Maintaining an H relationship

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#3,095
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.
 
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#7,592
ekbright said:
That is helpful to know re Calvi. I have been waiting for a duo for months and my SA said he would be looking out for me for one with a shipment anticipated in April and not having heard from him, I thought I was being ignored. This is in NY.
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Its likely that demand for Calvi skyrocketed. My SA has told me that each customer can only get x number of Calvis within a period of time, and SAs have to get managers approvals if it's beyond that limit. It's helpful to let your SA know if you are looking for Calvi and the color before your next visit, and they can hold one for you.
 
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#7,594
ekbright said:
That is helpful to know re Calvi. I have been waiting for a duo for months and my SA said he would be looking out for me for one with a shipment anticipated in April and not having heard from him, I thought I was being ignored. This is in NY.
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I picked up a regular calvi in NY this afternoon without any issue. Good luck finding yours :)
 
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#7,596
ekbright said:
Thank you! Do you mind sharing the specs? I was shown, I believe, a black Calvi about two months ago, which I declined in favor of waiting for one with a pop of color
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Calvi, I think maybe Bleu de prusse outside, different color bleu inside. (Not sure why it looks green in the pics). There was a black duo but I didn’t care for it, so passed. I don’t take the boxes, so Im not 100% sure of the colors. I just wanted something to go with my rainbow bolide

IMG_1097.jpegIMG_1096.jpegIMG_1099.png
 
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#7,597
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#7,601
one way to deepen a current H relationship (you don’t have to be best buddies)

IMO only, find a way to get them invested in the decision making process that you undertake in assessing any purchase.

I receive offers better suited to my taste from my home and FSH SAs because of offers that I have refused. This enables them to understand my aesthetic in a more visceral way than trying to get me coveted items on a list.

while a luxury SA does of course need to reach sales goals, they do respect mindful, tasteful, and discerning clients. It’s okay to say no to something that doesnt suit your taste or your needs.

be honest and also approach shopping in good faith. If I see something I love that fits, that is in my price range, my SA knows I will likely purchase it. If you can do all of this while being patient, polite, and considerate of their time and their own constraints, you will get what you want eventually.

ETA: I really am against treating shopping as some kind of mind game. I think if you do this (and if your sole goal is to get a bag with as little spend as possible) you won’t succeed with a boutique SA Relationship. Just as you want them to take care of you, you will also take care of them (by purchasing things you love). And, if they don’t respond to your texts immediately, don’t for goodness sake, take any of this personally. :smile:
 
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#7,602
880 said:
(you don’t have to be best buddies)
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Thank you for saying this. Many feel if you don't have this amazing connection off the bat you immediately need to jump ship, with the assumption you won't be getting whatever quota bag you ask for.

Luxury retail as a whole (but especially Hermes) is about the slow burn - an SA needs to get to know you and your preferences. They can't gauge much during your first meeting. And the reality is they want to suss out whether you're a reseller or not, hence many SA's being quite reticent about...everything.

As long as I have known my Hermes SA's (one in Asia one in North America, 15-20+ years ea), and SA's from other brands, I have never mistaken them to be a friend. We are definitely friendly, but in the end, it is a transactional relationship where I don't take anything personally.

880 said:
If you can do all of this while being patient, polite, and considerate of their time and their own constraints, you will get what you want eventually.
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Ding ding ding. I know this shouldn't have to be said, but beyond spend, being polite, patient and understanding only works in your favor. It has for me, at least, as I'm generally offered what I ask for (and thrown good offers they think I may enjoy)

I've seen people demanding 'their' Kelly, Birkin, Daytona, Aquanaut, Nautilus, you name it. Do these clients realize they're shooting themselves in the foot and pushing their name further down the list?
 
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#7,603
sometimes I read posts on this thread or others like, I ordered X to be transferred/ brought into the boutique because I was sure it was the perfect thing, but I hate it. will my refusal torpedo my SA relationship.

One of the many reasons why these companies prioritize serving clients in the store is because of the need for a client to see, touch, and try things on. Assuming that you are not a shopping fool who cannot ever make up her mind, an SA will totally understand if an item (ETA: occasionally) fails to meet expectations. There is always something else, a new season, and another collection. Only buy what you love; will use; can afford. Even the wealthiest client may balk at spending a certain amount for a particular item. It is really okay to say no, esp if you share your reasoning so your SA can further refine her suggestions

my SAs are trying to nudge me towards preorders. i tend to prefer (not to request in advance) but rather to walk into the store and spontaneously fall in love with something. It’s a dance towards some point in the middle. ETA : I am certain prior to purchase, so I never return items.

@DB8 , agree about being very polite. My DH is not a AP or PP aficionado ( he loves ALange & Sohne), but he was told in no uncertain terms by a head of PP retail that certain watches were pre sold before they ever hit the sales floor. (The green dial nautilus, one of the more extreme examples, is now selling on the secondary market for 1,300x original retail). The importance of being nice is whether they will think of you should one of these watches, or something similar, in the future, be rejected by a vip client (To essentially get your foot in the door for future watch releases). Though being very nice will not be enough if you have not become a bona fide client by the time something spectacular rolls around.
 
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#7,605
Probably a slightly naive question... Is there shown anywhere in the system who your SA is? I have recently started working with a new SA and asked if she'd take me as a regular customer, she said "yes", but I wonder if you are technically associated with an SA somewhere on your profile.
 
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