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.

 

[coffeenpurses]

9months. I guess prespend should be 30k+?

My understanding is it has to do with what they’re receiving in stock and they may not have what you’re looking for yet. Have you talked to your SA about where you are with your QB?

 

[kellylindy]

My understanding is it has to do with what they’re receiving in stock and they may not have what you’re looking for yet. Have you talked to your SA about where you are with your QB?

Of course, any B25 or K25 would work. But there are always people spending more or waiting longer.

 

[bb28]

Question for everyone about how specific you get with your SA when requesting a quota bag.

1. Is it better to request a very specific bag (for example a B30 in black GHW) OR is it better to be more open ended (for example a neutral B in a size 25 or 30) - assuming you’re okay with the request being more open ended?

2. Is it ever OK to request multiple quota bags? If so how many? For example, could I tell my SA I’d like a B30 or a K28 depending on what comes in first? Or does your SA only take one request at a time?

 

[lilflobowl]

Depends on what you want, really. If you’re very specific about what combo you want then be specific and not go generic just to get a bag earlier.

If you’re more flexible then discuss with your SA. He/she would be in the best position to advise you.

 

[royaljelly]

Question for everyone about how specific you get with your SA when requesting a quota bag.

1. Is it better to request a very specific bag (for example a B30 in black GHW) OR is it better to be more open ended (for example a neutral B in a size 25 or 30) - assuming you’re okay with the request being more open ended?

2. Is it ever OK to request multiple quota bags? If so how many? For example, could I tell my SA I’d like a B30 or a K28 depending on what comes in first? Or does your SA only take one request at a time?

1. In my city, it's better to give a wider range of preferences (as long as it's truly something you like) given the huge demand for quota bags if you do not want to wait for too long for the exact specifications. When my SA asked me for my preferences, I was very firm in terms of the bag size but I am open to the colour, leather and hardware. I gave a range of colours that I like and any of those would fit the bill. I ended up waiting for less than 2 months before my SA notified me that the Kelly I wanted is in stock! My take is as long as you're not compromising on your preference, it's okay (or maybe even better) to give a range of acceptable specs.

2. By multiple QBs, do you mean any of those would do or do you mean queuing for multiple bags at the same time? I'll take the liberty to assume your question means letting your SA know you don't mind getting a B or a K first and answer accordingly. If I were you, I'd let her know I'm okay with a B30 or K28 depending on which one comes first. In fact, my SA asked me if I would accept a K28 or B30 because they are more readily available (comparatively) than a K32 in my location. So I guess it won't hurt to let your SA know you like those bags and might even be contemplating getting them in the future. But of course, only if those bags are what you like. I would advise against compromising on your preference just so you could get a QB quicker. If your mind is set on having, say, a B30, I'd try not to talk yourself into getting a K28. The B and K are totally different designs and serve different purposes (imo) so even if the "2nd best" QB scratches the itch temporarily, deep down you'll still want your 1st choice.

But of course, like my SA said, you'll get the other bag (whatever that other bag is) eventually in the future. Happy shopping!

 

[kellylindy]

1. In my city, it's better to give a wider range of preferences (as long as it's truly something you like) given the huge demand for quota bags if you do not want to wait for too long for the exact specifications. When my SA asked me for my preferences, I was very firm in terms of the bag size but I am open to the colour, leather and hardware. I gave a range of colours that I like and any of those would fit the bill. I ended up waiting for less than 2 months before my SA notified me that the Kelly I wanted is in stock! My take is as long as you're not compromising on your preference, it's okay (or maybe even better) to give a range of acceptable specs.

2. By multiple QBs, do you mean any of those would do or do you mean queuing for multiple bags at the same time? I'll take the liberty to assume your question means letting your SA know you don't mind getting a B or a K first and answer accordingly. If I were you, I'd let her know I'm okay with a B30 or K28 depending on which one comes first. In fact, my SA asked me if I would accept a K28 or B30 because they are more readily available (comparatively) than a K32 in my location. So I guess it won't hurt to let your SA know you like those bags and might even be contemplating getting them in the future. But of course, only if those bags are what you like. I would advise against compromising on your preference just so you could get a QB quicker. If your mind is set on having, say, a B30, I'd try not to talk yourself into getting a K28. The B and K are totally different designs and serve different purposes (imo) so even if the "2nd best" QB scratches the itch temporarily, deep down you'll still want your 1st choice.

But of course, like my SA said, you'll get the other bag (whatever that other bag is) eventually in the future. Happy shopping!

Agreed, it doesn’t matter which comes first. We always want more and eventually get more.

 

[haute okole]

@bb28, I have been exceptionally lucky by not having a wishlist. In the beginning, I started out as a RTW fan and after a few purchases, my SA asked me if I wanted a Birkin I said yes. He knows my taste and sometimes surprises me or asks me if I have a color preference.

If you are adamant about only wanting certain specifications re: bags AND you do not have a LONG established relationship with your SA and SM, be prepared to wait YEARS. When deliveries come in, SAs are contacted when it is their turn to choose a bag from the delivery to be able to offer to their list of clients. If you have a wishlist that you are set on, and your SA never gets the opportunity to sell your specified bag, or if s/he does, but there is another longer term client who has the same bag on their list, you are out of luck. Especially after COVID. The demand for Hermes leather bags have reached obsession proportions. Although they are building new manufacturing sites in France, they still do not have the qualified artisans to staff them. In an effort to make things more equitable for all SAs, leather bags are distributed equitably regardless of department or seniority (at least at BH). That may not be the case for the limited edition or exotics, but I am speculating based on my experience.

It is best to voice preferences, alternatives and to be patient. Good luck.

 

[880]

Question for everyone about how specific you get with your SA when requesting a quota bag.

1. Is it better to request a very specific bag (for example a B30 in black GHW) OR is it better to be more open ended (for example a neutral B in a size 25 or 30) - assuming you’re okay with the request being more open ended?

2. Is it ever OK to request multiple quota bags? If so how many? For example, could I tell my SA I’d like a B30 or a K28 depending on what comes in first? Or does your SA only take one request at a time?

Depending on your location:

You can specify B30 Black, GHW, as your top choice, plus other neutrals in size 25/30

And, request multiple QB, including what comes first.

(The US seems to allow this; I believe in EU or Asia, rules might be a bit different.

 

[Nahreen]

Question for everyone about how specific you get with your SA when requesting a quota bag.

1. Is it better to request a very specific bag (for example a B30 in black GHW) OR is it better to be more open ended (for example a neutral B in a size 25 or 30) - assuming you’re okay with the request being more open ended?

2. Is it ever OK to request multiple quota bags? If so how many? For example, could I tell my SA I’d like a B30 or a K28 depending on what comes in first? Or does your SA only take one request at a time?

I would also add to possibly specify type of shade for a colour and if you have a leather preference. For example Hermes makes lots of blue bags but they are very different in shade, from very light to dark (nearly black such as blue indigo), some very bright (such as blue electric or blue aztec) and others leaning towards green or grey. If I want a blue bag but want a lighter bright blue shade I will tell my SA and give some examples on the shades I like. Also remember that a shade can vary depending on type of leather, some take colour very well and a specific shade might thus look brighter in that type of leather than in another type of leather. So 1) do your research (lots of info here on tpf in the reference threads on leather and colours) and 2) have a talk to your SA about your preferences. I think it is important to be clear on what you want/can accept with your SA. That way you might avoid being offered a shade you have no interest in and if you are offered something outside your "wish" I think it is easier to justify declining the offer.

 

[pixel_munchkin]

Hi Everyone,

I have purchased a few things online and in Hawaii and wanted to start a relationship at the store near me. I got in contact with a SA and when I first met, I thought the SA was really nice and helpful. I purchased a belt in store and intended to continue the relationship. However, contact through text with the SA is very lackluster... the SA isn't very responsive and when I ask about items there is no response or responded with "i don't know". So my question is... is it typical for SA to not talk through texts? Am I supposed to be doing these conversations in person? Or is the SA and I not vibing and I should find someone else? I am new to this so apologies for not really knowing. Any advice would be great. Thank you in advance

 

[HoneyLocks]

You are not alone:

Maintaining a H relationship

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...

forum.purseblog.com

 

[r luvs h]

Hi Everyone,

I have purchased a few things online and in Hawaii and wanted to start a relationship at the store near me. I got in contact with a SA and when I first met, I thought the SA was really nice and helpful. I purchased a belt in store and intended to continue the relationship. However, contact through text with the SA is very lackluster... the SA isn't very responsive and when I ask about items there is no response or responded with "i don't know". So my question is... is it typical for SA to not talk through texts? Am I supposed to be doing these conversations in person? Or is the SA and I not vibing and I should find someone else? I am new to this so apologies for not really knowing. Any advice would be great. Thank you in advance

Texting is probably the most popular form of communication between client and SA, but the means of communication may not be the issue in your case.

I like to play devil’s advocate in these sorts of situations, so bear with me: How long have you been shopping with this SA? What kinds of questions are you asking the SA? If you are continuously asking about products but not following through with purchasing anything, maybe the SA feels like you are wasting their time (even if that’s not necessarily true). At the end of the day, an SA’s job is to help their boutique meet and exceed sales quotas. If they feel like a certain client is not helping them effectively reach that goal, the SA may be less inclined to help said client. But on the other hand, it is crucial that you feel comfortable with your SA. If you feel that your current SA is being cold or inattentive, it is absolutely your prerogative to find a new SA with whom you “click”!

When messaging an SA, it is good to adhere to some basic etiquette:
Be direct. Limit questions to no more than 5-10 products at a time. Limit the amount of extra research your SA will have to do. By this, I mean that you should try to use correct Hermès terms, include reference numbers, preferred specs, pictures, and any other details that could help your SA quickly and easily locate the item you are searching for. Most importantly, be polite! “Please” and “thank you” (or their cultural equivalents, depending on where you live) go a long way! Best of luck!

 

[smoothsailor]

Hi Everyone,

I have purchased a few things online and in Hawaii and wanted to start a relationship at the store near me. I got in contact with a SA and when I first met, I thought the SA was really nice and helpful. I purchased a belt in store and intended to continue the relationship. However, contact through text with the SA is very lackluster... the SA isn't very responsive and when I ask about items there is no response or responded with "i don't know". So my question is... is it typical for SA to not talk through texts? Am I supposed to be doing these conversations in person? Or is the SA and I not vibing and I should find someone else? I am new to this so apologies for not really knowing. Any advice would be great. Thank you in advance

Don’t take it personally. It just means she doesn’t have the items you wanted. My long distance relationship SA only respond to my text with an appointment when I told her I am coming to town. Everything else she doesn’t reply.

 

[dailydoseofH]

Hi Everyone,

I have purchased a few things online and in Hawaii and wanted to start a relationship at the store near me. I got in contact with a SA and when I first met, I thought the SA was really nice and helpful. I purchased a belt in store and intended to continue the relationship. However, contact through text with the SA is very lackluster... the SA isn't very responsive and when I ask about items there is no response or responded with "i don't know". So my question is... is it typical for SA to not talk through texts? Am I supposed to be doing these conversations in person? Or is the SA and I not vibing and I should find someone else? I am new to this so apologies for not really knowing. Any advice would be great. Thank you in advance

I think this sounds quite normal at the beginning of a relationship. When I met my current SA who voluntarily shared their phone number, I would text and may or may not get a response. If I do get a response it would take about a week. I feel they prefer more in-person contact at the beginning of the relationship but also they are so busy they have to prioritize. After about 1 year of working together and seeing them on a regular basis, the responses are faster and more relaxed.

Also I don't text inquiring specifically about products because it's time consuming for the SAs to look this up. I ask if they will be working a specific day so I can drop by. They don't have much time for admin work let alone answering the many many texts they receive every day. When I am with my SA the phone is buzzing off the hook!

 

[880]

typical for SA to not talk through texts? Am I supposed to be doing these conversations in person?

Yes to both, especially if you are new. They are not given any time to answer texts. AND, company policy strongly encourages them to prioritize clients who are physically in the boutique. Popular, in stock items and special requests are reserved for physically present clients. SAs may be discouraged or not be able to charge send the most popular items. And, they may not be able to hold them until your next trip.

My long distance relationship SA only respond to my text with an appointment

working together and seeing them on a regular basis, the responses are faster and more relaxed.

Also I don't text inquiring specifically about products because it's time consuming for the SAs to look this up. I ask if they will be working a specific day so I can drop by. They don't have much time for admin work let alone answering the many many texts they receive every day. When I am with my SA the phone is buzzing off the hook!