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.

 

[mkg3]

My SA never calls me. Actually, she ignores most of my messages.. should I complain about this to the store manager and ask for a new SA? But I already spent more than $15,000 with her

Sorry about your experience, I did raise this with SM and have a good SA now. They are not prompt but do respond compared to earlier when I could only get response/reply when in store. All the best!

 

[mkg3]

I’m hoping you will have luck with a new SA! This whole “spend” thing can be confusing. If you can focus your spend with new new SA. I wouldn’t buy the jewelry unless it’s something you really want. I’d just talk to the new SA and be honest about your spend, what you spend on and what you are looking for. Good luck! Two years is a really long time and hopefully this is your year!

Just a suggestion: have you looked into going the reseller route? I no some people are for it and some people are against it.

Thanks for your advice. I did think about reseller route and somehow couldn’t get convinced on the fact that these are expensive items why wouldn’t I get something new that’s available vs buying pre-loved just because I don’t have patience or trust in the system. It’s a want vs need thing as well. There are other wants that can get ahead of B/K each year. Every-time I have walked out disappointed from H store the other stores across the street have cheered me up

 

[jimmyshoogirl]

Thanks for your advice. I did think about reseller route and somehow couldn’t get convinced on the fact that these are expensive items why wouldn’t I get something new that’s available vs buying pre-loved just because I don’t have patience or trust in the system. It’s a want vs need thing as well. There are other wants that can get ahead of B/K each year. Every-time I have walked out disappointed from H store the other stores across the street have cheered me up

I’m with you on going the reseller route. At this point nothing can make me spend double/triple the price of retail.

The bolded is a good attitude to have. No need for stressing over one brand when we have options! Good luck with everything!

 

[qiuqiuqiu01]

Thanks for your advice. I did think about reseller route and somehow couldn’t get convinced on the fact that these are expensive items why wouldn’t I get something new that’s available vs buying pre-loved just because I don’t have patience or trust in the system. It’s a want vs need thing as well. There are other wants that can get ahead of B/K each year. Every-time I have walked out disappointed from H store the other stores across the street have cheered me up

haha same feeling here

 

[JLO1]

In the year 2023, I am going to buy what I love at Hermes boutique - like I always did - but if I want a bag I will go to a reseller.
I moved back from Miami to NYC and I am going to use this year as a "gap year" not committing to an SA - because I just don't want to play a game. It's my money - I will buy what I want - when I want - from whom I want - and I will get what I want.

 

[PrayersandPurses]

In the year 2023, I am going to buy what I love at Hermes boutique - like I always did - but if I want a bag I will go to a reseller.
I moved back from Miami to NYC and I am going to use this year as a "gap year" not committing to an SA - because I just don't want to play a game. It's my money - I will buy what I want - when I want - from whom I want - and I will get what I want.

AMEN!

 

[WingNut]

In the year 2023, I am going to buy what I love at Hermes boutique - like I always did - but if I want a bag I will go to a reseller.
I moved back from Miami to NYC and I am going to use this year as a "gap year" not committing to an SA - because I just don't want to play a game. It's my money - I will buy what I want - when I want - from whom I want - and I will get what I want.

Hermes needs to read comments like this!

 

[smoothsailor]

Hermes needs to read comments like this!

Haha….officially, they always encourage people to buy whatever they like. Just that if customers don’t buy the things they like, then no bag offer. No loss to Hermes.

 

[smoothsailor]

In the year 2023, I am going to buy what I love at Hermes boutique - like I always did - but if I want a bag I will go to a reseller.
I moved back from Miami to NYC and I am going to use this year as a "gap year" not committing to an SA - because I just don't want to play a game. It's my money - I will buy what I want - when I want - from whom I want - and I will get what I want.

U will be the best client of Hermes in 2023!

 

[Tykhe]

What’s tougher, getting your first OR your second quota bag offer? Why? Am still early on in my journey and wondering how others maintained their relationship and whether it gets “easier” with an established relationship, or the stakes are higher, or whether it’s about the same.

I think my second offer as relatively easy. It was a k25 and I only spent around 0.7:1. My third was very very very hard. I spent around 4:1 to get a b25. But to be fair she told me it was a difficult bag to get at the time and Kelly’s are easier.

 

[royaljelly]

In the year 2023, I am going to buy what I love at Hermes boutique - like I always did - but if I want a bag I will go to a reseller.
I moved back from Miami to NYC and I am going to use this year as a "gap year" not committing to an SA - because I just don't want to play a game. It's my money - I will buy what I want - when I want - from whom I want - and I will get what I want.

Agree about buying what you want at an H boutique!

I have only made purchases on H website and by all means not a regular customer. Recently, I have taken more interest in other categories of H items e.g. tableware, scarves and menswear for my BF etc. I read that it would be a more enjoyable shopping experience if I maintain a relationship with an SA at a boutique so that they could find me items that I am interested in.

Now, may I have some advice from fellow tpf members please? If I want to start shopping around at an H boutique (not for QB at the moment), should I tell the SA that I have been shopping on their website only and that I am not exactly looking for QB? I heard that some SAs do not try to assist you if they feel that you aren't going to spend for a QB or that you would buy online instead of exclusively from that SA etc. from where I am. I do hope to maintain a relationship with the brand as I am trying to find homeware for my new flat. I might also want a GP in another colour and some twillies and I heard some SAs don't even offer you to browse more than 2 twillies in local boutiques if they don't know you well. Am I better off staying on the website? Browsing tpf makes me really wanna try the in-store experience!
Sorry if the above doesn't make sense! And thanks to the members contributing to tpf over the years - very helpful resources indeed!

 

[smoothsailor]

Agree about buying what you want at an H boutique!

I have only made purchases on H website and by all means not a regular customer. Recently, I have taken more interest in other categories of H items e.g. tableware, scarves and menswear for my BF etc. I read that it would be a more enjoyable shopping experience if I maintain a relationship with an SA at a boutique so that they could find me items that I am interested in.

Now, may I have some advice from fellow tpf members please? If I want to start shopping around at an H boutique (not for QB at the moment), should I tell the SA that I have been shopping on their website only and that I am not exactly looking for QB? I heard that some SAs do not try to assist you if they feel that you aren't going to spend for a QB or that you would buy online instead of exclusively from that SA etc. from where I am. I do hope to maintain a relationship with the brand as I am trying to find homeware for my new flat. I might also want a GP in another colour and some twillies and I heard some SAs don't even offer you to browse more than 2 twillies in local boutiques if they don't know you well. Am I better off staying on the website? Browsing tpf makes me really wanna try the in-store experience!
Sorry if the above doesn't make sense! And thanks to the members contributing to tpf over the years - very helpful resources indeed!

In store experience sucks. Unless u don’t mind to just go and see what’s available to buy. As usually things r not available. U r better off buying elsewhere.

 

[acrowcounted]

Agree about buying what you want at an H boutique!

I have only made purchases on H website and by all means not a regular customer. Recently, I have taken more interest in other categories of H items e.g. tableware, scarves and menswear for my BF etc. I read that it would be a more enjoyable shopping experience if I maintain a relationship with an SA at a boutique so that they could find me items that I am interested in.

Now, may I have some advice from fellow tpf members please? If I want to start shopping around at an H boutique (not for QB at the moment), should I tell the SA that I have been shopping on their website only and that I am not exactly looking for QB? I heard that some SAs do not try to assist you if they feel that you aren't going to spend for a QB or that you would buy online instead of exclusively from that SA etc. from where I am. I do hope to maintain a relationship with the brand as I am trying to find homeware for my new flat. I might also want a GP in another colour and some twillies and I heard some SAs don't even offer you to browse more than 2 twillies in local boutiques if they don't know you well. Am I better off staying on the website? Browsing tpf makes me really wanna try the in-store experience!
Sorry if the above doesn't make sense! And thanks to the members contributing to tpf over the years - very helpful resources indeed!

I think you are way over thinking this. Just go in and try it and see if you meet a nice SA. You can always fall back to the website shopping if you have an unsatisfactory experience (which I’m guessing you won’t). Expect to have to build up some “she’s actually a serious client and follows through with purchasing the items she requested” trust before the SA goes way out of their way to source hard items for you but definitely give it a go.

 

[leechiyong]

Agree about buying what you want at an H boutique!

I have only made purchases on H website and by all means not a regular customer. Recently, I have taken more interest in other categories of H items e.g. tableware, scarves and menswear for my BF etc. I read that it would be a more enjoyable shopping experience if I maintain a relationship with an SA at a boutique so that they could find me items that I am interested in.

Now, may I have some advice from fellow tpf members please? If I want to start shopping around at an H boutique (not for QB at the moment), should I tell the SA that I have been shopping on their website only and that I am not exactly looking for QB? I heard that some SAs do not try to assist you if they feel that you aren't going to spend for a QB or that you would buy online instead of exclusively from that SA etc. from where I am. I do hope to maintain a relationship with the brand as I am trying to find homeware for my new flat. I might also want a GP in another colour and some twillies and I heard some SAs don't even offer you to browse more than 2 twillies in local boutiques if they don't know you well. Am I better off staying on the website? Browsing tpf makes me really wanna try the in-store experience!
Sorry if the above doesn't make sense! And thanks to the members contributing to tpf over the years - very helpful resources indeed!

Don't try to force things; you don't need to share so much. It will take time to find the right SA and build a relationship, but let it happen naturally. Shop at H like you would any other store. Every SA will have different sales techniques, but ultimately, if you're there to buy, they're there to sell. It's just a matter of finding one who's selling style aligns with your purchasing style.

Now is the perfect time for you to start shopping at H, honestly. Since you don't have the pressure of wanting a QB yet, you can really seek out an SA with whom you work well without the pressure.

 

[FrenchNewbie]

Agree about buying what you want at an H boutique!

I have only made purchases on H website and by all means not a regular customer. Recently, I have taken more interest in other categories of H items e.g. tableware, scarves and menswear for my BF etc. I read that it would be a more enjoyable shopping experience if I maintain a relationship with an SA at a boutique so that they could find me items that I am interested in.

Now, may I have some advice from fellow tpf members please? If I want to start shopping around at an H boutique (not for QB at the moment), should I tell the SA that I have been shopping on their website only and that I am not exactly looking for QB? I heard that some SAs do not try to assist you if they feel that you aren't going to spend for a QB or that you would buy online instead of exclusively from that SA etc. from where I am. I do hope to maintain a relationship with the brand as I am trying to find homeware for my new flat. I might also want a GP in another colour and some twillies and I heard some SAs don't even offer you to browse more than 2 twillies in local boutiques if they don't know you well. Am I better off staying on the website? Browsing tpf makes me really wanna try the in-store experience!
Sorry if the above doesn't make sense! And thanks to the members contributing to tpf over the years - very helpful resources indeed!

Don't try to force things; you don't need to share so much. It will take time to find the right SA and build a relationship, but let it happen naturally. Shop at H like you would any other store. Every SA will have different sales techniques, but ultimately, if you're there to buy, they're there to sell. It's just a matter of finding one who's selling style aligns with your purchasing style.

Now is the perfect time for you to start shopping at H, honestly. Since you don't have the pressure of wanting a QB yet, you can really seek out an SA with whom you work well without the pressure.

I agree with this; my journey was similar to the OP and hasn't been the most pleasurable or smoothest---I started online and would purchase a few things here and there at my closest boutique (2.5 hrs away) whenever I make the occasional trip up. Then went to Madison and made very large purchases at both stores (Men's and Flagship), but neither of the SA's would return my calls. Then switched to two other female SA's at two other stores whom I thought would be great relationships, but they both just fell off the map also. My current SA is a male and I think I finally have made the right connection. He is responsive, he listens (pays attention) to my special requests/needs, he sends me things he thinks I might like, he reserves items for me that are in route to his store, and for the most part I can reach him on the phone when he is not with a client (phone connection is very important to me--in lieu of texting).

All this of course materialized after I requested a phone conversation with him and politely set some expectations and shared my personality and shopping "style" with him. I shared some personal things with him, told him my goal was to be totally transparent and not to bull$h!t with each other, and told him what my pet peeves were and some things that delighted me; I think that really helped him get a sense of who I was & built trust. He's pretty upfront about what he can and can't do; he even told me recently "I probably won't be able to get this in store for you so if you really like it, order it online".

So just let the relationship build organically, you'll be able to tell if the SA really wants to build a relationship with you, or if you are another tran$action for them.