Maintaining an H relationship

[papertiger]

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

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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.

 

[rumes]

Today, my SA went to the store manager and asked for a bag approval on my behalf. When she returned, she said that because I had already received two bags (a Picotin and a Constance Elan) this summer, she couldn't do it at the moment.

Idk it also includes lottery too. Already since 5 days I did not have lottery appointment.

 

[acrowcounted]

Today, my SA went to the store manager and asked for a bag approval on my behalf. When she returned, she said that because I had already received two bags (a Picotin and a Constance Elan) this summer, she couldn't do it at the moment.

Idk it also includes lottery too. Already since 5 days I did not have lottery appointment.

I think it’s safe to assume that if you do get a lottery appointment, the same limitation would apply.

 

[rumes]

I think it’s safe to assume that if you do get a lottery appointment, the same limitation would apply.

That’s why I was not in a rush but funny thing was other sa who sold 2nd bag which is Constance Elan told me that buying this not affect your chance to buy Kelly 😒

 

[acrowcounted]

That’s why I was not in a rush but funny thing was other sa who sold 2nd bag which is Constance Elan told me that buying this not affect your chance to buy Kelly 😒

SAs say crazy things to make a sale. Better to believe us TPFers with no skin in the game! (“Any bag purchase will hurt your chances for more near term bag offers.”) I’m sure your next trip will be very successful though!

 

[rumes]

SAs say crazy things to make a sale. Better to believe us TPFers with no skin in the game! (“Any bag purchase will hurt your chances for more near term bag offers.”) I’m sure your next trip will be very successful though!

Hope so 🙏🏻

 

[Veritybelle]

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.

💯. Whether the SA is stringing @_Birkin_ along deliberately (which would be pretty poor form) or just trying to say things to keep a client happy in the moment, there's no evidence based on experience in this forum that an SA has any ability to deliver on a "promise" (and certainly not a promise of box) unless the client is in VVIP territory, and it would be better to take all such "promises" with a grain of salt to avoid the inevitable disappointment.

 

[haute okole]

💯. Whether the SA is stringing @_Birkin_ along deliberately (which would be pretty poor form) or just trying to say things to keep a client happy in the moment, there's no evidence based on experience in this forum that an SA has any ability to deliver on a "promise" (and certainly not a promise of box) unless the client is in VVIP territory, and it would be better to take all such "promises" with a grain of salt to avoid the inevitable disappointment.

Yes indeed, and if one does not have at least one of their desired QBs this late in the year despite making it obvious you want one, one is NOT a VIP no matter what the SA says. There are many ways that one can gather that one is a VIP and the last way is to be told they are one. NB: Time for critical thinking.

BTW, it should be immaterial whatever ones label is as long as you are completely satisfied with your experience. If not, move on.

 

[Capitaliste]

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.

Thank you! Maybe it would have been a simple lip service. If that's the case, it would be pretty sad. But, at least I will learn the lesson not to be deceived. lol

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.

Thank you. I mean, there is nothing I can do about it at the moment except that I just need to be patient (since all the pre-spend is already set in stone) and wait for B35 and the special order to be delivered. I like your approaches to consider what I could do afterwards. I will keep you all posted and how it goes.

Whether the SA is stringing @_Birkin_ along deliberately (which would be pretty poor form) or just trying to say things to keep a client happy in the moment, there's no evidence based on experience in this forum that an SA has any ability to deliver on a "promise" (and certainly not a promise of box) unless the client is in VVIP territory, and it would be better to take all such "promises" with a grain of salt to avoid the inevitable disappointment.

Thank you. I agree and should have taken her words less seriously. I was just not sure why she was so affirmative with me every time, and gives me disappointment later on. I appreciate your comment.

 

[880]

You should probably cut your losses and move on to one of the other tristate stores where youve had success.

If one has a relationship with Paris, try there bc they have more access to heritage leather and special offers.

no evidence based on experience in this forum that an SA has any ability to deliver on a "promise" (and certainly not a promise of box) unless the client is in VVIP territory

💯

it should be immaterial whatever ones label is as long as you are completely satisfied with your experience. If not, move on.

💯

@rumes, I am hopeful it will work out on your next visit. I’m of the philosophy that good things come to those who wait. And I love both bags you have. Perhaps try with the other SA next visit or after the holidays? I think perhaps the issue is things change all the time with H management, and SAs unfortunately have to go along with the messaging from above. What they say may be based on their prior experience, and therefore subject to change without notice to them or us.

@textilegirl , my SM and SA have told me that I’m going to get the first new batch of champagne and other oxymore that make it to the US. But, I’m not holding my breath lol, and if it’s super delayed, I can always decide to baccarat or something else. . .

I am not a VIP, which I define as 1) having an open invite to any event and 2) getting more than two QBs annually* (I do know a couple of VIPs personally). And, they don’t nickel and dime or even count prespend as obsessively as these current threads would suggest. But, they also have to wait for bags they want to come available and don’t expect a bag on x day/month. And, if they don’t get something, there is always the next time.

I think no matter who your SA is, you have to develop a relationship with one who you trust to have your best interests in the longer term. For most of us, there will always be someone who is MORE likely to get what they want. I try not to make myself crazy and just be happy with whatever I end up with

*I count myself very lucky if I get one or two QB annually, but I don’t buy every year. Nor am I offered opportunities to buy as frequently as many on this thread.

 

[periogirl28]

Just as we as clients value loyalty and trust in our SAs, the reverse is also true. It's no point maintaining that relationship otherwise.

 

[HermesXoXo]

I agree that only TIME will tell... so no need for the desperation and urgency in asking for feedbacks and guidance after each and every encounter and transaction. I too am a client of Madison, with blue box purchases, and can comfortably say that your (ex)SA won't be thrilled with your Kelly purchase from across the bridge.

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.

With your latest post, it has me circling back to our correspondence back on July 1st. Now more than three months later, and with the first ‘promised’ date passed, it’s pretty clear your SA has de-prioritized your wishes. I would no longer pursue the bag (or your SA), and simply let the pieces fall as they may. A B35 request at Madison is as close to a walk-in offer as one gets and for your SA to push it out another month is very telling. I truly feel your shopping with multiple boutiques isn’t sitting well with your SA/SM. Commit to one locale and ye shall be rewarded.

 

[Capitaliste]

I would no longer pursue the bag (or your SA), and simply let the pieces fall as they may. A B35 request at Madison is as close to a walk-in offer as one gets and for your SA to push it out another month is very telling.

Thank you. It is hard for me to stop now because I have a significant pre-spend amount (i.e., more than $21,000 [excluding taxes] since the last [i.e., the first] QB, excluding 2 non-QBs [i.e., Kelly 42 and Kelly Messenger PM]). Someone also commented privately that this pre-spend is too high for a B35.

Back in early March this year, my SA and I had a plan for this year of getting the SO and B35; This is still my plan to get the Hermes shopping done (at least in the US) after getting these 2 bags. (I don't care about being a VIP or not, because it is not really my thing.)

I truly feel your shopping with multiple boutiques isn’t sitting well with your SA/SM. Commit to one locale and ye shall be rewarded.

All of my transactions are from the Madison maison since I worked with my SA in that store, except that I had 1 purchase in New Jersey in June this year, which was a non-quota bag. (I got a Kelly Messenger PM/noir/evergrain as a walk-in visitor.) But, is it the punishment that I deserve....? (I thought it would be OK to browse other Hermes boutiques as long as I don't buy anything from them...?)

A side note: My SA once told me that, "that is an easy bag [regarding my Kelly Messenger PM] and I could have got it for you." Then, I told her a while later that "I want another Kelly Messenger PM in new blue jean, can you help me get it for me?," and she said... "That will be probably around the summer time next year [which is 2025], but for now, I want to focus on the B35 for you." I was like, "oh, never mind." 😂

After reviewing the comments from tPFers regarding my inquiry, my conclusion is leaning towards that my SA is clearly manipulative, or at least is not reliable. Is it OK to PM you for some additional questions, please? (You clearly seem to be familiar with the Madison and have lots of experiences...!) Thank you!

 

[Letter]

Thank you. It is hard for me to stop now because I have a significant pre-spend amount (i.e., more than $21,000 [excluding taxes] since the last [i.e., the first] QB, excluding 2 non-QBs [i.e., Kelly 42 and Kelly Messenger PM]). Someone also commented privately that this pre-spend is too high for a B35.

Back in early March this year, my SA and I had a plan for this year of getting the SO and B35; This is still my plan to get the Hermes shopping done (at least in the US) after getting these 2 bags. (I don't care about being a VIP or not, because it is not really my thing.)



All of my transactions are from the Madison maison since I worked with my SA in that store, except that I had 1 purchase in New Jersey in June this year, which was a non-quota bag. (I got a Kelly Messenger PM/noir/evergrain as a walk-in visitor.) But, is it the punishment that I deserve....? (I thought it would be OK to browse other Hermes boutiques as long as I don't buy anything from them...?)

A side note: My SA once told me that, "that is an easy bag [regarding my Kelly Messenger PM] and I could have got it for you." Then, I told her a while later that "I want another Kelly Messenger PM in new blue jean, can you help me get it for me?," and she said... "That will be probably around the summer time next year [which is 2025], but for now, I want to focus on the B35 for you." I was like, "oh, never mind." 😂

After reviewing the comments from tPFers regarding my inquiry, my conclusion is leaning towards that my SA is clearly manipulative, or at least is not reliable. Is it OK to PM you for some additional questions, please? (You clearly seem to be familiar with the Madison and have lots of experiences...!) Thank you!

Is English not your SAs first language? I just wonder if there’s something being lost in translation and your SA doesn’t realize how definitive they are coming across.

I think this situation is a little crazy and I’d probably try to use humor to figure out what’s going on. Bring it up in a laughing way “what’s going on with my definite B35 by end of October???” In a casual laughing way. I just think you need to put a little pressure here to try to figure out the situation.

 

[Capitaliste]

Is English not your SAs first language? I just wonder if there’s something being lost in translation and your SA doesn’t realize how definitive they are coming across.

I think this situation is a little crazy and I’d probably try to use humor to figure out what’s going on. Bring it up in a laughing way “what’s going on with my definite B35 by end of October???” In a casual laughing way. I just think you need to put a little pressure here to try to figure out the situation.

No, English is not her first language, but I don't think there was any translation issue either. And, I also tried the approach you mentioned, and voila, I am still waiting.

On a side note: I may be overthinking, but I am also speculating that she may not offer me a B35 until my birthday earlier next year, because she wants to surprise me (even if I am not that surprised...). For example, she explicitly told me (since late summer/early fall of 2023) that I would get a Maxi Kelly (i.e., Kelly 42) by the end of the year (i.e., 2023). But, she did not offer this bag and waited until my Birthday earlier this year. It was quite annoying to me when I found that some people purchased the Maxi Kelly so easily in Madison as a walk-in visitor from Canada (according to Reddit) or got random offers of this same bag among other Madison clients. (These Madison clients did not put Maxi Kelly in their wishlists at all [since it is a big men's bag], whereas it was my "the bag" in my wishlist since late summer last year...)

 

[Letter]

No, English is not her first language, but I don't think there was any translation issue either. And, I also tried the approach you mentioned, and voila, I am still waiting.

On a side note: I may be overthinking, but I am also speculating that she may not offer me a B35 until my birthday earlier next year, because she wants to surprise me (even if I am not that surprised...). For example, she explicitly told me (since late summer/early fall of 2023) that I would get a Maxi Kelly (i.e., Kelly 42) by the end of the year (i.e., 2023). But, she did not offer this bag and waited until my Birthday earlier this year. It was quite annoying to me when I found that some people purchased the Maxi Kelly so easily in Madison as a walk-in visitor from Canada (according to Reddit) or got random offers of this same bag among other Madison clients. (These Madison clients did not put Maxi Kelly in their wishlists at all [since it is a big men's bag], whereas it was my "the bag" in my wishlist since late summer last year...)

Ugh. I’m sorry. This just sounds like she makes shopping a frustrating experience for no good reason.