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.

 

[textilegirl]

Question: Is it possible to score a QB (more specifically, black box Birkin 35) (1) with a minimal pre-spend and (2) based solely on the SA relationship in the US?

Background: I (used to) have a home store in the US, and I posted my QB/non-QB purchases history (including the pre-spend for each bag) previously. Please see: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/spend-threshold-for-b-k-c.1032182/post-36356518. (I have more bags purchased than those listed there, but the bags listed on that post is based on my "US account only." Also, all of my Hermes bags are from the Hermes boutiques; I haven't gone through the reseller routes yet.)

Earlier this week, I read the last 3-4 pages of this thread, and I felt I was so relieved that I was done with the store in the US. (I am really sorry for those who still have issues with the SA relationships...) Anyway, I somehow ran out of my cologne, so I contacted my SA earlier this week. I asked her that I want to get cologne (which is less than $200). (Since it is not some thousand dollars, I did not expect any service, including the appointment set-up, etc.) By text, I told/implied her that I could just pick it up anytime on Saturday (today). (I thought of doing some quick browsing, getting the cologne, and leaving the store; So, I assumed that the appt wasn't necessary.)

But, my SA was very kind and set up an appointment for us on this busy Saturday afternoon. I met my SA for almost an hour even if I only purchased one small item (cologne). (She showed me lots of new men's RTW, but I did not buy any.) Also, even before I mentioned the bag (BBB35), she reminded me that she is still working on this BBB35 for me, and would make sure to help me get this bag. I was then going to implicitly ask how much pre-spend would need to get that bag... She somehow had a quick sense of where I was leading in the conversation and replied me that, "don't believe what you read online," etc. and told me that spending is not necessary and I would get the bag when it comes.

So, I am wondering if scoring a BBB35 is possible (or likely in my case) with a minimal pre-spend (I would say, $2-3K a year) if the SA relationship is solid in the US. Or, is it just some kind of lip service that I should just ignore? Should I maintain the SA relationship with a minimal pre-spend ($2-3K a year), hoping to get the BBB35 when it comes? Or, is it a bag idea?

ETA: My SA knows a complete collection of my Hermes bags because I shared with her. (She also knows that I do get bags in Europe with minimal/no pre-spend.)

ETA2: For BBB35, I once gave up getting it from the US after waiting for over 18 months. I then changed my plan of getting it in Europe instead (e.g., SO in 2027 [or maybe 2026] when the box leather is expected to roll out more frequently).

Short answer: yes, it’s possible. It’s great that your SA remembers your interest in this bag so should this spec arrive at your store presumably she will have you in mind for it.

But the usual caveats still apply, how likely is it to show up in a delivery from Paris (rare leather and rare size); who else in the boutique’s roster of clients might you be competing with for the SM’s approval to be offered the bag; and how does your profile at the boutique compare with your competitors. (Additionally, are there any in-house factors at play such as whether your particular SA is in the doghouse for some reason, or new rules about how bags are to be allocated; these factors are unpredictable and uncertain.)

Advice: have absolutely no expectations, and show up at the boutique from time to time, purchasing things you like.

 

[step2005]

Hello,

I got the dreadful text that my SA is leaving. I feel so sad and defeated. I had a great relationship with her over the last five months and she gave me the impression that I was close to a b25. We discussed my wishlist just a month ago so this is a shock to me. I’ve spent about $14k so far (even more with a non qb purchase) in a competitive CA store. She said she would connect me with a new SA but I really don’t want to see my prespend reset. Can someone please tell me about their experience when a SA leaves in regards to prespend? I have the option of switching to a less competitive store at this point or continuing with the new SA. I’d love some guidance. Thank you!

Sorry you're feeling that way, shopping should be fun. Each time my SA left (twice), I thought about switching but ended up staying put. I think it has helped me as current SA/SM never mention prespend but often thank me for my 'loyalty' to their boutique. Good luck deciding.

 

[Capitaliste]

Short answer: yes, it’s possible. It’s great that your SA remembers your interest in this bag so should this spec arrive at your store presumably she will have you in mind for it.

But the usual caveats still apply, how likely is it to show up in a delivery from Paris (rare leather and rare size); who else in the boutique’s roster of clients might you be competing with for the SM’s approval to be offered the bag; and how does your profile at the boutique compare with your competitors. (Additionally, are there any in-house factors at play such as whether your particular SA is in the doghouse for some reason, or new rules about how bags are to be allocated; these factors are unpredictable and uncertain.)

Advice: have absolutely no expectations, and show up at the boutique from time to time, purchasing things you like.

Thank you! Is it OK to consider the BBB35 as if that is in my wish list just like countries that follow wishlist systems (e.g., UK and other European countries)? That way, I was thinking of showing up at the boutique once every 3 months or so, and get something small (e.g., cologne) that I would need. I would never build a pre-spend for the hope of getting a BBB35 in this US store, since the bag itself is very unlikely anyway (and it is very unpredictable given that it is a push offer only)... But, thank you for your insight!

 

[textilegirl]

Thank you! Is it OK to consider the BBB35 as if that is in my wish list just like countries that follow wishlist systems (e.g., UK and other European countries)? That way, I was thinking of showing up at the boutique once every 3 months or so, and get something small (e.g., cologne) that I would need. I would never build a pre-spend for the hope of getting a BBB35 in this US store, since the bag itself is very unlikely anyway (and it is very unpredictable given that it is a push offer only)... But, thank you for your insight!

Honestly, I’m not sure; what I know about boutiques with wishlist systems for bag allocations is learned on TPF 🤷‍♀️.

But I would say that if you need something, a gift say, have a hankering for a new sweater, or are just in the mood for a little retail therapy, it would never be a bad idea to head to the boutique and say hi to your SA. You’re buying stuff you want anyway, and you’re operating in the ‘you never know’ sphere. At least you’re on your SA’s radar.

I should add, I’ve always been a little perplexed by what seem to me to be the fevered, hyper focused posts about pre-spend. I’m not naive, the days of seeing bags on shelves for sale are long gone, and the process by which they materialize from the back room isn’t really a mystery despite all of the words that have been written about it at this point. But I still think the best approach is to go shopping, buy what you like, have fun, and see what happens. Everything else leads to needless anxiety.

 

[Capitaliste]

But I would say that if you need something, a gift say, have a hankering for a new sweater, or are just in the mood for a little retail therapy, it would never be a bad idea to head to the boutique and say hi to your SA. You’re buying stuff you want anyway, and you’re operating in the ‘you never know’ sphere. At least you’re on your SA’s radar.

💯 Thanks, and that's what I would do. I've always bought what I loved and had no regret, except for some bags. I appreciate your suggestions.