Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

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

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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.

 

[Crapples]

Hi all. I’ve been shopping with my US SA since Q1 of 2022. My first introduction, I was offered a Picotin. When my SA later asked for my wishlist, I gave MK as my option for my first QB—risky, I know. The SA signaled that it would be difficult, and a long wait, but not impossible to get a MK. (I’m curious if this is a company line).

Fast-forward to today. I have not been offered any bags but have been in the store at least once a month since July 2023 and have spend in a wide range of categories. I’d guess a 2:1 spend ratio to the MK?

Here’s the gut punch: My SA messaged a month ago that they would be leaving the store and directed me to a new sales associate. The new sales associate is LOVELY. When they asked for my wishlist, I gave the inevitable “I know this is a very difficult bag to get…”. They responded that a MK was not as hard to get as I would think, and that many people in this particular store turn MK down for how tiny they are.

This is long winded, but my question for you guys is this: Is all of my spend since 2022 out the window for a mini Kelly since my previous SA left? Or should I hold out some hope since the new SA made it seem not as difficult as I imagined?

Thanks in advance!

I hate to say it but probably. I started around the same time you did (after a longer history with another non-NYC store) and it took me 20 months to get my K25. Your spend across that much time isn’t super competitive either.

Now for the caveated positives. Bigger bags are starting to trend and H likely increased their MKII production in response to the massive demand so it may get a little easier (positive). But unless your new SA is brand new, s/he has existing clients ahead of you. Really lovely that the SA seems willing to engage, but want to level set with what I think is the reality of the situation.

 

[fashionE7]

Hi all. I’ve been shopping with my US SA since Q1 of 2022. My first introduction, I was offered a Picotin. When my SA later asked for my wishlist, I gave MK as my option for my first QB—risky, I know. The SA signaled that it would be difficult, and a long wait, but not impossible to get a MK. (I’m curious if this is a company line).

Fast-forward to today. I have not been offered any bags but have been in the store at least once a month since July 2023 and have spend in a wide range of categories. I’d guess a 2:1 spend ratio to the MK?

Here’s the gut punch: My SA messaged a month ago that they would be leaving the store and directed me to a new sales associate. The new sales associate is LOVELY. When they asked for my wishlist, I gave the inevitable “I know this is a very difficult bag to get…”. They responded that a MK was not as hard to get as I would think, and that many people in this particular store turn MK down for how tiny they are.

This is long winded, but my question for you guys is this: Is all of my spend since 2022 out the window for a mini Kelly since my previous SA left? Or should I hold out some hope since the new SA made it seem not as difficult as I imagined?

Thanks in advance!

From what I have read on TPF, I do not think that it is "completely out the window"... It seems that there is significance to both the relationship to the store and the relationship to the SA.

When you have both, of course it is best case scenario... But I know for myself, for example, I was with my SA at one NYC location with about 1:1 and she moved to another. Once I got to the other, I spent only another .6 or .7 over a few months and she gave me a very classic and coveted K25.

I think once this SA advocates for you, the store will see your profile and approve

 

[addiCCted]

Hi all. I’ve been shopping with my US SA since Q1 of 2022. My first introduction, I was offered a Picotin. When my SA later asked for my wishlist, I gave MK as my option for my first QB—risky, I know. The SA signaled that it would be difficult, and a long wait, but not impossible to get a MK. (I’m curious if this is a company line).

Fast-forward to today. I have not been offered any bags but have been in the store at least once a month since July 2023 and have spend in a wide range of categories. I’d guess a 2:1 spend ratio to the MK?

Here’s the gut punch: My SA messaged a month ago that they would be leaving the store and directed me to a new sales associate. The new sales associate is LOVELY. When they asked for my wishlist, I gave the inevitable “I know this is a very difficult bag to get…”. They responded that a MK was not as hard to get as I would think, and that many people in this particular store turn MK down for how tiny they are.

This is long winded, but my question for you guys is this: Is all of my spend since 2022 out the window for a mini Kelly since my previous SA left? Or should I hold out some hope since the new SA made it seem not as difficult as I imagined?

Thanks in advance!

I dont think all the spend is out the window but you do have to spend a little more with your new SA to establish a rapport and also so she remembers you right?

 

[QuelleFromage]

Hi all. I’ve been shopping with my US SA since Q1 of 2022. My first introduction, I was offered a Picotin. When my SA later asked for my wishlist, I gave MK as my option for my first QB—risky, I know. The SA signaled that it would be difficult, and a long wait, but not impossible to get a MK. (I’m curious if this is a company line).

Fast-forward to today. I have not been offered any bags but have been in the store at least once a month since July 2023 and have spend in a wide range of categories. I’d guess a 2:1 spend ratio to the MK?

Here’s the gut punch: My SA messaged a month ago that they would be leaving the store and directed me to a new sales associate. The new sales associate is LOVELY. When they asked for my wishlist, I gave the inevitable “I know this is a very difficult bag to get…”. They responded that a MK was not as hard to get as I would think, and that many people in this particular store turn MK down for how tiny they are.

This is long winded, but my question for you guys is this: Is all of my spend since 2022 out the window for a mini Kelly since my previous SA left? Or should I hold out some hope since the new SA made it seem not as difficult as I imagined?

Thanks in advance!

This is dependent on store (although I'm expecting you to get a windfall of people telling you an MK is a 5:1 spend ).

Overall, though, no, this is not that big a deal. Having an SA leave is generally less difficult than changing SAs, and of course your spend stays with the store. Sounds like you got a very nice new SA, and if they think they can get you a mini K, then it's possible. They *may* be dangling a carrot to get you to spend more with them, but most SAs are pretty truthful.
Is your "2:1" spend (~$20K, basically?) since January '22 or since July '23?

 

[katkayrgb]

This is dependent on store (although I'm expecting you to get a windfall of people telling you an MK is a 5:1 spend ).

Overall, though, no, this is not that big a deal. Having an SA leave is generally less difficult than changing SAs, and of course your spend stays with the store. Sounds like you got a very nice new SA, and if they think they can get you a mini K, then it's possible. They *may* be dangling a carrot to get you to spend more with them, but most SAs are pretty truthful.
Is your "2:1" spend (~$20K, basically?) since January '22 or since July '23?

I appreciate everyone’s thoughtful and helpful feedback! Thank you. My estimate of 2:1 is since February of 2022. I realize it isn’t very much (at all) in comparison to others spend—especially for a MKII!

 

[Bdbunny]

And I have his personal cell. But I would never use it to ask him to source things for me or cause he didn't respond to me on his business phone. I respect him and value our relationship too much for that nonsense.

Quoting you in this thread to avoid going OT… but yeah I have my SA’s personal cell too! And totally agree- I would NEVER text him anything work related! In fact I rarely even text him at that # because I don’t want to bother him when he’s off. Only cute vacation pics or funny random stuff… what about you? Not really sure why he gave it to me… another SA told me they’re not allowed to socialize with clients outside of work so I also don’t want to get him in trouble.

 

[fabdiva]

Quoting you in this thread to avoid going OT… but yeah I have my SA’s personal cell too! And totally agree- I would NEVER text him anything work related! In fact I rarely even text him at that # because I don’t want to bother him when he’s off. Only cute vacation pics or funny random stuff… what about you? Not really sure why he gave it to me… another SA told me they’re not allowed to socialize with clients outside of work so I also don’t want to get him in trouble.

Same. I rarely text him because you are right, they aren't allowed to socialize with clients. And it's never a text about Hermes business, just silly stuff or if I know he's looking for an item and I see it on sale. I usually will include him in a group chat with his husband who is my Dior SA. I don't want him to get in trouble! Hermes is weird about that.

 

[smoothsailor]

If the SA gave a personal cell number, I expect it is ok to talk shop over the number.

I think it’s easier for them because somehow it appear to me that it’s not convenient for them to talk about stock levels over company cell.

But of course, they are more willing to talk to customers who are understanding and reasonable.

 

[missBV]

Quoting you in this thread to avoid going OT… but yeah I have my SA’s personal cell too! And totally agree- I would NEVER text him anything work related! In fact I rarely even text him at that # because I don’t want to bother him when he’s off. Only cute vacation pics or funny random stuff… what about you? Not really sure why he gave it to me… another SA told me they’re not allowed to socialize with clients outside of work so I also don’t want to get him in trouble.

I only want to keep the relationship professional, especially when I am not good with small talks. I know someone who text her SA on her private numbers and they engage in girl talks like BGR. Cute but not me ... and you are right about getting the SA into trouble,

 

[Luvmyfamily]

Actually, I thought it's nice if my SA will engage in at least some small talk with me... My SA is always polite but is extremely sales-driven. From the moment I step in, it will be recommending one thing after another or asking 'anything else' non-stop. No tea and snacks for me so that I can sit down and rest a while, to chat with my SA. Just asking me about items, one after another.. Frankly, I'm starting to get a bit drained by this, but it don't seems serious enough to change my SA, albeit my pre-spend also seems higher than what I've seen in my country's forum.

 

[ArielS]

One time I was trying on boots. The 38 was too small the 39 too large…both not comfy. The SA kept giving me all these wacky suggestions of things I could do to “make” them work (wear two pairs of socks! Stretch them out with newspaper!) until finally I looked up and said “Or, I could just find other boots that actually fit me at another store.” She was astonished.

The SA should order you 38.5 if you really want the shoes!
This got me thinking if it was Hermes who spoiled us with their beautiful products or us customers who would buy anything to please the SA.

I have re-discovered the preloved market (not for Hermes. I don't believe in paying over retail for anything!). I have gotten so many good deals in 2023. I only purchased 4 bags in 2023. Only 1 was new. I get such a thrill over scoring an epic deal.

I too re-considering the preloved market. Many things are at much better prices including some big H bags. Would you mind sharing what you got and who you trusted seller is?

 

[jbeans]

Quoting you in this thread to avoid going OT… but yeah I have my SA’s personal cell too! And totally agree- I would NEVER text him anything work related! In fact I rarely even text him at that # because I don’t want to bother him when he’s off. Only cute vacation pics or funny random stuff… what about you? Not really sure why he gave it to me… another SA told me they’re not allowed to socialize with clients outside of work so I also don’t want to get him in trouble.

Same. I rarely text him because you are right, they aren't allowed to socialize with clients. And it's never a text about Hermes business, just silly stuff or if I know he's looking for an item and I see it on sale. I usually will include him in a group chat with his husband who is my Dior SA. I don't want him to get in trouble! Hermes is weird about that.

I try to separate business from personal when I text my SA on their personal vs their work phone, but they're always texting me from their personal phone even with H stock updates lol! I think it's just easier for them sometimes to use their personal phone, instead of wading through 1000s of text messages on their work phone to get to mine. One time they just said I can't get to my work phone right now, and just text via their personal on things I wanted. I felt bad initially, but now I'm used to it and just use their personal.

(But of course I only text H requests during their work hours. Silly/personal stuff on their off days.)

 

[gourmet]

Actually, I thought it's nice if my SA will engage in at least some small talk with me... My SA is always polite but is extremely sales-driven. From the moment I step in, it will be recommending one thing after another or asking 'anything else' non-stop. No tea and snacks for me so that I can sit down and rest a while, to chat with my SA. Just asking me about items, one after another.. Frankly, I'm starting to get a bit drained by this, but it don't seems serious enough to change my SA, albeit my pre-spend also seems higher than what I've seen in my country's forum.

Yes I feel the same way as well. My SA has zero small talk, doesn’t even ask about my family or how my holidays are.. It doesn’t feel like a luxury shopping experience at all and it’s a little disappointing

 

[Crapples]

DMed you

Would you DM me as well. This is wild and I’m so sorry for this treatment. On the one hand I’m glad she’s so transparent with you but this is wild.

 

[addiCCted]

Actually, I thought it's nice if my SA will engage in at least some small talk with me... My SA is always polite but is extremely sales-driven. From the moment I step in, it will be recommending one thing after another or asking 'anything else' non-stop. No tea and snacks for me so that I can sit down and rest a while, to chat with my SA. Just asking me about items, one after another.. Frankly, I'm starting to get a bit drained by this, but it don't seems serious enough to change my SA, albeit my pre-spend also seems higher than what I've seen in my country's forum.

Some people just aren’t into small talk I suppose. I think in their mind they don’t want to waste your time.

Have you tried to engage them in small talk? Like ask them how their family is? What are they doing for the upcoming holidays etc etc. how do they respond? Do they just answer and then move on or do they reciprocate? If not then I just don t think they’re into small talk. Guess you have to then decide if that’s big enough deal breaker to change.