MINI~MINI~MINI! Mini Flap Thread

[KatyChloe13]

Hello everyone! Advice needed. I'd like to purchase a mini flap in black at a boutique in Japan. It is going to be my fist Chanel bag. I went to see what they had yesterday, and was told there is NO classic flap available in any color/size the boutique right now. I have only purchased a pair of flats there before, so I have no specific SA to work with. The lady I talked to wasn't rude, but definitely not friendly. Was she having a bad day or are they really in such a high demand that none of them are in stock? She didn't know when they'll come back in stock and I was told all I can do is come back to the boutique and ask every few months. I don't think I can purchase it anytime soon as I am not on the waitlist (if it exists).
Now I'm thinking of getting one through a personal shopper - it is more expensive, but I don't wanna go to the boutique every now and then so often and ask about their inventory. Makes me anxious. Sadly, the personal shopper's price is about $900 more than the original one.
I'm sorry if asking a question like this is TMI (I'm new!), but if anyone can advise me whether I should keep asking at the boutique/it's worth the price to pay for a personal shopper or not, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance!

 

[monkyjib]

Hello everyone! Advice needed. I'd like to purchase a mini flap in black at a boutique in Japan. It is going to be my fist Chanel bag. I went to see what they had yesterday, and was told there is NO classic flap available in any color/size the boutique right now. I have only purchased a pair of flats there before, so I have no specific SA to work with. The lady I talked to wasn't rude, but definitely not friendly. Was she having a bad day or are they really in such a high demand that none of them are in stock? She didn't know when they'll come back in stock and I was told all I can do is come back to the boutique and ask every few months. I don't think I can purchase it anytime soon as I am not on the waitlist (if it exists).
Now I'm thinking of getting one through a personal shopper - it is more expensive, but I don't wanna go to the boutique every now and then so often and ask about their inventory. Makes me anxious. Sadly, the personal shopper's price is about $900 more than the original one.
I'm sorry if asking a question like this is TMI (I'm new!), but if anyone can advise me whether I should keep asking at the boutique/it's worth the price to pay for a personal shopper or not, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance!

I was in the same situation a few months ago. What your SA said is quite accurate. If you don’t want to pay extra $$ through the personal shopper, then it is worth the many trips to the boutiques every now and then. I’m also in Asia and it has worked out for me. I finally scored a square mini after about 6 visits within 3 months. But if you think your time is worth more than the $900 extra then it’s totally a personal choice.

 

[katieCH008]

Hello everyone! Advice needed. I'd like to purchase a mini flap in black at a boutique in Japan. It is going to be my fist Chanel bag. I went to see what they had yesterday, and was told there is NO classic flap available in any color/size the boutique right now. I have only purchased a pair of flats there before, so I have no specific SA to work with. The lady I talked to wasn't rude, but definitely not friendly. Was she having a bad day or are they really in such a high demand that none of them are in stock? She didn't know when they'll come back in stock and I was told all I can do is come back to the boutique and ask every few months. I don't think I can purchase it anytime soon as I am not on the waitlist (if it exists).
Now I'm thinking of getting one through a personal shopper - it is more expensive, but I don't wanna go to the boutique every now and then so often and ask about their inventory. Makes me anxious. Sadly, the personal shopper's price is about $900 more than the original one.
I'm sorry if asking a question like this is TMI (I'm new!), but if anyone can advise me whether I should keep asking at the boutique/it's worth the price to pay for a personal shopper or not, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance!

I haven’t and probably won’t buy from a personal shopper when you can buy it from the boutique and save money, that’s my personal opinion. When I first got my mini cf, the SA that attended me said they didn’t have any and most of the times they reserve it for their clients who’s been waiting (waiting list). So I left my name and contact info and few days later she got one available bc the other customer didn’t want it. Now I had bought a purse from her before before the pandemic so I think it’s the reason she helped me but my suggestion is to try to go to the SA who sold you the flats or work with a new one. Do you have other boutiques you can go to in Japan and try to work your relationship with a SA?

 

[hlzpenguin]

Hello everyone! Advice needed. I'd like to purchase a mini flap in black at a boutique in Japan. It is going to be my fist Chanel bag. I went to see what they had yesterday, and was told there is NO classic flap available in any color/size the boutique right now. I have only purchased a pair of flats there before, so I have no specific SA to work with. The lady I talked to wasn't rude, but definitely not friendly. Was she having a bad day or are they really in such a high demand that none of them are in stock? She didn't know when they'll come back in stock and I was told all I can do is come back to the boutique and ask every few months. I don't think I can purchase it anytime soon as I am not on the waitlist (if it exists).
Now I'm thinking of getting one through a personal shopper - it is more expensive, but I don't wanna go to the boutique every now and then so often and ask about their inventory. Makes me anxious. Sadly, the personal shopper's price is about $900 more than the original one.
I'm sorry if asking a question like this is TMI (I'm new!), but if anyone can advise me whether I should keep asking at the boutique/it's worth the price to pay for a personal shopper or not, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance!

As others have said, I would visit the boutique more frequently and inquire about the mini flap. I wouldn’t pay extras for something that will be available (we just don’t know when the shipment comes). Or maybe try another boutique? If possible, put your name down on a list. Maybe there’ll be a wait. I waited for 3 months before I got mine. Good luck!

 

[KatyChloe13]

I was in the same situation a few months ago. What your SA said is quite accurate. If you don’t want to pay extra $$ through the personal shopper, then it is worth the many trips to the boutiques every now and then. I’m also in Asia and it has worked out for me. I finally scored a square mini after about 6 visits within 3 months. But if you think your time is worth more than the $900 extra then it’s totally a personal choice.

That gives me some hope! Thank you so much!

I haven’t and probably won’t buy from a personal shopper when you can buy it from the boutique and save money, that’s my personal opinion. When I first got my mini cf, the SA that attended me said they didn’t have any and most of the times they reserve it for their clients who’s been waiting (waiting list). So I left my name and contact info and few days later she got one available bc the other customer didn’t want it. Now I had bought a purse from her before before the pandemic so I think it’s the reason she helped me but my suggestion is to try to go to the SA who sold you the flats or work with a new one. Do you have other boutiques you can go to in Japan and try to work your relationship with a SA?

As others have said, I would visit the boutique more frequently and inquire about the mini flap. I wouldn’t pay extras for something that will be available (we just don’t know when the shipment comes). Or maybe try another boutique? If possible, put your name down on a list. Maybe there’ll be a wait. I waited for 3 months before I got mine. Good luck!

I did ask her if a lot of people are waiting she said yes, but didn't mention a waitlist. Unfortunately I bought the flats before the pandemic and I don't remember who the SA was. And there's only one boutique in my area. Others are few hour drive away, and I'm not comfortable enough to make a trip as I'm not vaccinated yet. Maybe I'll visit the boutique again and see if anyone else can help me. If I don't get lucky... then I'll think about the personal shopper. Thank you!!!

 

[Chloe1004]

Hello everyone! Advice needed. I'd like to purchase a mini flap in black at a boutique in Japan. It is going to be my fist Chanel bag. I went to see what they had yesterday, and was told there is NO classic flap available in any color/size the boutique right now. I have only purchased a pair of flats there before, so I have no specific SA to work with. The lady I talked to wasn't rude, but definitely not friendly. Was she having a bad day or are they really in such a high demand that none of them are in stock? She didn't know when they'll come back in stock and I was told all I can do is come back to the boutique and ask every few months. I don't think I can purchase it anytime soon as I am not on the waitlist (if it exists).
Now I'm thinking of getting one through a personal shopper - it is more expensive, but I don't wanna go to the boutique every now and then so often and ask about their inventory. Makes me anxious. Sadly, the personal shopper's price is about $900 more than the original one.
I'm sorry if asking a question like this is TMI (I'm new!), but if anyone can advise me whether I should keep asking at the boutique/it's worth the price to pay for a personal shopper or not, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance!

I would just be patient and ask every time you visit any boutique. I am in US and it took me about a year and they suddenly had both the square and the rectangular mini in black one day. I do live in another state so taking one year meant about 5 visits to the boutique. It sucked because I did end up paying $400 more because there was the crazy price increase last year May. Shortly afterwards, the square mini in black was available twice when I was looking for another one in a pop of color. Good luck!

 

[Fashdashing]

i’m happy to says that it took me less than a week to get my mini square blk with gold hardware! have this amazing sales rep at NM that was able to get one for me in that time frame... have you thought about contacting chanel inside a dept store and paying for international shipping? i would think that option would be less than $900 plus fee to a personal shopper.

 

[KatyChloe13]

I would just be patient and ask every time you visit any boutique. I am in US and it took me about a year and they suddenly had both the square and the rectangular mini in black one day. I do live in another state so taking one year meant about 5 visits to the boutique. It sucked because I did end up paying $400 more because there was the crazy price increase last year May. Shortly afterwards, the square mini in black was available twice when I was looking for another one in a pop of color. Good luck!

A year, wow! All those price increases make me so nervous! Now I'm afraid the price goes up again before I can get my hands on it. But I guess one price increase won't be more than the personal shopper's extra fees. I might have to be a little more brave to keep asking... Thanks!!!

i’m happy to says that it took me less than a week to get my mini square blk with gold hardware! have this amazing sales rep at NM that was able to get one for me in that time frame... have you thought about contacting chanel inside a dept store and paying for international shipping? i would think that option would be less than $900 plus fee to a personal shopper.

So lucky! I wish I had a SA to work with. The boutique I went to is in a department store, but it's not international. I don't know if that works for boutiques in Japan. Thank you though!!

 

[blingaliciousbabe]

Does anyone here know a good SA who can get me a square mini in black lambskin? I live in Toronto but unfortunately the boutiques here only ordered the rectangle. I don’t mind buying it from the States and getting it shipped. All help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[BUIGOVA]

Dears, hello, and I hope you are all well. I purchased this mini today. It’s made of calfskin and it’s more hard wearing than Lambskin. I think it’s rare and unique. Never seen anything like it. It literally swept me off my feet this morning. However, at this moment I am on the fence with it, because it’s black and I already own another mini in Lambskin with LGHW. Can you please let me know your thoughts please?

 

[whitedollx]

Hi all, i had ordered a black mini square flap bag as my first evet Chanel bag and so sure i wanted it because it is sooo cute.
But when i was in the store, my phone (iphone 12 pro max) did not fit in that size, so i bought instead a rectangular mini flap bag.
But i’m still questioning my decision. What shall i do ???

I would go for the Rect mini for this reason. At least it can hold my phone, if not what’s the point of a bag? Lol. It helps that I prefer the shape of the mini rect more as well (:

 

[monkyjib]

Dears, hello, and I hope you are all well. I purchased this mini today. It’s made of calfskin and it’s more hard wearing than Lambskin. I think it’s rare and unique. Never seen anything like it. It literally swept me off my feet this morning. However, at this moment I am on the fence with it, because it’s black and I already own another mini in Lambskin with LGHW. Can you please let me know your thoughts please?
View attachment 5112262

It looks like a pretty cool bag. If you love it, enjoy it!

 

[BUIGOVA]

It looks like a pretty cool bag. If you love it, enjoy it!

Thank you for your response. I slept on it and decided to return. I think I like silver hardware better on me. However this bag is a work of art!

 

[jellycrumbs]

Hi everyone! I just recently purchased a black mini and I'm starting to think about what color mini I'd like to add next to my collection. My wardrobe consists mainly of neutrals (black, beige, white, olive green) with the occasional pop of color (orange/pink). I'd like to add a mini that brings a pop of color to my current wardrobe.

Any suggestions/recommendations? What color minis do you guys have?
Thanks

 

[needmorebags7]

Hi everyone! I just recently purchased a black mini and I'm starting to think about what color mini I'd like to add next to my collection. My wardrobe consists mainly of neutrals (black, beige, white, olive green) with the occasional pop of color (orange/pink). I'd like to add a mini that brings a pop of color to my current wardrobe.

Any suggestions/recommendations? What color minis do you guys have?
Thanks

I tried on this colorful tweed mini last week and I think if you want a pop of color, something like this would really be a fun piece! I almost got it myself but had to hold off since I’m waiting on a Medium Classic.