Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

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

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[ss123]

Hello my cousin's best friend who I have known since Childhood is now the store manager in a big city. I was wondering If I should talk to her to start a journey there as my mother still lives in that city and it is easy for her to pick things up for me and I can visit every month. My question is how much say do store managers have and can they help with getting quota bags even though it is not a 1:1 spend. I have spent more than 1:1 in another country and still not been offered a quota bag in a long time (partly because my SA retired and I got a new one who keeps pushing me to buy high end jewelery). I have been very respectful not pushy. My SA doesn't even respond to shoes that I see online and want to buy through them. It has been a headache.

 

[880]

can they help with getting quota bags even though it is not a 1:1 spend.

Wouldn’t that put your cousins best friend in an awkward situation in her new job? Even if a long-standing manager does have a bit more discretion, a brand new one might be loath to do so, and loath to disappoint a good friend. If her store is a flagship or Maison, many clients will have high multiples. Post Covid, unless one is in Europe, it seems like the spend to get bags is at least 2X+ in Asia and anywhere from 2X-5X + in the US. It cannot be pleasant to deal with a pushy SA, but it is not always easy for SAs whose SMs prefer to allocate bags to clients who purchase less popular metiers like FJ. Re buying online through an SA, some stores require the client to be in the store for the SA to purchase on line. Other times, SAs are inundated with text requests and not given time to respond. Several TPFers here have commented that an SM of a boutique would prefer clients to purchase in stock merchandise and for an SA to spend their time selling in stock.

 

[ss123]

Hmm that is true. I wouldn't want to do that. Thank you.

Just curious how much say do they Managers have in ordering bags or who to give it to.

 

[acrowcounted]

Hmm that is true. I wouldn't want to do that. Thank you.

Just curious how much say do they Managers have in ordering bags or who to give it to.

They have basically 100% say….and have been fired before for misusing the responsibility.

 

[ss123]

Thank you I would never want to do that and I am pretty sure she would never jeaprodize her role and job.

 

[jimmyshoogirl]

I’d try to switch SAs at your local store. I wouldn’t want to constantly try to spend or deal with a “nightmare.”

Also with the way things are at H I’d imagine showing favoritism is a huge no-no.

 

[880]

I was posting last night on the Dc thread and this morning on the Dallas thread. My post upset a newbie, and is no doubt unpopular opinion, but I think it’s an obvious tip to someone starting a new relationship with an SA. It is don’t bring up or harp on your wish list too soon. Most SAs might have the general assumption that a customer might want a QB someday. But, no SA wants to feel like a QB is the only reason why the customer is there (Even if that happens to be true).

I would also go so far as to say that I don’t advise bringing up a wish list by text or other electronic means. Other OG TPFers also give this advice, but couch it in the context of SA preference or best practice). I’d like to offer it as a way to a solid SA relationship. If one had to communicate a wish list (I do not have one, and I’ve received some nice offers once my SA got to know my taste) , i would only do so in person. In the instant case, I was responding to a situation where an SA says to a new client (first year, and in the US, I believe before 1X is reached), write down what you want.

The quandary arose bc the SA didnt respond when the client did so. (I got confused here as it seems the client did speak to the SA about this already, but changed her mind about sellier versus retourne, or another aspect of the bag). Ive read a few posts regarding different instances when an newbie is agitated about Sa responsiveness to a wish list. In these cases, I interpret the offer that the client make one as a way to pacify said client. Be ause until an SA says she would like to sit down with you to discuss specifics, I just don’t see the list as having much significance vis-a-vis the bags imminent arrival.* I have talked to my SA about newbie clients generally, and I get the sense that someone new who is eager to start a wishlist is immediately labeled as a possible ‘get bag and run situation,’ at least until proven otherwise, rather than a part of the permanent client roster.

Where a wish list, IMO only, becomes relevant, is when the client is nearing the (unofficial) prespend mark, and the SA is considering what bags she will be authorized to offer that the client will love. In the case where the profile is decent; the client is easy; and, the exact specs are not to be found, that’s when an SA will proffer a similar bag (etoupe rather than gold; 30 rather than 25; with the caveat/recommendation to take or leave, not knowing when the exact spec will arrive). IMO saying no has never been a disadvantage except to increase waiting time. In general, i believe that clients who get their first bags faster and who easily communicate their thoughts about additional bags, do so in a more organic process, while they are finding (and purchasing) other metiers. If one would like to help a relationship along, I also believe in making the SA part of the decision process (but that also means taking SA preferences Into consideration) Of course all of this is solely my own opinion gleaned from my experience and from talking with various SAs and SMs.

ETA: * if your dream specs come in, but you are no where near the unofficial spend, and it’s not your SAs turn to offer that bag, or if others are higher in the pecking order, the arrival simply has no relevance to your particular situation. (Unless, you are close enough, and the SA feels comfortable enough, to hint that the purchase of x might yield the coveted y).

 

[haute okole]

I was posting last night on the Dc thread and this morning on the Dallas thread. My post upset a newbie, and is no doubt unpopular opinion, but I think it’s an obvious tip to someone starting a new relationship with an SA. It is don’t bring up or harp on your wish list too soon. Most SAs might have the general assumption that a customer might want a QB someday. But, no SA wants to feel like a QB is the only reason why the customer is there (Even if that happens to be true).

I would also go so far as to say that I don’t advise bringing up a wish list by text or other electronic means. Other OG TPFers also give this advice, but couch it in the context of SA preference or best practice). I’d like to offer it as a way to a solid SA relationship. If one had to communicate a wish list (I do not have one, and I’ve received some nice offers once my SA got to know my taste) , i would only do so in person. In the instant case, I was responding to a situation where an SA says to a new client (first year, and in the US, I believe before 1X is reached), write down what you want. The quandary arose bc the SA didnt respond when the client did so. (I got confused here as it seems the client did speak to the SA about this already, but changed her mind about sellier versus retourne, or another aspect of the bag). Ive read a few posts regarding different instances when an newbie is agitated about Sa responsiveness to a wish list. In these cases, I interpret the offer that the client make one as a way to pacify said client. Be ause until an SA says she would like to sit down with you to discuss specifics, I just don’t see the list as having much significance vis-a-vis the bags imminent arrival. I have talked to my SA about newbie clients generally, and I get the sense that someone who is eager to start a wishlist is immediately labeled as a possible ‘get bag and run situation,’ at least until proven otherwise, rather than a part of the permanent client roster.

Where a wish list, IMO only, becomes relevant, is when the client is nearing the (unofficial) prespend mark, and the SA is considering what bags she will be authorized to offer that the client will love. In the case where the profile is decent; the client is easy; and, the exact specs are not to be found, that’s when an SA will proffer a similar bag (etoupe rather than gold; 30 rather than 25; with the caveat of not knowing when the exact spec will arrive). In general, i believe that clients who get their first bags faster and who easily communicate their thoughts about additional bags, do so in a more organic process, while they are finding (and purchasing) other metiers. If one would like to help a relationship along, I always believe in making the SA part of the decision process (but that also means taking SA preferences Into consideration) Of course all of this is solely my own opinion gleaned from my experience and from talking with various SAs and SMs.

Completely AGREE! You and I have long term, enjoyable, responsive interactions with our SAs that these newbies do not have. Their impatience and sense of entitlement does not bode well for them. In addition, they must remember that Hermes is a European company with European sensibilities where the American mantra of time is money does not apply. Longevity, patience and class have a lot to do with how one forms relationships at Hermes. If one lacks anyone of those elements, regardless of spend, Hermes boutique shopping will not be rewarding. Go the reseller route.

 

[bagsNshoesNjewels]

I had a wish list back in 2019 but was not in a position to purchase at the time I was actually offered. Then Covid happened, and in store shopping took a back seat. I continued to shop here and there but it was definitely much less. I have never purchased anything I didn't truly want (and bought one item at the previously franchised Manhasset store as well). Then this year, my previous SA left to open a new store, and I was very unsure how that was going to impact things. I organically met my new SA when I went to buy new Orans, and she has been fantastic. I did not bring up my wish list until I went to pick up an order, and will be candid that I was very nervous to do it. One because I'd had to politely decline the offers 4 years ago, and two because we were newly in our relationship. However, she was so kind, and noted she did not have any notes about my previous wish list. She gladly took down my hopes and even took an adjustment to my wishlist via text (adding a color option). And the lovely comment "I will take care of you". But I have honestly had no expectation other than to continue to shop for the things that I want and see what happens. She has been wonderfully responsive and I look forward to continue to shopping with her, whether the wish gets fulfilled or not.

 

[carrie8]

I was posting last night on the Dc thread and this morning on the Dallas thread. My post upset a newbie, and is no doubt unpopular opinion, but I think it’s an obvious tip to someone starting a new relationship with an SA. It is don’t bring up or harp on your wish list too soon. Most SAs might have the general assumption that a customer might want a QB someday. But, no SA wants to feel like a QB is the only reason why the customer is there (Even if that happens to be true).

I would also go so far as to say that I don’t advise bringing up a wish list by text or other electronic means. Other OG TPFers also give this advice, but couch it in the context of SA preference or best practice). I’d like to offer it as a way to a solid SA relationship. If one had to communicate a wish list (I do not have one, and I’ve received some nice offers once my SA got to know my taste) , i would only do so in person. In the instant case, I was responding to a situation where an SA says to a new client (first year, and in the US, I believe before 1X is reached), write down what you want.

The quandary arose bc the SA didnt respond when the client did so. (I got confused here as it seems the client did speak to the SA about this already, but changed her mind about sellier versus retourne, or another aspect of the bag). Ive read a few posts regarding different instances when an newbie is agitated about Sa responsiveness to a wish list. In these cases, I interpret the offer that the client make one as a way to pacify said client. Be ause until an SA says she would like to sit down with you to discuss specifics, I just don’t see the list as having much significance vis-a-vis the bags imminent arrival.* I have talked to my SA about newbie clients generally, and I get the sense that someone new who is eager to start a wishlist is immediately labeled as a possible ‘get bag and run situation,’ at least until proven otherwise, rather than a part of the permanent client roster.

Where a wish list, IMO only, becomes relevant, is when the client is nearing the (unofficial) prespend mark, and the SA is considering what bags she will be authorized to offer that the client will love. In the case where the profile is decent; the client is easy; and, the exact specs are not to be found, that’s when an SA will proffer a similar bag (etoupe rather than gold; 30 rather than 25; with the caveat/recommendation to take or leave, not knowing when the exact spec will arrive). IMO saying no has never been a disadvantage except to increase waiting time. In general, i believe that clients who get their first bags faster and who easily communicate their thoughts about additional bags, do so in a more organic process, while they are finding (and purchasing) other metiers. If one would like to help a relationship along, I also believe in making the SA part of the decision process (but that also means taking SA preferences Into consideration) Of course all of this is solely my own opinion gleaned from my experience and from talking with various SAs and SMs.

ETA: * if your dream specs come in, but you are no where near the unofficial spend, and it’s not your SAs turn to offer that bag, or if others are higher in the pecking order, the arrival simply has no relevance to your particular situation. (Unless, you are close enough, and the SA feels comfortable enough, to hint that the purchase of x might yield the coveted y).

‘get bag and run situation' that's a good one

 

[jimmyshoogirl]

Completely AGREE! You and I have long term, enjoyable, responsive interactions with our SAs that these newbies do not have. Their impatience and sense of entitlement does not bode well for them. In addition, they must remember that Hermes is a European company with European sensibilities where the American mantra of time is money does not apply. Longevity, patience and class have a lot to do with how one forms relationships at Hermes. If one lacks anyone of those elements, regardless of spend, Hermes boutique shopping will not be rewarding. Go the reseller route.

But but but I don’t want to play the game nor pay reseller prices

 

[haute okole]

But but but I don’t want to play the game nor pay reseller prices

Lol! You don’t have to, my Lovely! You are the essence of longevity, patience and class Another one of my and @880 secrets, we never communicate our wishlist until the SA specifically asks, in person, on the spot. My response is typically Surprise me or UM, something green? How about Yellow or a Filipino looking bag. So when I said a Filipino looking bag, my SA interpreted that to mean the TropicAl Faubourg, which I had never seen before and exceeded all my expectations. Not having a wishlist has worked out for me really well.

 

[textilegirl]

I was posting last night on the Dc thread and this morning on the Dallas thread. My post upset a newbie, and is no doubt unpopular opinion, but I think it’s an obvious tip to someone starting a new relationship with an SA. It is don’t bring up or harp on your wish list too soon. Most SAs might have the general assumption that a customer might want a QB someday. But, no SA wants to feel like a QB is the only reason why the customer is there (Even if that happens to be true).

I would also go so far as to say that I don’t advise bringing up a wish list by text or other electronic means. Other OG TPFers also give this advice, but couch it in the context of SA preference or best practice). I’d like to offer it as a way to a solid SA relationship. If one had to communicate a wish list (I do not have one, and I’ve received some nice offers once my SA got to know my taste) , i would only do so in person. In the instant case, I was responding to a situation where an SA says to a new client (first year, and in the US, I believe before 1X is reached), write down what you want.

The quandary arose bc the SA didnt respond when the client did so. (I got confused here as it seems the client did speak to the SA about this already, but changed her mind about sellier versus retourne, or another aspect of the bag). Ive read a few posts regarding different instances when an newbie is agitated about Sa responsiveness to a wish list. In these cases, I interpret the offer that the client make one as a way to pacify said client. Be ause until an SA says she would like to sit down with you to discuss specifics, I just don’t see the list as having much significance vis-a-vis the bags imminent arrival.* I have talked to my SA about newbie clients generally, and I get the sense that someone new who is eager to start a wishlist is immediately labeled as a possible ‘get bag and run situation,’ at least until proven otherwise, rather than a part of the permanent client roster.

Where a wish list, IMO only, becomes relevant, is when the client is nearing the (unofficial) prespend mark, and the SA is considering what bags she will be authorized to offer that the client will love. In the case where the profile is decent; the client is easy; and, the exact specs are not to be found, that’s when an SA will proffer a similar bag (etoupe rather than gold; 30 rather than 25; with the caveat/recommendation to take or leave, not knowing when the exact spec will arrive). IMO saying no has never been a disadvantage except to increase waiting time. In general, i believe that clients who get their first bags faster and who easily communicate their thoughts about additional bags, do so in a more organic process, while they are finding (and purchasing) other metiers. If one would like to help a relationship along, I also believe in making the SA part of the decision process (but that also means taking SA preferences Into consideration) Of course all of this is solely my own opinion gleaned from my experience and from talking with various SAs and SMs.

ETA: * if your dream specs come in, but you are no where near the unofficial spend, and it’s not your SAs turn to offer that bag, or if others are higher in the pecking order, the arrival simply has no relevance to your particular situation. (Unless, you are close enough, and the SA feels comfortable enough, to hint that the purchase of x might yield the coveted y).

It’s possible that because many new clients are interested in BKC (and maybe not much else), getting the ‘wishlist’ conversation out of the way enables everyone to focus on other Hermes offerings. If the conversation continues to revolve around the ‘wishlist’ over the course of several visits, the SA may conclude that maybe means probably.

JMO, but a written, verbal or texted ‘wishlist’ is not especially useful in assessing the chances of receiving a offered BKC because there’s no way to tell what the SA does with the information. Hyper-focus on a ‘wishlist’ seems counterproductive to me, even in places like the UK where I understand there’s a pretty solid system of establishing an annual (?) wishlist and then proceeding to move on to other topics. I mean how many times can you repeat that you want a small, neutral BKC? (I’m not suggesting that some significant change doesn’t warrant a mention; ‘I’ve had a rotator cuff repair and can’t carry a Birkin’).

At the point at which your relationship is as established, and productive for Hermes as it needs to be (that is, well and considerably) it won’t be at all difficult to renew a conversation about an interest in a bag. Subtlety and patience are often virtues in this context.

 

[FaubourgTropical]

longevity, patience

Reading the recent postings, I feel that the sob stories are no longer about wanting to get the first bag but getting the first bag in location A,B, etc. Or 'gaming the system' to get more bags. Or ensuring that ROI is as expected (1:1, 2:1, etc).

It’s no longer 'maintaining a H relationship' as in normal shopping.

I am new. I am lucky to get what I want. I understand the struggle and frustration expressed by members here. But I can relate to @880 's post. It does take time to get bags. But they do come.

Unfortunately, no one is interested in hearing about patience and longevity. People are getting impatient in general, IMO. Plus, sexy, magical social media stories about 'how I score a birkin just by winking at the SA at FSH after I win the appointment lottery by burning incense during a quater full moon' is more exciting to hear.

 

[880]

Apologies in advance for the length, but given some people ask how I got my Paris SA and the relationship, and thisIS the relationship thread, I thought I’d describe the first two meets.

My recollection of the first two 15 minute, 15 sentence conversations that helped my FSH SA and me form an ongoing relationship. I do NOT say, I want blah, blah, blah, specs, bc I actually don’t know what I want. (if I did, I would have no problem saying, I’ve dreamt of X for Y years) NY SA knew about my appt, and was waiting to hear bc I wasn’t sure what I wanted) this is typical of all of my SA interactions (both appointments, including waiting/paying/trying on time, together took less than 1.5 hour)

FSH SA: what bag are you thinking of.
me: not sure, I usually focus on RTW. Every few years I switch between 6Bs and 5Ks, this year being K
SA: We’ll do bag first, then other stuff. Either B or K, size?
me: traditionally 30/28, but since Covid, I only carry a few things and don’t like a lot of weight
SA: 25K or less, color, HW?
me: [gesturing at what I’m wearing], medium to light neutrals bc I don’t wear my black BK much,
usually phw. I wear gold jewelry, but don’t want to be matchy matchy

Leaves and comes back after 15 minutes:
SA: I couldn’t find anything in medium to light neutrals, but I saw something that would go with what uoi are wearing:
25K, bleu orage, ghw. It’s kind of neutral gray, and even though it’s ghw, GHW works with this color. You do wear gold jewelry. Shrugs

Me: it’s gorgeous and I love the color, but do you mind if I text my NYC SA? Not sure that I will wear GHW
NY SA: texts back You will with Bleu Orage. GET IT.
DH: I have him on the phone , here
NY SA: GET IT, GET IT, now we can work on a 25B

Me: thank you for choosing it for me ! Yes! I love it. It’s my first 25 K
SA: so glad. . . . I don’t have time to pull RTW in your size today, because _____ issue. can you come first thing tomorrow? medium to dark neutrals, skirt, pants, dress, jackets? In 38?
me: yes, thanks, currently looking for skirts, dresses, jackets, no pants bc I’m trying to diet back into 38 pants.
So, 38-40. Everything in my closet is navy, taupe, black, gray.
SA: let me take your info; I can sent to your hotel; I will have a rack waiting tomorrow bc there isn’t much here in yur size.

NEXT DAY: (I’m wearing the bag in)

Me: Hi, how are you? Is __ issue resolved? I LOVE the bag. The HW works
SA: yes thanks, ____. The bag looks great. I have a rack waiting (only five items bc we’re running low)
Me: thanks. . . Tries on everything in 15 minutes
Me: these two didn’t work, these three did. Love them. I didn’t see these in NY
SA: we have a different buy, but Paris tends to get a lot.
Me: can I wear one to lunch and have my stuff delivered with the others.
SA: sadly we cannot deliver your personal items, but I can deliver all three new ones
Me: thank you again for the bag and dresses you picked, I love everything
SA: my pleasure, glad I found something that you love
SA to DH: they had been chatting while i tried on stuff. You have my info; contact me when you
have your exact dates for coming back in the fall
SA to me: I gave yur DH my info. You should contact me on what’sapp.
Me: I don’t have WhatsApp. Can I email
Sa: lol, I will check email.


Me to DH later: You got her info! we’re coming back in the Fall?
DH : we are now.

note: I always shoot a quick sentence of thanks to everyone (not just premier luxury shopping)
For premier luxury shopping, I also add an action shot with the item
I do not get twisted out of shape if all I get back is an emoticon (Or even no response)
I just want them to know that I appreciate their curation and im using what they chose.

NY SA delivered a 25 sellier gold B, PHW, (I did not ask for that either) a few months later, BUT before my second trip to Paris.

ETA: DH gets SAs info, IDKH. He is the client profile in almost all premier luxury in every city, except chanel 57, where apparently they have had my info from many years ago. I was very nervous in the first appt, and I think I also literally blurted out that my NY SA suggested I ask for a cargo or something unobtainable, but I forget when or how exactly I said that. I do know i felt like a complete idiot after the words came out, and she said not available.