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.

 

[Meta]

and your point is…?

OP's subsequent postings have not been in line with her first statement.

This!

 

[cavalla]

Is asking over email okay or is it just better to do casually in person?

Every SA is different. Some are very responsive with emails, some don't respond at all. One thing to also keep in mind is that, they usually do not have access to their H email when they're not in store. So between those customers who are right in front of them and the emails sitting in the inbox, there is a priority. I learned this from a few SAs from different stores in 2 different countries, but again when it comes to H, there's no set rules. I'm just sharing what I heard from the SAs I work with.

 

[Lisa-SH]

Every SA is different. Some are very responsive with emails, some don't respond at all. One thing to also keep in mind is that, they usually do not have access to their H email when they're not in store. So between those customers who are right in front of them and the emails sitting in the inbox, there is a priority. I learned this from a few SAs from different stores in 2 different countries, but again when it comes to H, there's no set rules. I'm just sharing what I heard from the SAs I work with.

I communicated with SA with text (I believe it's her personal cellphone), and she even offered me bag (for example, the latest Constance) via text , then she will give me a call afterwards to discuss details.

 

[A-Line]

Every SA is different. Some are very responsive with emails, some don't respond at all. One thing to also keep in mind is that, they usually do not have access to their H email when they're not in store. So between those customers who are right in front of them and the emails sitting in the inbox, there is a priority. I learned this from a few SAs from different stores in 2 different countries, but again when it comes to H, there's no set rules. I'm just sharing what I heard from the SAs I work with.

I communicated with SA with text (I believe it's her personal cellphone), and she even offered me bag (for example, the latest Constance) via text , then she will give me a call afterwards to discuss details.

Just goes to show the different 'communication styles' of our SAs. Mine prefers emails and usually responds within a day, and we get things done via email. I do notice she tends to respond toward the end of the day, which, my guess, would be consistent with @cavalla's comment that the priority would be the in-store customers.

 

[NewBeeUn]

Personally, I would go for the scarf as I have always found myself regretting about not buying some of the scarves. I have yet regretted about not buying any clic H. But again, if clic H is your thing, then definitely go for it. In short, go with your heart.

Thank you.

If you will 'have to hunt down whichever you don't buy', then you have to find a way to buy both whilst they are available to you.

Thanks neither are a necessity my choice of words makes it seem so.

Remember that you are the customer and that shop assistants are there to sell things to you.
The commission is not your concern
From your posts it appears that over the past few days you have been shopping, with one exception, at all the Hermes outlets in London. Just buy what you wish from whomsoever, wherever you can and don't feel the need to play the game which has no rules.

By the way, with regard to your email question, surely the best way to make a request is face to face.

I work literally 5 minutes walk from H NBS and had to return something on Brompton Rd- At least now I know that Evelyne is too big for me and will work towards Jypsiere or Halzan because I like them. Thank you. I'm not going out of my way by any means

shop·ping
ˈSHäpiNG/
noun

1. the action or activity of purchasing goods from stores.
   "shopping is so exhausting—all those decisions!"

It is your presumption that I have been shopping when no monetary transaction has taken place since the scarf ring purchase

and your point is…?

I was pleased for her at first; we all start somewhere - I bought a bath mat and was delighted with the big orange box that I did not expect.
OP's subsequent postings have not been in line with her first statement.

I have bought a scarf, slg and, a scarf ring a few days later and nothing else since. Most bags are out of my price range just like I said. Hermes is a retailer right so I can browse without being obligated to purchase. I'm not even sure what is being questioned and doubted here but you know what I didn't come to TPF for this.

 

[Laura MBB]

I don’t know what the others’ experiences are so I’m only speaking for my own experience. Up until this year the convos I have with my SA (who I’ve worked with for a few years) on the topic of quota bag had always been casual. I’d drop by to check out on the pretty things H have to offer and (More often than not) left with unplanned purchases because, why not. She’d talk to me about the new seasonal colors (knowing that I am a sucker for H blues and reds) and id ask her to keep me in mind if she sees [insert current bag obsession] in those colors. She’s delivered 100pc of the time and remembers my likes and dislikes, and because of that I am never pushy about these things.

Last December tho, she asked me to send her a wishlist for the new semester (one that started in Jan 2018) so that was the first time I’d ever do that via email. 2-3 weeks later one of the items on the (short) list, exact to my specs, showed up in the store and she tagged me for it.

if your SA is the emailing type, then I’d say def go with emails as the means of communicating with them. I don’t ever talk abt quota bags on emails as I feel that is a convo better reserved for in person interactions, but I do email her for things like the new seasons’ items.

I also want to echo the others who have said that buying only what you love would lead to a much pleasant experience. I have seen more than a few times ppl that I know getting all disappointed and upset because they’ve spent a lot on “non-leather categories” which are supposedly more appropriate if you’re hunting for a quota bag, and they still are waiting for that call from the SA.

 

[Laura MBB]

I don’t know what the others’ experiences are so I’m only speaking for my own experience. Up until this year the convos I have with my SA (who I’ve worked with for a few years) on the topic of quota bag had always been casual. I’d drop by to check out on the pretty things H have to offer and (More often than not) left with unplanned purchases because, why not. She’d talk to me about the new seasonal colors (knowing that I am a sucker for H blues and reds) and id ask her to keep me in mind if she sees [insert current bag obsession] in those colors. She’s delivered 100pc of the time and remembers my likes and dislikes, and because of that I am never pushy about these things.

Last December tho, she asked me to send her a wishlist for the new semester (one that started in Jan 2018) so that was the first time I’d ever do that via email. 2-3 weeks later one of the items on the (short) list, exact to my specs, showed up in the store and she tagged me for it.

if your SA is the emailing type, then I’d say def go with emails as the means of communicating with them. I don’t ever talk abt quota bags on emails as I feel that is a convo better reserved for in person interactions, but I do email her for things like the new seasons’ items.

I also want to echo the others who have said that buying only what you love would lead to a much pleasant experience. I have seen more than a few times ppl that I know getting all disappointed and upset because they’ve spent a lot on “non-leather categories” which are supposedly more appropriate if you’re hunting for a quota bag, and they still are waiting for that call from the SA.

Newman Marcus Last call has 4 beautiful Birkin and a Kelly for sale. Sadly, I can’t buy one right now but I’m hoping someone else will find one is the purse of their dreams. (I don’t work for NM)

 

[Laura MBB]

Newman Marcus Last call has 4 beautiful Birkin and a Kelly for sale. Sadly, I can’t buy one right now but I’m hoping someone else will find one is the purse of their dreams. (I don’t work for NM)

It is Neiman Marcus not Newman. Darn autocorrect.

 

[azenis]

I might be doing everything on the reverse comparing to stories shared here, but here it goes.

I now maintain a single Hermes relationship with Cuffs near Cleveland, OH. And I'm not even near it (currently about 2000+ miles away... but I have business in OH and go there every now and then)

Why reverse? Because most seemed to start a relationship and work toward a B/K/C, as for me, I actually bought a K35 Sellier during my first visit to the store. It was quite a story, which I shared it here too. But I think the important thing is that comparing to the treatment I get from corporate Hermes stores, the service at Cuffs is just so much better and they actually listen to what you have in mind and go great miles to ensure the best service. Plus the fact that I've never felt pressured into buying something I didn't like... they were always super patient. I've had time where I went into the store and didn't see anything I wanted, but the service is always impeccable and friendly. We'd have a casual chat, and away I go.

After my first visit, I have gotten some more stuff from them... right off my head are a croc CDC, some silk and more recently, a Picotin and a baby blanket. The way I describe to my wife's friends about how I feel about my relationship with Cuffs is like an old friend; we could go not seeing/talking to each other for months at a time, but whenever we do, it's always a pleasure.

Edit: Also, I think the key of having a comfortable relationship with SA is to be true to what you are genuinely interested.
I like Hermes products as my wife loves them and it's among the very best quality money can buy. So whether I can get a K/B out after those purchases is not really my main concern. I just want a quality made/designed product. As many have already said, if B/K/C are all you are after, maybe going reseller is easier and make more sense.

 

[noegirl]

So I had a wonderful visit with my SA today. As I said before I have started developing a relationship with her recently and have now purchased several things across departments. I was able to grab the rivage in black today. I’ve committed to only buying what I love and I think she is learning my taste that way. I looked at a rose poupre Jige today as well as several Evelynes. She did ask me about B sizing and leathers. She knows my love for gold hardware. In the meantime I have another parfume on my list, Evelyn in etoupe or black, B in black or Gris A in 35, and the Oran. It’s quite a list but I was clear today that I’m in no rush and I’m enjoying getting to know the brand.

 

[PaperbagPrincessD]

So I had a wonderful visit with my SA today. As I said before I have started developing a relationship with her recently and have now purchased several things across departments. I was able to grab the rivage in black today. I’ve committed to only buying what I love and I think she is learning my taste that way. I looked at a rose poupre Jige today as well as several Evelynes. She did ask me about B sizing and leathers. She knows my love for gold hardware. In the meantime I have another parfume on my list, Evelyn in etoupe or black, B in black or Gris A in 35, and the Oran. It’s quite a list but I was clear today that I’m in no rush and I’m enjoying getting to know the brand.

At what point did you tell her you wanted a b?

 

[noegirl]

At what point did you tell her you wanted a b?

Hmmm she asked me about colors and then if my preference would be 35? She assumed I would want Kelly because of strap because I have children but I just said oh I think I would prefer B if I were presented one. I have vintage Kelly’s and love them but neither has a strap. She showed me some of the woven ones and has that on order for me.

 

[partialtopink]

Is it taboo to ask your SA for a similar spec bag in the same color? For instance, I bought a Tadelakt B35 in Etoupe last year and I underestimated how high maintenance the leather would be. Coupled with the size of the bag, I'm bumping into everything.

Ideally, I'd love a Togo/Clemence B30 in Etoupe. Is it too soon to ask for this? Don't want to burn bridges. The other item on my wishlist is a Togo/Clemence B30 in Gold.

 

[cavluv]

Is it taboo to ask your SA for a similar spec bag in the same color? For instance, I bought a Tadelakt B35 in Etoupe last year and I underestimated how high maintenance the leather would be. Coupled with the size of the bag, I'm bumping into everything.

Ideally, I'd love a Togo/Clemence B30 in Etoupe. Is it too soon to ask for this? Don't want to burn bridges. The other item on my wishlist is a Togo/Clemence B30 in Gold.

I don’t see any issue with presenting your SA with a couple options for your next bag. It’s only natural that you learn more about what works for you as you go along. Now that you’ve carried a B30, you can talk about how much it works for your lifestyle. I got a Vert vertigo K last season and now feel like that color, at least in my lifestyle, would be much better suited in a B for me. I told my SA that I really wished I had gotten a B and now we are waiting for one to come in.

Besides, you would love a gold or etoupe so that just gives your SA more to work with. Two highly requested sizes and colors so better to have more to work with. The more your SA understands your lifestyle the better. You are building a bridge, not burning one IMO

 

[kate2828]

Hi all, I have an sa that I just don’t think is working for me. She never responds to emails and is also not good about returning calls. She has never reached out to tell me about new items and she doesn’t follow through. And she has never written me a note for any purchase. But when I’m in the store she is attentive and helpful and friendly. Is this normal? Should I be switching? I hate the idea of doing it because I hear it’s bad to do so. Also I have built up a buying history with this sa. I just keep seeing on here how your SAs treat you and I am not being treated the same way. I am not a high maintenance client at all. Could it be because I am not a big spender? I am very thoughtful about my purchases. I only buy what I really like. My boutique is in a large city. I just want someone to be receptive! I am pretty frustrated. I love the brand but do not want to continue on like this. I have complained once after having several emails and two calls go unreturned; she finally got back to me and stated she’d just been very busy. I can understand that to an extent but i am too and the last thing I feel like doing is chasing down an sa! Any advice on what to do would be appreciated and your experiences with switching!