version of NYC (to me). But both stores know I just buy what I like and genuinely express interests in.
I do think patience is a big factor. Earlier this year I asked how long it may be for a Birkin and a few months later I get notified of a Kelly (which I stupidly did not accept) and then later this year BAM does a Birkin work for me?
Lastly, I don’t exactly think you’re making it too difficult for yourself. But maybe the combination you may have expressed to your advisor is a hard to find combo due to popularity or lack of production? I know my advisors have mentioned that they offer me these bags because they know I’ll appreciate them, I think it’s a slight way of them hinting it’s because I’m not on the hunt for the bags whenever I go.
Hope this helps, but don’t link dollar amount to when you’ll get offered a bag. Sometimes it comes when you least expect it. ☺️

Thank you, really appreciate you sharing your perspective!

 

[WhiteBus]

I honestly feel that if you base this relationship decision on likelihood of a QB, it’s bound to fail.

This is such a sound opinion.
cppellicer, your local SA seems to have a very sensible approach
understanding inventory and availability in general
however is he or she aware that you want a QB?
perhaps you need to have 'the conversation' and ask 'the question'
'what are my chances of getting a xxx bag from here?'
what might appear in your favour is that you appear to be a genuine Hermes enthusiast buying a quite a lot, albeit between two stores
that is more the profile of a good potential long-term Hermes client
than the here today, gone tomorrow shopper, who spends thousands just to get a QB

 

[880]

Thank you @WhiteBus

I know my advisors have mentioned that they offer me these bags because they know I’ll appreciate them, I think it’s a slight way of them hinting it’s because I’m not on the hunt for the bags whenever I go.

My experience, especially with my FSH SA, is similar to that of @rlVlad.

 

[_gelato_]

To be honest, I think with you shopping at both your home store and NYC is a blessing and a curse. Blessing in the sense you have scope and reach of both boutiques inventory any time you have a moment to drop by and shop, but a curse since you are in a situation where you have doubts on where to shop.
I can’t say I have never shopped outside of my state, I love shopping at different locations and there’s the unknown inventory or pieces that some store will have that my state didn’t buy or something like that.
I’m at a strange situation where I never imagined being offered a “big” bag, but I do believe the relationship you build will be the deciding factor, not so much the spend. I’ve been offered a Kelly before even a Birkin in a trifecta combo from my SA who my husband says I probably give them a unique outlook on how we enjoy these pieces.
I guess think of it this way, on your weekends would you say you shop more at your home store or NYC?
Mine will be more so my home store than a version of NYC (to me). But both stores know I just buy what I like and genuinely express interests in.
I do think patience is a big factor. Earlier this year I asked how long it may be for a Birkin and a few months later I get notified of a Kelly (which I stupidly did not accept) and then later this year BAM does a Birkin work for me?
Lastly, I don’t exactly think you’re making it too difficult for yourself. But maybe the combination you may have expressed to your advisor is a hard to find combo due to popularity or lack of production? I know my advisors have mentioned that they offer me these bags because they know I’ll appreciate them, I think it’s a slight way of them hinting it’s because I’m not on the hunt for the bags whenever I go.
Hope this helps, but don’t link dollar amount to when you’ll get offered a bag. Sometimes it comes when you least expect it. ☺️

Thank you @WhiteBus


My experience, especially with my FSH SA, is similar to that of @rlVlad.

Agree with you both. I used to set up formal wishlists for B/K (in the UK they operate this system), and save from 1 time it was fulfilled super fast (within 2 weeks), the others just expired. Then I switched stores, kept the same purchase pattern but obviously started from scratch building my profile at the new store, did not set up a wishlist anymore and also never discuss bags (QBs or non-QBs), then all of a sudden I got ‘would you like to place an A La Carte order?’ I guess if you aren’t bothered by your prospects of getting a bag (but are a genuine H lover), bag offers and ALC invites magically appear.

 

[shazzy99]

As @rlVlad mentions above, sometimes it comes when you least expect it...
Any advice is really appreciated.
I have read through many of the threads, but find myself now in the position to maybe get my first bag. I have never been pushy about getting a bag, and while I have a wish list, I've always been content buying scarves (my first H love), and some other items. My SA has asked me to look at a bag I may be interested in, it's not my 1st preference in colour, but everything else is exactly what I wanted, leather, hardware, size etc. My SA is super nice and has already said I'm under no pressure to take it.
I'm excited to have received this opportunity, but also am wondering if I do accept it, what are people's experience with getting the next QB and timing. Do you have to wait a year if at a home store? I am at a home store that QB bags are very hard to come by. I'm worried about if the colour I want does come in and I miss that opportunity by taking this one. Maybe I'm putting too much thought into it...TIA

 

[acrowcounted]

As @rlVlad mentions above, sometimes it comes when you least expect it...
Any advice is really appreciated.
I have read through many of the threads, but find myself now in the position to maybe get my first bag. I have never been pushy about getting a bag, and while I have a wish list, I've always been content buying scarves (my first H love), and some other items. My SA has asked me to look at a bag I may be interested in, it's not my 1st preference in colour, but everything else is exactly what I wanted, leather, hardware, size etc. My SA is super nice and has already said I'm under no pressure to take it.
I'm excited to have received this opportunity, but also am wondering if I do accept it, what are people's experience with getting the next QB and timing. Do you have to wait a year if at a home store? I am at a home store that QB bags are very hard to come by. I'm worried about if the colour I want does come in and I miss that opportunity by taking this one. Maybe I'm putting too much thought into it...TIA

Unless you are an extraordinary spender, these days it will likely be several months before another quota bag offer, if not longer. If this bag isn’t your dream, and if your dream is a reasonable, in season color, I highly recommend declining this bag and being very specific as to why. “I love this bag and it’s perfect except that I really really wanted my first bag to be X color.” Most SAs will be pleased that you know what you want and are willing to wait for it and then put you at the front of their mental queue for the next time an X color bag becomes available. However, it may still be several months before an X color bag comes in stock so there are no guarantees.

 

[shazzy99]

Unless you are an extraordinary spender, these days it will likely be several months before another quota bag offer, if not longer. If this bag isn’t your dream, and if your dream is a reasonable, in season color, I highly recommend declining this bag and being very specific as to why. “I love this bag and it’s perfect except that I really really wanted my first bag to be X color.” Most SAs will be pleased that you know what you want and are willing to wait for it and then put you at the front of their mental queue for the next time an X color bag becomes available. However, it may still be several months before an X color bag comes in stock so there are no guarantees.

Thank you for your reply!
I am definitely not an extraordinary spender, which is why I was excited and surprised when contacted by my SA. My heart also tells me to wait for my first QB to be my perfect dream colour, then I can look at others. I did not think I would be this indecisive, as I'm usually quick with a yes/no, and I think it's because there are no guarantees of the colour I want being in stock anytime soon. Thanks for your advice.

 

[CuriousAdventure]

My friend and I shop at the same boutique in Europe but with different SAs. We are both local. We both recently had our wish list appointments where we sat down with our SA to curate our wish lists. My SA gave me the whole colour range to select from. I can choose 3 colours. Her SA only allowed her to choose from the latest fall/winter 2023 colours (i.e. mushroom, vert frizz, Mauve pale). She didn’t even allow her to choose anything else. Her other friend’s SA (different one but also in the same city) also did the same. We both wonder what that means. Is the more restrictive SA more serious about delivering a QB sooner? While mine wants me to get my dream bag even though it might take me much longer?

 

[CuriousAdventure]

Agree with you both. I used to set up formal wishlists for B/K (in the UK they operate this system), and save from 1 time it was fulfilled super fast (within 2 weeks), the others just expired. Then I switched stores, kept the same purchase pattern but obviously started from scratch building my profile at the new store, did not set up a wishlist anymore and also never discuss bags (QBs or non-QBs), then all of a sudden I got ‘would you like to place an A La Carte order?’ I guess if you aren’t bothered by your prospects of getting a bag (but are a genuine H lover), bag offers and ALC invites magically appear.

That’s cool. May I ask how recent was the ALC offer? Also the 1st time at 2 weeks seems super fast. I gather that was pre-pandemic as well?

 

[_gelato_]

That’s cool. May I ask how recent was the ALC offer? Also the 1st time at 2 weeks seems super fast. I gather that was pre-pandemic as well?

Hi The ALC appt was just a couple of weeks ago, and the 2-week fulfilment of the first wishlist was in August 2021.

 

[EmilyM111]

My friend and I shop at the same boutique in Europe but with different SAs. We are both local. We both recently had our wish list appointments where we sat down with our SA to curate our wish lists. My SA gave me the whole colour range to select from. I can choose 3 colours. Her SA only allowed her to choose from the latest fall/winter 2023 colours (i.e. mushroom, vert frizz, Mauve pale). She didn’t even allow her to choose anything else. Her other friend’s SA (different one but also in the same city) also did the same. We both wonder what that means. Is the more restrictive SA more serious about delivering a QB sooner? While mine wants me to get my dream bag even though it might take me much longer?

I experienced this situation in 2019 in London. I was interested in K32, my SA discussed something with SM, came back and said I can choose a colour from 3 or 4 showed. +/- 2 months later I received the bag.