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.

 

[acrowcounted]

Is there general advice on what metiers tend to sell out more quickly / have more limited inventory? I’d guess RTW is popular. I’d like to space out my purchases more but am always having FOMO about stock.

Anything seasonal should be focused on first, like RTW, silks, and certain shoes. Those are typically gone forever once they are sold out. Other items like jewelry and homewares are more perennial and likely to be restocked if you miss out.

 

[880]

You’ll still get the a la carte order when it comes in but I imagine the transaction will be extremely awkward. Regardless, you haven’t enjoyed nor trusted your home store SA for a long time so if you found someone you trust more, make the switch. That being said, I personally think and have expressed that you’ve been too hard on your home SA. Also, this new SA may be “love bombing you” to get you as a client so you may not really be seeing the true story yet. The grass isn’t always greener, especially if as you’ve said a few times, your H shopping/bag collection is almost complete.

💯 on every point above. If any store had a Kelly Messenger PM available right now for purchase, they would sell it. Madison simply may not have ordered that many, so a wait is inevitable. ETA: your Kelly messenger PM purchase should show up on your US profile, but if you shop enough to satisfy multiple stores, they will all be angling for your business.

@parisistherapy, just wanted to add that with respect to RTW, I’ve waited a day thinking about a toile swift vest and missed out completely. After a while, you get a sense for what stores order. if you are talking about things that stores tend to stock like twillanes, sweaters, silk shirts, coats, it’s possible that your SA find it elsewhere and arrange a transfer.
ETA: you can also ask them to check they have x item/size in stock, which might give you a better opportunity to gauge whether a wait is possible or if you should buy it then. Having said that, if I love something, I snap it up. I don’t worry about spacing out purchases; some months I shop more or less often than others.

 

[Daydrmer]

You’ll still get the a la carte order when it comes in but I imagine the transaction will be extremely awkward. Regardless, you haven’t enjoyed nor trusted your home store SA for a long time so if you found someone you trust more, make the switch. That being said, I personally think and have expressed that you’ve been too hard on your home SA. Also, this new SA may be “love bombing you” to get you as a client so you may not really be seeing the true story yet. The grass isn’t always greener, especially if as you’ve said a few times, your H shopping/bag collection is almost complete.

Agreed. It seems your SA has taken care of you. In the end, they have offered you the bags you're after. It may not be in the speedy timeframe you want but you get them in the end.

 

[Capitaliste]

Buy what you want when you can
Don't allow yourself to be seen as a client who can be retained by the elastic string of dangled expectations.

Thank you. I like this approach and appreciate your comment.

Well imagine you are the SA. You just offered your client a very coveted HSS slot and then you see he went elsewhere shopping with some other SA. How do you think you would feel? Esp in US where client loyalty to the store is really valued?

Just my opinion but I don’t think it bodes well. But as suggested before, you should shop how you want.

Yes, I am sorry for my SA in that regard.... even if I also got burnt several times...

Also, this new SA may be “love bombing you” to get you as a client so you may not really be seeing the true story yet. The grass isn’t always greener, especially if as you’ve said a few times, your H shopping/bag collection is almost complete.

This is true and thanks for your insight. And yes, my bag collection will be done once I get the Black Birkin 35 with PHW in any leather really (preferably not togo though). After this, I can only shop in FSH and get the 2 QBs/year there if I want/need to without any pre-spend. I am still not sure what to do with my relationship with the US one even if I want to be a regular client for men's RTW. Let's see how it goes.

 

[Capitaliste]

Since the other SA has already taken your wishlist you SA will see it in the system. If there is damage as a result, it’s too late to change it.

Yes, thank you. I saw the other SA putting my wish list info on her phone, so I am very sure that my current SA would know. (I already told my current home store SA that I got a bag from elsewhere in the US boutique.) I will need to talk to my SA in the home store and see how it goes. If she is upset and cannot work with me, I will have to move on.

ETA: your Kelly messenger PM purchase should show up on your US profile, but if you shop enough to satisfy multiple stores, they will all be angling for your business.

Yes, my KM PM purchase is definitely under my US account, and my SA in home store is aware of it as I told her. I think I will have to see what my SA says, and will decide whether to change my SA/store or not. I am totally OK to move on if this is not resolved as expected.

Agreed. It seems your SA has taken care of you. In the end, they have offered you the bags you're after. It may not be in the speedy timeframe you want but you get them in the end.

Thank you! Let's hope for the best.

 

[880]

If I defined a good relationship as getting a bag, and if I didn’t have much more significant interest in boutique merchandise, (or if I found a bag I was unlikely to get at a boutique); I would strongly consider resale. Of course, one should authenticate via a professional outside expert or other source; pay for with PayPal backed by Amex; buy from a reputable reseller who took returns. And, be very sure about condition. But, the reward can be a much nicer bag which even ones SA would love to see.

A resale purchase does not preclude establishing a boutique relationship especially if the resale bag has some other hard to obtain attribute, see below for an example: BBB with special hardware. A resale purchase could be in addition to a boutique relationship. And, it might be less aggravating in the long run.

 

[kohl_mascara]

If I defined a good relationship as getting a bag, and if I didn’t have much more significant interest in boutique merchandise, (or if I found a bag I was unlikely to get at a boutique); I would strongly consider resale. Of course, one should authenticate via a professional outside expert or other source; pay for with PayPal backed by Amex; buy from a reputable reseller who took returns. And, be very sure about condition. But, the reward can be a much nicer bag which even ones SA would love to see.

A resale purchase does not preclude establishing a boutique relationship especially if the resale bag has some other hard to obtain attribute, see below for an example: BBB with special hardware. A resale purchase could be in addition to a boutique relationship. And, it might be less aggravating in the long run.

View attachment 6025383

+1 agree with this, they’re making it seem like the SA’s “worth” is in procuring bags for them, but the relationship is so much more. I would also minimize headaches and go resale too.

 

[Letter]

Is there general advice on what metiers tend to sell out more quickly / have more limited inventory? I’d guess RTW is popular. I’d like to space out my purchases more but am always having FOMO about stock.

This is very store dependent because each manager orders what they want for the most part. Generally anything that is “sized” is hard especially shoes. But china is also almost impossible. Honestly, you should really ask your SA for advice. They should have more store specific info and they can also see how many of whatever are left, in the store/online/in other stores.

 

[shopinlovet]

Is there general advice on what metiers tend to sell out more quickly / have more limited inventory? I’d guess RTW is popular. I’d like to space out my purchases more but am always having FOMO about stock.

So I’ve been getting into their RTW recently because I saw a few items that are my style. My store gets very limited stock and on top of that, I’m very petite so I need the smallest size possible and still need some tailoring. So my SA told me as soon as the RTW show/pics come out to reach out to her immediately so she can help me find things in my size.

 

[Veritybelle]

I have a question: If I have my HSS order placed already in my home store and move to a different store/SA, will I still get the HSS order when it is ready from the current home store? Or, is it safe to stay with the current SA until I get the SO? Thank you!

Here's a detailed context: My SA in the home store is aware that I am waiting for BBB35 and Kelly Messenger PM this year since this past Feb/March. She mentioned that I can get the messenger bag when it comes, but I have had no word from her in the past 3 months or so. And no words on the BBB35 either when my home store actually got lots of bags in box leather recently. (By the way, the pre-spend is not an issue, I don't think.) Recently, I met a super nice SA in the other store who offered me a Kelly Messenger PM right away (even before looking at my profile). We clicked immediately and she checked my profile. She then asked my wish list. She also said/implied that I can get Birkin 35 by the end of the summer or early fall. (I also told her that I scored some bags from Paris; She loves the idea of shopping in FSH and had no problem with this, so it's a big relief for me. [She mentioned that US and French accounts are not linked and that I don't have to worry about it.]) Long story short, the SA I met in the other store seems very motivated to help me, and since she offered me a bag immediately, I am now thinking about switching the store/SA. But what will happen to my HSS order in the current home store?

PS. My SA in the current home store kinda knew that I would eventually get the messenger bag from resellers soon (because I implied), but I told her explicitly that I got the bag from the other store recently, and she seems OK and happy for me.

Even a cursory perusal of the forum reveals that few clients except VIPs are fortunate to receive as many bags as you have in the past few months, yet you seem dissatisfied with your store. It’s not clear to me why you seem so dissatisfied, nor what the rush is. If the rush is because you intend to complete a collection as soon as possible and then move on from Hermès once you’ve got the bags, it’s pretty likely that this is extremely obvious to your SA. I agree with @acrowcounted that when you pick up your SO, the in-store experience is likely to be a bit uncomfortable. Of course it's entirely up to you how you choose to manage your relationships, but if you treat it as a series of unconnected transactions, you shouldn’t be surprised that each SA you deal with may do the same.

 

[Nahreen]

This is true and thanks for your insight. And yes, my bag collection will be done once I get the Black Birkin 35 with PHW in any leather really (preferably not togo though). After this, I can only shop in FSH and get the 2 QBs/year there if I want/need to without any pre-spend. I am still not sure what to do with my relationship with the US one even if I want to be a regular client for men's RTW. Let's see how it goes.

I think you have recieved excellent advice from many on this forum.

Am I to understand that after you purchase the SO you are waiting for and a black Birkin 35 your collection will be complete? At the same time it seems to me you still want to continue to buy B/K bags but in FSH. If the latter is the case I suggest you continue to work with your home store in the US. It seems to me that it might be the best option if you want to continue to buy more bags. Who knows if FSH will continue with their lottery in the long run. Your home store is if I understood correctly a major store and as such will receive special bags that for example a smaller store might never recieve.

Working with a particular SA at any store in the world will expect you to purchase other items apart from handbags in the long run. If you are only interested in handbags maybe as @880 suggested find the bags of your dreams second hand. Or you can always try walking into any store and ask and see if you are successful.

 

[Capitaliste]

Even a cursory perusal of the forum reveals that few clients except VIPs are fortunate to receive as many bags as you have in the past few months, yet you seem dissatisfied with your store. It’s not clear to me why you seem so dissatisfied, nor what the rush is. If the rush is because you intend to complete a collection as soon as possible and then move on from Hermès once you’ve got the bags, it’s pretty likely that this is extremely obvious to your SA. I agree with @acrowcounted that when you pick up your SO, the in-store experience is likely to be a bit uncomfortable. Of course it's entirely up to you how you choose to manage your relationships, but if you treat it as a series of unconnected transactions, you shouldn’t be surprised that each SA you deal with may do the same.

First, I am asking a question and gathering information to make an informed decision here. Whatever the results I will have is 100% my responsibility. Plus, my emotion (i.e., whether satisfied or not) is not the matter of focus here. Also, remember "YMMV." What typical others do/spend on/interact with the H has nothing to do with me because I am on my own in this journey. (If someone has to spend 3x for each QB, it is his/her/their story, not mine.)

Second, my SA in the home store does know that I started shopping at Hermes because of its iconic bags introduced by my family members. So, I am not surprised at all. After reading your post, if I decide to switch an SA/store and pick up the SO in my current home store later, I decide not to be awkward since I am paying for it and did/will not do anything unethical/illegal. [ETA: That awkward moment will last 30 minutes at most.]

Relatedly, someone also posted above that resale may be a better option if someone is only looking for bags. It could be yes or no. Anyone can be important clients whether they only want QBs or multiple other items. Clearly, we all have different definitions of a strong SA relationship, etc. Since we don't have an agreed upon definition anyway, so I won't discuss this further.

Third, if buying a non-QB from another SA is considered cheating and unethical, please think this through again that this is the culture created by H and clients like you in the US. I have already told my SA that I could get that exact same non-QB from the resellers and that she doesn't need to worry about it. I was just lucky enough to get that non-QB from another boutique and that's all. (I gave my $ to the H directly and not the resellers. They should actually thank me.)

Fourth, I think we have a different definition of loyalty. I just want to reiterate one of my favorite quotes from this Forum below:

The fact that after 20 years you still have to prove loyalty demonstrate that it is not about loyalty but about milking you pre-spend for each quota bag. Loyalty is not something you should have to re-establish all the time. Once you've been deemed as loyal, you are loyal, unless you do something disloyal. Constantly proving your loyalty is about squeezing you $$.

Since I gathered enough information and now can make the decision, we can stop here. Thank you.

 

[Veritybelle]

Third, if buying a non-QB from another SA is considered cheating and unethical, please think this through again that this is the culture created by H and clients like you in the US.

LOL, I'm not a US client and have not made any accusations of cheating or unethical behaviour.

 

[haute okole]

First, I am asking a question and gathering information to make an informed decision here. Whatever the results I will have is 100% my responsibility. Plus, my emotion (i.e., whether satisfied or not) is not the matter of focus here. Also, remember "YMMV." What typical others do/spend on/interact with the H has nothing to do with me because I am on my own in this journey. (If someone has to spend 3x for each QB, it is his/her/their story, not mine.)

Second, my SA in the home store does know that I started shopping at Hermes because of its iconic bags introduced by my family members. So, I am not surprised at all. After reading your post, if I decide to switch an SA/store and pick up the SO in my current home store later, I decide not to be awkward since I am paying for it and did/will not do anything unethical/illegal. [ETA: That awkward moment will last 30 minutes at most.]

Relatedly, someone also posted above that resale may be a better option if someone is only looking for bags. It could be yes or no. Anyone can be important clients whether they only want QBs or multiple other items. Clearly, we all have different definitions of a strong SA relationship, etc. Since we don't have an agreed upon definition anyway, so I won't discuss this further.

Third, if buying a non-QB from another SA is considered cheating and unethical, please think this through again that this is the culture created by H and clients like you in the US. I have already told my SA that I could get that exact same non-QB from the resellers and that she doesn't need to worry about it. I was just lucky enough to get that non-QB from another boutique and that's all. (I gave my $ to the H directly and not the resellers. They should actually thank me.)

Fourth, I think we have a different definition of loyalty. I just want to reiterate one of my favorite quotes from this Forum below:


Since I gathered enough information and now can make the decision, we can stop here. Thank you.

With all due respect, it is not that serious. It is just shopping and it is just a couple of bags. If you don’t like the other people’s approach to shopping, that is fine. You have done great by anyone’s standards, especially in such a short time. If my SA, who is the best SA in the world, had obtained the bags you have gotten in the time you had gotten them, I would be beyond grateful. When I feel like my OCD for Hermes is on overdrive, I just tell my psychiatrist hubby to up my meds, buy an exotic and I am all good for a couple of months. As my mentor @880 says, our SAs really are not trying to engage in fraudulent relationships with their clients. If anyone believes that, what an unsatisfactory, paranoid and oppositional experience Hermes shopping will be for that shopper. Why bother?

 

[FaubourgTropical]

I guess we tend to be very serious in sharing our individual experiences as those experiences work for our individual cases. However some are indeed very prescriptive: no online purchases, no return, no 'cheating' with other SA/location/reseller etc, take anything offered, build relationships, two per year, prespend doesn't include bags, etc etc when actually it’s just shopping.

I take it that all comes from a good place and I myself tend to ignore advices that don’t make sense to my situation.

Our discussion here in the forum can seem strange to outsiders. An anecdote. I was telling a friend who just got into H that the general view is, if we chit chat with the SA to build relationship, we get the bag. My friend corrected me: we buy the bag! That made me realize on how deep I am in this cult called TPF and H

We tend to forget, as @B3K3 said that we are the customers and we can act accordingly.