Paris trip for Hermes

[papertiger]

Please try to stay on topic. I realise because of the complexity of some of the posts members may veer off but in answer do not 'go there'.

For info and questions on US customs please post on the thread below: post https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/us-customs-discussion-airports-importing.905560/

Detaxing (to US from Europe) https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/best-way-to-detax-after-h-in-europe.178302/

or non-US destinations: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/does-h-store-paris-wants-to-ship.605014/page-3

For questions relating to prices https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/reference-hermes-current-prices.102567/page-357

For traveling with boxes https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...me-hermes-boxes-when-traveling.1044553/page-5



I will leave this reminder as a sticky because tthis is often a thread that new members (or new Hermès lovers) post on - hopefully temporarily.

 

[igotabirkin]

Thanks.

To be clear, on my last Kelly score, what technically happened is I was brought one bag that I turned down. The SA said that she had two others in X and Y colors, and asked which one I wanted to see instead (assuming they're still there). I was really indecisive, so she brought up both. I also spent a good 30 minutes wavering on the decision. It was tough.

But I agree with the notion of not buying a K/B that doesn't appeal to you. The first Birkin I was offered, which I turned down for the one I eventually bought, was a togo one in this bright turquoise blue thing. It was a beautiful bag, but more suitable for walking on some nice boardwalk in Miami than anything else.

The black epsom Kelly GHW I got was, while not at all while I wanted, just a classic. In fact, I avoided asking for neutrals as I was always under the impression they were harder to get, I also found it humorous that they offered me the bag while trying to avoid resellers, because if there's any non-exotic Kelly that's an investment piece, it's that one.

I've come to love the black a lot, and I hope to keep it for at least 10-20 years and to pass it on to my children. It's the stuff of auctions, that one.

 

[igotabirkin]

I'd say the single most irritating aspect of the advice of "building a purchase history" is that it's difficult if you spread your purchases across multiple stores. It took a concerted effort to do it at FSH because I travel a lot and find things I want in different stores. And I've also seen my "purchase record" at FSH and it includes none of the purchases at other stores, which also numbers in the $20,000s. It's like you have to start from scratch despite building this history. Annoying.

 

[Equinelover]

Thanks.

To be clear, on my last Kelly score, what technically happened is I was brought one bag that I turned down. The SA said that she had two others in X and Y colors, and asked which one I wanted to see instead (assuming they're still there). I was really indecisive, so she brought up both. I also spent a good 30 minutes wavering on the decision. It was tough.

But I agree with the notion of not buying a K/B that doesn't appeal to you. The first Birkin I was offered, which I turned down for the one I eventually bought, was a togo one in this bright turquoise blue thing. It was a beautiful bag, but more suitable for walking on some nice boardwalk in Miami than anything else.

The black epsom Kelly GHW I got was, while not at all while I wanted, just a classic. In fact, I avoided asking for neutrals as I was always under the impression they were harder to get, I also found it humorous that they offered me the bag while trying to avoid resellers, because if there's any non-exotic Kelly that's an investment piece, it's that one.

I've come to love the black a lot, and I hope to keep it for at least 10-20 years and to pass it on to my children. It's the stuff of auctions, that one.

All respect to you for turning down pieces that don't make your heart sing.
Well done for acquiring such beautiful bags, hope there’s many More to come for you

 

[jmc3007]

I’ve read success stories here and there of people scoring B/K/C at Sèvres store in Paris, Bordeaux and Marseilles as a tourist. Marseilles is quite a distance from Paris for a day trip but I think Bordeaux is close enough for a day trip though you might not be able to see much of the city if you combine H and sightseeing.

I personally have been to Sèvres store twice and to be honest, I really dislike the system they have going on there. Others may have different opinions and experiences there though. Last year I visited this store for the first time and I got there about an hour after opening. Once entered I was instructed to head downstairs to put down my name for a leather appointment. I intended to shop at Le Bon Marche for the day anyway so I did not mind waiting around til my appointment. I got a text at 3:30pm notifying an SA was ready to see me. The SA I got seemed really uninterested and I could tell that it was going to be a No even before telling her what I was after. I ended up getting just some scarves and Petit H.

I visited again during my recent trip to Paris, this time I lined up about 30 minutes before opening and there were already 20 or so people ahead of me. While waiting outside, I noticed that two Middle Eastern ladies got their driver to line up for them and then swapped just before doors opened. I did not see what happened to people at the beginning of the queue but once I got closer, I saw that the security guard at the front were letting people/groups in one by one. Once inside, each was greeted by an SA to put down their name, passport and contact details as at this point it was quite clear that no leather department SA was available. After giving the SA my details, I asked him approximately how long the wait would be (as I had a toddler under 2 with me and wanted to decide whether it was worth waiting around), he quite confidently said around 1 hour. I thought 1 hour isn’t too bad and proceeded to browse RTW and small leather goods. I spent a considerable amount of time trying on RTW and over 1hr have past by the time I finished paying for those items. My little one was getting restless and hungry so I went to check where I was in the queue. The SA at check in desk said there were 6 people still before me and that it should be my turn after lunch.

We spent almost 2hrs at lunch nearby, yet still no text. Having not much else to do in the area, we headed back to the store again to check in case the text didn’t get through and waited some more. Finally at 3pm I got a text, went to check in and was again told “please take a sit and an SA will be with you shortly”. Well honestly I was really pissed off at this point as their “shortly” was another 35 minutes! Why even bother sending a text when clearly noone was available?. After having waited since 10am til 4pm (for what was supposed to be 1 hr long wait), I held it together til the end knowing it would most certainly be a No again but at least I wouldn’t have to wonder what if. All the while I saw at least 2-3 clients walking in saying they had appointment with X (apparently all noted in a brown notebook) and were assisted almost immediately.

After this second experience, I highly doubt I will bother visiting Sèvres again in the future. Sure the lottery system at FSH is full of unknown but at least the chance of scoring a bag there (and more RTW stocks) is higher without a ridiculously long wait and uninterested (leather) staff.

My apologies for the vent. I wasn’t going to share this but thought it would be helpful for those that are visiting H in Paris for the first time. My advice is give Sèvres a chance only if you can line up super early or have lots of time to spare.

It’s understandable and am sympathetic to your frustrations. I only ever tried FSH via lottery but outside of that couldn’t be arsed to make an attempt elsewhere. It’s too time consuming and suddenly you’d waste a whole day only to be disappointed. Outlet shopping at La Vallée next to Disney Parc was fantastic imo and totally scratched my shopping itch this time around

 

[igotabirkin]

Honestly one of the reasons I'm glad I'm out is it still took a lot of time out of my day. And I'd rather spend it on other things and Paris has so much more to offer in general than the Hermes store. I have a permanent room at the hotel across the street, but all things considered I think the Sevres store has better ambience and I love shopping at Le Bon Marche. Easily one of my favorite stores in the world.

 

[Lovebb12]

Hi two questions here,

1) was the $ 20k including your first birkin and your first Kelly? As you mentioned earlier the purchase history of yours at FSH wasn’t big by the time of your first Birkin? Or you meant you speed it up after your first birkin on none leather goods and that accumulated to $20k?

It’s interesting to read that some bagged their first bag after big purchase history meanwhile others had 0 history in France but found their ideal bag at FSH.

2) not asking how did you get an appointment etc, but were you served by the same SA every time?

# oh back to my beloved quota bags I am not the kind as super lucky as others but reading what others have gone through I thought I am okish lucky nowadays. I only had a very short list left for bags after getting what I wanted, but hey never say never! more keen on silks esp twilly to dress up my bags, scarves and RTW but still very curious and interesting in others’ bag experience.

# now that you mention the reseller and the ban, I wish they don’t exist either but sadly they r around and some posters here being mistaken as reseller was rather unfortunate.

By the time my second Kelly had rolled around, I'd already purchased $20k of goods from the store.

Anyways, like I said, I'm happy to impart my very anecdotal advice about getting the back after obtaining an appointment, as I believe our playing fields are level from that point onward. Besides, even if I got my appointments the old fashioned way, it wouldn't matter. It's ultimately a computer process, no one here really knows how or why they're selected, and any guess at it is useless anyways. I think there's still useful information to give away.. FWIW, my Birkin was scored by obtaining an appointment by the regular way, and with a purchase history (at that store) of just a few shoes.

1) I've seen a lot of advice about "dressing the part." I think that's a bit silly. Yes, you should dress well (note: that doesn't mean just wear brand name bling all over your body). But many SAs have told me that they're trying to avoid selling K/Bs to people that might go right around and resell. I find the argument a bit silly, because I know many K/B collectors who routinely place their bags for sale and buy new ones. So, dress well, don't look shady.

2) Be nice. The store is filled to the brim with entitled shoppers throwing a fit that they can't get a K/B, especially one they want. And the SAs roll their eyes at it every time because they see it happen every day, and probably every hour. I'd suggest getting to know the person you're working with--who they are, how long they've been with Hermes, etc.

3) There are definitely ways to get banned from the store. If you're in the store to buy leather goods and you don't have an appointment (or aren't trying to get an appointment), you will be banned. You are definitely being watched the moment you walk in.

4) I would say that having the opportunity to buy a K/B is based on building a brand history. But my B was obtained after purchasing very little from the store (and it's unclear if one caused the other). While I had spent in the low 4 figures, which is high, I assume it's low relative to the other store's clients.

That said, being a fan and purchaser of the many other Hermes Products is a huge deal. But this isn't an Hermes mystery. This applies to any other highly sought after good, like Patek "Nautenauts"--Buy other stuff, and you'll have a higher chance of getting other things you want. By the time my second Kelly had rolled around, I'd already purchased $20k of goods from the store. To be clear, I buy only what I want.

5) I've seen a lot of advice in this thread about not being too particular in your initial request. The SA apparently just takes the request literally if you ask for a Bleu Electrique Togo Birkin, and when they don't find one, they bring no other Birkin back and you leave the store empty handed. This really depends on your SA, IMO. When I got my first Kelly, I said I wanted a Kelly in togo/clemence in a bold color. The bag I was offered was literally none of those things.

I do have a "hit list" of colors I want, size ranges, and leathers. So I do make open requests, but I don't think that's necessarily the key to the game here.

6) Finally, the restriction that the K/B (and C) can be purchased only once over a certain time period ended up applying to me. But I'll note that many in this forum have had different experiences. I read one post where a poster got one bag because her request was at the end of one period, and another bag the next week, because her request was at the beginning of the second period. I tried to play a similar game to zero success. I do believe the rule is applied arbitrarily.

All in all, my the most consistent advice I have is that YMMV, but that if you want to significantly higher chance of getting the bag, build a good purchase history at the FSH store. Don't only go to the store with an intent to get a K/B. That'll turn everyone off. And be nice and build relationships. I'm sure I'll hit another Kelly thirst when I reach 30 and the relationships I've worked hard to build will I think serve me well. This doesn't mean radio silence with them until I want another bag. This does mean that I'll make an effort to see them when I'm in Paris, ask them how they're doing, and shop for other Hermes items.

Edit: Also, timing. I've been told by SAs not to try for a bag during August or the PFWs. But I'll add that I've personally had my most success during PFWs *shrug*

Edited: PT Not needed

 

[LoveHMCVXOXO]

igotabirkin has provided some great insights, which some apply and some don’t as everyone’s experience will vary.

Sharing a few thoughts/comments of my own based on my experience with the Paris stores

If you have the the time and patience (and be sure to have a lot of it), then I highly suggest checking out all 3 stores, especially FSH and Sèvres.

Your SA and luck (which is often the same thing), will ultimately be the one that determines if you get anything at all. Even different SAs in the same store will have completely different self imposed policies.
Example: SA 1 said that they could only sell me one bag regardless if it was quota or non quota. SA 2 said I could buy 1 quota and as much non-quota bags as I wanted.

Only build relationships if they are willing to build them. I liked an SA, but she claimed to be moving to a different department in the same store, so she wouldn’t keep my info or give me hers. Another SA at the same store moved mountains for me to get what I wanted and was happy to do it and was overall very pleasant and we exchanged info.

Paris is unique for Hermès shopping compared to other countries and cities, where they like the old fashion way of spend a good amount and then we will reward you as they deem fit. You could literally be wearing t shirts and jeans with no shopping history and get offered multiple bags if the stars align in Paris.

Be yourself and don’t feel like you have to fake it till you make it. Be tactful in how you respond based upon how you are treated by the staff. If the SA or other employees or friendly and courteous, then yes absolutely reciprocate. If employees are being unprofessional and/or have that uninterested in helping you attitude, pick your battle depending on how bad the situation is. If the problem is mild then just let it go. If the issue is more egregious, like a blatantly rude and unapologetic SA, then stand your ground.

I had the instance of a rude employee and manager due to a “misunderstanding” that they weren’t going to acknowledge or address, so I made it clear that I was not going to be pushed over and partake in their shenanigans. They musn’t forget that ultimately we are the clients and they are there to serve us. In this case, they pissed me off, where I actually decided to have some fun with them

 

[Equinelover]

I don’t know about you guys but the more I’ve read, it appears people are getting better results on their last day in Paris??

 

[Chihuahuacoco]

My luck was on second last day I was in Paris. Who knows when Hermes angel will come!

 

[pixiesparkle]

I don’t know about you guys but the more I’ve read, it appears people are getting better results on their last day in Paris??

In my case I started my Europe trip in Paris before heading to other destinations and returned to Paris before heading home. At the start of the trip I stayed a total of 5 nights in Paris and as I have shared in my success story post a few pages back, I managed to get an appointment on my 5th (also last day) and ultimately scored my first exotic Kelly. I did apply for an appointment again at the end of the trip but was unsuccessful, perhaps because I was only able to apply 3x.

The longer you stay, the more chances you get at applying which also means your chance of securing an appointment increases. That, however, does not rule out an appointment being given after just 1 or 2 tries as the system AFAWK is completely random.

 

[pixiesparkle]

My luck was on second last day I was in Paris. Who knows when Hermes angel will come!

I totally agree! As many have said, getting an appointment is just half of the hurdle, being assigned a nice SA who is willing to help you get your dream bag is very much up to luck also.

 

[Equinelover]

I totally agree! As many have said, getting an appointment is just half of the hurdle, being assigned a nice SA who is willing to help you get your dream bag is very much up to luck also.

thank you for the response, well Di w in your amazing purchase!
As a person of no previous purchase history in France and only there for 3 nights, the odds are considerably low. Will keep you guys updated on my Hermes bag dream journey next week x

 

[igotabirkin]

I had the instance of a rude employee and manager due to a “misunderstanding” that they weren’t going to acknowledge or address, so I made it clear that I was not going to be pushed over and partake in their shenanigans. They musn’t forget that ultimately we are the clients and they are there to serve us. In this case, they pissed me off, where I actually decided to have some fun with them

This is so so so true. On one day, I received an appointment via relationship. It was first thing in the morning. Auspicious, no?

No. Had the appointment, SA said there were no K/B/C because they hadn't received deliveries yet, but maybe they'll come back in the afternoon.

I asked if I could return in the afternoon, and the SA said yes.

I went back downstairs to let the attendee know that I'll be returning in the afternoon in case any K/B/C arrives. She said that wasn't permitted. And she was quite rude about it.

When I told her I was given a different story from upstairs, she then called the SA and proceeded to scold the SA. It was all in French, but I understood everything (unbeknownst to her). She then told me that I unequivocally could not return in the afternoon for a K/B/C. That's fine. I said I was going to try my luck at Sevres and if that didn't work out, return to buy a Jypsiere. She said that was fine.

I went to Sevres. No luck there, and also no Jypsieres.

I returned to FSH, to the same attendee, who then proceeded to tell me that I needed a leather appointment for any leather bag, not just a K/B/C. This really upset me. I felt like I was told two different stories, and this too by the same person.

i wasn't sure I wanted to pick a fight, but I really dislike logical inconsistencies. I escalated to the manager, who then granted me an afternoon appointment.

I returned in the afternoon, had a new SA. Since I was there already I tried asking for a K/B/C. SA went to check stock and spent about 45 minutes before she returned and said no deliveries. I then looked at Jypsieres and got one.

My only takeaway from this is that I don't think SAs themselves necessarily know "the rules." We like to think they apply them arbitrarily, but I don't think the actually know the nuances that well, which leads to inconsistent enforcement/treatment, and the impression of favoritism.

I was also very vocal about the unprofessionalism displayed by the clerk downstairs. I'm willing to drop $20k here; don't treat me like a rat.

 

[runner1234]

So I'm going to a bit of a reveal here. I'm another poster in this thread, but since I'm done buying Kellys and Birkins (unless invited to make a special order), I'm fine being a bit more out.

1) If you look at my post history, I picked up a Birkin last year. You can read the story there.

I'm well connected with the store, so I've reliably obtained appointments. The issue has been stock.

2) At my second appointment, was turned down for a Kelly. Literally none in stock (or at least none in the size I wanted).

3) At third appointment, I expressed an interest in a Togo Kelly in a bold color, and instead was offered a black Kelly in epsom with GHW. I ultimately accepted because it's such a classic bag. Not my first choice. but still beautiful.

4) At my fourth appointment, two months later, was told I can't buy a Kelly/Birkin more than once in the season.

5) At my fifth appointment, I had a choice of three Kellys. Interestingly enough, the S/A brought up all the bags as I was having trouble deciding. It was quite generous because I believe they're allowed to bring up only one bag at a time.

Anyways, I picked up a Kelly in togo etoupe. Gorgeous and perfect. Exactly what I wanted.

It's worth noting that in all this time, I've purchased many, many other items from Hermes: RTW, shoes, scarves, small leather goods, etc.

I'm pretty much done with Birkins and Kellys, unless a truly rare and good looking color combo comes my way, or I'm permitted to make a special order. But I'm done making any further effort for them, as I have exactly what I want. I will continue to buy other goods, and have a Horizon appointment where I plan to custom design a cool bag.

Happy to take questions, other than how I reliably get appointments. I don't want to ruin my connection's pull, but it's also a relationship-thing and not something easily replicable.

congrats!!

 

[Josephineding]

Dear Tpfers, anybody got any idea how to cancel to appointment? Any chance to cancel appointment or even reschedule by phone or by email? Thank you for your kind suggestions.