Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

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

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[momoc]

Remembered another thing; my SA has also told me that they were trained that the bag offers are supposed to be “surprises” and to delight the customers with them but soon enough they realized that doesn’t work out too well in real life. Turns out that some (most?) people don’t actually want to be surprised when they are spending tens of thousands of dollars and my SA had to adapt and change the way they do offers based on what they see their clients act like. This was a while ago; I wonder if H is still trying to teach their new SAs the same

 

[addiCCted]

Remembered another thing; my SA has also told me that they were trained that the bag offers are supposed to be “surprises” and to delight the customers with them but soon enough they realized that doesn’t work out too well in real life. Turns out that some (most?) people don’t actually want to be surprised when they are spending tens of thousands of dollars and my SA had to adapt and change the way they do offers based on what they see their clients act like. This was a while ago; I wonder if H is still trying to teach their new SAs the same

I think it depends on the SA. My SA literally told me she hates being surprised so she never surprises her clients lol

 

[momoc]

I think it depends on the SA. My SA literally told me she hates being surprised so she never surprises her clients lol

I totally agree it depends on SA!

To go on the tangent…in general, I would even wager to say that a particular SA’s style and how well it matches their client’s can make a huge difference when it comes to the H “relationship”. It’s partly why recommending SAs are so difficult to do. My SA works great for me but I don’t know how they would suit someone else…actually as I’m writing this and thinking about it, I suspect a lot of people won’t like my SA at all and would find them too pushy (I on the other hand have no problem saying no or leaving conversations on read lol).

We see some people describe things such as “clicking” with their SA, often that seems to translate to how similar their preferences match up; whether they both like a level of straightforwardness that may be too frank for some others, whether they enjoy chit-chat and gossip or dislike sharing their private life and wants to keep it formal, whether they are open to suggestions or very set on specific details, and so on.

I guess a superstar SA may know how to tailor and work differently with each of their client (perhaps after some initial time period to develop that understanding), but in most cases the SA’s own preferred methods are probably going to be what they fall back on.

 

[880]

Clicking in an SA relationship to me means that the SA understands your aesthetic and knows how to suggest and adapt the product to suit or elevate your taste. I make it very easy for an SA t9 get a quick read on my taste through the clothes I wear and in most cases, showing them favorite outfits in my iPhone photos or equivalent.

Sometimes I need a push to see the light lol. Sometimes, I need space to figure things out. I’ve never had a problem saying no. But, when I say yes, I inspect the item before purchase, and I rarely if ever return.

While I am on good terms with my SAs and like them, i don’t expect to be instant best buddies and get preferential treatment. For the relationship to work, it has to be balanced and enjoyable on both sides.

 

[Bdbunny]

I think it depends on the SA. My SA literally told me she hates being surprised so she never surprises her clients lol

omg I think all my bags have been surprises! Even if they have a bag that I asked for, they don't tell me ahead of time. They always like to "surprise" me when I go in. Sometimes it's a happy surprise, and sometimes.... it's not. 😜

 

[shazzy99]

Remembered another thing; my SA has also told me that they were trained that the bag offers are supposed to be “surprises” and to delight the customers with them but soon enough they realized that doesn’t work out too well in real life. Turns out that some (most?) people don’t actually want to be surprised when they are spending tens of thousands of dollars and my SA had to adapt and change the way they do offers based on what they see their clients act like. This was a while ago; I wonder if H is still trying to teach their new SAs the same

Normally I’m not a fan of surprises either, but when it comes to H, I love surprises
Reason is that my SA knows my tastes so well, now I don’t even ask what it is, as I know it’s going to be something I love and I like the excitement that comes with it. All of the surprises so far have been exactly the things I have mentioned in conversation that I love, so at least I know they are listening.
My SA has also said they won’t “surprise” me with anything that doesn’t fit my style, no point.

 

[jbeans]

My SA is 50/50 on surprises and planned offers. Thinking back... regular QBs have come as surprises during a visit to pick up something else, but special limited edition bags and push offers they'd ask me in advance if I'm interested, if yes then they'd hold it for me until my next visit. I'm guessing the more rare bags they wouldn't want to risk wasting hold time if I end up passing.

 

[lovebirkinbait]

I loathe surprises, and my SA is awesome with transparency. She shows me what’s coming in and asks which I would like! If I’m not in town she will tell me the offers I can choose from via text so I know I’m not hurrying in for something I could possibly decline.

 

[Miss. Nana]

omg I think all my bags have been surprises! Even if they have a bag that I asked for, they don't tell me ahead of time. They always like to "surprise" me when I go in. Sometimes it's a happy surprise, and sometimes.... it's not. 😜

Same here, my sa will ask me when can I stop by, and he will confirm with me a day before my appointment, make sure I will be there. So i kinda know that something is waiting for me

 

[benjinito]

SA has offered her bags she likes several times and she replies right away; yet, SA then tells her the bags were allocated for other clients = Bad faith offers

This SA could just be an idiot I have seen this happen with SAs who aren't very bright and don't necessarily understand how to offer bags (especially non-leather SAs) - they make an offer usually w/o SM approval, and the bag goes to someone else.

My friend shops in Seattle and this is how bag offers are done (at least for her SA). Her SA would text her "hey xyz is available, are you interested". My friend would say yes/no THEN the SA would get manager's approval. Sometimes it gets approved and sometimes it doesn't. My friend is totally fine with it.

 

[QuelleFromage]

My friend shops in Seattle and this is how bag offers are done (at least for her SA). Her SA would text her "hey xyz is available, are you interested". My friend would say yes/no THEN the SA would get manager's approval. Sometimes it gets approved and sometimes it doesn't. My friend is totally fine with it.

It makes sense...most SAs, certainly less senior SAs, are not going to go for approval until/unless they KNOW the client will take the bag

ETA: nm

 

[benjinito]

It makes sense...most SAs, certainly less senior SAs, are not going to go for approval until/unless they KNOW the client will take the bag

ETA: nm

Yup, not sure if I agree with this practice (that’s not how it’s done at my store), but it happens.

@lovebirkinbait - That’s why I wouldn’t immediately jump to the conclusion that your friend’s SA is acting in bad faith.

 

[floridamama]

I have a great relationship with my home store - my husband and I both have our profiles there . I’m currently on vacation and want to try my luck with Hermes. Will my home store sales associate be upset if I shop elsewhere? Especially when I’m so close to probably getting a quota with him?

 

[cravin]

I have a great relationship with my home store - my husband and I both have our profiles there . I’m currently on vacation and want to try my luck with Hermes. Will my home store sales associate be upset if I shop elsewhere? Especially when I’m so close to probably getting a quota with him?

No need to overthink shopping. You’re buying yourself a souvenir. Have fun.

 

[FrenchNewbie]

I have a great relationship with my home store - my husband and I both have our profiles there . I’m currently on vacation and want to try my luck with Hermes. Will my home store sales associate be upset if I shop elsewhere? Especially when I’m so close to probably getting a quota with him?

No, especially if the abroad store has items you cannot get at your home store.
Your SA knows such items/circumstances exist, and he'll be ok with it.

Good luck, and let us know what goodies you find!