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.

 

[880]

mentioned they’re looking forward to receiving my updated bag wishlist! O_0 So now I need to respond to them but I’m not sure if I want a b in gold on gold or k in gold on gold

if you are really undecided, then perhaps ask them what they think of your choices. And if you have other bags on your mind, tell them those too.

 

[getthebag]

if you are really undecided, then perhaps ask them what they think of your choices. And if you have other bags on your mind, tell them those too.

Wait that’s a great idea! Thank you!

 

[SurMonNuage]

Hi all! Another newbie question here, thanks in advance for spending the time to answer all these


My Q is - if I’m not looking to buy a “quota bag” anytime soon, is it okay for me to walk in and shop with whoever is available?


I started shopping at Hermès this year. The first SA I worked with (2x) - she was chatty and gossipy and I thought we clicked. But since then it has become clear since that our shopping styles and schedules don’t mesh well. The second SA I met (1x) was no-frills, low chit chat, a solid shopping partner (happy to fetch me stuff from the back, do transfers etc) but not sure if we mesh well in stylistic preferences to work long term (yet).


Silks are/will be my primary category, buying like 1-3 every season. I can see myself buying watches / fine jewellery / some non-quota bag styles as a treat to myself 1-2x a year. So I just don’t know if I need an SA. Sure I would love to have one of course - someone who is a joy to shop with, knows my style and preferences - but since I’m not in a hurry, maybe I can be slower in forming my relationship with my store as a whole and allow chance meetings with multiple SAs until I find one that clicks before bolting down with one. I think that’s what I would have done if I hadn’t read this forum (and maybe didnt overthinking this).


But then again, I would love a picotin 18 in the next 6 months lol.

 

[acrowcounted]

Hi all! Another newbie question here, thanks in advance for spending the time to answer all these


My Q is - if I’m not looking to buy a “quota bag” anytime soon, is it okay for me to walk in and shop with whoever is available?


I started shopping at Hermès this year. The first SA I worked with (2x) - she was chatty and gossipy and I thought we clicked. But since then it has become clear since that our shopping styles and schedules don’t mesh well. The second SA I met (1x) was no-frills, low chit chat, a solid shopping partner (happy to fetch me stuff from the back, do transfers etc) but not sure if we mesh well in stylistic preferences to work long term (yet).


Silks are/will be my primary category, buying like 1-3 every season. I can see myself buying watches / fine jewellery / some non-quota bag styles as a treat to myself 1-2x a year. So I just don’t know if I need an SA. Sure I would love to have one of course - someone who is a joy to shop with, knows my style and preferences - but since I’m not in a hurry, maybe I can be slower in forming my relationship with my store as a whole and allow chance meetings with multiple SAs until I find one that clicks before bolting down with one. I think that’s what I would have done if I hadn’t read this forum (and maybe didnt overthinking this).


But then again, I would love a picotin 18 in the next 6 months lol.

Do whatever you feel most comfortable with. If you’re not having a fun time with any of the SAs you’ve met so far, keep hunting. That being said, having a single point SA is good for a lot of efforts beyond just quota bags. Bags in general will be MUCH easier with a dedicated SA, as will be facilitating transfers, orders, holding items, and even giving you insider info on what’s coming next season in silks and other accessories. I definitely recommend sticking with one SA that you enjoy shopping with to make the entire H shopping experience easier and more fluid. They don’t have to be your best friend. I feel the ”relationship” is very often over-romanticized here and on social media. It should just be an easy pleasant relationship based on respect and results, imo, so don’t expect a cut scene with singing angels when you meet “the one” I’d stay with the second SA until you serendipitously find someone better or until she wrongs you in some way.

 

[mktlim]

Hi all! Another newbie question here, thanks in advance for spending the time to answer all these


My Q is - if I’m not looking to buy a “quota bag” anytime soon, is it okay for me to walk in and shop with whoever is available?


I started shopping at Hermès this year. The first SA I worked with (2x) - she was chatty and gossipy and I thought we clicked. But since then it has become clear since that our shopping styles and schedules don’t mesh well. The second SA I met (1x) was no-frills, low chit chat, a solid shopping partner (happy to fetch me stuff from the back, do transfers etc) but not sure if we mesh well in stylistic preferences to work long term (yet).


Silks are/will be my primary category, buying like 1-3 every season. I can see myself buying watches / fine jewellery / some non-quota bag styles as a treat to myself 1-2x a year. So I just don’t know if I need an SA. Sure I would love to have one of course - someone who is a joy to shop with, knows my style and preferences - but since I’m not in a hurry, maybe I can be slower in forming my relationship with my store as a whole and allow chance meetings with multiple SAs until I find one that clicks before bolting down with one. I think that’s what I would have done if I hadn’t read this forum (and maybe didnt overthinking this).


But then again, I would love a picotin 18 in the next 6 months lol.

@SurMonNuage I agree with @acrowcounted. I'm not shopping with the goal of getting a quota bag either. I prefer silks and other categories. I'm sure the fact you're not looking for a quota bag will be something refreshing for the SA you do decide to work with (mine still wonders why I don't want one and I've been shopping at the store for 5 years but they've been happy to help me check for items I want and I buy the occasional non quota bag). Who knows down the road you'll suddenly want a quota bag as well? It's always never say never shopping at Hermes.

 

[addiCCted]

The second SA I met (1x) was no-frills, low chit chat, a solid shopping partner (happy to fetch me stuff from the back, do transfers etc) but not sure if we mesh well in stylistic preferences to work long term (yet).

I say she sounds like a keeper. It’s hard to judge stylistic preferences after working with each other only one time. I’d say give it a few more goes and see how it materializes. She doesn’t have to have the same style as you. She just needs know what your style is, which she will if you work with her long enough.

 

[WhiteBus]

Hi all! Another newbie question here, thanks in advance for spending the time to answer all these


My Q is - if I’m not looking to buy a “quota bag” anytime soon, is it okay for me to walk in and shop with whoever is available?


I started shopping at Hermès this year. The first SA I worked with (2x) - she was chatty and gossipy and I thought we clicked. But since then it has become clear since that our shopping styles and schedules don’t mesh well. The second SA I met (1x) was no-frills, low chit chat, a solid shopping partner (happy to fetch me stuff from the back, do transfers etc) but not sure if we mesh well in stylistic preferences to work long term (yet).


Silks are/will be my primary category, buying like 1-3 every season. I can see myself buying watches / fine jewellery / some non-quota bag styles as a treat to myself 1-2x a year. So I just don’t know if I need an SA. Sure I would love to have one of course - someone who is a joy to shop with, knows my style and preferences - but since I’m not in a hurry, maybe I can be slower in forming my relationship with my store as a whole and allow chance meetings with multiple SAs until I find one that clicks before bolting down with one. I think that’s what I would have done if I hadn’t read this forum (and maybe didnt overthinking this).


But then again, I would love a picotin 18 in the next 6 months lol.

I think your location is very important.
If you are in europe, I would say, 'Yes. Shop with who is available.'
It is good to be a customer who is known in the store and who a number of SAs will recognise and acknowledge when you go in. Brand enthusiasm and boutique loyalty is what Hermes likes.
That should hold you in good sted if you want to buy something in greater demand.

Regardless of all the 'building a relationship' obsession that is cultivated by social media I think we all probably like to deal with the same people regularly wherever we transact business.

There does seem to be a greater awareness of pre-spend and relationships in USA and Asia.
If you read enough of the comments on here you will soon see that spending habits designed to get quota bags often lead to disaffection and exploitation.

 

[SurMonNuage]

Do whatever you feel most comfortable with. If you’re not having a fun time with any of the SAs you’ve met so far, keep hunting. That being said, having a single point SA is good for a lot of efforts beyond just quota bags. Bags in general will be MUCH easier with a dedicated SA, as will be facilitating transfers, orders, holding items, and even giving you insider info on what’s coming next season in silks and other accessories. I definitely recommend sticking with one SA that you enjoy shopping with to make the entire H shopping experience easier and more fluid. They don’t have to be your best friend. I feel the ”relationship” is very often over-romanticized here and on social media. It should just be an easy pleasant relationship based on respect and results, imo, so don’t expect a cut scene with singing angels when you meet “the one” I’d stay with the second SA until you serendipitously find someone better or until she wrongs you in some way.

Thank you for this response, it made me feel a lot better and more clear-headed. I know there are many benefits to having an SA, but to be frank, my incidences with the first SA has made me more anxious and annoyed with the relationship aspect - but I know that’s not a fault of Hermes. It was as if I was lovebombed - but in retail! It wasn’t easy at all, to the point where I got frustrated and it soured my Hermes love a little bit.

@SurMonNuage I agree with @acrowcounted. I'm not shopping with the goal of getting a quota bag either. I prefer silks and other categories. I'm sure the fact you're not looking for a quota bag will be something refreshing for the SA you do decide to work with (mine still wonders why I don't want one and I've been shopping at the store for 5 years but they've been happy to help me check for items I want and I buy the occasional non quota bag). Who knows down the road you'll suddenly want a quota bag as well? It's always never say never shopping at Hermes.

Haha very true! I feel like I always go in for one thing and then step out with three things just because of all the offerings! I know people say the best things are spoken for and never enter the floor, but I’ve never found the in-stock floor items limiting in any sense


It’s nice to know other non-bag Hermes lovers are out there!

I say she sounds like a keeper. It’s hard to judge stylistic preferences after working with each other only one time. I’d say give it a few more goes and see how it materializes. She doesn’t have to have the same style as you. She just needs know what your style is, which she will if you work with her long enough.

Thank you! That’s very true - I really did appreciate her doing the transfer (the first SA did not even entertain that option). Apart from innate stylistic preferences, nothing about the interaction was off or bad, in fact, it was quite pleasant.

 

[SurMonNuage]

In a similar vein to my last question - when (in terms of time / shopping ) did your current SA feel like the SA for you? Was there anything in particular they did to draw you in as their client?

 

[SurMonNuage]

I think your location is very important.
If you are in europe, I would say, 'Yes. Shop with who is available.'
It is good to be a customer who is known in the store and who a number of SAs will recognise and acknowledge when you go in. Brand enthusiasm and boutique loyalty is what Hermes likes.
That should hold you in good sted if you want to buy something in greater demand.

Regardless of all the 'building a relationship' obsession that is cultivated by social media I think we all probably like to deal with the same people regularly wherever we transact business.

There does seem to be a greater awareness of pre-spend and relationships in USA and Asia.
If you read enough of the comments on here you will soon see that spending habits designed to get quota bags often lead to disaffection and exploitation.

I’m in the US though I like the sound of the EU approach! There’s a couple of my (other) favourite stores where at least one staff knows me when I walk in and it truly is a good feeling to shop because I feel seen and taken care of.

All of that started because I loved the stores and visited frequently and showed my enthusiasm, and not because I was trying to play a game. The relationship was a result, not a goal in itself, and I think I may have lost sight of that overthinking. Might be time for me to block hermès content on my tiktok

 

[WhiteBus]

I’m in the US though I like the sound of the EU approach! There’s a couple of my (other) favourite stores where at least one staff knows me when I walk in and it truly is a good feeling to shop because I feel seen and taken care of.

All of that started because I loved the stores and visited frequently and showed my enthusiasm, and not because I was trying to play a game. The relationship was a result, not a goal in itself, and I think I may have lost sight of that overthinking. Might be time for me to block hermès content on my tiktok

yes; just shop normally like you would anywhere else
don't look at social media (or read this thread!) lol

 

[mktlim]

In a similar vein to my last question - when (in terms of time / shopping ) did your current SA feel like the SA for you? Was there anything in particular they did to draw you in as their client?

@SurMonNuage I'm in Canada and here a dedicated SA is way more helpful. I didn't really get a good sense of feeling like my SA was "the one" the first time I met them. I remember they were new to the store as well so I thought...why not try shopping with them anyway? My subsequent visits became more enjoyable and my SA is always pleasant - I find it might take a couple of visits/shopping trips before you can tell if they're a good fit for you. As long as you feel like you do enjoy shopping with them then it's a good sign.

Yes definitely don't over think as well!

 

[jpenny]

Anyone from socal switching to a new boutique? I heard people getting offers left and right the opening weekend.

Personally no. Strong relationship with SA and loyalty to 1 home store is what worked for me.

 

[showgratitude]

Anyone know which one is more difficult to get these days- b25 or k25?

That is a question you'll have to ask your SA. My SA tells me if a bag is really hard to get.

 

[Kisa]

I would really appreciate some advice regarding how to move forward with my Hermes relationship.

In 2020 I moved to Spain part time and met the perfect SA. He offered me a Kelly within 6 months of meeting, made my dog the store phone wallpaper, was always happy to order things in for me and responsive through WhatsApp. I spent a lot in the next two years with him, until he retired. At the time he retired I was in Canada for 6 months helping a sick relative so my account was not transferred.

Now I have a new SA at the boutique. She does not respond over WhatsApp. She is warm in person, but never recommends items and won’t order things for me outside of what’s available in store. I’ve continued to spend at the store, but no offers. Most recently she reserved a pair of pants for me and then never called to let me know they were in.

The store is very small with a limited number of SAs. I feel like I can’t switch again. I’m thinking about refocusing my store spend to Paris because I live half the year in Spain and the other half in a country with no boutique. Has anyone tried this with any success? I miss having a dedicated SA.