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.

 

[authenticbbq]

Didn’t you also consider using your special order slot to get a mini Kelly for your sister instead of getting a B35? I think I remember seeing your posts a couple months ago where you still had the same issues you’re describing now. Maybe there’s some joint confusion between you and your SA about what you actually want.

At the end of the day, if you put too much pressure on the timing of when you get things, it’ll take the joy out of the experience. I also wouldn’t put too much credence what people say they get online. Comparison is the thief of joy.

 

[Capitaliste]

Didn’t you also consider using your special order slot to get a mini Kelly for your sister instead of getting a B35? I think I remember seeing your posts a couple months ago where you still had the same issues you’re describing now. Maybe there’s some joint confusion between you and your SA about what you actually want.

At the end of the day, if you put too much pressure on the timing of when you get things, it’ll take the joy out of the experience. I also wouldn’t put too much credence what people say they get online. Comparison is the thief of joy.

This year, when I picked up my Maxi Kelly (and this is a non-QB in my home store) in March and a little after that, my SA and I made a clear plan for this year: (1) an SO, which was placed this March for my sister (It's Kelly 25 in Ostrich and it will come anytime literally) and (2) B35 for me. Realistically, I am thinking that the SO would arrive in Spring 2025. So, I am hoping to get the 1 quota bag, which is B35, this year. I am not comparing my shopping to others (and I literally have no interest in other bags such as B25, mini Kelly, etc. that most other people are craving for), but I got frustrated with my SA who repeatedly has changed her words.

ETA: I appreciate your suggestion on not putting too much pressure on the timing.

 

[QuelleFromage]

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.

This is really it in the end

 

[hbr]

Comparison is the thief of joy.

I use this quote more often than I can count! Very true 🙏

 

[Love Of My Life]

Best quote yet,@authenticbbq,
"Comparison is the thief of joy"
Words so well said..
Also think & feel that many of us have different relationships with our SA's
& likely no two experiences can be the same.
We should all enjoy the shopping experience & not have unrealistic expectations because
other's experiences are different from ours. It all needs to be put in perspective
As much as I love the FSH experiences & treasure my SA, I also thoroughly enjoy working with
my Madison SA.. Each bring different & interesting thoughts about the pieces that I have
Most SA's have a personal joy when they see you wearing a bag or jacket that they helped
you either find with a search or just an item that is unexpected from the store.
Life is just too short not to enjoy what each & every one of us have from Hermes ,JMO

 

[benjinito]

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]).

$21k since November 2023, correct? I would imagine that's not super high for Madison, yet she's claiming that she can get you an MK or B25/K25 very easily?

 

[haute okole]

$21k since November 2023, correct? I would imagine that's not super high for Madison, yet she's claiming that she can get you an MK or B25/K25 very easily?

Truth, unvarnished truth, MKs, B25/K25 at Madison or BH typically are minimum 3x for established clients, 4.5x for newer clients. $21K in a year is a 2 year wait for a QB at a flagship especially if a client shops around and has more than one store on their profile. However, there are some Madison clients who have numerous profiles nationally and internationally, but spend $22k on RTW in an hour. This is not a flex, this is reality. How else would Hermes continuously beat their estimates and margins. Don’t believe the Redditors or anyone else who claim to be repeatedly successful for less if they are not famous. So spend, one relationship with primarily one store and patience is key.

 

[Capitaliste]

$21k since November 2023, correct? I would imagine that's not super high for Madison, yet she's claiming that she can get you an MK or B25/K25 very easily?

Yes. I got the first and only QB [i.e., Birkin 30] in early November 2023 from my home store (and in the US). So, I counted my current pre-spend amount since mid-November of 2023 (before taxes), excluding 2 other non-QBs. She said that if I cannot get a B35 by mid-November, she would still offer a B25 (for my sister). She said that MK and B25/K25 are easier than B35, and I can get it "easily" instead of B35 if I want to. [ETA: What my SA is telling me is somewhat contradictory from what I read from this Forum.]

Also, I was originally very specific that I want a black Birkin 35 w/ palladium hardware regardless of leather types. (Then, I expanded my choices to any grey colors more recently, but with palladium hardware only.) I don't think my specs are that difficult...?

I think I just have to be patient to get one QB and the SO from Madison as there is nothing much I can do. Then, I will be done in the US (but, I would still shop in Paris and potentially in China only).

 

[Veritybelle]

Yes. I got the first and only QB [i.e., Birkin 30] in early November 2023 from my home store (and in the US). So, I counted my current pre-spend amount since mid-November of 2023 (before taxes), excluding 2 other non-QBs. She said that if I cannot get a B35 by mid-November, she would still offer a B25 (for my sister). She said that MK and B25/K25 are easier than B35, and I can get it "easily" instead of B35 if I want to. [ETA: What my SA is telling me is somewhat contradictory from what I read from this Forum.]

Also, I was originally very specific that I want a black Birkin 35 w/ palladium hardware regardless of leather types. (Then, I expanded my choices to any grey colors more recently, but with palladium hardware only.) I don't think my specs are that difficult...?

I think I just have to be patient to get one QB and the SO from Madison as there is nothing much I can do. Then, I will be done in the US (but, I would still shop in Paris and potentially in China).

I think the truth is plain to see - if these bags are so easy to get, then why hasn’t she got either of them for you yet?

Whatever she may be saying, your actual, real world experience is perfectly consistent with what established, long-term Madison clients have been saying all along about what it takes to be offered these bags at that maison. Easy is a relative term at H.

Obviously if she’s stringing you along, that’s not a great relationship, but if she’s not, your experience is really not that different from other people’s based on your spend. Unless you are a VIP (and let’s be honest, that designation, from a business perspective, is mostly all about spend, not personality or the quality of your small talk), it’s really best to be patient, pleasant and avoid being just another one of the demanding clients your SA has to deal with every day who put unreasonable pressure on her for bags she is not authorised to offer them. (And even if you are a VIP, still be all those things lol)

 

[benjinito]

Yes. I got the first and only QB [i.e., Birkin 30] in early November 2023 from my home store (and in the US). So, I counted my current pre-spend amount since mid-November of 2023 (before taxes), excluding 2 other non-QBs. She said that if I cannot get a B35 by mid-November, she would still offer a B25 (for my sister). She said that MK and B25/K25 are easier than B35, and I can get it "easily" instead of B35 if I want to. [ETA: What my SA is telling me is somewhat contradictory from what I read from this Forum.]

Also, I was originally very specific that I want a black Birkin 35 w/ palladium hardware regardless of leather types. (Then, I expanded my choices to any grey colors more recently, but with palladium hardware only.) I don't think my specs are that difficult...?

I think I just have to be patient to get one QB and the SO from Madison as there is nothing much I can do. Then, I will be done in the US (but, I would still shop in Paris and potentially in China).

For what it's worth, I'm waiting for a B35 with the same specs (noir with PHW). My SA also told me that I might have to wait a while until they get a bag in that exact combo because they don't order that many B35s. I do get small bag offers (MK/B25/K25). So there is some truth to what she is saying.

Her optimism regarding the smaller bags is puzzling to me, though. The specific dates are also strange. Please let us know if you end up getting a bag offer next month. Wishing you the best!

 

[Bdbunny]

My SA once told me that, "that is an easy bag [regarding my Kelly Messenger PM] and I could have got it for you."

I think this was her way of telling you she was not so happy that you got that Kelly Messenger from NJ.

My SA promised me to offer a QB by mid-November, so I will have to see if she tells me a lie again.

Did she actually PROMISE you and say it in writing? Or did she say, "I think November shouldn't be a problem..." along those lines? I think maybe she just talks like that... some people like to exaggerate and they don't really mean what they say and you can't take them too seriously, unfortunately.

She said that MK and B25/K25 are easier than B35, and I can get it "easily" instead of B35 if I want to

I agree with another poster. Call her bluff. Tell her I changed my mind, I would LOVE a MK! And see what she offers you!

She said that if I cannot get a B35 by mid-November,

Maybe you should interpret this from another angle. Maybe she doesn't mean "if a B35 doesn't arrive from Paris by mid-November," but she means "You have to spend MORE MONEY by mid-November" and then magically a B35 noir with PHW will appear.
I know someone told you that $21k is already "too much" for a B35... that may be true for them, but apparently not in your case for whatever reason. My real life friend was having trouble getting a bag she wanted. She spent more money and it appeared. Go figure! They have their sales quota as well, so she knows if it's something you want, you will have to "earn" it. Unfortunately this is the reality of the game, no matter what you read online about 1:1 or less than 1:1 or whatever. In this H game, the SA has the upper hand and the truth is you're not enough of a whale to warrant her trying to "woo" you so you have to play by her rules.

Or you can say forget it and go to another store altogether. Who knows, you could get lucky there!

 

[880]

Seriously, I know op mentioned a while back that he didn’t want to buy resale, but there are a ton of bbb35s and prices are coming down. I buy both resale and boutique. Box leather looks better with some age imo only

I give his SA some benefit of the doubt. When he started this search, perhaps she went to the SM and asked do you think this client can get xyz by this date. If the manager thought he had promise as a rising client, she might have said, likely by November. But, that can change at any moment.* It’s not all up to the SA. A guesstimate isn’t a contract written in stone even for a vip

If a client shops elsewhere, imo he’s trading short term gratification for his long term goals. But, it’s the clients choice. His wallet, his choice. But, by the same token, the SA can certainly give the bag to someone else.

Agree with @Veritybelle; it’s kind of like airline club status lol

ETA: * this isn’t personal. How to allocate bags or any scarce desirable product is a business decision. An SA or SM likely doesn’t have the time, bandwidth, or energy for personal grips with clients , but they do have to adhere to the ever changing corp policy

 

[Veritybelle]

Seriously, I know op mentioned a while back that he didn’t want to buy resale, but there are a ton of bbb35s and prices are coming down. I buy both resale and boutique. Box leather looks better with some age imo only

I give his SA some benefit of the doubt. When he started this search, perhaps she went to the SM and asked do you think this client can get xyz by this date. If the manager thought he had promise as a rising client, she might have said, likely by November. But, that can change at any moment. It’s not all up to the SA. A guesstimate isn’t a contract written in stone even for a vip

If a client shops elsewhere, imo he’s trading short term gratification for his long term goals. But, it’s the clients choice. His wallet, his choice. But, by the same token, the SA can certainly give the bag to someone else.

Agree with @Veritybelle; it’s kind of like airline club status lol

These are really good points - the SM will be making exactly these calculations, especially about the prospects of new clients, all the time. It’s important to be realistic about the full picture and the various parameters within which the SA is operating.

 

[BreezyE]

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!

Just to play devil's advocate, maybe your sa is tired of you asking/checking in and is just as frustrated as you.

Also edited to add: maybe your sa knows your so is coming in this year, so that would be your 2nd qb.

 

[Love Of My Life]

As @880 so well points out,

This isn't personal. How to allocate bags or any scarce desirable product is a business decision.
An SA or SM likely doesn't have the time, bandwidth or energy for personal grips with clients,
but they do have to adhere to the everchanging corp policy.

Shopping at H takes much patience. Simply said.
If SA's could go into a backroom & produce bags to satisfy all these demanding clients they
likely would because the requests & constant hammering of where is my bag, is overwhelming.

These various threads have provided insight & most of them at some point discuss "patience
& not entitlement", JMO