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.

 

[Capitaliste]

I think that most SAs may be on the forum since they are truly passionate about where they work and the products they sell. So, the forum is a great place to learn about leathers, colours, etc... and see what is currently trendy in terms of H to better serve their clients. I think some may prefer their clients to not say too much about the topic of "prespend" and "wishlist/waitlists", but at the end of the day, it isn't illegal to do so. In fact, people who regular show their love for H products and the experience/journey might actually be doing the brand good, by means of free advertising or creating a following of others on the forum that might want the same products or experience that they might have.

Thanks. I am still worried about my relationship with Hermes after posting too much on here. I know that "only time will tell," but it would still be good to be circumspect. I am still grateful to find many TPFers who support me here.

 

[Capitaliste]

Question: I am currently waiting for 1 QB (BBB35) and 1 non-QB (Kelly Messenger in PM size) from my home store. In my last visit in my home store, my SA has told me that she focuses on the BBB35 for me as that is my priority. I have recently found that some of resale markets (e.g., Fashionphile) sell the Kelly Messenger (in PM size) at reasonable prices. For example, the retail price in the H boutiques in the US start anywhere from $12,000, depending on the leather types. But the resale market prices are ranged around $13,000+. So, the resale markets have now piqued my interest. Another positive aspect is that I can make my SA's burden less. (E.g., she wouldn't need 2 separate permissions from her SM to offer me these bags, and she can only focus on 1 QB instead.)

What's the general perceptions of the SA/home store about getting bags from the resale markets? Would it be awkward at all if I carry a bag that I get from the resellers? The bags can still get good care through the Spa regardless of where I get in from, right? (Of course, the authenticity is a separate issue which is not the focus of this question.) TIA!

 

[hbr]

Question: I am currently waiting for 1 QB (BBB35) and 1 non-QB (Kelly Messenger in PM size) from my home store. In my last visit in my home store, my SA has told me that she focuses on the BBB35 for me as that is my priority. I have recently found that some of resale markets (e.g., Fashionphile) sell the Kelly Messenger (in PM size) at reasonable prices. For example, the retail price in the H boutiques in the US start anywhere from $12,000, depending on the leather types. But the resale market prices are ranged around $13,000+. So, the resale markets have now piqued my interest. Another positive aspect is that I can make my SA's burden less. (E.g., she wouldn't need 2 separate permissions from her SM to offer me these bags, and she can only focus on 1 QB instead.)

What's the general perceptions of the SA/home store about getting bags from the resale markets? Would it be awkward at all if I carry a bag that I get from the resellers? The bags can still get good care through the Spa regardless of where I get in from, right? (Of course, the authenticity is a separate issue which is not the focus of this question.) TIA!

My initial reaction to this is that if you do go the reseller route, not to bring that to the attention of your sales associate. I don’t think purchasing from resellers is looked up upon in a positive way. Especially since that purchase could have potentially given your sales associate a good commission.

 

[Capitaliste]

My initial reaction to this is that if you do go the reseller route, not to bring that to the attention of your sales associate. I don’t think purchasing from resellers is looked up upon in a positive way. Especially since that purchase could have potentially given your sales associate a good commission.

Thank you, but, I thought that SAs do not get any commission for bags in the US. If they don't get any commission for bags, would your responses change at all?

 

[Bdbunny]

Question: I am currently waiting for 1 QB (BBB35) and 1 non-QB (Kelly Messenger in PM size) from my home store. In my last visit in my home store, my SA has told me that she focuses on the BBB35 for me as that is my priority. I have recently found that some of resale markets (e.g., Fashionphile) sell the Kelly Messenger (in PM size) at reasonable prices. For example, the retail price in the H boutiques in the US start anywhere from $12,000, depending on the leather types. But the resale market prices are ranged around $13,000+. So, the resale markets have now piqued my interest. Another positive aspect is that I can make my SA's burden less. (E.g., she wouldn't need 2 separate permissions from her SM to offer me these bags, and she can only focus on 1 QB instead.)

What's the general perceptions of the SA/home store about getting bags from the resale markets? Would it be awkward at all if I carry a bag that I get from the resellers? The bags can still get good care through the Spa regardless of where I get in from, right? (Of course, the authenticity is a separate issue which is not the focus of this question.) TIA!

I also shop Madison like you, and I have brought vintage Birkins I’ve purchased from auction or other resellers, as well as QB’s I’ve gotten from Paris (because my SA knows I shop in Paris) with no problems. I still get offered bags and in fact, they usually admire my vintage bags or goodies I get from Paris.

YMMV as always.

 

[880]

I also shop Madison like you, and I have brought vintage Birkins I’ve purchased from auction or other resellers, as well as QB’s I’ve gotten from Paris (because my SA knows I shop in Paris) with no problems. I still get offered bags and in fact, they usually admire my vintage bags or goodies I get from Paris.

Since a Kelly messenger is not considered a QB, your SA doesn’t need SM approval to sell that.
YMMV as always.

💯 agree with @Bdbunny. Resale purchases and Paris do not affect local offers (assuming your local relationship is solid; your spend is healthy; and, you are not too high maintenance or annoying.

My Madison SA loves to see what I got in Paris and, if I pick up something interesting at resale (though my resale items are usually discontinued or otherwise unavailable), both Hermes Spa and my SA are curious and supportive

No issues, in fact, sometimes this is the only chance either the Spa rep or my SA will have to see XYZ in real life. I have never had any item rejected from H Spa.

ETA: I get FSH offers twice a year from my regular SA there, though I have a relatively minimal prespend. My NY And FsH SAs both say the other doesn’t matter. I have a feeling if one’s SA wants to offer, then they make it happen, but of course ymmv

 

[hbr]

Thank you, but, I thought that SAs do not get any commission for bags in the US. If they don't get any commission for bags, would your responses change at all?

My mistake as I thought they do get commission on non QB. If I’m wrong then I would change my response for sure. Good luck!

 

[acrowcounted]

My mistake as I thought they do get commission on non QB. If I’m wrong then I would change my response for sure. Good luck!

You are not wrong. They get commission on everything except quota bags. This includes commission on "Kelly" non quota bags and Constances. Also, perhaps it is store dependent but my understanding is that SAs usually do need "approval" to offer any bag, either from the SM or the floor manager. Its more of a heads up "hey I'm going to offer this Mini Lindy to Susan Smith, ok?" than a formal negotiation that a quota bag might be but its not like an SA could just unload every non qb they have in their allotment to one client on Tuesday because they feel like it.

 

[themk888]

Thanks. I am still worried about my relationship with Hermes after posting too much on here. I know that "only time will tell," but it would still be good to be circumspect. I am still grateful to find many TPFers who support me here.

Yes, I will forever be grateful to those who helped me with questions on H during my early journey days. I love to be able to give that back to others on the forum that might have similar questions that I can answer.

 

[Veritybelle]

apologies, double post

 

[Veritybelle]

I agree with @Bdbunny and @880 that carrying vintage (bought at auction or resale) to the boutique is not a negative; quite the opposite at my store where my SA and others love to see older bags, heritage leathers, rested or rare colours. I have one bag, a bolide, bought from Paris which my SA knows about (and she specifically asked about where it came from when I carried it on one visit - we agree, or at least she accepts, Paris is a special case ). I never buy BNIB resale but I am pretty confident bringing a current or recent season item would be frowned upon if bought from a reseller.

I only buy online if my SA tells me she doesn’t have or can’t get the relevant item for me.

 

[Etriers]

I would definitely continue going out of my way to shop in person. The items you want today may be readily accessible on the website however, next time, that may be a different story and you may need an SA to help source items, even outside of just bags. It’s always good having someone ready to work for you when you randomly discover that you need the help.

You’re absolutely right. It’s exactly the advice I would give to someone else. Plus, I enjoy shopping in the boutique and would much rather try things on so I will end up with a new SA one way or another. And, my new guy could be even better than the last guy, so I’ll think positively.

 

[Etriers]

I am definitely NOT an 'advanced' H shopper but my SA recently left H so I feel your pain. Fortunately, they referred me to a colleague and, during my final appointment, during which they shared their news, my 'new' SA joined us.
I too have been tempted to simply order items online but I prefer to see them in person before committing and, with RTW, need to ensure the size will work given so much inconsistency in sizing. So I am starting from scratch with my new SA.
We are slowly learning each other's styles (communication preferences, timeline for communications, etc). Guessing it will be a process but worthwhile?

Thanks! This is good to hear.

 

[OnlyModa]

@880 I curious about your thoughts on something in light of this discussion of having two SAs. Obviously everyone else is welcome to chime in. My home store is in the US. I shop at a specific European boutique (not Paris) twice a year and usually get QBs from that store. My SA in the US always says that buying overseas is not cheating. I do not know if she realizes how much I buy though. I know she can see it but I am not convinced she looks. I am still really relucted to walk into the US store wearing/carrying what I buy in Europe. The two relationships are different. My European SA is great at getting me "basic" bags and our relationship is very transparent. In the US it is a fine song and dance but I get more unique offers. My European SA does not care what I do. I come, I shop for mainly RTW, I do not return, he practices his English. Should I just keep going as is and not overthink it? Or am I on a slow train to the US SAs black list?

 

[hbr]

@880 I curious about your thoughts on something in light of this discussion of having two SAs. Obviously everyone else is welcome to chime in. My home store is in the US. I shop at a specific European boutique (not Paris) twice a year and usually get QBs from that store. My SA in the US always says that buying overseas is not cheating. I do not know if she realizes how much I buy though. I know she can see it but I am not convinced she looks. I am still really relucted to walk into the US store wearing/carrying what I buy in Europe. The two relationships are different. My European SA is great at getting me "basic" bags and our relationship is very transparent. In the US it is a fine song and dance but I get more unique offers. My European SA does not care what I do. I come, I shop for mainly RTW, I do not return, he practices his English. Should I just keep going as is and not overthink it? Or am I on a slow train to the US SAs black list?

I’m really glad you brought this up because I’ve had similar thoughts. Up until recently all of my quota bags and most of my other pieces, including ready to wear, etc. have been from Paris. Most recently, I started a new relationship with a new store and a new sales associate. The topic of shopping in Paris came up and my SA was very clear about it being a big no-no. I know they can see how many QB’s have been purchased and that can effect offers I would get but I’m curious what everyone else thinks or has experienced.