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.

 

[880]

There are times i visit the boutique and every thing i ask my SA for has no sizing or not available. I usually cross reference the H site before I go to my appointments. I try to find similar items I may like but at times, I’ll have to walk out empty handed and I feel somewhat guilty for “wasting” my SAs time. Does anyone else feel this way? also does leaving empty handed negatively impact the relationship ? Im not a VVVIP client but I’d say I have consistently decent spend.

You aren’t wasting your SAs time. If you cannot find what you like in your size, then you are simply out of luck. But. I sometimes think it’s a waste of my time to look at H.com. It’s a different buy and doesn’t correlate to what’s in the store.
If your SA responds best in person, then every other trip might naturally be more fruitful. That gives her time to source what you want.

ETA: like @Bdbunny, below, I just look around and shop what’s there. Yup, at the grocery store too. Lol

 

[Bdbunny]

There are times i visit the boutique and every thing i ask my SA for has no sizing or not available. I usually cross reference the H site before I go to my appointments. I try to find similar items I may like but at times, I’ll have to walk out empty handed and I feel somewhat guilty for “wasting” my SAs time. Does anyone else feel this way? also does leaving empty handed negatively impact the relationship ? Im not a VVVIP client but I’d say I have consistently decent spend.

I try not to shop the website in the store, if that makes any sense. The website is basically its own store with different inventory so what’s on the website may not be in the store. I just go in and browse and pick out stuff I like that’s physically in the store so there’s less issues with availability. But this is just how I shop. I think some people like to go in with a detailed list, and that’s fine too, but I usually go and look around. (Honestly I am like this at the grocery store too lol.)

LOL @880 ... just saw your post above!

 

[skybluesky]

Echoing @880 and @Bdbunny 's great advice above. Sometimes I'll text my SA if there's x or y that I really like, and if it's in stock and she can snag it for me, great. Sometimes she can order it or transfer it for me but there's no guarantees. The sizing is also all over the place so I'm anywhere between a 36 to a 42 or 44 depending on what it is. Stuff gets added and sold out all the time, so I manage my expectations by just shopping what's at the store. Over time, my SA knows my taste and she basically shows me stuff I'll like anyway.

 

[MacawGuy]

Hey all - sorry for this long post, but I feel like I’m in a weird situation now at my local shop and not sure what the best thing to do is. Last year I switched from SF to Dallas because I live in the DFW area and my business travel to SF stopped. During my first visit we worked with a new SA to get a bracelet for my mom and twillies for my B35. Another SA during that visit gave us a tutorial on how to tie them on. On our next visit the original SA was not in and so the SA who helped with the twilly tying (SA #2) helped us. I went been back a few times after that, too, and made purchases with her each time.

A few weeks ago I reached out to see if she was around but never heard back. When we arrived, our original SA found us and helped us that day. I did see SA #2 for about 10 seconds but she was busy and it turned out to be an Easter event weekend at the shopping center which was why I assumed she’d never txted me back. I went again this past weekend, did not hear back from SA #2 after txting earlier in the week but this time she wasn’t in (and I think she’s probably on a trip she had mentioned). But our original SA was there and came up to us and ended up helping me find the bracelet I’ve been wanting.

So now I’m working with both? Is this bad, or am I overthinking it too much? I’m loyal to the store, but I know SA relationships are important too. And I feel like it’ll be super awkward next time I go in. They’re both nice, although the first SA never even shared contact info with us, and the second did share and told me to txt but rarely replies (I know she reads them because she mentions the content about wishlists, etc when we do chat in person).

For context, the reason I still go despite not hearing back is because the store is still quite far from me, and I go when I am able, on days off work. Not trying to be difficult.

I know I posted this back in April, and since then my shopping has been sporadic but I thought I’d give an update / final resolution based on my visit to the boutique today.

The original SA I worked with txted me at the end of the July letting me know she had received a birdie charm, which I had mentioned months earlier that I was interested in. She had it shipped to me vs having me pick it up, and afterwards we texted and agreed it’d be nice to come visit and catch up and show her the charm on my B35.

This morning I txted to let her know we’d be shopping later in the day. I didn’t hear back, which isn’t unusual on busy weekends. When I stepped inside and asked if she was in, another SA let me know she was no longer with Hermes. I was a little surprised, it sounded like it was recent. The other SA I’ve shopped with a couple of times met with me, and this time we exchanged numbers, had a great chat, and I left with her telling me to please txt her my wishlist. So hopefully off to a good new start!

Funny aside - DH was confused about the wishlist thing and thought it was part of my account vs a private thing with an SA.

 

[880]

I know I posted this back in April, and since then my shopping has been sporadic but I thought I’d give an update / final resolution based on my visit to the boutique today.

The original SA I worked with txted me at the end of the July letting me know she had received a birdie charm, which I had mentioned months earlier that I was interested in. She had it shipped to me vs having me pick it up, and afterwards we texted and agreed it’d be nice to come visit and catch up and show her the charm on my B35.

This morning I txted to let her know we’d be shopping later in the day. I didn’t hear back, which isn’t unusual on busy weekends. When I stepped inside and asked if she was in, another SA let me know she was no longer with Hermes. I was a little surprised, it sounded like it was recent. The other SA I’ve shopped with a couple of times met with me, and this time we exchanged numbers, had a great chat, and I left with her telling me to please txt her my wishlist. So hopefully off to a good new start!

Funny aside - DH was confused about the wishlist thing and thought it was part of my account vs a private thing with an SA.

I’m so sorry your SA left @MacawGuy. But, I hope you have a fun relationship with the new one going forward.

Someone just “liked” a prior post of mine in this thread. I’m really struck by how some posters seem to think that those of us who narrate our experiences are somehow insisting that there is only one right way to shop. (I’m not speaking of reactions to my posts but in general). In reality, there are many different approaches. In the US, I prefer to shop with one SA, simply bc that SA knows my taste and what I already own the best. I don’t want to have to chase things down. I want an SA to give me their professional opinion on what would look best in me. And then, I chose from that selection or from what catches my eye (that is also in my budget and that satisfies a hole in my wardrobe). But, I will say that I’m not actively counting prespend awaiting my next bag. And, my SA relationships are such that if something doesn’t look good, my SA is pretty frank about discouraging me. She knows that there will be something else next season that will probably work. I don’t buy at every visit. I don’t worry about wasting my SAs time (though I try not to take too much if she’s busy and I don’t need the attention).

If people here voice an opinion to stick to one SA, it’s usually to optimize the chances for a bag offer. Of course, it’s a free country, and people should shop with whomever they like. What I am personally not crazy about (and again this is only my own opinion affecting how I shop) is the idea of people randomly trying multiple stores; expecting bag offers from new SAs; and then saying that an SA is terrible if they cannot get a coveted offer with minimal or no purchase. An SA would like to sell every client a bag. It’s not up to them. And, there aren’t enough bags to satisfy everyone. IMO and based on my own experience only.

 

[Letter]

In the US, I prefer to shop with one SA, simply bc that SA knows my taste and what I already own the best. I don’t want to have to chase things down. I want an SA to give me their professional opinion on what would look best in me. And then, I chose from that selection or from what catches my eye (that is also in my budget and that satisfies a hole in my wardrobe).

I so agree with this sentiment. I want an SA who tells me “no” frequently. Whose opinion I can trust. I just bought something and she said no to several colors and I said “but I love the pattern!” And searched around and found the perfect color way at another store for me. That’s what I’m “paying for” with my loyalty.

 

[MacawGuy]

I’m so sorry your SA left @MacawGuy. But, I hope you have a fun relationship with the new one going forward.

Someone just “liked” a prior post of mine in this thread. I’m really struck by how some posters seem to think that those of us who narrate our experiences are somehow insisting that there is only one right way to shop. (I’m not speaking of reactions to my posts but in general). In reality, there are many different approaches. In the US, I prefer to shop with one SA, simply bc that SA knows my taste and what I already own the best. I don’t want to have to chase things down. I want an SA to give me their professional opinion on what would look best in me. And then, I chose from that selection or from what catches my eye (that is also in my budget and that satisfies a hole in my wardrobe). But, I will say that I’m not actively counting prespend awaiting my next bag. And, my SA relationships are such that if something doesn’t look good, my SA is pretty frank about discouraging me. She knows that there will be something else next season that will probably work. I don’t buy at every visit. I don’t worry about wasting my SAs time (though I try not to take too much if she’s busy and I don’t need the attention).

If people here voice an opinion to stick to one SA, it’s usually to optimize the chances for a bag offer. Of course, it’s a free country, and people should shop with whomever they like. What I am personally not crazy about (and again this is only my own opinion affecting how I shop) is the idea of people randomly trying multiple stores; expecting bag offers from new SAs; and then saying that an SA is terrible if they cannot get a coveted offer with minimal or no purchase. An SA would like to sell every client a bag. It’s not up to them. And, there aren’t enough bags to satisfy everyone. IMO and based on my own experience only.

Thank you. I’m looking forward to working with her, and I even received a txt from her this morning. Like I mentioned, I’ve shopped with her before and she’s always been nice, it was my own weirdness/awkwardness of having two SAs in the same store that kept us from connecting any further. I’m happy to have a familiar person to work with vs someone completely new to start over with.

While I would like another bag, it’s more of a long term goal, and in the meantime there are other items I’d like to get, like a Sherwood blanket and a sialk plate (sometimes the store has absolutely beautiful ones).

Totally agree that there is not one way to shop, but also I truly appreciate all of your insights.

 

[Twinkle.84]

Thank you. I’m looking forward to working with her, and I even received a txt from her this morning. Like I mentioned, I’ve shopped with her before and she’s always been nice, it was my own weirdness/awkwardness of having two SAs in the same store that kept us from connecting any further. I’m happy to have a familiar person to work with vs someone completely new to start over with.

While I would like another bag, it’s more of a long term goal, and in the meantime there are other items I’d like to get, like a Sherwood blanket and a sialk plate (sometimes the store has absolutely beautiful ones).

Totally agree that there is not one way to shop, but also I truly appreciate all of your insights.

I totally get the awkwardness of having more SA's in the same store. I had the same "problem" but i think we tend to overthink it more than it really is to the SA's. At least that's my experience. Enjoy working with your new SA and getting to your longterm goal.

 

[bb28]

How often do you guys remind or nudge your SA about the current item on your wishlist?

For example, I try to make it to the store about once a month to buy something, but I don't always bring up the K that I am waiting for so that I don't seem too pushy. On the other hand, earlier this year I got offered a KTG and I'm pretty sure it was because I was a bit more assertive about wanting it.

 

[parisistherapy]

Do preorders/non bag items tagged to you show up in your profile? Thx

 

[acrowcounted]

Do preorders/non bag items tagged to you show up in your profile? Thx

They are kept on your profile under an “Interests” tab. Obviously not counted on your purchase history until fully received and purchased.

 

[Etriers]

Is it normal for a new SA that you're working with to not want to set up appointments with you or tell you their schedule? They respond to my texts. If something is not available in the store, then it's just "we don't have it". Doesn't offer to try to source it. However, asked me my bag wish list and made notes.

With some SAs there is a kind of honeymoon period. I think they want to see how much of a regular you will be. My first two SAs made a point of being professional but cool. I didn’t get the texting “privilege” until visit number 3. Neither of them sourced things until I had been with them about a year. It’s a hassle to source, and they sometimes swap items or call in favors, so they may want to see if their client will reliably purchase what they bring in. It’s a very good sign that your SA asked you for your wish list. I would say be patient and see how it goes. Just be yourself, email your list before you go in and mention in that email that you’ll be in the store on such and such a date, you hope you’ll be able to work with her. If she’s not interested in appointments, she may change her mind if you go in and spend a bunch with someone else. If this continues, it will work itself out naturally. If she’s not there when you’re ready to shop, and she won’t tell you when she will be there, you’ll logically develop a relationship with someone else there you like.

I mean she’s made comments like - I wish I could take you w me .. but this was also at the store in front of others and also I’m paranoid about asking on her work cell via Text
I also have her personal cell but hate to abuse/ misuse that to be like what should I really do ?

Having just been through a similar drama, I’d advise keeping in contact with your old SA, but stay with the store and see if the SM will recommend someone you like. Especially if you want QBs. Your old SAs new SM in her new store won’t know you, and you likely won’t get there often, so to the SM your value as a client may not be as evident as it was to your SA. Just like love, it’s hard to have a long-distance romance. If it fizzles with your old SA, it may be awkward going back to the old store, because you’re basically starting over again. If your old store is giving you regular quota bags, then the SM obviously knows and likes you. In some ways it’s the SM you have a relationship with.

 

[Chrismin]

With some SAs there is a kind of honeymoon period. I think they want to see how much of a regular you will be. My first two SAs made a point of being professional but cool. I didn’t get the texting “privilege” until visit number 3. Neither of them sourced things until I had been with them about a year. It’s a hassle to source, and they sometimes swap items or call in favors, so they may want to see if their client will reliably purchase what they bring in. It’s a very good sign that your SA asked you for your wish list. I would say be patient and see how it goes. Just be yourself, email your list before you go in and mention in that email that you’ll be in the store on such and such a date, you hope you’ll be able to work with her. If she’s not interested in appointments, she may change her mind if you go in and spend a bunch with someone else. If this continues, it will work itself out naturally. If she’s not there when you’re ready to shop, and she won’t tell you when she will be there, you’ll logically develop a relationship with someone else there you like.

Having just been through a similar drama, I’d advise keeping in contact with your old SA, but stay with the store and see if the SM will recommend someone you like. Especially if you want QBs. Your old SAs new SM in her new store won’t know you, and you likely won’t get there often, so to the SM your value as a client may not be as evident as it was to your SA. Just like love, it’s hard to have a long-distance romance. If it fizzles with your old SA, it may be awkward going back to the old store, because you’re basically starting over again. If your old store is giving you regular quota bags, then the SM obviously knows and likes you. In some ways it’s the SM you have a relationship with.

@Etriers — I think the Hermes relationship may be even tougher than love 🤣! Thanks for your advice ❤️

 

[saugalady]

Looking for advice on how to handle this. About 2 months ago, I visited a store in the US ( I live in Canada) and bought an apple watch and extra strap for my sister. No relationship with an SA in this store. Yesterday, visited the same store with my sister who wanted to buy another strap and we were seen by another SA. This SA then mentioned that the extra strap bought in the first visit was the wrong size ( a 44 strap was sold for a 41 watch by the SA). My sister never noticed this and has used the watch considerably. How can this be addressed? Should she be asking for a replacement? I'm not particularly looking for a relationship at this store but I bought the watch on my profile and my sister who lives in the State is looking to start one.

 

[Crapples]

Looking for advice on how to handle this. About 2 months ago, I visited a store in the US ( I live in Canada) and bought an apple watch and extra strap for my sister. No relationship with an SA in this store. Yesterday, visited the same store with my sister who wanted to buy another strap and we were seen by another SA. This SA then mentioned that the extra strap bought in the first visit was the wrong size ( a 44 strap was sold for a 41 watch by the SA). My sister never noticed this and has used the watch considerably. How can this be addressed? Should she be asking for a replacement? I'm not particularly looking for a relationship at this store but I bought the watch on my profile and my sister who lives in the State is looking to start one.

So your sister has been using the incorrect strap for two months, but it has not bothered her? In that case, unfortunately, I think that you will just have to realize that this is a couple hundred dollars mistake. It’s not your sales associate’s fault that you purchased an item erroneously and it has been used regularly. If it were new you might be able to swap it out but even then owing to the timing it would be a courtesy.