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.

 

[kadyooo]

It's usually pretty hard to get in contact with my sales associate via phone as she is pretty busy whenever I call and whenever she calls back I miss her call. Perhaps try calling your sales associate during less busy times such as right when store opens or on weekdays? I can rarely ever reach her if I call in the middle of the day. My sales associate is pretty responsive to my emails at least.

Fortunately (or unfortunately for my bank account [emoji23]) I live close to the store and try to drop in on a regular basis, browse around the store, and purchase items that I really like. At the same time I will also remind her of my wishlist items.

I see, seems pretty normal that they likely not able to answer phone calls. That's what I thought too for now, it's easier for me to stop by instead trying to call, do you have the same feeling that it's getting harder to seek for what we really want to buy?

 

[allure244]

I see, seems pretty normal that they likely not able to answer phone calls. That's what I thought too for now, it's easier for me to stop by instead trying to call, do you have the same feeling that it's getting harder to seek for what we really want to buy?

I think the 2-3 bags I'm wishing for will be available eventually but I'm not sure how long I'll have to wait. It could be a long time for certain items. But I don't want to settle on bags anymore that aren't the exact specs I want since I made that mistake before by compromising on size. But if I get impatient, maybe I'll go the reseller route. Or if I really want a color that is no longer in production I would consider it too. On my list is a blue electric birkin 30. I've seen this color come out in other bags recently such as picotin and Evelyne so I'm really hoping one will be available for me this semester (July-dec). Until then I'll keep dropping in to the store from time to time [emoji6]

 

[kadyooo]

I think the 2-3 bags I'm wishing for will be available eventually but I'm not sure how long I'll have to wait. It could be a long time for certain items. But I don't want to settle on bags anymore that aren't the exact specs I want since I made that mistake before by compromising on size. But if I get impatient, maybe I'll go the reseller route. Or if I really want a color that is no longer in production I would consider it too. On my list is a blue electric birkin 30. I've seen this color come out in other bags recently such as picotin and Evelyne so I'm really hoping one will be available for me this semester (July-dec). Until then I'll keep dropping in to the store from time to time [emoji6]

Blue electric is a beautiful attractive color, and I think it looks very cute on picotin as well, of course if you going to wait for a B, probably not to get two bags in the same color. My bad for not saying clearly, what I feel is getting harder to buy none leather goods that builds our profile every half year, sometimes I just have get what I don't really need in order to build up the sales history for another bag offer, especially we have to refresh every semester [emoji31]. But think in another way , if we have pay out almost 30 to 50% more to purchase from reseller, prabally it's better to spend in the boutique for things we might not need.

 

[allure244]

Blue electric is a beautiful attractive color, and I think it looks very cute on picotin as well, of course if you going to wait for a B, probably not to get two bags in the same color. My bad for not saying clearly, what I feel is getting harder to buy none leather goods that builds our profile every half year, sometimes I just have get what I don't really need in order to build up the sales history for another bag offer, especially we have to refresh every semester [emoji31]. But think in another way , if we have pay out almost 30 to 50% more to purchase from reseller, prabally it's better to spend in the boutique for things we might not need.

I totally get it. I have probably bought a little more stuff than I might otherwise have. But I don't want to buy stuff I don't like either. I've already bought a ton of accessories - bracelets in various Styles and multiple colors in my fav styles (Like do I really need more than 10 CDCs?! [emoji23]). I also have bought more than enough pairs of twillies for future bags I hope
to have in my collection one day lol. And of course non leather goods such as jewelry, watches etc.

I do have a list of more items I eventually want in fine jewelry and shoes and housewares (pillows, blankets, trays, dishes) that I'm saving for future purchases but I think I might run out of things to buy after another 2 (maybe 3) bags. At that point I would rather just enjoy the collection I have.

 

[kadyooo]

I totally get it. I have probably bought a little more stuff than I might otherwise have. But I don't want to buy stuff I don't like either. I've already bought a ton of accessories - bracelets in various Styles and multiple colors in my fav styles (Like do I really need more than 10 CDCs?! [emoji23]). I also have bought more than enough pairs of twillies for future bags I hope
to have in my collection one day lol. And of course non leather goods such as jewelry, watches etc.

I do have a list of more items I eventually want in fine jewelry and shoes and housewares (pillows, blankets, trays, dishes) that I'm saving for future purchases but I think I might run out of things to buy after another 2 (maybe 3) bags. At that point I would rather just enjoy the collection I have.

Same here! I have collect many twillys as well but no bag for them yet , keep buying things and save for future, some wallet and cardholders are still brand new sitting in closet, it is truth that we more likely a collector when it comes to Hermès.

Do you know if makes any difference to their commission buying a item in higher price instead of getting lots small stuffs?

 

[suziez]

Speaking of commission.....i am still somewhat confused on this issue and hope that one of our knowledgeable TPFs can clarify...Do Sa's get commission on Birkin and Kelly? Do they receive commission on everything else? Thanks

 

[allure244]

Same here! I have collect many twillys as well but no bag for them yet , keep buying things and save for future, some wallet and cardholders are still brand new sitting in closet, it is truth that we more likely a collector when it comes to Hermès.

Do you know if makes any difference to their commission buying a item in higher price instead of getting lots small stuffs?

Hmm I'm not quite sure about that but I'm guessing that maybe it's more about the type of items they sell? Maybe that's why they always ask us to purchase more non leather goods? Or maybe it's just that their sales targets must include a certain amount of non leather goods? I'm curious what the answer is too.

 

[Keren16]

I'm not sure what the "magic" formula is to get a B or K. If it is being a good, reliable customer or inventory or both.
At the beginning of my Hermes shopping experience, I bought from whatever SA helped me. As my purchases progressed, I seemed to buy from a specific SA. The other ones knew & the relationship was established. We exchanged her H email address & mine. To be truthful, I was in no rush to get a B/K since I have so many handbags. I felt guilty adding more (it is difficult for me to part with my bags even if I do not use them). I casually asked about a B/K & made it clear I was not in a rush. We narrowed my preferences down. Surprisingly, I received an offer. Of course I bought the bag! It was a wonderful experience [emoji173]️
As for a purchase history, I have bought some leather goods, scarves & shawls, & shoes from my SA.
I believe it is important to develop a good shopping relationship with one SA. It is like chemistry in a way. The right ingredients make a great end product & a friendship in addition!

 

[ayc]

Speaking of commission.....i am still somewhat confused on this issue and hope that one of our knowledgeable TPFs can clarify...Do Sa's get commission on Birkin and Kelly? Do they receive commission on everything else? Thanks

I was told B/K no commission - everything else yes

 

[SylvesVB]

Hi everyone,

I don't live near a boutique, so I tend to only pick up items online or when I travel. I have found the service in boutiques to be cordial, but usually not where I felt a need to establish a relationship with one specific SA. Recently, however, my boyfriend was in a Las Vegas boutique looking for a wallet for me, and the SA (let's call her A) definitely went above and beyond to help him. He was not dressed well (probably in gym clothes) and committed the faux pas of snapping pictures, so I was really impressed that A offered to help without chastising him, and even patiently showed him items after she was scheduled to be off.

After I received the wallet, I send A an email thanking her for her time. She responded but cc’d several other employees, which seemed odd. Months later, I emailed A to let her know that I would be in Vegas soon and asked which colors of the Garden Party her store had, and again, she cc’d other employees when she replied. Is this standard practice? Am I supposed to hit Reply All and/or include the other employees when I email her in the future?

Thanks for any insight you guys may have.

 

[HermesAmasser]

Hi everyone,

I don't live near a boutique, so I tend to only pick up items online or when I travel. I have found the service in boutiques to be cordial, but usually not where I felt a need to establish a relationship with one specific SA. Recently, however, my boyfriend was in a Las Vegas boutique looking for a wallet for me, and the SA (let's call her A) definitely went above and beyond to help him. He was not dressed well (probably in gym clothes) and committed the faux pas of snapping pictures, so I was really impressed that A offered to help without chastising him, and even patiently showed him items after she was scheduled to be off.

After I received the wallet, I send A an email thanking her for her time. She responded but cc’d several other employees, which seemed odd. Months later, I emailed A to let her know that I would be in Vegas soon and asked which colors of the Garden Party her store had, and again, she cc’d other employees when she replied. Is this standard practice? Am I supposed to hit Reply All and/or include the other employees when I email her in the future?

Thanks for any insight you guys may have.

This is the same as my experience with my SA in Europe too

 

[kadyooo]

Hmmm... [emoji31]I am struggling right now, ladies please give me some advice whether I should switch my SA or not, since I won't be able to afford keeping two SA.

I started my first SA relationship at the mothership store in Los Angeles which I think the stock should be better than the one closer to me, but she is very very busy, (let's called her A) almost impossible for me to get in touch with, she likely don't reply my email, lately I was told I need to rebuild a new purchase history for this second semester in order for a new B/K offer, I truthfully understands this " H rule ". My concern is if I going to start new this semester, should I switch to the new Sa I shop with last week in my closer h boutique? (Lets call him B) B is a very sweet guy and willing to spend time chatting with me, I do feel a lot more comfortable shopping with him, not pushy and easy to get in touch with. But I really do feel guilty to my first Sa which did helped me on my first kelly.

Overall A is hard to get in touch and chat with, kind of pushy her sales, sometimes I can feel she's unhappy if I only buy some small stuffs, it is also far for me to the mothership store, but they got better stock there.
For B , I would have to restart develop the relationship with B , his boutique is a lot closer to me but their stock might be limited.

Every advice is appreciated .

 

[lasttotheparty]

Hmmm... [emoji31]I am struggling right now, ladies please give me some advice whether I should switch my SA or not, since I won't be able to afford keeping two SA.

I started my first SA relationship at the mothership store in Los Angeles which I think the stock should be better than the one closer to me, but she is very very busy, (let's called her A) almost impossible for me to get in touch with, she likely don't reply my email, lately I was told I need to rebuild a new purchase history for this second semester in order for a new B/K offer, I truthfully understands this " H rule ". My concern is if I going to start new this semester, should I switch to the new Sa I shop with last week in my closer h boutique? (Lets call him B) B is a very sweet guy and willing to spend time chatting with me, I do feel a lot more comfortable shopping with him, not pushy and easy to get in touch with. But I really do feel guilty to my first Sa which did helped me on my first kelly.

Overall A is hard to get in touch and chat with, kind of pushy her sales, sometimes I can feel she's unhappy if I only buy some small stuffs, it is also far for me to the mothership store, but they got better stock there.
For B , I would have to restart develop the relationship with B , his boutique is a lot closer to me but their stock might be limited.

Every advice is appreciated .

Personally I would switch to the closer SA. If you plan on being a long term client, this would make things a lot simpler and more convenient for you. Have you spoken with SA "B" regarding your desire for a B/K? Having that conversation might make your decision clearer. Obviously if he says it's super difficult to get a B/K, then that will influence your decision.
Also I would not feel guilty for leaving SA "A" because she got you your Kelly...ultimately you did shop with her, and you were rewarded. Plus, I think SA's are understanding when clients switch SA's - especially super busy ones like SA "A".
Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[MrsWYK]

Hmmm... [emoji31]I am struggling right now, ladies please give me some advice whether I should switch my SA or not, since I won't be able to afford keeping two SA.

I started my first SA relationship at the mothership store in Los Angeles which I think the stock should be better than the one closer to me, but she is very very busy, (let's called her A) almost impossible for me to get in touch with, she likely don't reply my email, lately I was told I need to rebuild a new purchase history for this second semester in order for a new B/K offer, I truthfully understands this " H rule ". My concern is if I going to start new this semester, should I switch to the new Sa I shop with last week in my closer h boutique? (Lets call him B) B is a very sweet guy and willing to spend time chatting with me, I do feel a lot more comfortable shopping with him, not pushy and easy to get in touch with. But I really do feel guilty to my first Sa which did helped me on my first kelly.

Overall A is hard to get in touch and chat with, kind of pushy her sales, sometimes I can feel she's unhappy if I only buy some small stuffs, it is also far for me to the mothership store, but they got better stock there.
For B , I would have to restart develop the relationship with B , his boutique is a lot closer to me but their stock might be limited.

Every advice is appreciated .

Hi dear, I went through the same dilemma as you about 1.5 years ago. There are a few H stores where I'm live. One day, I mustered up the courage to walk into one to try and start a relationship. Met an SA so I started to purchase things that I wanted in hope to be offered a bag. After spending about $15k, I asked casually about a red B30, of which the reply was 'oh I need my SM's approval first, but you may need to spend a bit more.' I was so put off by that statement that I decided not to shop there anymore. I could forgo the $$ that I had already spent because I felt like I was begging for a bag. I must add- she never give me her email or personal contact. I always had to call up the store to look for her. After I stop shopping there for about 4 months, I received a call from that SA, offering me a red B30. Of course, I was elated and rushed down to the store to take a look. However, the bag was brought out to me in a dust bag- no box, no tearing off of cellophane wrap in front of me etc.. I was quite disappointed when I saw that as I felt this bag was offered to me only after somebody else rejected it. But I still took it because I love the colour. I did think about shopping with her again because of the bag offer but DH stop me. Beginning of last year, I decided to try again at another store, and met my current SA who is so sweet, so patient, really honest and never once pressured me to buy anything to qualify for a bag. When we met for the first time, we automatically clicked. We chatted for over an hour in the store, and eventhough I only bought 1 clic H, my SA gave me his personal contact number. So I made up my mind to stick with him. And it was a great decision. I don't feel pressured to reach a sales quota but I do reach it to help him out because they are paid commission. He will automatically ask me every 6 months what bag is on my list, he will do his best to locate items for me, like shoes, bracelets, scarfs, twillys etc.... He will also say something if he finds that item does not suit me, which I really appreciate. Or he will tell me to hold back on certain purchases first, because new stocks will be coming. I truly truly appreciate that. When he offered me my 2nd B30, it came in a box, cellophane wrapped, fresh off the delivery truck. It was a magical experience to watch him tear it off and open the box. I'm a sucker for things like that. My advice- stick with the SA who is not pushy and whom you are most comfortable with. When both of you have chemistry, your SA will do their best to help you. H goods are very expensive, we are the customers, we shouldn't ever be made to feel like we need to beg for a bag.

 

[Susie Tunes]

Hi everyone,

I don't live near a boutique, so I tend to only pick up items online or when I travel. I have found the service in boutiques to be cordial, but usually not where I felt a need to establish a relationship with one specific SA. Recently, however, my boyfriend was in a Las Vegas boutique looking for a wallet for me, and the SA (let's call her A) definitely went above and beyond to help him. He was not dressed well (probably in gym clothes) and committed the faux pas of snapping pictures, so I was really impressed that A offered to help without chastising him, and even patiently showed him items after she was scheduled to be off.

After I received the wallet, I send A an email thanking her for her time. She responded but cc’d several other employees, which seemed odd. Months later, I emailed A to let her know that I would be in Vegas soon and asked which colors of the Garden Party her store had, and again, she cc’d other employees when she replied. Is this standard practice? Am I supposed to hit Reply All and/or include the other employees when I email her in the future?

Thanks for any insight you guys may have.

Hi, generally my SA doesn't cc other staff. On one occasion she cc'd the assistant store manager and asked me to include her in my reply because my SA was taking a few days off and we were discussing requests for the podium orders. I'd say that individual stores have different policies on this - some might view it as good practice to cc while others might think it's a little indiscreet. In your case, I think I would hit reply all. Hope you get a lovely Garden Party.