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.

 

[hbr]

I moved to another City and my H home store is ~250 miles away now, I try to visit every 1.5-2 months. I typically have 2-3 items in mind, so I will always end up buying something. I never tried "phone transactions" as I simply enjoy coming to the store.

That said, being remote may be a challenge if you are looking for coveted items or if your order is delivered to the store and you need to pick it up within X days. I've been with my SA for one year now and eventually, our relationship evolved from "Sorry no Chypre available" to "It would be hard to hold a pair for you if you can't pick up the same day" to me getting a pair in the exact color I wanted on one of my visits

When I last visited the store a few weeks back, we spoke about my QB wish and my SA was like "When are you coming back", I told her I am in town every X weeks, but can arrange a travel if /when my wishlist item becomes available in the interim.

Thank you! My new store requires a flight and I don't think I'll be able to get there more than twice a year but my son also goes to school in the state so making trips is easy and a good excuse

I did tell my new SA that making a trip to come pick up any item isn't a problem bc he did specifically ask about my ability to make a trip out there if needed. My understanding is that if he has the item in store he can ship it to me (except for leather goods) so I'm hoping this will work to my advantage.

 

[peppiness76]

My home store is a flight away and I usually go in person 2-3 times a year, with a few phone purchases in between. I've been eying the squelette watch for my husband for a while and want to finally get it for him this year. I would normally make a trip and do it in person but I'm pregnant and will not be traveling for a few months. The watch is 10k and I would love a QB offer later this year when I can make it out there. Is the watch okay to order via phone aka will it count the same towards my prespend? I pretty much don't have a choice since I can't travel and I do a significant amount of my orders via text anyway. My SA is wonderful and has gotten me some amazing bags and other pieces in the past. Would you order other items instead? Thanks for the input!

 

[FrenchNewbie]

My home store is a flight away and I usually go in person 2-3 times a year, with a few phone purchases in between. I've been eying the squelette watch for my husband for a while and want to finally get it for him this year. I would normally make a trip and do it in person but I'm pregnant and will not be traveling for a few months. The watch is 10k and I would love a QB offer later this year when I can make it out there. Is the watch okay to order via phone aka will it count the same towards my prespend? I pretty much don't have a choice since I can't travel and I do a significant amount of my orders via text anyway. My SA is wonderful and has gotten me some amazing bags and other pieces in the past. Would you order other items instead? Thanks for the input!

Yes, as long as it is rang up by your SA/your store--then it will count towards your pre-spend (even if they have to charge-send it from another store). They can easily ship directly to you.

 

[QuelleFromage]

My home store is a flight away and I usually go in person 2-3 times a year, with a few phone purchases in between. I've been eying the squelette watch for my husband for a while and want to finally get it for him this year. I would normally make a trip and do it in person but I'm pregnant and will not be traveling for a few months. The watch is 10k and I would love a QB offer later this year when I can make it out there. Is the watch okay to order via phone aka will it count the same towards my prespend? I pretty much don't have a choice since I can't travel and I do a significant amount of my orders via text anyway. My SA is wonderful and has gotten me some amazing bags and other pieces in the past. Would you order other items instead? Thanks for the input!

Yes, it is completely fine. Just ensure you do it through your SA.

Almost all my US shopping is charge-send and half of it is sent across the country, and it all counts. It's nice to be able to connect in-person, but for a long-term relationship, SAs kinda don't mind the easy sales either

 

[storytotell]

Would anyone be able to share insights into how QB approval and allocation work? Would an SA have a limit they can offer per year/month/etc. and then each SA would review their clients' roster and seek SM's approval? Do SA see that QB shipment is coming? Would an SA actually know when a QB can be offered? Trying to understand how someone's wishlist materializes

 

[acrowcounted]

Would anyone be able to share insights into how QB approval and allocation work? Would an SA have a limit they can offer per year/month/etc. and then each SA would review their clients' roster and seek SM's approval? Do SA see that QB shipment is coming? Would an SA actually know when a QB can be offered? Trying to understand how someone's wishlist materializes

There is no set way. It varies by store and store management. Generally speaking, the SM can see what’s coming in a delivery about a week before it arrives. Then they either divy up the coveted items between SAs based on whatever metrics (which SA got which bag last time, best selling SA, SA won a competition, SA hasn’t got a LE bag recently, etc) or they just have a free for all and any SA that wants a specific bag for a specific client presents the clients name to the SM with rationale. Even if the bags go directly to a specific SA, the SA still needs to make the case for a client to the SM before the offer can be made by the SA. Once the SM approves a client, the SA can make the offer.

 

[stardustmd]

There is no set way. It varies by store and store management. Generally speaking, the SM can see what’s coming in a delivery about a week before it arrives. Then they either divy up the coveted items between SAs based on whatever metrics (which SA got which bag last time, best selling SA, SA won a competition, SA hasn’t got a LE bag recently, etc) or they just have a free for all and any SA that wants a specific bag for a specific client presents the clients name to the SM with rationale. Even if the bags go directly to a specific SA, the SA still needs to make the case for a client to the SM before the offer can be made by the SA. Once the SM approves a client, the SA can make the offer.

If my SA asks would you be interested in X color during my appt for a bag that’s been on my wishlist for months on end. Tells me to sleep on it and next day I say yes I’m interested.. get no response and when I ask for an update days later and says there are no updates. What just happened?

A. It was just to gauge interest in color
B. Bag was available but no longer available/SM not approved
C. Bag may be delivered soon but not yet
D. Some other reason

 

[acrowcounted]

If my SA asks would you be interested in X color during my appt for a bag that’s been on my wishlist for months on end. Tells me to sleep on it and next day I say yes I’m interested.. get no response and when I ask for an update days later and says there are no updates. What just happened?

A. It was just to gauge interest in color
B. Bag was available but no longer available/SM not approved
C. Bag may be delivered soon but not yet
D. Some other reason

Could be any of these reasons. The fact that she didn’t make you reply immediately suggests to me that it was probably A or C and if another week goes by without an offer, it was probably A (or a C that turned into B). Next time, I would probably just be candid and coyly ask “wow yes I love rose Sakura! Why? do you see one coming soon?” Or “wow, yes, do you think that’s a possibility for me?” (in person conversation only). Also, your initial hesitation could have just been taken as a “no” or at least a “well clearly she’s not super psyched about it so I’m not going to bother fighting for it”

 

[Kimchoi12]

I wasn't sure where to post this but I think it could be appropriate for this thread as ultimately, it involves my relationship with my SA.

I have a really close childhood family friend (with multiple mutual close friends) who has been struggling to find a "good and attentive" SA at H in NYC (his hometown). He knows I have an amazing relationship with my SA who goes above and beyond to help me. He recently came to visit and asked if he can come with me to visit the H store so he can finally purchase an SLG he has been trying to get in NY.

Long story short, he bought the combo he was looking for with my SA (with me present). But it was such an embarrassing shopping experience for me because he was so passive aggressive - complaining about his previous H experiences in NY, commenting that he wishes all H SAs were like her, asking her if she'll ever move to NY, etc. I'm just glad he didn't ask for a bag..

To be honest, I didn't realize how high maintenance and mean he was when it comes to shopping until this experience. He seems to have it in his mind that SAs should always make the customer happy and doesn't think twice about wasting their time (asking to see multiple colors, styles, different products and would walk away empty handed just because they didn't friendly greet him out of spite) and this is apparently what he was doing at the H stores in NYC.

Even though he told me he just wanted the card wallet and this was a one-time thing, he asked for my SA's business card and asked if he can shop with her exclusively going forward at check out. She told him shopping virtually isn't as fun as shopping in person and to give the NY boutiques another chance.

My SA texted me later that day to chat about other non H topics like nothing happened so I'm hoping it did not negatively impact my relationship with my SA.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is it OK to feel upset about this experience? I feel like I've been taken advantage of. Am I overreacting? Are folks normally private about their SAs and shopping experience even with friends and family?

 

[Tina_Bina]

I wasn't sure where to post this but I think it could be appropriate for this thread as ultimately, it involves my relationship with my SA.

I have a really close childhood family friend (with multiple mutual close friends) who has been struggling to find a "good and attentive" SA at H in NYC (his hometown). He knows I have an amazing relationship with my SA who goes above and beyond to help me. He recently came to visit and asked if he can come with me to visit the H store so he can finally purchase an SLG he has been trying to get in NY.

Long story short, he bought the combo he was looking for with my SA (with me present). But it was such an embarrassing shopping experience for me because he was so passive aggressive - complaining about his previous H experiences in NY, commenting that he wishes all H SAs were like her, asking her if she'll ever move to NY, etc. I'm just glad he didn't ask for a bag..

To be honest, I didn't realize how high maintenance and mean he was when it comes to shopping until this experience. He seems to have it in his mind that SAs should always make the customer happy and doesn't think twice about wasting their time (asking to see multiple colors, styles, different products and would walk away empty handed just because they didn't friendly greet him out of spite) and this is apparently what he was doing at the H stores in NYC.

Even though he told me he just wanted the card wallet and this was a one-time thing, he asked for my SA's business card and asked if he can shop with her exclusively going forward at check out. She told him shopping virtually isn't as fun as shopping in person and to give the NY boutiques another chance.

My SA texted me later that day to chat about other non H topics like nothing happened so I'm hoping it did not negatively impact my relationship with my SA.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is it OK to feel upset about this experience? I feel like I've been taken advantage of. Am I overreacting? Are folks normally private about their SAs and shopping experience even with friends and family?

Yes your feelings are valid. You know for next time not to go shopping with this person. If it helps you feel better, you can always apologize on behalf of your friend to your SA and leave it at that

 

[acrowcounted]

I wasn't sure where to post this but I think it could be appropriate for this thread as ultimately, it involves my relationship with my SA.

I have a really close childhood family friend (with multiple mutual close friends) who has been struggling to find a "good and attentive" SA at H in NYC (his hometown). He knows I have an amazing relationship with my SA who goes above and beyond to help me. He recently came to visit and asked if he can come with me to visit the H store so he can finally purchase an SLG he has been trying to get in NY.

Long story short, he bought the combo he was looking for with my SA (with me present). But it was such an embarrassing shopping experience for me because he was so passive aggressive - complaining about his previous H experiences in NY, commenting that he wishes all H SAs were like her, asking her if she'll ever move to NY, etc. I'm just glad he didn't ask for a bag..

To be honest, I didn't realize how high maintenance and mean he was when it comes to shopping until this experience. He seems to have it in his mind that SAs should always make the customer happy and doesn't think twice about wasting their time (asking to see multiple colors, styles, different products and would walk away empty handed just because they didn't friendly greet him out of spite) and this is apparently what he was doing at the H stores in NYC.

Even though he told me he just wanted the card wallet and this was a one-time thing, he asked for my SA's business card and asked if he can shop with her exclusively going forward at check out. She told him shopping virtually isn't as fun as shopping in person and to give the NY boutiques another chance.

My SA texted me later that day to chat about other non H topics like nothing happened so I'm hoping it did not negatively impact my relationship with my SA.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is it OK to feel upset about this experience? I feel like I've been taken advantage of. Am I overreacting? Are folks normally private about their SAs and shopping experience even with friends and family?

I would feel upset with my friend and embarrassed as well. I agree that I would apologize to the SA (not in a way that suggests you did anything wrong but more just explaining that you think they were rude and sorry for putting SA through that). And to you friend I would tell them either the truth, or if you want to keep the friendship I would just tell them that your SA said they aren’t taking on any new clients and asked you not to spread around here contact info.

 

[Kimchoi12]

Yes your feelings are valid. You know for next time not to go shopping with this person. If it helps you feel better, you can always apologize on behalf of your friend to your SA and leave it at that

I would feel upset with my friend and embarrassed as well. I agree that I would apologize to the SA (not in a way that suggests you did anything wrong but more just explaining that you think they were rude and sorry for putting SA through that). And to you friend I would tell them either the truth, or if you want to keep the friendship I would just tell them that your SA said they aren’t taking on any new clients and asked you not to spread around here contact info.

Thank you! Yes, I've definitely apologized by text and in person when I next saw her. She was sweet about it and said it's not a big deal, it happens quite often. And then shared a couple of other instances it happened to her that seemed a bit extreme.

I hope she won't "hold it against me" and "phase me out" and don't think she will based on our post-incident conversations but it is definitely not something I want to go through again..

Lesson learned.

 

[carrie8]

I wasn't sure where to post this but I think it could be appropriate for this thread as ultimately, it involves my relationship with my SA.

I have a really close childhood family friend (with multiple mutual close friends) who has been struggling to find a "good and attentive" SA at H in NYC (his hometown). He knows I have an amazing relationship with my SA who goes above and beyond to help me. He recently came to visit and asked if he can come with me to visit the H store so he can finally purchase an SLG he has been trying to get in NY.

Long story short, he bought the combo he was looking for with my SA (with me present). But it was such an embarrassing shopping experience for me because he was so passive aggressive - complaining about his previous H experiences in NY, commenting that he wishes all H SAs were like her, asking her if she'll ever move to NY, etc. I'm just glad he didn't ask for a bag..

To be honest, I didn't realize how high maintenance and mean he was when it comes to shopping until this experience. He seems to have it in his mind that SAs should always make the customer happy and doesn't think twice about wasting their time (asking to see multiple colors, styles, different products and would walk away empty handed just because they didn't friendly greet him out of spite) and this is apparently what he was doing at the H stores in NYC.

Even though he told me he just wanted the card wallet and this was a one-time thing, he asked for my SA's business card and asked if he can shop with her exclusively going forward at check out. She told him shopping virtually isn't as fun as shopping in person and to give the NY boutiques another chance.

My SA texted me later that day to chat about other non H topics like nothing happened so I'm hoping it did not negatively impact my relationship with my SA.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is it OK to feel upset about this experience? I feel like I've been taken advantage of. Am I overreacting? Are folks normally private about their SAs and shopping experience even with friends and family?

If it was me I definitely would apologize. The way he acted is the opposite of how I conduct myself with sa's. I would be very embarrassed but at the same time i would interrupt the conversation and take him 1 minute apart for a hard talk.Your feelings are absolutely right.
Sorry for my English, it is not my mothers tongue ☺️

 

[FrenchNewbie]

I wasn't sure where to post this but I think it could be appropriate for this thread as ultimately, it involves my relationship with my SA.

I have a really close childhood family friend (with multiple mutual close friends) who has been struggling to find a "good and attentive" SA at H in NYC (his hometown). He knows I have an amazing relationship with my SA who goes above and beyond to help me. He recently came to visit and asked if he can come with me to visit the H store so he can finally purchase an SLG he has been trying to get in NY.

Long story short, he bought the combo he was looking for with my SA (with me present). But it was such an embarrassing shopping experience for me because he was so passive aggressive - complaining about his previous H experiences in NY, commenting that he wishes all H SAs were like her, asking her if she'll ever move to NY, etc. I'm just glad he didn't ask for a bag..

To be honest, I didn't realize how high maintenance and mean he was when it comes to shopping until this experience. He seems to have it in his mind that SAs should always make the customer happy and doesn't think twice about wasting their time (asking to see multiple colors, styles, different products and would walk away empty handed just because they didn't friendly greet him out of spite) and this is apparently what he was doing at the H stores in NYC.

Even though he told me he just wanted the card wallet and this was a one-time thing, he asked for my SA's business card and asked if he can shop with her exclusively going forward at check out. She told him shopping virtually isn't as fun as shopping in person and to give the NY boutiques another chance.

My SA texted me later that day to chat about other non H topics like nothing happened so I'm hoping it did not negatively impact my relationship with my SA.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is it OK to feel upset about this experience? I feel like I've been taken advantage of. Am I overreacting? Are folks normally private about their SAs and shopping experience even with friends and family?

Honestly I am little confused by your post, for the following reasons:

• you say it's a "close friend", but seems you know nothing about him (i.e. his personality, his attitude, etc.)
• are you confusing 'rude' and 'passive aggressive'?
• based on what you describe (above bolded), I don't think that was passive aggressive, I think he could have been trying to give her a compliment or maybe make her feel good about her level of customer service; maybe the complaining about his last SA was a little inappropriate, but definitely not passive aggressive
• all of the rude things that you describe he does (i.e. asking to see multiple colors, styles, different products and would walk away empty handed just because they didn't friendly greet him out of spite)--did he specifically do those with your SA? If not, then I don't feel he was rude during your shopping trip either; they seem to be more anecdotal. If he did do those things, then I would definitely be worried it could impact your reputation; and I guess now you know to vet people more closely before you introduce them into a relationship you value.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is it OK to feel upset about this experience? I feel like I've been taken advantage of. Am I overreacting? Are folks normally private about their SAs and shopping experience even with friends and family?

You say/ask the above, but it seems like you already had your answer (below) way before posting here.

Thank you! Yes, I've definitely apologized by text and in person when I next saw her. She was sweet about it and said it's not a big deal, it happens quite often. And then shared a couple of other instances it happened to her that seemed a bit extreme.

I hope she won't "hold it against me" and "phase me out" and don't think she will based on our post-incident conversations but it is definitely not something I want to go through again..

Lesson learned.

Were you just looking for someone to validate your feelings? I am genuinely asking, and not trying to be negative. Just providing another side of the coin from the responses you have gotten so far.

 

[880]

is, is it OK to feel upset about this experience? I feel like I've been taken advantage of. Am I overreacting?

Yes absolutely. I would feel upset too, and I think he took advantage of your good nature (and that of your SA). I do not think that it’s wrong to ask to see a bunch of things; nor do I think it’s wrong to refrain from purchase.

Perhaps, he is not conscious of the fact that he is demanding, entitled, and unpleasant to service providers (some members of my family are like him in that respect too).

However, he’s an adult, and it is absolutely not your job to teach him manners. Your SA knows that you are not responsible for the way other adults act, and she has of course seen worse. His behavior is not a reflection on you.

Agree with @Tina_Bina , @acrowcounted above.

ETA: I think your SA deflected his request for a card in a very nice fashion while making it pretty clear to those who can read between the lines that she and her store would prefer not to take him on as a client