Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

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

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[hermesandchanel]

Any advice on if I’m just pre-spending for nothing? I wanted a Picotin. I started in August and have roughly visited my SA once a month in store. I’ve purchased a cashmere scarf, a pair of mini pop H earrings, a twilly, and pair of loafers. I have spent close to the value of a Pico so I’m a bit confused why I have not been offered one? I feel like I have a good relationship with my SA. I’m in Atlanta, so am I a huge fish? Absolutely not. I was told when I made my first purchase I would absolutely have a Pico by Christmas and here we are.. no Pico.

Have you followed up with your SA on it? There’s a good chance it’s just a supply issue (depending on what you want). For example if you want any pico, you could probably get it within a weeks time. But if you want a specific color combo and the boutique doesn’t order it, it could take forever. Either way best to communicate with your SA in the matter so she can set expectations

 

[lala_retro]

Any advice on if I’m just pre-spending for nothing? I wanted a Picotin. I started in August and have roughly visited my SA once a month in store. I’ve purchased a cashmere scarf, a pair of mini pop H earrings, a twilly, and pair of loafers. I have spent close to the value of a Pico so I’m a bit confused why I have not been offered one? I feel like I have a good relationship with my SA. I’m in Atlanta, so am I a huge fish? Absolutely not. I was told when I made my first purchase I would absolutely have a Pico by Christmas and here we are.. no Pico.

It’s a reflection of low stock. I’ve had my SA promise to offer me a QB by the end of the year when it was October, but my actual offer came in April or May. Christmas time is tough for offers because everyone wants it for a gift, and unless you have a very healthy profile or are a long-standing client, 1:1 for isn’t really realistic for popular bags. I think your SA had the best intentions in mind when they set that deadline, and I understand how that’s frustrating when you’ve been expecting a bag and one just hasn’t eventuated, but I don’t think your SA is stringing you along.

If it’s any consolation to you, I asked for a picotin 18 in gold or etoupe 4 months into shopping, was offered a picotin 22 in biscuit but declined, I’ve now had QB and other bag offers, but no picotin.

 

[squidneyau]

Have you followed up with your SA on it? There’s a good chance it’s just a supply issue (depending on what you want). For example if you want any pico, you could probably get it within a weeks time. But if you want a specific color combo and the boutique doesn’t order it, it could take forever. Either way best to communicate with your SA in the matter so she can set expectations

She just mentions whenever I stopped by in she’s working on it still. My only criteria was I did not want anything yellow or orange or pink. I was absolutely okay with neutrals, I would adore a green or blue leather, and preferred phw over ghw but it wasn’t a deal breaker. I really only had a very few hard no’s when I think back on it.

 

[squidneyau]

It’s a reflection of low stock. I’ve had my SA promise to offer me a QB by the end of the year when it was October, but my actual offer came in April or May. Christmas time is tough for offers because everyone wants it for a gift, and unless you have a very healthy profile or are a long-standing client, 1:1 for isn’t really realistic for popular bags. I think your SA had the best intentions in mind when they set that deadline, and I understand how that’s frustrating when you’ve been expecting a bag and one just hasn’t eventuated, but I don’t think your SA is stringing you along.

If it’s any consolation to you, I asked for a picotin 18 in gold or etoupe 4 months into shopping, was offered a picotin 22 in biscuit but declined, I’ve now had QB and other bag offers, but no picotin.

This makes me feel better. Thank you

My partner was hoping the pico could be my Christmas gift, hence why we started in August. She did suggest I start with an Evelyne during my first appointment back in August but I declined as I really do not like cross bodies.

At this point I really do not mind buying things I like. I adore my scarves and jewelry, and how I love those loafers. I just do not want to be a person who spends 20K and has nothing to show for I bag wise, if that makes sense.

 

[textilegirl]

This makes me feel better. Thank you

My partner was hoping the pico could be my Christmas gift, hence why we started in August. She did suggest I start with an Evelyne during my first appointment back in August but I declined as I really do not like cross bodies.

At this point I really do not mind buying things I like. I adore my scarves and jewelry, and how I love those loafers. I just do not want to be a person who spends 20K and has nothing to show for I bag wise, if that makes sense.

Hopefully you are the person who spends 20K on things you love and use; there are lots of picotins available at reputable resellers if you really want one for Christmas (be sure to authenticate your choice of course).

 

[CBK23]

But your bag wasn’t through the appointment, right?

Yes

 

[nikotama]

This makes me feel better. Thank you

My partner was hoping the pico could be my Christmas gift, hence why we started in August. She did suggest I start with an Evelyne during my first appointment back in August but I declined as I really do not like cross bodies.

At this point I really do not mind buying things I like. I adore my scarves and jewelry, and how I love those loafers. I just do not want to be a person who spends 20K and has nothing to show for I bag wise, if that makes sense.

Im a Hermès newbie but if you’re in the US my guess is that luck/timing played a big role in this situation. I was offered a vert comics pico in August during my first appointment with my SA after I mentioned I liked green. I declined and wish it was offered to you instead of me.

 

[benjinito]

Any advice on if I’m just pre-spending for nothing? I wanted a Picotin. I started in August and have roughly visited my SA once a month in store. I’ve purchased a cashmere scarf, a pair of mini pop H earrings, a twilly, and pair of loafers. I have spent close to the value of a Pico so I’m a bit confused why I have not been offered one? I feel like I have a good relationship with my SA. I’m in Atlanta, so am I a huge fish? Absolutely not. I was told when I made my first purchase I would absolutely have a Pico by Christmas and here we are.. no Pico.

She just mentions whenever I stopped by in she’s working on it still. My only criteria was I did not want anything yellow or orange or pink. I was absolutely okay with neutrals, I would adore a green or blue leather, and preferred phw over ghw but it wasn’t a deal breaker. I really only had a very few hard no’s when I think back on it.

This makes me feel better. Thank you

My partner was hoping the pico could be my Christmas gift, hence why we started in August. She did suggest I start with an Evelyne during my first appointment back in August but I declined as I really do not like cross bodies.

At this point I really do not mind buying things I like. I adore my scarves and jewelry, and how I love those loafers. I just do not want to be a person who spends 20K and has nothing to show for I bag wise, if that makes sense.

When was the last time you saw her and when did the bag last come up in your conversation?

 

[lala_retro]

This makes me feel better. Thank you

My partner was hoping the pico could be my Christmas gift, hence why we started in August. She did suggest I start with an Evelyne during my first appointment back in August but I declined as I really do not like cross bodies.

At this point I really do not mind buying things I like. I adore my scarves and jewelry, and how I love those loafers. I just do not want to be a person who spends 20K and has nothing to show for I bag wise, if that makes sense.

I totally get what you mean. I think this type of sentiment is pretty common among new clients (I agonized over a similar situation myself my first year). The key is only buy what you like, you would be incredibly unhappy if you bought random things for the sole purpose of getting an offer, and then the offer doesn't come.

If your SA suggested an Evelyne that may mean the store had or will be getting stock for Evelyne bags. I don't think picotins have prescribed prespends, because it doesn't require SM approval to offer picotins to clients, it's pretty much up to the discretion of the SA (as far as I understand), so if you feel like you have a solid relationship w/ your SA then it's likely just a lack of stock.

If you really want one for Christmas, just go the preloved route, you can pick the exact condition, color, and HW you like, and there's not really that much of a premium over retail.

 

[addiCCted]

This makes me feel better. Thank you

My partner was hoping the pico could be my Christmas gift, hence why we started in August. She did suggest I start with an Evelyne during my first appointment back in August but I declined as I really do not like cross bodies.

At this point I really do not mind buying things I like. I adore my scarves and jewelry, and how I love those loafers. I just do not want to be a person who spends 20K and has nothing to show for I bag wise, if that makes sense.

Ask for a qb in addition

 

[kerebear]

This makes me feel better. Thank you

My partner was hoping the pico could be my Christmas gift, hence why we started in August. She did suggest I start with an Evelyne during my first appointment back in August but I declined as I really do not like cross bodies.

At this point I really do not mind buying things I like. I adore my scarves and jewelry, and how I love those loafers. I just do not want to be a person who spends 20K and has nothing to show for I bag wise, if that makes sense.

I totally get what you mean. I think this type of sentiment is pretty common among new clients (I agonized over a similar situation myself my first year). The key is only buy what you like, you would be incredibly unhappy if you bought random things for the sole purpose of getting an offer, and then the offer doesn't come.

If your SA suggested an Evelyne that may mean the store had or will be getting stock for Evelyne bags. I don't think picotins have prescribed prespends, because it doesn't require SM approval to offer picotins to clients, it's pretty much up to the discretion of the SA (as far as I understand), so if you feel like you have a solid relationship w/ your SA then it's likely just a lack of stock.

If you really want one for Christmas, just go the preloved route, you can pick the exact condition, color, and HW you like, and there's not really that much of a premium over retail.

+1
I think your SA recommended an Evelyne because stock of them seems to be more readily available vs Picotins.
I have also been having trouble getting a Picotin in my desired specs. My last visit 2 weeks ago my SA said one was available in Bleu Pale but by the time he went back to storeroom it had already been snatched by another SA! Things are very competitive around the holidays!!
I would suggest messaging your SA and checking in and letting them know you are still interested in one before Christmas if possible or if not then before New Years? Or pop into the store this week and try!

 

[880]

There was a discussion in the NY thread about whether to discuss budget constraints with an H SA. I posted a response there, but I realized it would be better in this thread (even if my SA is NY based.
——-
I think it’s hard to generalize about how, when, or if to discuss budget with any SA. Mine have told me that hearing specific financial details makes them feel uncomfortable bc it’s very personal. (I was surprised that clients do this, but apparently they do)

But, my SAs don’t seem to have an issue if I state that I don’t know whether I would be comfortable spending for a matte alligator QB. Or, if I state I would spend X amount on Y item, but not X amount on Z item.

If I didn’t feel comfortable making those kind of statements to my SA, I wouldn’t shop with them.

BTW, plenty of DHs aren’t initially comfortable with H prices, even if they spend much more on homes, cars, art, vacations, furniture, objets etc. (a decorative ceramic bowl without a bottom at Pierre yanakovitch is 54K eu, for example ). So an H SA certainly understands that.

 

[benjinito]

There was a discussion in the NY thread about whether to discuss budget constraints with an H SA. I posted a response there, but I realized it would be better in this thread (even if my SA is NY based.
——-
I think it’s hard to generalize about how, when, or if to discuss budget with any SA. Mine have told me that hearing specific financial details makes them feel uncomfortable bc it’s very personal. (I was surprised that clients do this, but apparently they do)

But, my SAs don’t seem to have an issue if I state that I don’t know whether I would be comfortable spending for a matte alligator QB. Or, if I state I would spend X amount on Y item, but not X amount on Z item.

If I didn’t feel comfortable making those kind of statements to my SA, I wouldn’t shop with them.

BTW, plenty of DHs aren’t initially comfortable with H prices, even if they spend much more on homes, cars, art, vacations, furniture, objets etc. (a decorative ceramic bowl without a bottom at Pierre yanakovitch is 54K eu, for example ). So an H SA certainly understands that.

My two cents - It depends on the context. If they're showing you an item and you're turning it down, then it's helpful to provide the rationale, "I don't like that color", "I don't like how it fits", or "I don't think it's worth it to spend that much on a dog jacket because he'll just get it dirty" That way they learn your preferences and know not to show you the same items in the future.

Bringing it up out of nowhere is TMI, in my opinion. "I'd love to buy XYZ but it's out of my budget" is the type of thing you say to your friends and tPFers, not your SA.

 

[benjinito]

A while ago there was a Youtuber who posted about a disastrous relationship with her Australian SA.... I believe she also brought up budget in her communication (something like "I'm already spending too much for my lifestyle") and we all know how that ended

 

[Love Of My Life]

My two cents - It depends on the context. If they're showing you an item and you're turning it down, then it's helpful to provide the rationale, "I don't like that color", "I don't like how it fits", or "I don't think it's worth it to spend that much on a dog jacket because he'll just get it dirty" That way they learn your preferences and know not to show you the same items in the future.

Bringing it up out of nowhere is TMI, in my opinion. "I'd love to buy XYZ but it's out of my budget" is the type of thing you say to your friends and tPFers, not your SA.

Just think it is important to be candid with your SA, it's respectful & there is nothing assumed
or taken for granted.
While many of us have deep appreciation for the brand, there are just items that may be out of our
realm of reality, doesn't mean we can't still appreciate all the beauty & creativity that H brings.
I'm not sure that I would be discussing an item with my SA when I know what my DH feelings
about it might be, although I don't remember hearing a "NO" when it came to an H purchase
specifically a bag, ready to wear or ties, etc LOL