Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

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

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[blushnbellinlvoe]

only acquiring a bag may be spending only for that sole purpose

Not sure I agree with this. For a lot of clients, once they get one bag they're then trying to acquire a second... or third... or fourteenth.

Of course every situation is different which is why I requoted myself saying that ‘may’ be the situation. They hope it isn’t a one-off. At the onset though, H just don’t know who the customer is. Time is needed to suss it out. Hence the importance of building the relationship patiently.

Sometimes going the preloved route is the only option especially if the specs desired are so rare or out of production that getting it through the boutique is a lost cause. Or the SA relationship feels toxic, it may be a mentally healthier option to exit the game. It doesn’t make it a ‘less than’ suggestion but rather a realistic one for some. I, like others on tpf, am not here to gate keep a luxury brand(which inherently by definition is exclusive) but rather offer our opinions to help make the journey less angst ridden by describing the landscape so people know what they are dealing with. Knowledge is power. Decide for yourselves. The term ‘H bag worthy’ really only exists in the H world. It has no bearing in the real world - it is not the same as self-worth. H is playing the long game for better or for worse; popular or not. Corporate directives are just that - coming from the top.

H hopes everyone keeps wanting more and more. Absolutely they will dangle that B/k like a carrot. To get subsequent bags, customers will have to spend more and more over time. Whether consciously or not, they will have gradually transformed themselves into a lifestyle client, perhaps if only on paper.

I’m not @blushnbellinlvoe, but what she’s reported has been what I’ve actually heard from SAs and SMs at Madison post Covid as consistent with H corporate philosophy. (Not saying I agree with it; simply that if one understands it, it’s easier to have a relationship with an SA who is first point of contact for the brand)

You are for sure not me haha! I am the one and only . But seriously, I do not work for H at ALL. Just to be clear. Although I would love to be a fly on the wall during their C-level meetings.

topic, I have some sympathy for the SA who wants to consolidate relationships with clients and keep loyal clients happy, but is unable to source the products those clients would like to buy.

.

 

[periogirl28]

Of course every situation is different which is why I requoted myself saying that ‘may’ be the situation. They hope it isn’t a one-off. At the onset though, H just don’t know who the customer is. Time is needed to suss it out. Hence the importance of building the relationship patiently.

Sometimes going the preloved route is the only option especially if the specs desired are so rare or out of production that getting it through the boutique is a lost cause. Or the SA relationship feels toxic, it may be a mentally healthier option to exit the game. It doesn’t make it a ‘less than’ suggestion but rather a realistic one for some. I, like others on tpf, am not here to gate keep a luxury brand(which inherently by definition is exclusive) but rather offer our opinions to help make the journey less angst ridden by describing the landscape so people know what they are dealing with. Knowledge is power. Decide for yourselves. The term ‘H bag worthy’ really only exists in the H world. It has no bearing in the real world - it is not the same as self-worth. H is playing the long game for better or for worse; popular or not. Corporate directives are just that - coming from the top.

H hopes everyone keeps wanting more and more. Absolutely they will dangle that B/k like a carrot. To get subsequent bags, customers will have to spend more and more over time. Whether consciously or not, they will have gradually transformed themselves into a lifestyle client, perhaps if only on paper.



You are for sure not me haha! I am the one and only . But seriously, I do not work for H at ALL. Just to be clear. Although I would love to be a fly on the wall during their C-level meetings.


.

I couldn't agree more with the bolded. Thank you.

 

[Midge Maisel]

H hopes everyone keeps wanting more and more. Absolutely they will dangle that B/k like a carrot. To get subsequent bags, customers will have to spend more and more over time. Whether consciously or not, they will have gradually transformed themselves into a lifestyle client, perhaps if only on paper.

And even if those people eventually move on, H is relying on the fact that someone else is going to want something. I mean, until last year, my only H was stuff I'd been gifted; I didn't start buying until then. So if someone jumped of the H(edonic) Treadmill, no worries, because someone else almost certainly took their "spot."

 

[shopinlovet]

I think it’s important to know which non quota bags you have received. If they were very recent and if they include things such as Kelly Pochette or Constances or even mini Lindy then your effective QB prespend is much lower than the quoted $45k and your expectations may not be reasonable.

As soon as I read mini Lindy, my heart just dropped loll. There goes my pre-spend 🥹🤣 (j/k I know there’s no hard rules but I rather be realistic and accept that it most likely reset my Kelly prespend lol)

 

[cap4life]

Thank you, it is important to know that. I actually got that, a C in exotic, but I was very honest that I would take the C which was a bag I did not request at all to see or buy and I would only take it if it would not impair chances of getting what I wanted. I was very kind and polite about it, but I made it very clear. Then I heard from a friend the exotic NQs in her opinion are used to test how much one can spend and that they don’t sell as easily. I had been offered another exotic bag at the same store and another associate was upset with me that I didn’t take it (even if I didn’t ask for that bag and she was very pushy about it), so I honestly thought I had to take the bag. I heard a few people with no prespend had NQ exotics offered to them. It had happened to me outside the US as well.

As someone with two exotic NQs (the first I got from the sales floors, the other one offered) I do think it’s used to gauge how much you can spend. I don’t think it’s a concession piece. It signals to Hermès that:
1. You value the brand’s pieces for their aesthetic value, not their resale value.
2. You’re a customer with higher long term value as you have the money to spend.
3. You like exotics which puts you in a different (more favorable) category of clients.
I’m telling you from experience that having an exotic NQ can be used as leverage to get QBs especially while traveling. If you actually like exotics, exotic NQs are worth getting. If your main goal is to maximize QB offers while minimizing pre spend then no, they’re not worth it.

 

[Mrs.Hermess]

As someone with two exotic NQs (the first I got from the sales floors, the other one offered) I do think it’s used to gauge how much you can spend. I don’t think it’s a concession piece. It signals to Hermès that:
1. You value the brand’s pieces for their aesthetic value, not their resale value.
2. You’re a customer with higher long term value as you have the money to spend.
3. You like exotics which puts you in a different (more favorable) category of clients.
I’m telling you from experience that having an exotic NQ can be used as leverage to get QBs especially while traveling. If you actually like exotics, exotic NQs are worth getting. If your main goal is to maximize QB offers while minimizing pre spend then no, they’re not worth it.

💯 Your comments are on point!
From my experience:
1. Offered quota exotic and accepted bc I loved the exotic bag ❤️ (b 25)
2. One to two weeks later - offered SO everything! Bag, shoes, more made to measure clothing
3. Over a year later - I am still offered the coveted goodies qb mini everything (passing on 20 and 25) and are repeatedly told just to ask when I want one

I believe I was gauged for brand loyalty and sm wanted to know my spending ceiling. I also know for a fact — literally was casually informed that my profile is what H is interested in for a long term client bc H googled us. H wants clients at all spending levels. From the makeup and scarf client- to the sofa and horizon furniture vip. It all matters and counts, but if you purchase a nq exotic, you are absolutely top of mind at H (if you purchase it bc you love it not to resell). Oh and last but not least- they know who resells, they know who buys other items just for quota bags- and H will take advantage of this to sell more more more.

 

[FrenchNewbie]

As someone with two exotic NQs (the first I got from the sales floors, the other one offered) I do think it’s used to gauge how much you can spend. I don’t think it’s a concession piece. It signals to Hermès that:
1. You value the brand’s pieces for their aesthetic value, not their resale value.
2. You’re a customer with higher long term value as you have the money to spend.
3. You like exotics which puts you in a different (more favorable) category of clients.
I’m telling you from experience that having an exotic NQ can be used as leverage to get QBs especially while traveling. If you actually like exotics, exotic NQs are worth getting. If your main goal is to maximize QB offers while minimizing pre spend then no, they’re not worth it.

💯 Your comments are on point!
From my experience:
1. Offered quota exotic and accepted bc I loved the exotic bag ❤️ (b 25)
2. One to two weeks later - offered SO everything! Bag, shoes, more made to measure clothing
3. Over a year later - I am still offered the coveted goodies qb mini everything (passing on 20 and 25) and are repeatedly told just to ask when I want one

I believe I was gauged for brand loyalty and sm wanted to know my spending ceiling. I also know for a fact — literally was casually informed that my profile is what H is interested in for a long term client bc H googled us. H wants clients at all spending levels. From the makeup and scarf client- to the sofa and horizon furniture vip. It all matters and counts, but if you purchase a nq exotic, you are absolutely top of mind at H (if you purchase it bc you love it not to resell). Oh and last but not least- they know who resells, they know who buys other items just for quota bags- and H will take advantage of this to sell more more more.

Question for you both: in each of these situations, did you previously & explicity express interest in (or request) an exotic? Or did your SA randomly, out of the blue, offer you an exotic QB/non-QB?

Did you already have a high pre-spend and long relationship with your SA? Or was your pre-spend low and/or you hadn't been with your SA long?

Just trying to understand the backstory and the datapoints, to see how it would apply to the average customer.

 

[papertiger]

Yes and no, because it is really up to the individual clients. No one gets to tell whether someone is for or not for shopping at H. I was pretty annoyed when my SA suggested a watch by H. (Srsly, with the same budget, I would rather get it from Patek Philippe or some other bands.) H doesn't have to be good at everything, even if they try to be.

And for RTWs, individual clients have different tastes and the tastes vary a lot. So, there is really no reason that clients would "only" buy RTW from H. (For example, I am not impressed when someone wears RTW from H because it's not Loro Piana anyway.)

For a bag? Unfortunately, there is no substitute that can beat QBs from H. That's why people want it so bad because of its exclusivity. You keep saying that you don't need QBs, but that's because you already have enough bags from H that you don't really need one.

Addendum: I was not saying H is bad in departments other than the leather one. I am just trying to say that there are many other comparable brands for items from non-leather departments, especially for RTW, watches, and jewelry.

Mostly agreed, but not all amazing bags by H are QBs.

 

[lynn ph]

Question for you both: in each of these situations, did you previously & explicity express interest in (or request) an exotic? Or did your SA randomly, out of the blue, offer you an exotic QB/non-QB?

Did you already have a high pre-spend and long relationship with your SA? Or was your pre-spend low and/or you hadn't been with your SA long?

Just trying to understand the backstory and the datapoints, to see how it would apply to the average customer.

I just speak for myself that my sa offered it to me and I liked and got it when I saw. I love the exotic leather it looks so elegant, but of course it s expensive. I prefer exotic leather but if I can afford it.

 

[papertiger]

So I have to chime in that I do exist .I don’t want a QB. My SA knows I am completely revamping my wardrobe and I am not exclusive to Hermes when searching for designer basics. But when I do shop H, it is with her. I do not have a wishlist of any leather bag in place - zero, nada. Incredulous to a lot of people here but it’s true. I have been a longtime ‘fashionista’, especially in my 20s. but just recently looking into more conservative quality pieces. Leather goods really is not my main focus these days. I know when it is slow in the store because she will voluntarily reach out to me out of the blue to show me new RTW pieces that I may be interested in. I also need to travel in to see her so she knows not to waste my time if my size is not in stock. I also respect her time. Granted I haven’t plopped down anywhere close to 100,000 dollars (perhaps by the end of my life) but I think she appreciates my loyalty, consistency and potential longevity as a customer. My relationship with my SA has been slow but very organic. From H’s point of view, it may be a concern that once someone gets their QB then they are gone.

Funny, I see “Maintaining a H relationship “ really is a lot like actual dating in so many ways.

We all know of a friend(s) in unhealthy relationships who:
-has been love bombed/ghosted (wooed heavily then once into bed gone/ once married lets their selfcare go/ heavy prespend then gone after qb),
-has given ultimatums (the ring/qb or else I leave, it’s over we are done!),
-feelings of resentment ( I have given up my career/prespend for you/H )
-feelings of entitlement (I deserve a ring/qb now),
-feeling excluded (everyone is married/offered qb why not me?),
-clock ticking (we’ve been dating/waiting for qb for years….produce a baby/qb now)
-power/control (you are my bf/sa now why won’t you answer my 25 missed calls… were in a meeting/busy with a client but don’t you know who I am?..…) etc….

Please don’t take my comments too seriously or be offended. It is not a judgement nor is this directed at anyone specifically. Just my humble observations over 600 pages in this thread and my general take on the overall H game.

I would agree.

What we're really talking about is a power dynamic between what should be two equally powerful people that are both ambitious for themselves.

A good partner, like a good SA, should want to create a great team where you're both playing on the same side and both get what they want equally.

I think where the analogy falls down for me is that one pays and the other gets paid. I suppose, if someone has a negligent/'abusive' SA it turns into a dominatrix/mistress type relationship where the client feels like they didn't sign-up for that kinda thing. Conversely, the SA may disengage if s/he feels like s/he is being played/being taken advantage of.

Ultimately, in the H-relationship game, the SA has the final say in terms of power, unless the client realises their own (take their money/loyalty elsewhere).

 

[cap4life]

💯 Your comments are on point!
From my experience:
1. Offered quota exotic and accepted bc I loved the exotic bag ❤️ (b 25)
2. One to two weeks later - offered SO everything! Bag, shoes, more made to measure clothing
3. Over a year later - I am still offered the coveted goodies qb mini everything (passing on 20 and 25) and are repeatedly told just to ask when I want one

I believe I was gauged for brand loyalty and sm wanted to know my spending ceiling. I also know for a fact — literally was casually informed that my profile is what H is interested in for a long term client bc H googled us. H wants clients at all spending levels. From the makeup and scarf client- to the sofa and horizon furniture vip. It all matters and counts, but if you purchase a nq exotic, you are absolutely top of mind at H (if you purchase it bc you love it not to resell). Oh and last but not least- they know who resells, they know who buys other items just for quota bags- and H will take advantage of this to sell more more more.

Thank you for validating this point and sharing your experience! It very much is a test of spending limit and brand loyalty. But there’s a major upside in how H views the customer. I swear once I got my first exotic NQ, I was treated differently. Not that I was treated badly before but it was as if everyone at H was more deferent and more observant. And the same is true for an exotic QB.

Going in with an alligator constance and with my normal buying patterns (jewelry and RTW mostly), I’ve gotten offers at Sevrès and Madison and my own home store (SF) after nearly a year of not shopping there (didn’t have the best SA). Having the exotic piece signals that you can and will spend on things that you like and that it’s the SAs job to help you find things that you like (for example, a QB 🙂)

Why did H google you?

 

[periogirl28]

I would agree.

What we're really talking about is a power dynamic between what should be two equally powerful people that are both ambitious for themselves.

A good partner, like a good SA, should want to create a great team where you're both playing on the same side and both get what they want equally.

I think where the analogy falls down for me is that one pays and the other gets paid. I suppose, if someone has a negligent/'abusive' SA it turns into a dominatrix/mistress type relationship where the client feels like they didn't sign-up for that kinda relationship. Conversely, the SA may disengage if s/he feels like s/he is being played/being taken advantage of.

Ultimately, in the H-relationship game, the SA has the final say in terms of power, unless the client realises their own (take their money/loyalty elsewhere).

⬆️ Good post, esp bolded. Which is why I said long ago if the client feels they are in a toxic relationship, they should run. As fast and as far away from their H store/ SA/ SM as possible.

 

[blushnbellinlvoe]

one pays and the other gets paid

Money is truly at the centre of it all!

a dominatrix/mistress type relationship

Hence the influences as seen on the runway this morning ha!

I can’t help being facetious at times yet I humbly am grateful that I don’t rely on my comedic talents for a living.

 

[Zepbonded]

Need the members help for my current situation:

I have spent $35k in the last 3 months with my SA. In that time, I have been purchased a Birkin Shadow Clutch and a Della Cavalleria Elan which are both included in the total. The rest has gone for jewelry, shoes, etc.

I am waiting for a Birkin or Kelly in 25/28. Can someone give me a sense of where I stand in terms of my prespend ratio? Have I met it? Should I be more aggressive in asking for my QB?

 

[cap4life]

Question for you both: in each of these situations, did you previously & explicity express interest in (or request) an exotic? Or did your SA randomly, out of the blue, offer you an exotic QB/non-QB?

Did you already have a high pre-spend and long relationship with your SA? Or was your pre-spend low and/or you hadn't been with your SA long?

Just trying to understand the backstory and the datapoints, to see how it would apply to the average customer.

Fair questions. I had explicitly asked for ostrich kellys previously and had been offered an ostrich Kelly that I then purchased. I had not asked for alligator or croc anything but have always liked exotics.

My prespend at the time of getting the ostrich Kelly was 1.2:1 but keep in mind that’s with an ostrich Kelly 28 (on my wishlist). Absolute pre spend was higher than most clients. I think I’d been with that SA for 7 months.

Getting an exotic NQ as leverage to get a QB only works if you actually like exotics and are willing to spend on them. If an SA offers you an exotic (NQ or QB) where you haven’t expressed interest in one before and haven’t outright rejected the idea of accepting an exotic, it’s a test of your spending max and brand loyalty. If you pass the test (i.e buy the bag), you will net out favorably at H. It will get you more offers, more chances for an SO, more invites to events even with a bit less prespend than before.