Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

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

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[A1aGypsy]

I appreciate your input and perspective. However, I have to disagree with your point about long distance clients being at a disadvantage. I think this is very much a case by case situation and not an overall truth. If the client is loyal and knows what they like and want, creating a relationship isn’t difficult. I see myself in this catagory. I think the tough part is the more nuanced aspect of shopping in person which involves having leisurely conversations with the SA which leads to SA learning more about the clients likes etc which help him/her make suggestions for future purchases. This is the part that’s tricky with long distance clients. So, the way I see it, it comes down to patience and communication with the new SA in learning my taste over time.

My experience with my new SA who’s out of state has been nothing but positive and very enjoyable thus far. I think he understands and knows that I’m a loyal client and I’m looking to continue to build on the relationship with his store so there is incentive for him to build on this relationship with me. I have no fantasies about creating a true friendship with him, but rather know that there is nuance in long distance relationships of this kind.

I truly hope you are correct but I was more focused on what appears to be an emphasis on the part of Hermes to have their SAs prioritize in person interactions. You could be the easiest and most motivated client in the world but, if his SM wants his attention elsewhere, it’s going to be very challenging.

Anyway, I’m glad that you have had a positive start and I hope it continues.

 

[hbr]

I truly hope you are correct but I was more focused on what appears to be an emphasis on the part of Hermes to have their SAs prioritize in person interactions. You could be the easiest and most motivated client in the world but, if his SM wants his attention elsewhere, it’s going to be very challenging.

Anyway, I’m glad that you have had a positive start and I hope it continues.

I hear you and I’m hoping that the SM at my store sees that I’m just as valuable of a client as someone who is local to that boutique. Time will tell…

 

[haute okole]

I truly hope you are correct but I was more focused on what appears to be an emphasis on the part of Hermes to have their SAs prioritize in person interactions. You could be the easiest and most motivated client in the world but, if his SM wants his attention elsewhere, it’s going to be very challenging.

Anyway, I’m glad that you have had a positive start and I hope it continues.

I actually agree with @A1aGypsy re: prioritizing local, geographically local clients. Although the SA/client relationship is paramount, I doubt I would have the access to the private events, special bags, etc. if I were not also geographically local. If I had to book a plane ticket that would factor into my shopping budget and I would be far less likely to attend all of the private events. It is at these private events that you get to know the SM, RTW buyer, et. Al. I am not one who just stops by to browse without an appointment and typically only shop about 4-5 times a year. I do not communicate with my SA outside of confirming appointments or responding to invites or his texts. They definitely appreciate efficient, decisive and short messages about business that they can help you with as opposed to questions about when they can expect your next QB, how’s business, and other superfluous matters. Trust that if they are working and not with me, they are not thinking of me nor should they be. Don’t worry about trying to keep in touch for the sake of keeping in touch. That would be so counterproductive. When you do see your SA, just be lovely, quite spendy and NOT needy. They won’t forget you.

 

[Dreaming of H]

@hbr - no idea if helpful but throwing my hat into the ring on this topic.

I feel like it's extremely hard to opine in general on this topic as truly everyone's experiences will be so different. I'm a forever remote client. I just simply am not geographically conveniently located to have a primarily in-person relationship. It's been over 16 years of shopping with the brand with various traveling relationships and stores. In the south, at Madison, in the mountain west, the list goes on. Before texting was a thing, after texting, and so on. All I can say is it's a very personal thing between you and your SA. You might communicate frequently. You might go weeks without. Only you can pick up what is appropriate and what you feel is the appropriate vibe. Please don't stress about will they or won't they prioritize you. It's the situation you are in. Make the most of it and don't overthink. If you are ok to travel to pick up a QB twice a year with minimal effort, perfect. You might as well be a local in that respect.

Happy shopping!

 

[textilegirl]

@hbr - no idea if helpful but throwing my hat into the ring on this topic.

I feel like it's extremely hard to opine in general on this topic as truly everyone's experiences will be so different. I'm a forever remote client. I just simply am not geographically conveniently located to have a primarily in-person relationship. It's been over 16 years of shopping with the brand with various traveling relationships and stores. In the south, at Madison, in the mountain west, the list goes on. Before texting was a thing, after texting, and so on. All I can say is it's a very personal thing between you and your SA. You might communicate frequently. You might go weeks without. Only you can pick up what is appropriate and what you feel is the appropriate vibe. Please don't stress about will they or won't they prioritize you. It's the situation you are in. Make the most of it and don't overthink. If you are ok to travel pick up a QB twice a year with minimal effort, perfect. You might as well be a local in that respect.

Happy shopping!

Same boat here, I’ve been a remote client for quite some time, and am on my second SA. I visit my boutique maybe 3-5 times a year and have done so consistently. I’m not in the market for very popular bags but like @Veritybelle, my SA and SM know of my interest in heritage leathers and other more unusual offerings. I don’t feel especially disadvantaged by being a remote client, but I think my consistency over time has been a factor, along with the fact that I’m not constantly (ever) pestering my SA for a neutral colored MK or 25cm bag. That’s how I ‘maintain my relationship’ but I’m not sure if that’s the way to get a Nata MK or the like.

 

[OnlyModa]

I have an SA in the US and Europe. I visit my European SA twice a year. I coordinate my trip about two months in advance. There have been no issues whatsoever. I might text every other month with like a good morning and an outfit. I get offers when I go. I do spend though.
I am at the local store all the time. I spend even more. I do not get as regular of offers but cannot complain.
I have said it before and I will say it again. It all comes down to reliability of your spend and your SAs personal style.

 

[hbr]

@hbr - no idea if helpful but throwing my hat into the ring on this topic.

I feel like it's extremely hard to opine in general on this topic as truly everyone's experiences will be so different. I'm a forever remote client. I just simply am not geographically conveniently located to have a primarily in-person relationship. It's been over 16 years of shopping with the brand with various traveling relationships and stores. In the south, at Madison, in the mountain west, the list goes on. Before texting was a thing, after texting, and so on. All I can say is it's a very personal thing between you and your SA. You might communicate frequently. You might go weeks without. Only you can pick up what is appropriate and what you feel is the appropriate vibe. Please don't stress about will they or won't they prioritize you. It's the situation you are in. Make the most of it and don't overthink. If you are ok to travel to pick up a QB twice a year with minimal effort, perfect. You might as well be a local in that respect.

Happy shopping!

Thank you! Every word you said really resonates with me. I’m not one to obsess or overthink. This topic came from a place of curiosity. I appreciate everyone’s perspective and especially from you who knows this process first hand (remote client).

When I first met my SA I did tell him that I would have no issue flying out to pick up a QB. He knows I’m in it for the long haul so we’re all good in that regard.

Anywho- thanks everyone for your input!

 

[880]

having leisurely conversations with the SA which leads to SA learning more about the clients

My SAs can see my taste very quickly via what I wear and when I run through seasonally appropriate action shots in my album. That’s also important so they see at a glance what I already own. Pics speak louder than words in this case. And, take a few minutes to show so can be done very quickly.

When getting to know them, I don’t have long conversations that will close the doors to interesting possibilities that might limit what they show me. And it doesn’t have to be all H.

when I was hanging out with @haute okole and her SA ( she makes an appt so her SA and I can come up with interesting combos for her to try on. I also show her SA what I have that she has expressed interest in. Then, they make another appt so he has time to round up sizes and colors and can produce a rack of stuff she wants). It actually is very time efficient for the SA (bc she is a bit smaller than me, but we take the same size in a lot of H and Chanel)

On one of the trips out to visit her, he commented that he liked a combo of a Chanel top with Hermes silk pants and would recommend it to another client of his who wears a lot of Chanel too. Im pretty sure that I provided the pic of the outfit to him (at his request) so he could show her. (I’m also pretty sure he wasn’t just being polite, bc I don’t shop with him)

I also shop with another IRL TPF friend at my local store (we each have our own SA) who shows her SAs what she owns (bag album) so they don’t duplicate offers; colors; leathers; types of bags). It’s a helpful shortcut for the SA bc it doesn’t waste time.

ETA: my SA experience with my FSH SAs seems to be a bit like that of @OnlyModa . They only see me twice a year (I asked bf I started with them if that was okay). I get offers twice a year during a shopping trip. While I don’t spend as much as my local store, they know that I will buy if they show me stuff that suits. (I say they bc my FSH SA was out for over a year of maternity lol). For the last three visits, I had coverage and offers from the equivalent of managers who covered (who also made offers). But, my non leather spend is irrespective of any offer, and they know it. i also don’t ask for specific bags. They scroll through what they have and they pick what they think I will love. (If you do this, you also have to be very comfy saying no and why That makes it easy on them too.

Here’s the Chanel and Hermes combo I shared with @haute okole ‘s SA. Needless to say, an SA recommending his a client can better use another brands rtw to mix with current purchases is a demonstration of that SAs care and consideration. It actually doesn’t lessen the amount a solid client will buy from H; and imo it encourages clients to trust that SA more.

 

[Capitaliste]

What would you do when you have these issues with your SA?

1) My SA says/promises things decisively, but is now having a history of changing her words repeatedly.

• For example, she said that she would get me a QB by September. And, she basically forgot this, and now set a date of mid-November to get me the QB. When I first worked with her, she kept the words and was reliable; this is why I continued working with her partly after getting the first QB. (I was able to get a B30 [i.e., the first QB] by early November 2023 when I started working with her since August 2023.) After the first QB, she still says/promises things decisively, but she has had a pattern of changing words, etc. since then for all of subsequent bags. (Since she is not keeping her words anymore, I get annoyed (internally only; I did not express it to her) at times, and it still is a deciding factor to stop working with her once I get the bag in the future.)

2) My SA is getting forgetful of what we had previously discussed. (I even wrote very clearly on the text messages so that she can easily look up what we discussed and agreed on, but she seems to forget things more frequently.)

3) My SA says things that are contradictory to what the most TPFs are aware of.

• For example, she is telling me that other bags (e.g., mini Kelly, K25, B25, etc.) are “very easy to get for me and can give it to me” when I have a zero interest in them and am waiting for B35. She also used to say that “B35 is very easy to get” multiple times some months ago. (If it is really that easy, why do I not have a single QB in my hands yet this year...?) I felt that her words are often manipulative so that I have to keep waiting/spending, etc., which I am doing now patiently.
• Another example is that she is so persuasive/decisive that I should get the bag in Box leather (since March/April this year). But, we all know that the bag in Box leather is only given as a “push offer.” I don’t understand why she would assume that I would definitely get it when she doesn’t know when it would come…?

Nota bene: I had previously posted discussion-based inquiries, which did not go well. (And, I eventually blocked/ignored at least 3 tPFers who basically attacked me here; I think they shouldn’t be able to see my post.) Anyway, I am just trying it again, so that we can still share good insight, information, etc. and help each other. (I hope I don’t regret posting it. Lol)

Thank you in advance for sharing information or suggestions. (PMs are also welcome to advise me.)

 

[acrowcounted]

What would you do when you have these issues with your SA?

1) My SA says/promises things decisively, but is now having a history of changing her words repeatedly.

• For example, she said that she would get me a QB by September. And, she basically forgot this, and now set a date of mid-November to get me the QB. When I first worked with her, she kept the words and was reliable; this is why I continued working with her partly after getting the first QB. (I was able to get a B30 [i.e., the first QB] by early November 2023 when I started working with her since August 2023.) After the first QB, she still says/promises things decisively, but she has had a pattern of changing words, etc. since then for all of subsequent bags. (Since she is not keeping her words anymore, I get annoyed at times, and it still is a deciding factor to stop working with her once I get the bag in the future.)

2) My SA is getting forgetful of what we had previously discussed. (I even wrote very clearly on the text messages so that she can easily look up what we discussed and agreed on, but she seems to forget things more frequently.)

3) My SA says things that are contradictory to what the most TPFs are aware of.

• For example, she is telling me that other bags (e.g., mini Kelly, K25, B25, etc.) are “very easy to get for me and can give it to me” when I have a zero interest in them and am waiting for B35. She also used to say that “B35 is very easy to get” multiple times some months ago. (If it is really that easy, why do I not have a single QB in my hands yet this year...?) I felt that her words are often manipulative so that I have to keep waiting/spending, etc., which I am doing now patiently.
• Another example is that she is so persuasive/decisive that I should get the bag in Box leather (since March/April this year). But, we all know that the bag in Box leather is only given as a “push offer.” I don’t understand why she would assume that I would definitely get it when she doesn’t know when it would come…?

Nota bene: I had previously posted discussion-based inquiries, which did not go well. (And, I eventually blocked/ignored at least 3 tPFers who basically attacked me here; I think they shouldn’t be able to see my post.) Anyway, I am just trying it again, so that we can still share good insight, information, etc. and help each other. (I hope I don’t regret posting it. Lol)

Thank you in advance for sharing information or suggestions. (PMs are also welcome to advise me.)

Next time she says X is easy, call her bluff and say "ok Ill take one today "for my sister" (or whatever)". I'd love to see what happens at that point and I think it would give you immediate undeniable insight into how much she is playing with you. At the end of the day, you are clearly unhappy with her. You should probably cut your losses and move on to one of the other tristate stores where youve had success.

 

[haute okole]

What would you do when you have these issues with your SA?

1) My SA says/promises things decisively, but is now having a history of changing her words repeatedly.

• For example, she said that she would get me a QB by September. And, she basically forgot this, and now set a date of mid-November to get me the QB. When I first worked with her, she kept the words and was reliable; this is why I continued working with her partly after getting the first QB. (I was able to get a B30 [i.e., the first QB] by early November 2023 when I started working with her since August 2023.) After the first QB, she still says/promises things decisively, but she has had a pattern of changing words, etc. since then for all of subsequent bags. (Since she is not keeping her words anymore, I get annoyed (internally only; I did not express it to her) at times, and it still is a deciding factor to stop working with her once I get the bag in the future.)

2) My SA is getting forgetful of what we had previously discussed. (I even wrote very clearly on the text messages so that she can easily look up what we discussed and agreed on, but she seems to forget things more frequently.)

3) My SA says things that are contradictory to what the most TPFs are aware of.

• For example, she is telling me that other bags (e.g., mini Kelly, K25, B25, etc.) are “very easy to get for me and can give it to me” when I have a zero interest in them and am waiting for B35. She also used to say that “B35 is very easy to get” multiple times some months ago. (If it is really that easy, why do I not have a single QB in my hands yet this year...?) I felt that her words are often manipulative so that I have to keep waiting/spending, etc., which I am doing now patiently.
• Another example is that she is so persuasive/decisive that I should get the bag in Box leather (since March/April this year). But, we all know that the bag in Box leather is only given as a “push offer.” I don’t understand why she would assume that I would definitely get it when she doesn’t know when it would come…?

Nota bene: I had previously posted discussion-based inquiries, which did not go well. (And, I eventually blocked/ignored at least 3 tPFers who basically attacked me here; I think they shouldn’t be able to see my post.) Anyway, I am just trying it again, so that we can still share good insight, information, etc. and help each other. (I hope I don’t regret posting it. Lol)

Thank you in advance for sharing information or suggestions. (PMs are also welcome to advise me.)

I am sorry to hear this, but it appears you remain hopeful despite your SAs actions that do not match her words. You have been disappointed for awhile. If the same were happening to me, I would look at the reality of the situation as opposed to the hopeful words. It may be time to find someone who is more realistic about your timeline. After many years of shopping, I cannot see how any SA can guarantee bags unless one is a long time lifestyle client with a close connection with the SM. Even in this case, a guaranteed bag only happens if it is already in stock and in response to a large purchase.

 

[880]

shopping, I cannot see how any SA can guarantee bags unless one is a long time lifestyle client with a close connection with the SM. Even in this case, a guaranteed bag only happens if it is already in stock and in response to a large purchas

💯 agree with @haute okole and @acrowcounted. But, hope springs eternal for all of us lol

 

[Capitaliste]

Next time she says X is easy, call her bluff and say "ok Ill take one today "for my sister" (or whatever)". I'd love to see what happens at that point and I think it would give you immediate undeniable insight into how much she is playing with you. At the end of the day, you are clearly unhappy with her. You should probably cut your losses and move on to one of the other tristate stores where youve had success.

Thank you! I knew you would give me some good advice. My SA promised me to offer a QB by mid-November, so I will have to see if she tells me a lie again. After this, I just need to wait for the SO to be delivered, and I will be done with her. I just did not quite understand why she gives me false hope by making such strong statements (e.g., "I promise you blah blah...").

I was also curious if any other tPFers had/have the similar issues, and if so, I wanted to hear how they handled these.

 

[addiCCted]

Thank you! I knew you would give me some good advice. My SA promised me to offer a QB by mid-November, so I will have to see if she tells me a lie again. After this, I just need to wait for the SO to be delivered, and I will be done with her. I just did not quite understand why she gives me false hope by making such strong statements (e.g., "I promise you blah blah...").

I was also curious if any other tPFers had/have the similar issues, and if so, I wanted to hear how they handled these.

I think it’s her personality. Some people just say what they think people want to hear with no intention of following through, ie lip service.

 

[textilegirl]

Thank you! I knew you would give me some good advice. My SA promised me to offer a QB by mid-November, so I will have to see if she tells me a lie again. After this, I just need to wait for the SO to be delivered, and I will be done with her. I just did not quite understand why she gives me false hope by making such strong statements (e.g., "I promise you blah blah...").

I was also curious if any other tPFers had/have the similar issues, and if so, I wanted to hear how they handled these.

I've expressed interest in quite a few things over the years of my relationship with my SAs, but I don't think I've ever asked for a definitive timeline for anything. I've had deadlines where I've gone to the boutique for wedding and other gifts, and have bought things available while there and had them sent in time to meet my needs. I would say the relatively recent scarf/iPad development is the closest I've come to having any real expectation that something might actually show up (I review the upcoming season with my SA who puts my name down for scarves that might be of interest to me). I've recently expressed an interest in a specific piece from the housewares metier, but it's not in the US at this point; I think my SA will alert me when it arrives and as I'm not conveniently located near my boutique and don't 'stop in', I'll likely ask about it on my next visit just to reiterate my interest and see if it might come into the boutique as part of the holiday restock.

I think if I really needed something within a particular timeframe I wouldn't expect my SA to be able to deliver, and I'd go to plan B. My experience with Hermes is that they just work in their own way, and since the products are all discretionary, and the company is French, lol, you just have to roll with the flow. Even if I were a VIP, if they don't have it and can't get it, I can't either. (I'll never get over @880's ridiculous wait for stemware )

My concern with your situation is the definitive statements by your SA. The problem could be her choice of expressions; maybe she's just always positive about being able to accommodate you as a matter of style. Or, she's just telling you what she knows you want to hear, which could be a bit disingenuous. I think your choices are either to give her the benefit of the doubt with respect to her intentions and ignore everything she says about being able to deliver anything 'on time', or, if you get the sense that she's just 'playing you', switch to another SA who is more forthright and reliable. Of course, those forthright answers may be negative, but at least you won't feel like you're being led down the garden path.