natebby,
I was in exact same situation like you. I asked for a K28, K32 or B30 in gold, etain, malachite and rouge grenat as choice #4, but only RG was available and in B25 (ghw). My heart did not sing when the SA pulled the B25 out of the box. I didn't know if it's because the size or the color, as B25 was never on my radar. But it was the only option at that time, and B25 looks really cute. I know B25 is popular these days, and thought maybe it's a good compliment to my existing collection (2 B35 and 2 K32), so I said yes. That was on Monday.
After I got back to hotel, I tried the B25 again and decided this bag is too small and not practical for me (I am 165 tall). And the swift leather seems very delicate. I realized that to me, the problem is not 100% because of the color, rather it's because of the size.
Here is how I got B25 exchanged and to be honest, it's not easy. If you want an exchange, be prepared.
Tuesday
On Tuesday morning, I stopped by at FSH asking the possibility of exchange. I was told it depends on the stock and I have to have the bag with me. I don't need to line up, though. Just ask the hostess for a appointment. And then that afternoon, I happened to visit left bank so brought the bag with me to Sevres. At Sevres, no B or K and I was suggested to spend my time at FSH, as they get more bag deliveries.
Wednesday
I didn't have to time on Wednesday morning. In the afternoon, I had to go back to hotel and brought the bag with me. I finally managed to get to FSH at late afternoon, but again nothing was available. The hostess A, who is a tall girl, at leather department asked me to come back at 11 AM on Thursday. And she was nice enough to explain the situation to her coworker B in French, as she won't be in on Thursday and her coworker will be the hostess on Thursday.
Thursday
At 11 am, I was there again with the B25 and the orange box. Trust me, it's a hassle to carry the box around. Fortunately, my friend has a huge black tote and I put the box in it to make it discrete. The hostess B scheduled a 11:45 appointment for me. A SA, another nice lady, checked and told me sorry, nothing available to exchange. I asked if I could try again in the afternoon. She said it's up to you, but no one knows if there is any inventory or delivery later today.
Friday
At this point, I am determined I want to exchange regardless. I leave on Sunday, so Friday and Saturday are the last chances. When I got to FSH at 11:30, the leather department was busy and 4-5 people were talking with the hostess, who happened to be Hostess B. I patiently waited for my turn and then asked her "do you remember me from yesterday for exchange?". Apparently she was not in the mood to entertain me. She did not check at all for any appointments, but just told me bluntly that "there is no bag. Nothing."
I was disappointed and left leather department. I went to the 2nd floor and checked tableware etc. And then when I came downstairs, I realized hostess B disappeared and there, the tall girl, hostess A was standing there. I remember how nice she was to me the other day, so I asked her about a potencial appointment and told her I only have today and tomorrow left before leaving on Sunday. She immediately remembered me and helped me book a appointment that's half hour later.
When I saw the message "your SA is waiting for you upstairs" and it's the same SA who sold me B25 at the first place, I knew it's a good sign. I explained to my SA why I wanted an exchange. She checked the bag carefully making sure there's no sign of wears or scratches. She then brought back a slightly bigger box. She said it's really weird that you run into same color twice, and it's not your preferred leather, but it's your preferred size. There, it's a sellier K32 Epsom in RG and ghw.
I tried both bags K32 and B25 at same time, one in each hand, and confirmed K32 is a much better size on me than B25. In addition, rough grenat on epsom seems to have more depth than on swift. I thanked her, paid the price difference and took K32 with me. That was one month ago.
Today, I am very happy with the decision. I have a retourne K32 in rough tomate in evercolor leather. Initially I had some doubt about owing two red kellys in same size. But when I got home to put them side by side, I realized that they have totally different vibes, in terms of colors, styles and leather. Even my husband, who doesn't care about my H obsession, commented that they look very different from each other.
Here are a few pictures, my RG K was outing and next to my RT K and my BBK. All my Ks are in 32 and I am OK with that.
Hope the above helps you make decision. If you want to exchange, be prepared to spend time and energy going to FSH multiple times. Good luck!
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going to be v helpful for those who is looking to do an exchange.
